Mature Living Magazine

PROMOTING A HEALTHY & POSITIVE LIFESTYLE

April / May 2015

Tune-up! Walk awayyour pounds

Terry McMahon: a lifeless ordinary

Senior pets help youstay in better shape

Showband Nostalgia night in Ballina

A Family Breakfor 2 Adults & 2Children 2 Nights B&Bat Lough AllenHotel

Doors open at 6.30pm • Tickets: Kates Kitchen, or on the Door

Cookery Demonstration by Award-Winning Chef

Neven Maguire

Special Guest Appearance by International Singing Star

Tommy Fleming

Weds 29th April 2015, 7.30pm @ Clarion Hotel, Sligo - Admission €25.00

All Evening Craft and Food Showcase

North West

www.matureliving.ie

Published by: IBS Publications Ltd Riverview House, Barrett Street, Ballina, Co. Mayoand Office 3, Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo.

Tel/Fax: 071-9154538 / 096-77743Web: www.matureliving.ie • Email: [email protected] Photo: Courtesy of Paul Martin Designs

News7,000+ cancers detectedby BreastCheckA life less ordinary:Terry McMahonThe germiest spots inyour homeDental Care withBlueappleCompetitionSummer tune-up: Walk away your poundsGarden Magic with LeonieCorneliusBreakaways in IrelandTravel GuideVisitor AttractionsTechnology NewsSeniors who adopt seniorpets stay in better shapeMemorable night ofShowband Nostalgia inBallinaThe Bands of ourShowband era Cooking & RecipesAngelscopesSolicitors GuideAlternative TherapiesMotoringHotels GuideServices DirectoryDating

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Editorial: Seamus [email protected]: Stephen [email protected] Sales: Lisa [email protected]

The information in Mature Living is carefully researched and believed to be accurate, but the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Statements or opinions expressed herein are notnecessary those of the editor or publisher. Advertisements within the publication are not endorsed by the publisher. Neither are any claims made within the advertisements. Before consuming any products mentioned in the

publication readers are advised to consult with their general practitioner or equivalent professional for opinion or advice.

April / May 2015 IT’S late April and that time of year

when the garden beckons and we beginto throw off some of the layers of

clothing that comforted us for manymonths. Be careful, though, as theintermingling of the summer/winter climatewe have now can be confusing; so preparefor all eventualities and even something outof the ordinary when venturing out on aday-trip of any kind.

This brings us neatly – and appropriately –to Terry McMahon, our one-on-one interviewee for this month,who is a film-maker far from the ordinary mode. His mostrecent film, St. Patrick’s Day, is making waves in all sorts ofplaces but, as Kate Winters explains, he has not always beenflavour of the month with critics since his debut film, CharlieCasanova, raised some hackles. He is the type of artist wholikes to push the boat out a bit beyond the boundaries of whatwould conventionally be regarded as “normal”.

Coming back to what was at least considered normal in the‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, we celebrate a night of showband nostalgiain Ballina when the local Jack Ruane showband entertained anenthusiastic audience at Ballina Arts Centre at the end ofMarch. The night, hosted by Miami showband massacre survivorSteve Travers and included stories and reminiscences of musicalevents of bygone days, had hundreds almost dancing in theirseats and proved that many of the older entertainers can stillmove audiences.

We feature six Ballina Lions who, over a period of 40 years orso, have contributed immensely to the local community, andhave each been honoured with the prestigious Melvin JonesAward. They met recently for a special lunch to reminisce andcompare their experiences in Lionism over the years.

For the travel enthusiast we venture down under to HaymanIsland, Australia (no! you haven’t been there?) and providesome tips for multi-generational vacations. We also remaindown under in our Food and Drink section to prepare you for theAustralian cuisine when you get there. We further explore thehealth benefits of complementary and alternative medicinewhile providing the seasonal advice on tuning up and losingthose few unnecessary pounds.

Taking exercise the simple way may not make sense to somepeople – those who feel you have to join a gym or train for amarathon. We provide some advice on how to incorporateregular exercise into your normal daily routine. We also tellyou the most likely places in your home nasty germs might lurk. . . and how to eradicate them.

We thank you for your continued support for Mature Livingand hope you are fit and well as we prepare for summer.Remember, you can check out our website atwww.matureliving.ie or contact us at 071-9154538.

LAST MONTH’S COMPETITION WINNERJakkie Madigan of Castlebar, Co. Mayo who won a stay atthe Clayton Hotel.

Seamus Casey - Editor

News

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Middle-aged people who areunderweight may have an in-creased risk of going on to

develop dementia, a new study hasfound.However, overweight people mayhave a reduced risk.

UK researchers analysed themedical records of almost two mil-lion people, which had been col-lected over a 20-year period. Theaverage age of those involved was55, while the average body massindex (BMI) was 26.5, which is justwithin the overweight range.

The participants were followedup for an average of nine years andduring that time, over 45,000 peo-ple were diagnosed with dementia.

The researchers found that peo-ple who were classed as under-weight in middle age were 34%more likely to be diagnosed withdementia compared to those of ahealthy weight.

Furthermore, this increased riskpersisted even 15 years after theperson's underweight was recorded.

Meanwhile, the study found thatas people's BMI increased in middleage, their risk of dementia fell. Infact, those who were consideredvery obese in middle age - with aBMI of 40 or more - had a 29% re-duced risk of developing dementiacompared to people of a healthyweight.

This marks the largest study toexamine the statistical link be-tween BMI and the risk of demen-tia. The researchers found that thislink did not appear to be affectedby the decade in which the partici-pants were born, or by their age atthe time of their diagnosis.

The results also stood when otherinfluencing factors were taken intoaccount, such as smoking and alco-hol use.

"Our results suggest that doctors,public health scientists and policymakers need to re-think how to

best identify who is at high risk ofdementia. We also need to pay at-tention to the causes and publichealth consequences of the link be-tween underweight and increaseddementia risk, which our researchhas established," commented thestudy's author, Prof Stuart Pocock,of the London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine.

He said that these findings also‘open up an intriguing new avenuein the search for protective factorsfor dementia'.

"If we can understand why peo-ple with a high BMI have a reducedrisk of dementia, it's possible thatfurther down the line, researchersmight be able to use these insightsto develop new treatments for de-mentia," he suggested.

The researchers said that it is un-clear why a high BMI appears tooffer a protective effect againstdementia and more work is neededto figure this out.

"If increased weight in mid-life isprotective against dementia, thereasons for this inverse associationare unclear at present. Many differ-ent issues related to diet, exercise,frailty, genetic factors, and weightchange could play a part," theyadded.

Details of these findings are pub-lished in the journal, The LancetDiabetes & Endocrinology

Dementia risk for underweightmiddle-aged

Ayear's paid maternity leave andsubsidies for childcareproviders are needed to ease

the excessive childcare burden ongrandparents, a group representingcreches has said.

Teresa Heeney of Early ChildhoodIreland said that working parentswere increasingly forced to turn tograndparents to help with childcare.

A new study showed this was lead-ing to signs of depression in overbur-dened older people.

"This is an inevitable consequenceof the State not providing affordablechildcare," she said.

"Parents are trying to find solu-tions that will allow them to work,and it can be very difficult for agrandparent to refuse their child or

grandchild when they're asked tohelp out," said Ms Heeney.

She was speaking after new re-search by the Irish LongitudinalStudy on Ageing (TILDA) showedgrandparents providing high levels ofcare experienced significantly moredepressive symptoms.

Around 60pc of grandparents hadlooked after their grandchildren inthe last month, and one in fivelooked after them for more than 60hours a month.

Ms Heeney noted that a previous'Growing Up in Ireland' study hadshown that grandparents were themost common providers of non-parental childcare, caring for a thirdof small children.

While grandparents could be very

good carers for children, it was vitalthey had choice.

"It has to suit their lifestyle andhealth and age and not be some-thing that's a burden for them," shesaid.

Measures such as extending paidmaternity leave to a year would bea huge help in easing the burden onparents, while subventions tocreches and other facilities werecrucial to ensure the best qualitycare for children.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson for chil-dren Robert Troy added that grand-parents are paying a high price as aresult of the crippling cost of child-care. He accused the Government ofignoring the "extreme pressures onworking families".

Edna O'Brien to publish her first novel in 10 years

Acclaimed author Edna O'Brien(84) will release her first novelin 10 years next February.

And it sounds like her latest workwill be just as provocative and com-pulsive as her previous books.

Titled The Little Red Chairs, thebook will tell the story of a wantedwar criminal who settles in a smallIrish village.

While ensconced there he meetsheroine Fidelma McBride who fallsunder his spell.

O'Brien charts the couple's fatalattraction. The rights for the bookhave been acquired by Faber &Faber. Lee Brackstone, creative di-

rector of the publishing house, be-lieves the book will becomeO'Brien's greatest masterpiece.

"Edna has gone deep into thedarkness for this book," Brackstonesaid.

"She returns with a book of monu-mental emotional intelligence andcourage. The novel burns with afierce lyricism ... It may be hermasterpiece."

O'Brien was born in Tuamgraney,Co Clare - a town with no libraryand 27 pubs.

She moved to London in her earlytwenties and penned her debutnovel The Country Girls within a

three-week period in 1960.Since then O'Brien has written

more than 20 novels and biogra-phies of James Joyce and LordByron.

'Subsidies needed' to aid retirees caring for grandkids

The perfect low-impact exercise class

Researchers looked at the ex-periences of 7,500 older peo-ple

Grandparents who provide a lotof childcare are more likely to suf-fer from signs of depression.

That's one of the findings from astudy completed at Trinity CollegeDublin.

Researchers looked at the expe-riences of 7,500 older people forthis work, which is due to be pre-sented at a major conference inNew York during the summer.

According to national media,around 60 per cent of them lookedafter their grandchildren at somepoint in the previous month.

Those who provided more than60 hours of childminding in amonth reported significantly moredepressive symptoms.

Researchers said the increase insymptoms was mostly seen inthose who had lower 'educationalattainment', and observed thatgrandparents with higher levels ofeducation, and with their own so-cial or leisure activities were lesslikely to suffer from the signs of

depression.The findings are also said to

contradict the image that allgrandparents have the same levelof abilities and interest in provid-ing care for their grandchildren.

Virpi Timonen, professor at theSchool of Social Work and SocialPolicy at Trinity, spoke to NewstalkBreakfast this morning about thereport.

Over 1.2 million mam-mograms have beenprovided to women

as part of BreastCheck, theNational Breast ScreeningProgramme, since its intro-duction in 2000, and morethan 7,400 cancers havebeen detected.

The programme is launch-ing a new campaign aimedat encouraging all womenaged between 50 and 64 toattend for a mammogramwhen invited.

Most women in this agegroup have had at least onemammogram, and eight in10 return for a second whenthey are invited. However,the overall number ofwomen taking part has

fallen in recent years andBreastCheck has expressedconcern that women intheir early 50s are lesslikely to get involved.

"Most women in this agerange in Ireland are takingpart and we need thesewomen to encourage theirfriends and family to attendtheir free screening ap-pointments when they areinvited. We've seen a dropof 6% in women attendingover the past four years,which is worrying as weneed to maintain a mini-mum of 70% attendance todeliver the most benefit tothe women screened," ex-plained BreastCheck's leadclinical director, Dr Ann O'-

Doherty.In 2008/2009, 77.4% of

invited women attendedtheir appointments. How-ever by 2012/2013, this fig-ure had fallen to 71.4%.

Dr O'Doherty pointed outthat since the risk of breastcancer increases with age,it is important that womenavail of their mammogramevery two years so thatearly changes can be identi-fied. When caught early,breast cancer is easier totreat as there are moretreatment options avail-able.

Breastcheck began in Ire-land in February 2000 andsince then more than450,000 women have

availed of over 1.2 millionmammograms. Over 7,400cancers have been detectedin this period.

An appointment takesjust 30 minutes and is freeof charge.

Commenting at thelaunch of the new cam-paign, Health Minister LeoVaradkar, ‘strongly encour-aged' all women to avail oftheir appointments.

"The vast majority ofscreenings are found to beperfectly healthy. Whereproblems are detected,early treatment greatly in-creases the likelihood offull recovery. It's free, it'sfast and it's the sensiblething to do for you, yourfamily and your commu-nity," he said.

Meanwhile, BreastCheckis reminding women of allages to be breast aware.Women are encouraged toknow what is normal fortheir body and whatchanges they need to lookout for. These can includelumps or unusual thickeningof the skin, dimpling orpuckering of the skin, achange in the shape or sizeof the breast and swellingin the armpit or around thecollarbone.

If you have any concerns,contact your GP withoutdelay.

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Grandparents who provide a lotof childcare more likely to sufferfrom signs of depression

Ditch The Boats,Boards and Bikesand Don Your BootsFor Mayo Day!‘Climb Mayo’s most iconic mountain andshow the world that Mayo truly is theadventure capital of Ireland’ – that’s theclarion call from Trek West Tours inBallina to adventurers across Mayo asMayo Day approaches. What better wayfor adventurous Mayo souls to spendMayo’s first county celebration than onthe slopes of Croagh Patrick, Mayo’s mostfamous mountain, decked out in theGreen and Red of Mayo!

What’s involved? It’s simple really –just wear your green and red proudly andclimb the Reek on Saturday 2nd May. Nobooking required, just turn up suitablyattired and be part of the sea of greenand red that will snake up themountainside on the day.

To make it interesting, Trek West Toursis asking walkers to submit their photosof the Green and Red on the Reek totheir Facebook page –Facebook.com/TrekWestTours. The mostimaginative photo submitted from theday will win a Wild Atlantic Way HiddenGem guided walk for 4 from Trek WestTours.

There are over 3000people in Irelandenjoying extended

life as a result of organtransplantation. The MaterHospital conducted arecord number of heartand lung transplantoperations in 2014. It wasa record year for kidneytransplants for childrenand more living donorkidney transplants werecarried out last year than

ever before.The opportunity to foster

greater links with NorthernIreland to improve organtransplantation rates wasproposed as a ‘win win’situation for both sides ofthe border, by the ChiefExecutive of the IrishKidney Association, MarkMurphy. He was speakingat the national launch ofOrgan Donor AwarenessWeek 2015 by the Minister

for Health Leo VaradkarT.D.

“Last year wetransplanted 3.35 organsper deceased donor butonly 1.56 organs, less thanhalf our figure, weretransplanted into NorthernIreland patients, despitetheir excellent retrievallevels of 4 organs perdonor.”

“I believe the all Irelandrates of organtransplantation could begreatly enhancedespecially for hearts,lungs and liver. All thenorth’s heart, lungs andliver patients are requiredto travel to the UK fortheir transplantoperations. The shorterthe time an organ isoutside a body the greaterthe potential there is forits transplant success andlongevity. Our access tothe UK for complex kidneytransplants and the pairedkidney exchangeprogramme could beconducted in Belfastinstead of Coventry. An allIreland partnership wouldoffer scientific,geographical and financialadvantages whileincreasing the number oftransplants carried out.”

In his address at thenational launch, Ministerfor Health Leo Varadkarsaid, “an organ transplantcan make an enormous

difference to a patient,and to the lives of thosearound them. That’s whyOrgan Donor AwarenessWeek is an importantannual event. AlthoughIreland has a reasonablestrong record on organdonation, I would like tosee our rates rise to levelsseen in other Europeancountries. In 2014 thenumber of deceaseddonors was lower than in2013, but we performedwell in terms ofmaximising the number oforgans that weretransplanted. A total of251 transplants wereperformed thanks to thegenerosity of 63 deceaseddonors and 40 livingdonors.

Since the Living DonorKidney Programmecommenced at BeaumontHospital eight years ago atotal of 195 living donorkidney transplants havetaken place. Nowadays aquarter of all kidneytransplants are from livingdonors with a record 40being carried out last year.

There are 4172 people inIreland with failed kidneys,2278 or 55% aretransplanted and 1894 or45% are on dialysis. Mr.Murphy said that “very fewcountries in the world canboast that they have such apositive balance towardstransplantation.”

A the end of 2014 therewere 597 people in thekidney transplant waitingpools and combined withheart, lung and liver thetotal number of peopleawaiting transplantation isover 700.

Free information factfiles, which accompanyorgan donor cards, areobtainable from the IrishKidney Association and areavailable nationwide frompharmacies, GP surgeriesand Citizen InformationOffices etc.

Organ Donor Cards canalso be obtained byphoning the Irish KidneyAssociation LoCall 1890543639 or Freetext theword DONOR to 50050.Visit website www.ika.ie

It is now possible to storean organ donor card, the‘ecard’ on Smart mobilephones. Simply search for‘Donor ECard’ at theIPhone Store or AndroidMarket Place.

News

Tango may aid Parkinson's patients

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Dancing the tango may benefit some patientswith Parkinson's disease, a new study suggests.

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disease, thesymptoms of which include tremors, stiffness andslow movement. An estimated six to seven thousandpeople in Ireland are affected and there is no cure.Canadian researchers wanted to investigate whethera social and physical activity, such as tango dancing,could provide any therapeutic value for people withParkinson's. They looked at the impact on motor dys-functions, such as tremors and rigidity, and non-motor symptoms, such as fatigue and depression.

The researchers monitored 40 Parkinson's patientstaking part in a 12-week tango course, which wasprovided by two professional dance teachers.

"In the study, we found the tango was helpful insignificantly improving balance and functional mo-bility, and seemed to encourage patients to appreci-ate their general course of therapy. We also foundmodest benefits in terms of patients' cognitive func-tions and in reducing fatigue," commented the re-searchers from McGill University.

They suggested that the tango may be beneficialwhen it comes to balance and mobility because itrequires specific steps forwards and backwards,which could help with walking difficulties. Further-more, the dance requires memory, attention andmultitasking abilities, which could help cognitivefunctioning.

The researchers pointed out that many Parkinson'spatients do not like traditional exercise programmesand the majority do not get enough daily exercise.

However, there is a link between music and thebrain's dopamine system, which is essential formaintaining behaviour. As a result, combining exer-cise with music can increase a person's motivationand improve their mood, making them more likelyto want to do it again.

Details of these findings are published in the jour-nal, Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

Page 10 Mature Living

Feature by Kate Winter

Terry McMahon is a force to be reckoned with. His most recent film, Patrick's Day, has been receiving accolades and praise enough to warrant a significantlevel of swagger, but this is a man who has seen both faces of the Irish critics, after his 2011 offering, debut film Charlie Casanova inspired levels of irerarely before seen. Thus, the man behind the most celebrated Irish film of 2015 so far is remarkably down to earth, frank and open, while simultaneously

showing wonderful streaks of eccentricity and wild, often intimidating, genius.

a life lessordinary

Terry's life was never what onemight call normal. In fact, theuse of that word in particular

makes the controversial Mullingarman recoil. As he explains,passionately:

"I'm interested in people whohave the capacity to go beyond ournotion of what 'normal' is. Becauseour notion of normal is so abnormaland so controlled and somechanised that I have no interestin it. The question we should beasking is Who is defining the natureof normal and abnormal? ... To methe quality of normal is so boring,and the aspiration towards itsomething that I find very sad."

Well, no fear of that here. TerryMcMahon left school at fifteen,became estranged from his familyand found himself homeless withina year. He stuck around Mullingarfor a short while, discovering avoracious appetite for books andmusic, learning about the internaland external world in his ownunique way, all the while sleeping inabandoned buildings and becomingmore and more alienated fromsociety.

"Eventually you get to the pointwhere you don't know how to talk toanyone anymore, you lose theability to connect . I rememberfeeling so removed from the worldon every level. I remember twelvedays going by without even speakingone word to another person. I triedsuicide, and I experienced intenseloneliness. But I had so many otherexperiences too, and what I didn'trealise at the time was that it was areal formative education... muchless limited than an academicapproach can be."

He hitched a lift to Dublin oneday, and thanks to what hedescribes as "the incrediblekindness" of a man working in a fishand chip shop, he eventuallymanaged to get a part time job, abedsit, a grasp. However, thealienation was not lifted merely byhaving a roof over his head, andmost of the time Terry found refugein books and writing, which led tohim developing a life of "half-fiction", somewhere between hispages and his reality.

A handwritten flyer advertisingopen auditions at the Dublin Youth

Theatre offered him his first tasteof the acting world, and though headmits "It didn't last long - I hatedit" a new path had opened upbefore the aspiring writer.

Terry McMahon watched moviesand wrote scripts, pieced togetherfrom his imaginings and hisexperiences, inspired by recordingsof his homeless friends on a scrap-dictaphone and the great Russiannovels he had devoured as ateenager. Politics and a deep senseof social injustice informed most ofhis work. And he eventually(perhaps inevitably) found himselfscooped up by the hands of fate andplaced on a first class flight toAmerica, to work on a project withfamous Hollywood actress DarylHannah, on the merit of one of hisearliest scripts, which he confesses"Languished in many a bottomdrawer".

Unlike in the Hollywood version ofevents, life didn't changedramatically from that moment on;there was no happy ending, no ragsto riches story. Quite the opposite,in fact. Terry has been open abouthow little money there is to bemade in the independent filmworld, especially in Ireland, andidentifies himself as always "themost broke person" at any of theglamorous events he attends, nomatter how many accolades hisfilms accrue. As he puts it,eloquently as always,

"I've been in the same scenarioseveral times, where the paradox ofyour real world versus the insanityof the illusory movie world is like anongoing comedy."

He did, however, carve out aname for himself as a skilled writerand actor, working as both intelevision and film for several yearsand coming the closest to thesecurity of a 'normal' life thus far.And yet, there was an itch that justwouldn't stay scratched until TerryMcMahon had made his first featurefilm, which he eventually did in atypically unconventional andinnovative way. Having faced thedisappointment of three projectscrumbling at the financing stage,the director put out a very clearcall to action by way of socialmedia. A photograph of his newtattoo, reading "The art is in the

completion. Begin." along with theaccompanying text as a Facebookstatus update:

“Intend shooting no budgetfeature, Charlie Casanova, aprovocatively dark satire, in thefirst couple of weeks of January.Need cast, equipment, locations,and a lot of balls. Any takers?”

The result was over a hundredresponses from all levels of skilledand experienced film industrypeers. Within three weeks,McMahon was shooting what, in hisown words was to become "Themost hated film in Irish history" onborrowed cameras. Despite the bileand rage the film provoked, it wasin many ways critically acclaimed,and as Terry himself points out, itdid exactly what it was supposed todo. It created a scene, it detonatedand blew a hole in the politicalenvironment of the time (post-boom Ireland, ravaged byausterity).

Patrick's Day, while written by thesame hand and at the same time ashis controversial debut, is a muchmore subtle and heart-filled film.And this was, while not deliberatein terms of contrast, certainlyintended in terms of content andaudience response. Make nomistake however, both films aredeeply politically motivated, from awriter-director who is passionateboth about his craft and theenvironment it exists in. Thecharacters in his latest film arebeautifully flawed individuals,simultaneously representing thecomplexity of personalrelationships, intimacy and mentalhealth and the immensity of thebroader cultural crisis we're allliving through.

Described by Cahir O'Doherty ofThe Irish Voice as "One of the mostinsightful and unrelenting directorsIreland has produced in ageneration", Terry McMahon isanything but ordinary and has noaspirations to being 'normal'. Hecarries his courage alongsidehumility and has an abundance oftalent, demonstrated by themultiple awards and accolades tohis name.

Now, if he could only make somemoney from it all, there might evenbe a happy ending...


Clean and Tidy!

We can’t avoid havingsome germs in ourhomes — and in fact,

some are actually good for us.But smart cleaning strategiesand a regular routine can helpto keep the bad bugs at bay andreduce our risk for illness.So where are the germs lurking?Here are some of the hot spots— and tips for banishing harmfulbacteria and viruses.

Light switches and door andfridge handles. It’s no surprisethat high traffic areas orcommonly touched items tendto be a hotspot for germs. Besure to sanitize these surfacesdaily – and prevent thespreading and picking up ofharmful bugs by frequent handwashing. Note: To disinfectmost surfaces, you can use asimple solution of bleach orvinegar water. (For bleach, use10 parts water to one partbleach; and for vinegar, use ½vinegar and ½ water.)

Salt and pepper shakers. Themeal is over and you’ve wipeddown the table, but what aboutthe salt and pepper shakers?Research has shown that theyconsistently test positive forcold viruses. So make it part ofyour daily routine to wipe downthe salt, pepper and otherseasonings when you clean thetable.

Kitchen sink, faucet taps andother culprits. Did you knowthat your kitchen sink cancontain more harmful bacteriathan your toilet? Food fromdishes left to soak (or rinsedbefore loading into thedishwasher) can become abreeding ground for illness-

causing bacteria like E. coli andsalmonella.Unfortunately, rinsing your sinkwith water is not enough to killbacteria. After cleaning yourdishes, wash the sink, faucettap and drain plugs thoroughly,preferably with an all-purposecleaner with bleach or asolution of bleach (or vinegar)and water, allowing it to rundown the drain. Follow byrinsing the sink well with hotwater.Another little known hidingplace for germs is the faucetspigot. When you clean foodlike spinach or mushrooms, thedirt can splash back onto thespigot of your sink. To clean,you’ll need to unscrew thespigot to remove the screenfilter and run hot water throughit. Afterward, wash the screenwith hot soapy water, rinse and

then reassemble.Other kitchen culprits includesurfaces, cutting boards, fridgehandles, microwave controlbuttons and rubbish bins. Besure to sanitize these surfacesbefore and after preparingfood. Kitchen towels, cleaningclothes and sponges should belaundered or replaced at leastonce per week.

Tech toys. They seem to be ourconstant companions: we workand relax with them, andsometimes even eat and sleepwith them. They’re sneezed at,coughed on, and often sharedamong family members. Usemild pre-moistenedantibacterial wipes to cleanyour tech toys frequently,including your computerkeyboard and mouse, telephonehand pieces, iPods, MP3 players,

cell phones, video gamecontrollers and televisionremote controls.

The BathroomClean and disinfect yourbathroom frequently, includingthe toilet seat and flush handle,sink, bath and shower. Experts recommend cleaningand disinfecting all bathroomsurfaces with a bleach solutionor bathroom cleaner and thendry with a clean towel.

Your toothbrush. Alas, yourtoothbrush is another popularbreeding place for germs.Bacteria love moist areas, soit’s important to place yourtoothbrush where it can air outand dry between uses — andalso at some distance from thetoilet.Yes, germs that contaminateyour toothbrush not only comefrom your own mouth, but fromthe toilet. Research has shownthat flushing the toilet sends aspray of bacteria- and virus-contaminated water dropletsinto air. And the germs can floataround the bathroom for twohours after each flush beforelanding on surfaces. The bestbet: Close the toilet lid beforeflushing.

Banish bugs the old-fashionedwayWe’ve heard it many timesbefore, but when it comes toprotecting against illness-causing germs, the best adviceis also the simplest — wash yourhands, and do it often.Effective hand washing,however, goes well beyond aquick rinse. To ward off germs,

experts say you need to washyour hands vigorously with soapand water for at least 15 to 20seconds (the amount of time ittakes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’twice).Other handwashing tips fromthe Mayo Clinic:• Scrub all surfaces, includingthe backs of your hands, wrists,between your fingers and underyour fingernails.• Rinse well, and dry your handswith a clean or disposabletowel. Use a towel to turn offthe faucet.What about antibacterial soaps?They’ve become popular inrecent years, but experts saythese soaps are no moreeffective at killing germs thanregular soap and water. Andusing them could lead to thedevelopment of bacteria thatare resistant to the products’antimicrobial agents — makingit even harder to kill thesegerms in the future.Alcohol-based hand sanitizergels or wipes can also be usedto kill germs, but they shouldnot completely replace washingwith soap and water. If yourhands are visibly dirty, soap andwater is best. And sanitizer canbuild up on the hands, so youshould wash with soap andwater after every fourth use.

GERMS: QUICK FACTS— Some germs cause disease,but not all microbes areharmful. They are, in fact, thefoundation of the earth’s foodchain — and we would notsurvive without them.— Germs enter the home mainlyby people, food, pets and pests.Cross-contamination happenswhen germs are transferredfrom person to person orthrough direct or indirectcontact with a surface — andback again.— Bad bugs commonly found inthe home include MRSA(meticillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus), E. coli,Norovirus and Clostridiumdifficile.Sources: WebMD; Mayo Clinic;Good Housekeeping; HygieneCouncil; Prevention; NHS; CDC

THE GERMIEST SPOTS IN YOUR HOMEWhere are germs lurking in your home? Here, some top germ hotspots — and ways to banish the bad bugs


Feature with Sonya Hamill of Blue Apple Dental - Irish Dentistry’s Dental Practice of the Year 2013

‘Blueapple Dental & Implant Team’ is an award-winning dentalpractice in the village of Belcoo in Co. Fermanagh, run byhusband and wife team, James and Sonya Hamill.

Blueapple carries out all forms of dentistry under one roof, andfocuses on helping people overcome their dental challenges,to re-establish their dental health, comfort and beauty. Theybelieve that there is no-one they can’t help regain their dentalconfidence.

‘Blueapple Dental & Implant Team’ has won multiple awards,including ‘Best New Practice’, ‘Best Young Dentist in the UK &Ireland’, and most recently ‘Best Patient Care in Ireland 2012’.

Blueapple welcomes new patients. Just call 048 66386111 to make an appointment for yourconsultation.

www.blueappledental.com

‘Such encouragement and support I have never experienced before and empowered me to complete the procedure without sedation….My trust inBlueapple across all aspects of my dental experience is always upheld each time I visit the practice. I cannot emphasise enough thetransformation that has occurred in my life in terms of panic and anxiety. ‘ An anxious patient, Sligo.

Could this be you?“I’ve avoided going to thedentist for years. I’m shakingjust speaking to you.”Or this“I’m so embarrassed by myteeth I cover my mouth when Ismile or speak to people.” Or this“I know my teeth are in a badway but I am petrified ofhaving something done aboutthem; just the thought ofsitting in the chair makes mefeel awful.”

Is it time to rid yourself of thefear and embarrassment, andgain back your dental comfortand confidence?

Anxiety about dentistry andyour teeth can have adetrimental impact on youreveryday life. If they havenever experienced it, familyand friends can find it verydifficult to imagine how it canaffect you each day: thediscomfort, the embarrassment,the stress of knowing things aregradually getting worse but notreally knowing what’s going on.If you are ready to take the bullby the horns, just work throughthe following steps.

Step 1: Find a dental practiceyou feel will work for you. Ifyou know of someone who getson well with their dentist, inparticular if they were everanxious, ask them. If possible,look for a practice withexpertise in treating peoplewho are anxious. If they offeranxiety relieving treatments,such as sedation, this is apositive sign. When going byrecommendation, ask for thespecific dentist’s name, ratherthan just the practice, so youknow you’ll be seeing the sameperson.

Step 2: Make the call. Justtake a deep breath and do it.Tell them how you feel, and, ifthey sound like they understandyou, make the appointment. Ifthey don’t, no harm done, makeanother call – this is about you,not them, and you will find theright people. Don’t let anythingput you off.

Step 3: Get into the dentalpractice. If the situation ofbeing in the dental practice is atrigger for you, rather than justthe dentistry, and you feel it’sgoing to be very challenging

that first time, ask them aboutcoming in on an earlier occasionfor a look around, just so youare familiar with where you aregoing, and so you can get abetter sense of whether it’s theright place for you. Somemodern dental practices don’tfeel like dental practices at all,and you may feel morecomfortable in a non-clinicalenvironment like this.

Step 4: Establish the facts. Thatfirst visit with the dentist canbe a big step, but you need tounderstand that there is nothingyou are going to show thedentist they have not seenbefore – regularly. It’s their jobto help people with their teeth;and you are unique and special,but not unusual. The first visitshould usually be just aboutfinding out more and getting toknow each other. The upside?

1. Today you will really knowwhat is happening in yourmouth, rather than what youfear might be going on. 2. Youwill have a set of steps formaking things better, and so youhave the tools in your hands forbanishing your dental demons;you are in control. 3. Today youconquered a metaphoricalmountain!

Step 5: The treatment – step-by-step carry it through.Hopefully you have found adentist who understands theanxiety surrounding thisexperience for you. If so, theywill bear this in mind in theplanning of your treatment –breaking it into stages you arecomfortable with. You haveoptions for minimising theanxiety, including the use ofanxiety relieving medicationswhich will put you into a

temporary state of deeprelaxation. Make sure this isall planned in a way you arehappy with from the beginning,so you have a clear plan to workthrough. By starting withsimple treatments yourconfidence will grow quickly.

Getting on top of your dentalhealth will have many benefits,including some you haven’teven thought of. Poor dentalhealth can impact on youroverall body health, playing arole in other illnesses, so thepositives of becoming dentallyfit will be multifactorial. Manypatients we see in this situationfind that overcoming theirdental anxiety leads to greaterconfidence in other parts oftheir life too. And there is ofcourse no doubting the feelgood factor in having aconfident, healthy smile.

Step-by-step, Overcoming DentalPhobia & Embarrassment

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We stock a large varietyof footcare products tocater for the needs of

those suffering from sore,swollen and problematic feet.Sore swollen feet are often oneof the problems associatedwith ageing and findingcomfortable socks or footwearcan often be difficult tosource. At Homecare Pharmacy weprovide a wide selection ofDiabetic seam free comfortsocks in both Cotton andAcrylic that are extra roomy sothey fit the foot without

restrictions or chafing and willkeep feet cool dry andcomfortable throughout theday.Copper soled socks areproven to provide relief forarthritic conditions as well ashaving antibacterial propertiesto aid odor control. Made froma blend of cotton yarn infusedwith copper, with a deeper solepad for extra comfort.We are also stockists of theImak range of anti arthriticSocks and Gloves which areproven to provide relief tothose suffering from arthriticpain (endorsed by theAmerican Arthritic Society).If you need compression

hosiery our ranges of Medi andIbici compression socks andstockings for men and womenare brand leaders in their fieldproviding superior compressionlevels with a lighter and softerfeel.Using finer and stronger fibers

the Mediven ranges provides alevel of sheer elegance tomatch that of the finest denierstockings. Medi also provide arange of thrombexin (ted)stockings for post surgery theseare available in full or half legoptions in sizes from small toextra large and are all standardstock items.Specialty andbespoke items are also cateredfor with a fast turnaround timeand in many cases we canprovide next day delivery.Now that Spring is here what

better time to treat your feetto a new pair of comfortableshoes or sandals from ourmedicated range of footwear.Cosyfeet, Propet, Peadr andNewfeet, are but a few of thewell known brands, we stock,in a range of styles and coloursfor both men and women. Finding a pair of comfortableshoes is essential when yousuffer from swollen feet and at

Homecare Pharmacy wespecilise in medicated shoes,sandals and slippers.These aredesigned in wider (up to sizeEEEEE+) and deeper fittingwidths to cater for allconditions. All our medical shoes havewider openings for ease ofaccess and velcro fasteningsmaking them particularly easyto get on or off. Most of these ranges alsoinclude removable insoles toaccommodate orthotics,swollen or bandaged feet andprovide the option ofadditional extension straps.In our well stocked footcare

section we hold a large choiceof splints, supports andprotection devices designed tohelp cushion, align and protectthe foot. From toe crests,corn caps, gelbunion pads, toe protectors,arch supports, insoles, heel

cushions through to chiropodyfelt. All of these and more areavailable at HomecarePharmacy Pearse Road Sligo Tel071-9153444 for enquiries.

Homecare Pharmacy, Pearse Road, Sligo Tel: 071-9153444

When it comes to foot comfort Homecare Pharmacy are leading the way

Health Matters


It’s time to take to the streets.If you’re looking to spring intoshape and shed those

unwanted pounds, get out yourwalking shoes.

Walk the walk. Walking is one ofthe easiest and least expensiveforms of exercise — and with thearrival of milder weather, a greatway to clear the mind of wintercobwebs. All you need is a sturdy pair ofwalking shoes, comfortableclothing, and, of course, a heftydose of motivation. Here are 5tips for getting started.

Start slow. If you haven’t beenactive over the winter, startslowly to avoid injury.A brisk 10-minute walk outside(or on a treadmill) will usually dothe trick. Do this every day for a week, andthen begin to add five minutes toyour walk the following week.Continue to add five minutes toeach workout until you arewalking as long as desired.Remember, the goal is to walkfast enough to reach your targetheart rate, yet slow enough thatyou can still maintain aconversation.

Don’t skip the stretches.Incorporate a warm-up, cool-down and stretches into yourfitness routine. Start your walkat a slow warm-up pace, andthen stop to do your stretches. Itis important to not beginstretching until you are 5-7minutes into your walk. (Think ofyour body as a car engine andyour blood as oil. You need tolubricate your joints before youstart.) End your walk with aslower cool-down pace andstretch well. Stretching not onlyfeels great, but it also helps toprevent injury.

Maintain good posture.Remember your mother’s adviceabout standing up straight?

Using good posture allows you tobreathe easier, be morecomfortable and avoid back pain.Here are some good posturepointers:

• Do not arch your back or leanforward or backwards. This willput strain on the back muscles.• Keep your eyes focusedforward, not looking down, butrather 20 feet ahead.• Reduce strain on your neck andback by keeping your chinparallel to the ground.• Shrug once and let yourshoulders fall and relax, withshoulders slightly back.• Suck in your stomach.• Tuck in your behind and rotateyour hip forward slightly. Thiswill keep you from arching yourback.

Keep your water bottle handy.Prevent dehydration by drinkinglots of fluids before, during, andafter a walk. Ideally, you shouldtake a drink every 15 to 30minutes. Remember that thirst isnot an accurate indicator of howmuch fluid you have lost. If youwait until you are thirsty toreplenish body fluids, you mayalready be dehydrated. Mostpeople do not become thirstyuntil they have lost more than 2per cent of their body weight.And if you only drink enough toquench your thirst, you may stillbe dehydrated.

Make it a habit. Schedule yourwalk or exercise time as you

would any other appointment.Once you make exercise a habit,you’ll wonder how you ever didwithout it! Need someinspiration? Arrange to walk witha friend.

How much exercise is enough?There has been a slew ofcontradictory information onhow much exercise is enough toreap the healthy benefits ofexercise — and to facilitate andmaintain weight loss.While most health experts agreethat 30 minutes of moderateexercise five times a weekreduces the risk forcardiovascular disease and otherillnesses, when it comes tokeeping off unwanted pounds,recommendations are oftenconfusing and contradictory.

A recent study from the journalArchives of Internal Medicine, forexample, indicated that inaddition to limiting calories,overweight and obese womenmay need to exercise as much as55 minutes a day for five daysper week to sustain a weightloss. This is at the high end ofthe Health physical activityguide, which calls for 30 to 60minutes of moderate physicalactivity per day most days of theweek.Still, most experts agree thateven a little exercise is betterthan none at all.

Easy ways to incorporate morewalking into your life• Take the stairs instead of theelevator.• As much as possible, do yourerrands on foot. If you aredriving, select the parking spacefurthest from the store.• On your daily commute, get offthe bus or streetcar a stopearlier and walk the extradistance.• If taking the escalator, walkrather than remaining stationary.• Take a walk during your lunchbreak. Not only will the physicalactivity burn calories, it will helpyour brain to perform better.

Remember, if you’re new towalking, start off with slow,short sessions and build up yourendurance gradually. And as withany fitness regimen, if you haveany health concerns or medicalconditions, be sure to check withyour physician before you begin.

We all know why exerciseis good for us, butgetting enough to enjoy

all those health benefits can bea challenge. Incorporatingregular physical activity — letalone more of it — into ourlifestyles can be hampered by alack of time, energy andmotivation.So what’s the solution? Youdon’t have to have loftyexercise goals like joining a gymor training for a marathon.There are many ways to get theactivity you need, and it maytake less time than you think.

Exercise: What do you and yourfamily require?You’ve likely heard the buzzabout the revised physicalactivity guidelines that tell uswhat targets to meet to enjoybenefits like maintaining ahealthy weight and reducing ourrisk of chronic diseases. Here’swhat experts are recommendingnow:• Children ages 5-11 and youthages 12-17 need at least 60minutes of moderate to vigorousactivity per day, includingvigorous activities at least threedays a week and activities thatstrengthen muscles and bonesthree days each week.• Adults aged 18-64 need a totalof 150 minutes of moderate tovigorous aerobic activity perweek, and bone and musclestrengthening exercises shouldbe included at least two days aweek — preferably targeting allthe main muscle groups.To get even more healthbenefits or to lose weight,you’ll have to up that numberto 300 minutes per week.•Adults aged 65 and up shouldfollow the samerecommendations as youngeradults, but with one addition:include activities that help

improve balance and preventfalls if mobility is an issue.And no, we’re not getting awaywith less. While the oldrequirements recommended 60minutes per day, that timeamount was for light tomoderate activity. The harderyou work, the less time youneed — and the more benefitsyou’ll see.

How to up your activityDoes 150 minutes still soundlike a lot? Remember, thoseminutes are cumulative andeven 10 minutes at a time willhelp you see health benefits.For instance, start your daywith a brisk 15-minute walk andyou’ll bank 105 minutes a week.

Need some more ideas? Hereare some simple ways to workmore exercise into your routine:

Ditch your car. Can you bike orwalk to work, run errands orvisit friends and family? Leavethe car at home and power yourown mode of transportation.

Go the extra distance. Whenyou do take the car, sneak insome extra steps by parkingfarther from your destination —like a few blocks away or at theback of the parking lot. If younormally rely on publictransportation, get off early andwalk a few stops. Are you aregular subway rider? Take stairsinstead of the escalator.

Take a break. The majority ofoffice workers spend too muchtime sitting. Give yourself amental and physical break bywalking around the block oreven just around your building— and take the stairs ifpossible. (Hint: stash a sturdypair of walking shoes in yourdesk so you’ll always be

prepared.)Walk the dog for longer. Don’tjust give Fido a quick bathroombreak — go for at least 10minutes. Once you’re out thedoor, you’ll likely find you wantto keep going.

Walk the mall. Doing a littleshopping? Make a brisk lap ortwo around the mall beforetackling your list. Malls are asafe, climate controlled placeto walk any time of year, andmany cities have mall walkinggroups too.

Multi-task. Waiting for the potor kettle to boil? Do a few repsof a muscle strengtheningexercise or a few simplestretches. While watching yourfavourite sitcom, walk or jog onthe spot and get in somestrength building.

Do it yourself. Believe it or not,chores are good for you. Shovelthe snow,

Rake the leaves instead ofusing a blower, wash and waxyour car and keep up with theregular housework, forexample. Experts note that kidscan get more activity by helpingout too.

Help a neighbour. After you’vetackled your own chores, helpout a friend or neighbour whocould use a hand.

Pop in a video. Hit the videostore or library to check outsome exercise DVDs, or use youron-demand service or DVR to trya new show. Fitness company

websites and Youtube.com arealso good for short videos likeyoga, muscle toning and newdance moves.

Play a video game. There’s stillsome controversy as to whetheractive video games improvefitness levels, but the consensusis that any activity is betterthan no activity. Many gamesappeal to a wide age range sothey can be fun to play with thekids and grandkids.

Go social. “Exercise buddies”can help us stay motivated andmake activities more enjoyable.Instead of going for coffee,make a regular walking datewith friends or take a funfitness class like belly dancingor Zumba. Look for all-agessports like badminton that youcan play with the youngsters inyour life.If you’re visiting someone withspecial needs — like a friend orrelative in a long-term carefacility — make a short walkpart of the your visit too.

Join a group. If team sportsaren’t your thing, find a regularactivity better suited to your

interests. For instance, manycities have running groups(perfect for parents withstrollers) or hiking clubs. Youcan even find fitness where youleast expect it — like heritagewalking tours.

Make it a date. Take a breakfrom movie night and godancing, take a romantic walkalong the beach or roller bladethrough the park.

Celebrate with an activity. Gota special occasion coming up?Go rock climbing or play lasertag for a birthday party, or hosta family reunion at the park —complete with sports and gamesfor all ages.

Train for a fundraiser. Whetheryou walk, run or cycle,supporting a good cause givesyou a goal to work towards —and to get others involved!Getting more activity in yourlife may not be easy at first,but it doesn’t have to be allthat complicated either. Trying making some of theseactivities into habits, andfinding other small ways to getup and move.

How to sneak more exerciseinto your routine



Have you ever walked into agarden and felt yourselfsigh in delight? Some

gardens have that magicalquality to them and yet aresimply a few trees and shrubs,whilst others, designed to themillimetre, fail to inspire. Thebest gardens are the ones thatleave us breathless, that havethat little spark of magic that ishard to describe and almostimpossible to define. Gardensthat stop time and allow us to betotally in the moment. So whatis it that gives one garden magicand leaves others flat?

I am currently filming the newseries of Supergarden, where myrole as a mentor sees meexploring exactly this topic withthe five designers of the show. Itfascinates me to talk to eachdesigner, hear their visions anddreams for their clients and tryand help them to push theirdesigns out of the ordinary andinto the extraordinary. The aimof the show is to create a gardenthat goes beyond the realm ofyour average back garden andcreate something unique andmagical enough to deserveShowgarden at Bloom in the Park

2015. This challenging and process

has got me thinking a lot aboutwhat it takes to create a spaceof unique beauty and harmonyand exactly what is it that makesa garden extraordinary?

As a Designer I am fascinatedby how the designed gardenspace is really an extension ofour interior lives and ultimatelyourselves. Successful design isrooted in underlying designtheories: balance andproportion, function and form,circulation, harmony andbalance. Then there is colourtheory and plant choice as wellas clever and learned plantingcombination. In essence gooddesign theory creates successfulspaces. And yet, sometimes agarden that works in theory,lacks in imagination.

So if not just design theorythen what makes a design magic?Perhaps it’s something that thegarden designer Dan Pearsoncalls Spirit and it relies on a lotof tiny factors, like a puzzle,that come together to create thebigger picture. Dan’s approachbelieves that good garden designneeds to have a sense of naturebeing a delicate and evolvingliving organism and not astationary moment in time.

Showgardens in a way are theopposite of this holistic andtime-evolving approach. Wherein real gardens change isinevitable, with the spacematuring and evolving over time,

showgardens are a mere briefmoment in time. Created to beshow-stoppingly beautiful, theyare then taken down again justwhen they start to grow. Likethe movie star that dies youngthey are forever captured inperfect beauty and somewhatremoved from reality. Yetshowgardens deal with the sameissue of what it takes to createmagic. Some have it, somedon’t.

Paul Martin, one of Ireland’sleading Designers knows what ittakes to create magic in agarden. Having created manyaward winning showgardens atBloom in the Park and HamptonCourt’s 25 year anniversary show.Paul knows what it takes tocreate a spaces that are not justbeautiful but also truly special.He feels that there are manyelements at play that createspecial and magical spaces.

Elements such as good plantingand good proportion but alsomystery and good lighting. Hetells me that in his gardens helikes to create vistas from therelevant rooms with surprise andmystery in the distance, aslightly hidden seat, the mereglimpse of a sculpture that luresthe visitor to explore to gardenbeyond. I love Paul’s idea ofincluding plants in the gardenthat spark memories as designshould be highly personal.

As an interior architect andgarden designer I agreewholeheartedly with Paul thatthe garden should wrap andblend in with the home you havecreated over many years and it isjust as much apart of your homeas your kitchen or conservatory.

I feel that sympatheticallydesigned gardens aim not only totake into account the existingsite but also the interior of thehouse and the style and lifestyleof the client. Good gardendesign should aim to createsomething a more than just agarden. A spark taken from theclients taste and loves combinedwith site specific references arealways a good starting point. Thegarden should ultimately bemore than a pretty picture forthe client to look at: It should bea space that makes the users lifemore joyful. For me garden’sshould be spaces that aim toground us yet inspire us todream. It should allow us to ownthe space and make it ourswithout ever forgetting that weare part of a far greater wild andwonderful picture. Sometimes itis impossible to define what itactually comes down to, like aperson with intense charisma,some gardens just shine brighterthan others.

Leonie Cornelius is an awardwinning TV Garden Designer,Interior Architect and [email protected] twitter @leonie_Cee

Images courtesy of Paul Martin, Suzy McCanny and Colin Gillen

Garden designer and Interior architect Leonie Cornelius explores what it takes to create magical spaces

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There was a time whengoing and staying in ahotel seemed like the

impossible but nowadays thereis some excellent value outthere for someone wanting togetaway for a couple of nightsand enjoy all that our hotelshave to offer. From eveningmeals to spa treatments tochoice is endless.In 2012, just over 7 milliontrips were taken by Irishresidents within the Republic,with an associated expenditureof €1.3 billion Sixty-five per cent of Irishresidents took a domesticholiday in 2012 – up 8percentage points on 2011. Theincidence of short trips (1-3nights) rose by 5 percentagepoints at the expense of longer(4+ nights) which declined by 2percentage points.

What did they do on holiday? Activities engaged in on holidayVisiting national parks (23%)and houses/castles (22%) werethe most popular leisurepursuits for domesticholidaymakers whilehiking/walking (22%) andwater-sports1 (22%) were themost popular active pursuits.Visits to a spa (20%) areimportant aspects of adomestic holiday break while18% and 17% visitedheritage/interpretive centresand/or gardens respectively.

Were they happy with overallvalue for money?Thirty-three per cent ofholidaymakers consideredvalue for money as very goodwith 53% rating it good. Justover 1% were dissatisfied withthe value for money on offer.

Satisfaction with holidaybreakNinety-eight per cent ofdomestic holidaymakersreported being satisfied withtheir holiday in Ireland in 2012with just 2% registeringdissatisfaction. Of those whowere satisfied, 77% reportedbeing very satisfied with 21%being fairly satisfied.

Advantages/disadvantages ofholidaying in IrelandAvoiding the inconvenience ofair/sea travel (38%) is theadvantage most often cited forholidaying in Ireland. Havinglots of things to see & do (17%)and being less expensive thangoing abroad (14%) are thenext most importantadvantages given.


Feature

More and more Irish people are deciding to takeshort breakaways and juding by some of the offersthat hotels have all year round it is no surprise.

Golden Years Breaks at the Four Star Clayton Hotel, Galway

Call (091) 721900Email: [email protected]: www.clayton.ieBallybrit, Co. Galway

Over 55's packages1 Night Dinner B&B Package

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Our packages include:• Luxurious accommodation with Full Irish Breakfast each morning and dinner each evening

in the Enclosure Bar & Bistro• One Full Guided Day Tour of either Connemara or the Cliffs of Moher with 3 day package• Tea & Homemade Scones on one afternoon (Only applies to 3 Night Pckages)• Free Parking & Complimentary News Paper • Complimentary access to Leisure Centre incl. 20m pool, Sauna, Steam Room (The above are valid Sun – Thu. inclusive or weekends at an additional cost)

Feature

Golden Moments at Mount Falcon - Free Night included!

MOUNT FALCON, FOXFORD ROAD, BALLINA, CO. MAYO • TEL: 096-74472 • FAX: 096-74473EMAIL: [email protected] • WEB: WWW.MOUNTFALCON.COM

Three nights of luxurious accommodation and dinner on one evening from our Bistro menu. Brush up on your golf with complimentary access to the driving range or spend an hour in the Elemis spa with a €25 euro credit toward a 60minute facial or massage. Relax in the 17m pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Visit the famous Foxford Woolen Mills where you will enjoy 10% off in their bountiful gift shop.

3 nights for the price of 2……for only €199 per person sharing !• Subject to availability at time booking • All packages in Mount Falcon are subject to a 5% service charge

Local Activities: Lough Key Forest Park www.loughkey.ie, Moorlands Equestrian Centre www.moorlands.ie, Electric Bike Trails www.electricbiketrails.comArigna Mining Museum www.arignaminingexperience.ie, Indoor Airsoft Shooting & Archery www.carrickindoorshooting.com

Special Midweek Offer

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Rates are per person sharing (pps)All offers are subject to availability

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April & May Midweek Breaks

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GoldenGetaways

Anytime Golden GetawaySunday - Thursday, All Year Round! 3 B&B + 2 Evening Meals

Evening Meals consist of Starter & Main Course

April - June: €139pps / €159 SingleJuly & August: €159pps / €179 Single

Includes: • Tea/Coffee on Arrival • Complimentary Spa Thermal Session• 20% Discount Vouchers for McElhinneys Department Store

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Group Getaways - 2, 3 & 4 Night BreaksIncluding Activities & Entertainment Rates from €199pps for 4 Nights B&B + 4 Dinners

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Travel


It’s Sunday in the Whitsundays. “Sun”seems to be the common denominator,the operative word here. The

Whitsundays, a tiny gaggle of islands,fuzzy pale green dots anchored in theCoral Sea off the coast of Queensland, inthe north east of Australia. It’s sunny onHayman Island, too, the most northerly ofthe Whitsundays, where the population ismade up of R and R seekers and those thatdo their best to service that need.

It is the spot of the newest One & Onlyresort, the hotel group that countsMexico’s Baja Peninsula, the Palmilla inLos Cabos to be exact, as well as the

Ocean Club in the Bahamas (Daniel Craigfamously stayed the night at the resortthere in his debut star turn as 007). Addlocations in The Maldives, Cape Town, twoin Dubai, and Mauritius, and you start toget the picture. Exclusive, private, lush,tropical, reclusive, all words that evoke asense of getaway, of peace, of, well,money.

But isn’t that the point? When we seekthe solace of a holiday, there are times inour lives that go beyond the practical, atime when a milestone should becelebrated, or perhaps even more critical:while the world keeps spinning round,

sometimes it’s just time to get off, stop,breathe. Go far, spend time. Do nothing.And everything.

The nothing to do at Hayman Islandcould also be considered a bucket list ofsorts. Take the ferry launch from HamiltonIsland’s airport and you’ve started off witha gorgeous sail. Or go bananas and, hell,arrive via helicopter. The sky’s the limit.

But again, isn’t that the point? We readstories, psychology of why we don’t takeour holidays, our banked vacation time;we are crunched for time, for cash, for thewill to take a step to plan. But the boomerin us knows different. We do have the

time; we can afford it. Our own Zoomerreaders state clearly they are intrepidtravellers, they take three or more trips ayear. We are lovers of hotels, weappreciate the finer things in life.

But I digress. Let’s get back to thatbucket list. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef?Check. Take in a sunset that can be seenall the way to New Zealand? Check. Ahelicopter flight over heart shaped,turquoise and tan reefs, swimmingdolphins and crystal water? Check. Walk inthe wild with Wallabees at dusk? Check.Sail to an even smaller island and float onyour back, face sunward like you are a kid


Travelling with multiple generationscan definitely be a challenge, butit’s also a wonderful way for

extended families to bond andexperience the world together.It’s also a growing trend.According to a recent study 40 per centof leisure travelers have taken at leastone multi-generational trip in the pastyear. Increasingly, grandparents aretraveling with adult children and/ortheir grandkids, bridging the age gapthrough shared adventures.

Just ask Alison Gardner a canadian basedwife, mother and grandmother with aninsatiable hunger for globetrotting –including with her adult kids and younggrandchildren. Fourteen years ago shelaunched a website geared to maturetravellers, travellingwithachallenge.com,which now attracts more than 1.7 millionreaders worldwide.In addition to planning her ownadventures – and writing about them –she and her husband currently spend twomonths of the year travelling to Ice Agecaves in Europe with theirpaleoanthropologist daughter, herhusband and their three year-old –affectionately nicknamed ‘the cavebaby’.“Multi-generational travel is all aboutcreating shared family memories in amuch bigger, more stimulating worldwhere experience-driven vacationing ismore the goal than ever before,” saysGardner. “We’re no longer satisfied to siton a dock at the lake listening to theloons, drinking a beer and thinking ‘thisis the life’.”Having said that, read through forimportant things to keep in mind whenplanning a family trip if you want it tobe successful.“Don’t ignore anything that could derailthe trip,” she advises. In other words,put it all out on the table. For example,“adult kids are often in need of a rest,since for them holidays are in shortsupply, whereas the Boomergrandparents have more time, aregenerally more refreshed and ready for

action.”And remember, you’re going to betogether the entire trip so if you haven’tspent much time as a family since thekids were living at home, you betterknow each other really well. Bottom lineis everybody needs to be honest aboutwhat they expect to get from thevacation. “Some grandparents, forexample, may not want to babysit thewhole time, while their kids to out todinner,” says Gardner.

Be clear about who’s paying: Often it’sthe Boomer grandparents who foot thebill, since they normally have morediscretionary income – but that, saysGardner, also gives more weight to theirpreferences for the type of vacation.And if the younger generation isexpected to pay their own way, theremay need to be more cost considerationsand discussion. Either way, be up frontabout who is expected to pay for what.

Realise the youngest will always set thepace: “If you have very young childrendon’t try and do too much,” cautionsGardner. “The best vacations for theminclude a beach or a lake where you

don’t have to be on the go all day,otherwise it can get frustrating foreveryone.”

Plan for some alone time: Having threegenerations along also means there canbe private time for everyone, which isimportant. Grandparents can babysit onenight while, say, the parents go out todinner, then they can take over anotherday so grandma and grandpa can dosomething that interests them. “It’s niceto be able to spot each other off,”Gardner points out. “It can befrustrating to be in a nice destinationwith interesting things to do and not beable to get to them.”

The good news is there are more travelcompanies offering family-friendlyoptions than ever before, says Gardner,so there’s lots of choice. Here are a fewof her recommendations, both budget-conscious and on the higher end.

Budget-friendly:Vacation volunteering, known as‘voluntourism’ is very hot these days,says Gardner. It can be fun andrewarding to do something useful, pluskids feel like they’re making adifference. U.S.-based Global Volunteersoffers a number of family-orientedoptions. (Note there are some agerestrictions.)Believe it or not, cruises can be quiteaffordable, as low as €1,000 per personfor a 7-day cruise, says Gardner. Andthey’re well suited to multi-generationalholidays since there’s something onboard for everyone to do, both apart andtogether.

Higher end:European barging vacations, where yourent or charter a whole vessel and travelthe waterways, are very popular. ROWAdventures also offers European bargingwith full service. Gardner says 40 percent of their clientele is multi-generational families.Ecoventura can take you and your familycruising the Galapagos Islands and offersseveral family departures a year.

��

again, in the azure waters off a privatebeach? Check. Did I catch you grinning,knee deep in the nostalgia, just for a sec?

If that’s not enough, let me leave youwith this imagery: This morning, a pair ofcockatiels, pure white, a stark contrastagainst the green of the palms on whichthey perch, scan their domain. Thebreeze gently bobs the branches wherethey sit, the breeze ruffles their feathersand the fronds. The moving air creates asoundtrack, like the pattering of gentlerain.

Blue sky, yellow sun, white birds, greenpalms. Paradise, found.

Ailments the payment ofcivilization Osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritis) -illness of "office" live style.Before XX centuryosteoarthritis was very rare.Particularly aristocrats wereprone to osteoarthritis.Majority of people wereworking physically, walkingand/or horse riding.

Risk of super civilization Osteoarthritis is not only apain. Osteoarthritis isorthopedic disease, affects thespine and more specifically -intervertebral discs. With agecartilage (discs) wear out fasterthan the formation of new

cartilage, elasticity decrease,and discs are more flat, thespace between the vertebraedecreases. Vertebral bonesurface starts to come intocontact, rubbing against eachother and then develops thesurrounding areas ofinflammation. Cushions ofarticular cartilage (Discs) thatseparates the vertebrae wornout. For example: Cervicalosteoarthritis could lead to thecompression of vascular nerveformations. Neck regioncontains many blood vesselsand nerves, including vertebral artery. Compression of artery(Stenosis) it is reduced theblood supply to ischemia of thebrain and spinal cord andeventually lead to stroke.

Syndromes• Loss of consciousness • Blurred vision • Ringing in the earsHypertension or Hypotension • Numbness of the arms

How To Help Yourself To StayHealthy And Active People suffering with cervicalosteoarthritis must do regularlyremedial exercises (Pleasecontact your localphysiotherapist for advice).Exercises will improve mobilityand maintain strong "Muscularcorset", stretches will help toreduce the spasm of the area.Now let us come back tocapillaries, as withosteoarthritis the circulation incapillaries affected due to thespasm in muscles become weakand as a result it leads tohernia and protrude. To re-build cartilage (disc) will needprotein, glucosamine and chondroitin. For body tobenefit from these substancesneed to improve capillarycirculation in the surroundingtissues. To do so we needMagnetotherapy.Magnetotherapy is a part ofphysiotherapy. Use theknowledge of magneticfrequency and induction.

Magnetotherapy can besuccessfully used withosteoarthritis. It produces greatresult with systematic use.Magnetotherapy has minimumcontraindications, can be usedon elderly patients with severalcomplaints. Osteoarthritis isvery often accompanied bypain. Magnetotherapy hasanalgesic. This effect isachieved due to the blockageof nerve impulses, whichreduces the spasm of tightmuscles, improve bloodcirculation. Pulsating magneticfield is the best for OA.Treatments if necessary couldbe repeated every 3-4 month.People know the power ofmagnetic field for centuries.People who lived near seam ofiron were always clear ofvarious illnesses. Only recentlyyou could have physiotherapyonly in local hospital. Nowadaysyou can buy portable devicesfor home use. Easy and safe touse in privacy of your ownhome.

�#�%�"�$% �$%�#�$!% #%�"�$%�#�!%��$%�#!$%$��#�" �$

ELAMED - YOUR HOME DOCTOR

Capillaries are the smallestblood vessels which arepresent in every inch of our

Body. The capillary bed is thesite of exchange of substancesbetween blood and tissues.Capillaries bring to every organto every cell oxygen andnutrients and remove wasteproducts (carbondioxides). This isa process of cellular metabolism.If capillaries dysfunction cellsbecome "hungry", "thirsty", can

not breath. This leads toailments or illness or evenpossible death of the cells.Disturbance in a capillariesnetwork is the main reason ofany pathology.

Famous Russian doctorA.C.Zalmanov (1875-1965) wasfirst to study and suggestconcept of healing the humanbody through capillary network.He wrote: "No matter howaccurately we label our

diagnoses, what really matter ishow we restore the function...""Modern therapies excludecapillaries in a process ofrecovery but 80% of bloodcirculates in capillaries" Withage circulation in capillariesslowing down and that is areason why after 40 years of agepeople, generally speaking, willhave 1 or 2 chronical diseaseand as we "grow older" we canadd a few more chronic disease.

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��"�$�%�$��$�%��#�" �#�%#�%��%�$� �!�

Certified according to ISO and MDD 93/42 EEC standards. Our clients include hundreds ofmedical facilities, thousands of pharmacies, millions of patients in Russia, USA, Canada,Poland, Germany, Sweden, India and Australia. In 2004 in USA our pulsed electromagneticfield system was approved by FDA as an adjunct to cervical fusion surgery in patients athigh risk for non-fusion. Our products now available in Ireland. Some patients have alreadygot a positive treatment experience with magnet field therapy devices of ELAMED.

Almag - 01 is a unique magneto — therapy device for Osteoarthritis, Arthrosis, Kneejoint stiffness, joint pain, joint contracture, spondylosis, cervicobrachial syndrome,spinal instability, fractures, elbow joint bursitis, hand bursitis, shoulder bursitis, Iliaccrest spur, osteoporosis with pathology fracture and many more.

Magofon - 01 is for gout, arthritis of the temporomandibularjoint and many more symptoms.

Contact our representative in Ireland - Catherine Gaffney on 087-6894300 or 071-9177221

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What is a point of attraction tome in magnetic therapy? I lovethis method. I often combine

magnetic belts with medication and ithelps with my work. I can keep mypatients on a low dose of medicationover period of time. Magnetic therapyhas huge age scope. Nowadays forelderly people we can organize realphysio cabinet at home. One device cantreat one or several diseases. Forexample osteoarthritis andhypertension. Over 70 to increase amedication may not be a suitabletreatment. One more plus in magnetictherapy it is mild, graduate effect whichstay for several month after treatments.There is no adoption period to thistherapy. Nowadays people want morenatural drag free way of healing all overthe globe and I am glad it happens.

The first information aboutmagnetic fields therapeutic effecthas been know from the time,

immortal back to the IVth century BC.It was Aristotle, later Pliny andParacelsus who mentioned aboutmagnet curative properties in theirphilosophic works. The use ofpermanent magnet for the medicalpurposes was described in Gippokrat'smedical works and the works of theancient China scientists. Later, in XVIIIcentury the way of applying magneticiron ore to an unhealthy place waswidely used and mentioned in medicalbooks. Now use of magnetic fields forlocal healing have been studied andpracticed all over the world.Contemporary science providestheoretical explanation of thephenomena based on research andclinical trials giving the background forthe development of effective devices for magnetic therapy. Magneticfield has a wide range of beneficialeffects on human body. With magneticfield local exposure on human body,there is increase in swaying movementof erythrocytes and blood plasmaproteins resulting in the improvement

of blood flow going through thisparticular influenced area. The increaseof blood circulation helps in bringingmore oxygen and nutrients to the cellsin abnormal area and removal of wasteproduct (such as lactic acid and carbondioxide). As a result the inflammatoryprocesses slow down, puffiness andedema are reduced, and an increase ofmetabolic processes restores thefunctions of the affected tissues andorgans. Magnetic field being athermaldoes not provoke body temperatureincrease or skin irritation. Magneto-therapy is very mild and is toleratedwell by the debilitated and elderlypatients. Uniqueness of magnetic fieldis, as well, in the depth of itspenetration ability to the deep-seatedtissues, nerves (a sciatic nerve, a solarplexus, spinal cord roots) thus blockingthe action of the last to conduct pain.Theoretical, experimental and clinicaldata on magnetic field exposuremechanism on a human organismreceived by modern scientists (doctors,biologists, physicists) from differentfields of activity has led to thedevelopment of highly effective devicesfor magnetic therapy.

THE MYSTERIES OFMAGNETIC FIELDCURATIVE NATURE “Physical factors of the environment have played and are playing animportant role both in creation and mm maintenance of life on theEarth. They are the essential components of our ecology. Theirinteraction it with each other make beneficial influence on livingorganism in general and human being in particular”

Contact our representative

in Ireland Catherine Gaffneyon 087-6894300 or 071-9177221

Ailments the payment ofcivilization Osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritis) -illness of "office" live style.Before XX centuryosteoarthritis was very rare.Particularly aristocrats wereprone to osteoarthritis.Majority of people wereworking physically, walkingand/or horse riding.

Risk of super civilization Osteoarthritis is not only apain. Osteoarthritis isorthopedic disease, affects thespine and more specifically -intervertebral discs. With agecartilage (discs) wear out fasterthan the formation of new

cartilage, elasticity decrease,and discs are more flat, thespace between the vertebraedecreases. Vertebral bonesurface starts to come intocontact, rubbing against eachother and then develops thesurrounding areas ofinflammation. Cushions ofarticular cartilage (Discs) thatseparates the vertebrae wornout. For example: Cervicalosteoarthritis could lead to thecompression of vascular nerveformations. Neck regioncontains many blood vesselsand nerves, including vertebral artery. Compression of artery(Stenosis) it is reduced theblood supply to ischemia of thebrain and spinal cord andeventually lead to stroke.

Syndromes• Loss of consciousness • Blurred vision • Ringing in the earsHypertension or Hypotension • Numbness of the arms

How To Help Yourself To StayHealthy And Active People suffering with cervicalosteoarthritis must do regularlyremedial exercises (Pleasecontact your localphysiotherapist for advice).Exercises will improve mobilityand maintain strong "Muscularcorset", stretches will help toreduce the spasm of the area.Now let us come back tocapillaries, as withosteoarthritis the circulation incapillaries affected due to thespasm in muscles become weakand as a result it leads tohernia and protrude. To re-build cartilage (disc) will needprotein, glucosamine and chondroitin. For body tobenefit from these substancesneed to improve capillarycirculation in the surroundingtissues. To do so we needMagnetotherapy.Magnetotherapy is a part ofphysiotherapy. Use theknowledge of magneticfrequency and induction.

Magnetotherapy can besuccessfully used withosteoarthritis. It produces greatresult with systematic use.Magnetotherapy has minimumcontraindications, can be usedon elderly patients with severalcomplaints. Osteoarthritis isvery often accompanied bypain. Magnetotherapy hasanalgesic. This effect isachieved due to the blockageof nerve impulses, whichreduces the spasm of tightmuscles, improve bloodcirculation. Pulsating magneticfield is the best for OA.Treatments if necessary couldbe repeated every 3-4 month.People know the power ofmagnetic field for centuries.People who lived near seam ofiron were always clear ofvarious illnesses. Only recentlyyou could have physiotherapyonly in local hospital. Nowadaysyou can buy portable devicesfor home use. Easy and safe touse in privacy of your ownhome.

�#�%�"�$% �$%�#�$!% #%�"�$%�#�!%��$%�#!$%$��#�" �$

ELAMED - YOUR HOME DOCTOR

Capillaries are the smallestblood vessels which arepresent in every inch of our

Body. The capillary bed is thesite of exchange of substancesbetween blood and tissues.Capillaries bring to every organto every cell oxygen andnutrients and remove wasteproducts (carbondioxides). This isa process of cellular metabolism.If capillaries dysfunction cellsbecome "hungry", "thirsty", can

not breath. This leads toailments or illness or evenpossible death of the cells.Disturbance in a capillariesnetwork is the main reason ofany pathology.

Famous Russian doctorA.C.Zalmanov (1875-1965) wasfirst to study and suggestconcept of healing the humanbody through capillary network.He wrote: "No matter howaccurately we label our

diagnoses, what really matter ishow we restore the function...""Modern therapies excludecapillaries in a process ofrecovery but 80% of bloodcirculates in capillaries" Withage circulation in capillariesslowing down and that is areason why after 40 years of agepeople, generally speaking, willhave 1 or 2 chronical diseaseand as we "grow older" we canadd a few more chronic disease.

0��%��$��%1 "! �%-� �%1�#��%.#��%!%1 #��%2�##�%/�!��" �#�%��%0%1� $%�%.��$"�$%��%�$%2#��%&("��#�#�� !�� #�'%"��0��#%-� �%1�#�%.#��%�%�� $!�"�%*$��!" �#�%�)��"��$%�%+"�$�%2$ �$$�%/"��"!�%2�##�%0��%,$�� #�!��%2#��%/$��%

��"�$�%�$��$�%��#�" �#�%#�%��%�$� �!�

Certified according to ISO and MDD 93/42 EEC standards. Our clients include hundreds ofmedical facilities, thousands of pharmacies, millions of patients in Russia, USA, Canada,Poland, Germany, Sweden, India and Australia. In 2004 in USA our pulsed electromagneticfield system was approved by FDA as an adjunct to cervical fusion surgery in patients athigh risk for non-fusion. Our products now available in Ireland. Some patients have alreadygot a positive treatment experience with magnet field therapy devices of ELAMED.

Almag - 01 is a unique magneto — therapy device for Osteoarthritis, Arthrosis, Kneejoint stiffness, joint pain, joint contracture, spondylosis, cervicobrachial syndrome,spinal instability, fractures, elbow joint bursitis, hand bursitis, shoulder bursitis, Iliaccrest spur, osteoporosis with pathology fracture and many more.

Magofon - 01 is for gout, arthritis of the temporomandibularjoint and many more symptoms.

Contact our representative in Ireland - Catherine Gaffney on 087-6894300 or 071-9177221

��%�$#��$%��%�!$�"��%��$!%�!#�� $#"! �!� ��%�%�#�% #%�"�"�$

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What is a point of attraction tome in magnetic therapy? I lovethis method. I often combine

magnetic belts with medication and ithelps with my work. I can keep mypatients on a low dose of medicationover period of time. Magnetic therapyhas huge age scope. Nowadays forelderly people we can organize realphysio cabinet at home. One device cantreat one or several diseases. Forexample osteoarthritis andhypertension. Over 70 to increase amedication may not be a suitabletreatment. One more plus in magnetictherapy it is mild, graduate effect whichstay for several month after treatments.There is no adoption period to thistherapy. Nowadays people want morenatural drag free way of healing all overthe globe and I am glad it happens.

The first information aboutmagnetic fields therapeutic effecthas been know from the time,

immortal back to the IVth century BC.It was Aristotle, later Pliny andParacelsus who mentioned aboutmagnet curative properties in theirphilosophic works. The use ofpermanent magnet for the medicalpurposes was described in Gippokrat'smedical works and the works of theancient China scientists. Later, in XVIIIcentury the way of applying magneticiron ore to an unhealthy place waswidely used and mentioned in medicalbooks. Now use of magnetic fields forlocal healing have been studied andpracticed all over the world.Contemporary science providestheoretical explanation of thephenomena based on research andclinical trials giving the background forthe development of effective devices for magnetic therapy. Magneticfield has a wide range of beneficialeffects on human body. With magneticfield local exposure on human body,there is increase in swaying movementof erythrocytes and blood plasmaproteins resulting in the improvement

of blood flow going through thisparticular influenced area. The increaseof blood circulation helps in bringingmore oxygen and nutrients to the cellsin abnormal area and removal of wasteproduct (such as lactic acid and carbondioxide). As a result the inflammatoryprocesses slow down, puffiness andedema are reduced, and an increase ofmetabolic processes restores thefunctions of the affected tissues andorgans. Magnetic field being athermaldoes not provoke body temperatureincrease or skin irritation. Magneto-therapy is very mild and is toleratedwell by the debilitated and elderlypatients. Uniqueness of magnetic fieldis, as well, in the depth of itspenetration ability to the deep-seatedtissues, nerves (a sciatic nerve, a solarplexus, spinal cord roots) thus blockingthe action of the last to conduct pain.Theoretical, experimental and clinicaldata on magnetic field exposuremechanism on a human organismreceived by modern scientists (doctors,biologists, physicists) from differentfields of activity has led to thedevelopment of highly effective devicesfor magnetic therapy.

THE MYSTERIES OFMAGNETIC FIELDCURATIVE NATURE “Physical factors of the environment have played and are playing animportant role both in creation and mm maintenance of life on theEarth. They are the essential components of our ecology. Theirinteraction it with each other make beneficial influence on livingorganism in general and human being in particular”

Contact our representative

in Ireland Catherine Gaffneyon 087-6894300 or 071-9177221

Visitor Attractions

Ballintubber Abbey1216 AD - 2016 AD

Ballintubber Abbey stands one mile off the main Castlebar - GalwayN84 road, seven miles from Castlebar, nine miles from Ballinrobe and

thirty nine miles from Galway City

Telephone: 094-9030934www.ballintubberabbey.ie • [email protected]

Among the medieval religious foundations whose ruins dot the Irish countryside, the Abbey isunique. Founded in 1216 by Cathal Crovderg O’Connor, King of Connaught and celebrating its

Octocentenary (800 years) in 2016.

• This remarkable Abbey is the only church in Ireland where, for almost 800 years, Mass hasbeen offered without a break.

• Experience for yourself the story of “the Abbey that refused to die.” Our video and guideswill take you through the stories of Cromwellian burnings, suppression and the notorious priest

hunter, Seán na Sagart.

Celtic Furrow: Every age and interest group are catered for in the Celtic Furrow- that traces theorigins of our festivals, our customs, our piseogs and our beliefs. The Celtic Furrow through

models and paintings, garden and labyrinths, farmyards, subterrans and live exhibits, willfascinate you.

Tochar Phádraig: Walk a few kilometres of Tochar Phádraig - the path from Ballintubber Abbeyto Croagh Patrick where Pilgrims have walked in the footsteps of St Patrick this past 1500 years.

Visitor Attractions

MASS TIMES:SUNDAYS & HOLYDAYSEve of Sundays & Holydays, 7.30pm in Parish ChurchParish Church: 8.00am, 9.00am, 7.30pmBasilica: 10.30am, 12noon, 3.00pm

WEEKDAYSParish Church: 9.00am, 12noon, 7.30pmBlesses Sacrament Ch.: 11.00am / Basilica: 3.00pm

Confessions (Daily) 11am - 5pm Chapel of Reconciliation

Public Ceremonies (Sundays)2.30pm Anointing of the Sick3.00pm Concelebrated Mass followed by Benedictionof the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary Procession to the Shrine and Blessingof Religious objects

Stations of the Cross (Weekdays)2.00pm Stations of the Cross and Rosary Procession

Candlelight Rosary Procession (Thursdays)9.00pm Rosary Procession, June, July and August

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament11.30am – 6.30pm Daily in Blessed Sacrament Chapel 7.00pm –9.00pm Monday-Friday in Apparition Chapel

Last Thursday of each Month for the Sick2.00pm Stations of the Cross and Rosary Procession 3.00pm Concele-brated Mass with Special Homily, Anointingof the Sick, Eucharistic Blessing and Benediction

National Novena in honour of Our lady of KnockAugust 14 - 22 (inclusive)Twice Daily: Afternoon 3.00pmSundays and Holy days: 2.30pmEvening: 8.30pm

Mini Vigils: MAY: Friday 1st / JUNE: Friday 5th / JULY: Friday 3rdAUG: Friday 7th / SEPT: Friday 4th OCT: Friday 2nd / NOV: Friday 6th

All-Night Vigil - Dec. 7thConfessions 10pm - 12midnight Vigil 12 midnight to 4am followed byMass at 4am

Visitor Attractions

Full details www.heritageireland.ie

For further information please contactVisitor Services, OPW, Unit 20, Lakeside Retail Park,Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland Tel 01-6476000 Email [email protected]

For further information on the OPW Heritage Card please contact Tel: 01-6476592email:[email protected]

Images courtesy Dept of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht

Dún Aonghasa, Inis Mór, Co GalwayEnjoy Ireland's HeritageFree Admission on the First Wednesday of each month

Enjoy Ireland's HeritageFree Admission on the First Wednesday of each month

Sligo Abbey, Co Sligo

Parke's Castle, Co Leitrim

Boyle Abbey, Co Roscommon

Carrowmore, Co SligoCéide Fields, Co Mayo

From horses to horticulture weoffer a unique experience that canbe enjoyed at your leisure or aspart of a guided tour.

Come to the Stud and share with usone of Ireland’s true treasures.

• World Famous Japanese Gardens• St. Fiachra’s Garden • Horse Museum• Lots of newborn foals to see • New playground• Enjoy our homebaking and locally sourced foods

in the restaurant• Meet our Living Legends; Beef or Salmon,

Kicking King, Moscow Flyer, Rite of Passage & Hardy Eustace.

• Location: South of Dublin & the M50, off the M7,Exit 13 onto the R415

• Open 7 days a week 9.30am - 5pm• For further information contact:

[email protected] or Tel: 00 353 45 521617

Produce this Advertisement and receive a 2 forthe price of 1 Admission.

Editorial

Over 1000 singers will takepart in the third Mayo In-ternational Choral Festi-

val, performing songs from manygenres, including jazz, pop, folk,barbershop, sacred and gospelmusic. Mayo in May - the meccafor all music lovers!The fourth festival, the onlycounty-wide choral festival inIreland, will take the form of 34International, National and Mayochoirs participating on a compet-itive and non-competitive basis.The event will include a numberof evening and daily county-wideperformances, as well as compe-titions and workshops. For visi-tors - friendship, relaxation anda memorable Mayo experience isensured, allowing audiences andchoirs to meet with other choirsand locals, relax and enjoy agreat weekend in the beautifulWest of Ireland. Choirs from Mayo and local com-munity groups will assist with thecoordination of the events. Inter-national choirs include: from theUS – the Nebraska Wesleyan Uni-versity Choir, from England - theEnglish Chamber Singers andMale and Female ensembles,from Portugal – Voz Nua and fromScotland – the Oban Gaelic Choir. The festival continues to honourMayo’s heroes and heroines in

song and this aspect of the festi-val includes a presentation byAnne Chambers, on the life andtimes of the famous Mayo-bornSopano, Margaret Burke Sheridanin Castlebar Library, on Thurs21st May.Five community concerts willtake place all over the county,with local and visiting choirs per-forming at each – Friday 22ndMay sees the festival openingconcert in Ballintubber Abbeyand other concerts on Friday in-clude concerts in Ballina, New-port and Swinford, and a concertin Westport on Sunday evening. Saturday sees the adjudicationsof the competing choirs inCastlebar, which is open to thepublic. It’s a great chance to seeall the choirs singing at theirbest! In between the competi-tions, choirs will perform shortoutdoor street performances andalso at Mayo Memorial PeacePark, weather permitting. At8.30pm on Saturday evening, theprize-winning choirs will performat the Gala Choral Concert, inthe Royal Theatre, Castlebar,during the Premier Competition,and will include a guest appear-ance by Tenor Sean Costello. Atthe close of this event, all thechoirs will sing two songs, as amassed choir, the highlight of the

festival, with over seven hundredof a choir taking to the stage inprevious years. Concert admis-sion includes immediately after-wards, the post-concertentertainment and afterglow atthe festival club in the Café Barat the Royal Theatre and is agreat opportunity to meet thechoirs. On Sunday, everyone isinvited to sing at the Dawn Cho-rus at Lough Lannagh Carpark,Castlebar at 8am – for those ris-ing early or for those going homefrom the celebrations the nightbefore! The festival closes with aconcert in Westport.

The festival has the support ofMayo County Council and FailteIreland.For more information, log ontowww.mayochoral.com orwww.facebook.com/mayochoral

Over 1000 singers in the follow-ing choirs:• Athlone A Capella, Westmeath• Ballina Chamber Choir •Ballintubber Abbey Choir • BladeFour, Castlebar • Every Voice,Mayo • Capella, Dublin • CapellaLadies Choir, Dublin • CastlebarGospel Choir • Celtic Choristers,Dublin • Cill Áodaín Choral Soci-ety, Mayo • Cór Mhaigh Eo •Dublin Male Voice Choir •

Enchiriadis Chamber Choir,Dublin • English Concert Singers,England • English Concert SingersFemale Ensemble, England •English Concert Singers Male En-semble, England • Every Voice,Mayo • Gracenotes, Mayo •Laetare Vocal Ensemble, Dublin •Marine Institute Singers, Galway• Mayo Male Voice Choir • Men’sShed Choir, Castlebar • MoySingers, Ballina • Nebraska Wes-leyan University Choir, USA • NoHalf Measures, Sligo • Note-Ori-ous Four, Sligo • Oban GaelicChoir, Scotland • Park Singers,Dublin • Park Female Singers,

Dublin • Sandbars, Sligo •Seasharps, Dublin • St Marys Col-lege Singers, Dublin • SwinfordChurch Choir • Tone Cold Sober,Sligo • Vocalessence, Mayo • VozNua, Portugal • Western Voices,Galway • Westport Childrens’Choir

For more info see www.may-ochoral.com or facebook/may-ochoralSupported by Mayo County Coun-cil and Failte Ireland.Thurs 21st – Sun 24th May, 2015.Tickets on doors and from localoutlets

MAYO SINGS IN MAY! Fantastic line up for the fourth Mayo International Choral Festival2015 - Córfhéile Idirnáisiúnta Mhaigh Eo

TravelTechnology

Your smartphone is well on itsway to becoming your walletWith more than two billion usersworldwide, the Internetcontinues to shape consumerbehaviour in ways unimaginableonly a few decades ago. Here,some developments you canexpect to see in what will be atransformative year.

The “Sharing Economy” WillTruly DisruptIf you’re not familiar with theterm “sharing economy” or“peer-to-peer economy,” youwill be soon; battle lines arebeing drawn up in a town nearyou. Tech companies likeapartment-sharing Airbnb andcar service Uber are drawing thewrath of the businesses they aredisrupting (in this case, hotel andtaxi industries) and gaining theattention of regulators from NewYork to Calgary. In Paris, taxidrivers have taken to slashingthe tires of Uber cars. Regardlessof the resistance, the sharingeconomy will generate evenmore traction in 2015, thanks tomassive consumer adoption thatattracts even more investment,growth and war chests. And newsharing categories continue toemerge like EatWith, whichallows anyone to offer home-cooked cuisines to foodieslooking for a “local experience.”

Smartphones Will ReplaceCredit CardsWith the launch of Apple’siPhones 6/6 Plus and its mobileoperating system iOS 8.1, thecompany rolled out Apple Pay,allowing consumers to use theiriPhones to pay for goods inretail stores. With more thanone million of these virtualcredit cards activated in its first72 hours of service, 2015 looksto be a year when smartphonepayments will dent plastic. EvenGoogle’s counterpart, Wallet,saw transactions grow 50 percent in the same time period.While some U.S. retailers likeRite Aid and CVS have bannedApple Pay from their stores, forconsumers the writing is clear:your smartphone is well on itsway to becoming your wallet.

Podcasting Makes a ComebackPopular during the early days ofthe web, podcastingexperienced a dip in recentyears and is set to experience ahuge resurgence in popularity.Driving (literally) the newfoundbuzz are smartphone-enabledcars. New cars typically comewith wireless Bluetoothconnectivity, allowing drivers tobeam audio from theirsmartphones to the car’sspeakers. Another option isinstalling a Bluetooth kit, which

can be as simple as plugginginto the AUX input of your car(like a cassette player). Whilestuck in traffic, commuters areincreasingly listening to any ofthe free 250,000 podcastsavailable in Apple’s iTunes.

Broadcasters Go “Over theTop”For newbies, OTT is video

service directly from the serviceto the end user, bypassing telcoand cable providers.Led by the popular video

streaming service Netflix,broadcasters everywhere arelaunching online video offeringsof their own. In the U.S., bothHBO and CBS recentlyannounced plans for streamingchannels.

Simultaneously, more consumerswill have “connected TVs,”where they can watch webcontent on big screens. Thanks to inexpensive deviceslike Google Chromecast, Roku,Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV andgaming consoles, the connectedTV audience is projected togrow at double-digit rates rightthrough to 2017.


Pets

Life occurs in stages. And aswe move from infancy toadulthood – and eventually

into our senior years – our needsand wants change. For pet lovers,the joy and satisfaction that comesfrom owning a pet rarely weakenswith the passing of years. Thetype of pet they desire, however,may be subject to change as livingarrangements or health conditionsevolve. Today, a growing numberof seniors are stepping forward toadopt older dogs and cats. Notinterested in taking on thechallenge of housebreaking andtraining a puppy or keeping akitten out of mischief, seniorswould rather have a pet that hasan established personality andknows the rules about goodbehavior. These adoptions are awin for the senior, who benefitsfrom the companionship of a pet.They are also a win for the pet,which gets to spend his or heryears in a loving home, rather thana shelter.

Over time, the specific benefitsof seniors adopting senior pets are

becoming better known. Studieshave shown that, aside fromhaving a constant companion thatis always there when you wake upor put the key in the door, seniorswho adopt senior pets seem to:Have a buffer against loneliness Maintain a clear sense of purposeDerive a profound sense ofsatisfaction from living with ananimalBe more likely to exerciseHave lower blood pressure and adecreased likelihood of depression

In addition, pets appear toprovide a sense of consistency in arapidly changing world, and mayreinforce feelings of self-sufficiency, dependability andoptimism with their owners.Above all, pets offer their ownersunconditional love and attention,regardless of how old the owner is,how grey his or her hair is, or howwealthy or poor the individualmight be.

Pet ownership among seniors canalso act as a therapeutic agentthat allows individuals to escapestress and concentrate on

something other than thechallenges that face them in theirdaily lives. This release can have aconsiderable impact on overallhealth and well-being. A 1990UCLA study showed that petownership could actually improveoverall health and reduce the timea senior individual spends in adoctor’s office. A subsequentstudy by Alan Beck, Director of theCenter of Animal-Human Bond atPurdue University indicated thatpet ownership can act as a healthenhancer for seniors by:

Improving moraleEncouraging independenceAllowing them to handle stress

better Pets can also act as “’sociallubricants” for seniors, who maynot be outgoing individuals bynature. Pet owners are oftenattracted to one another, and thetopic of their pets frequentlybreaks the ice and startsdiscussions. Adopting a senior petcan often open a new world forseniors. To find out how to adoptsenior animals in our area, contactyour local animal shelter.

Pet ownership can open up a whole new world for senior citizens. By adopting older pets, seniors get companionshipwithout housebreaking or training.

Seniors who adopt seniorpets stay in better shape

Walking your dog at leasttwo times a day can begood for you and your

pet. Walks can help keep hearts,lungs and circulatory systemsworking at their best.

It’s a well-known fact that alittle regular exercise is a goodthing for just about everyone. Awalk around the block is asimple and excellent way toburn calories, improve theflexibility of your joints and toenhance muscle tone. Regularwalking can also keep yourheart, lungs and circulatorysystem working at their best.

Many people don’t realize thattaking your dog out for a walk atleast two times a day can createsignificant benefits for boththemselves and their four footedfriend. According to a numberof recent studies conducted bythe Centers for Disease Control,the American College of SportsMedicine, the AmericanGeriatrics Society and others:

Walking your dog at leasttwice a day provides you with aneasy way to get the minimum 30minutes of daily exercise that’srecommended by many healthprofessionals – even if you’reonly walking in 10- or 15-minutesessions.

Because most dogs love towalk, it’s likely that you willwalk farther with your pet thanyou would if you simply went outwalking alone.

But the benefits don’t stopthere. Research has shown thatdog owners who walk their dogs

walk faster than those whodon’t. Walking faster increasesboth your respiration and heartrate, which can help burncalories faster, allow you tomaintain or lose weight, andbring vital oxygen and nutrientsto your body’s organs. Betteryet, if your doctor or yourpersonal trainer has suggestedthat you try to walk 10,000 stepseach day, two 30-minute walkswith your pooch around theneighborhood each day can getyou well on your way to reachingyour goal. In fact, studies haveshown that dog walkers typicallywalk twice as long as non-dogwalkers do in an average week.With a little help from your dog,your goal may be easy to attain.

Research has also shown thatindividuals who walk their dogson a regular basis tend to havelower blood pressure and lowerlevels of cholesterol – both ofwhich can go a long way towardpreventing or combating heartdisease. Perhaps best of all,walking with your dog can be anexcellent way for both of you toblow off a little steam andtemporarily escape all thestresses of the day. It’s also agreat way to get to know andtalk with other dog walkers –which can help fend off theblues and reduce the likelihoodof depression – especially in thewinter months.

Do something good foryourself and your dog. Pull onyour walking shoes, grab theleash and go!

Walk Your Dog … It’sGood For Both Of You


Showbands Feature • Photos David McCafferty / Words Gerry Walsh

FRIDAY NIGHT, 27th March,in Ballina Arts Centre, willlive forever in the memory

of music lovers in the Ballinaregion, particularly those overthe age of 50. A packedaudience relived the nostalgiaof the showband era with anight of music, song and storiesof a unique and phenomenalperiod which had an indelibleimpact on the social, economicand cultural life of the country.

At the centre of it all wasBallina’s own Jack Ruaneshowband with former membersJudd Ruane, Jack Ruane Jr.,Eugene McCaffrey, Joe Sweeneyand P. J. Duffy of the MichaelO’Callaghan Showband, whorecalled some incredibleexperiences and played to adelighted audience who wereliterally off their feet for theentire evening.

The evening was presented bythe National Showband Archive,in association with BallinaFestival and hosted by SteveTravers, survivor of the MiamiShowband disaster in 1975, whowas also joined on stage by DesLee, another survivor of thefatal night which changed theshowband scene in Ireland

forever.Judd Ruane and his sister,

Phyllis, spoke about theirearliest recollections with theirfather, Jack Senior, and how theband was revered at home andin England, some of the starsthey encountered and someunforgettable events, includinga night when a blind man (JoeBollard) was entrusted withdriving the bus. Jack Ruane Jnrcast off the years and gave aperformance which manycurrent young rockers wouldenvy, completing hiscontribution with the“customary” Neil Diamondmedley. He was backed byStephen Travers himself onsome of the numbers. Some ofthe audience even took to thefloor in the confines of the artscentre while others literallydanced in their seats. Jackshowed he still has the capacityto bring out the best in anaudience which must be nowwondering when the nextperformance will take place.

Eugene McCaffrey, anotherestablished band member,delighted the audience with alovely rendition of the classic“The Nearness of You” whileDes Lee proved he still retainshis undoubted class, recapturingthe magic of the Miami with hisperformance of “The CandyOrganisers, performers and guests pictured after a terrific show at Ballina Arts Centre.

Jack Ruane Showband performing at Ballina Arts Centre last week


Section of a delighted audience at the Arts Centre.

Store” and “Love Is”, asong which the late FranO’Toole had made his own.

Speaking to North WestExpress afterwardspresenter Stephen Traverssaid he was positively“blown away” with theevening in Ballina and theexperience has created theimpetus for furtherdevelopment of the“showbands” programme.On the night he thankedPaul Burke, Ballina SalmonFestival chairman (whichwill receive the majorshare of the proceeds ofthe evening) and, inparticular show producerLiam Brennan, whospearheaded the showconcept and provided allhis services – lighting,sound equipment andbackground audio-visuals –

free of charge.Since this year marks the

40th anniversary of theMiami Showband massacreand Stephen Travers andDes Lee wish to recreatethe nostalgia of the period,a special show is beingcreated centred on theMiami hits, but includingmany memorable songs ofyesteryear by performerslike Joe Dolan, BrendanO’Brien and many others.The first of these isscheduled for WestportWoods Hotel on 30th April,with further shows in theHollywood Hotel, Bundoranand centres in Mallow andClonmel on later dates.These will be evenings ofmusic and dancing andshould relive fondmemories for thousandsthroughout Ireland.

Judd Ruane, Breege Ring, Phyllis Ruane, Valerie Brennan and Jack Ruane Jnr. Judd Ruane on trumpet.

STILL A HEARTHROB – Jack Ruane jnr. signing an autograph for Eleanor Kelly. TOGETHER AGAIN – Judd, Phyllis and Jack Jnr.

Memories

There werehundreds ofthem. Irish

bands of everysize, descriptionand musical genretravelling theroads andborheens of

Ireland. They travelled the length and breadth of thecountry from the 1950's through the mid 1980's.Although "officially" the term showband wascoined in the late fifties and was used to describebands that played a wide variety of music andusually included a "show" during the night, the termwas gradually applied to all the bands that played inthe 1960's. As the Irish music scene splintered inthe late sixties into pop, country bands, the termwas dropped but we still find it the best overalldescription of the bands of the "ballroom" era. Inthe early days, they travelled in whatever they couldfind...bread vans, hearses, and even cars (roof racks

and all). In later years, many (if not most) of themtravelled in converted Ford Transit vans (like theone pictured right) that were normally used fordelivery services. After a couple of windows werepopped into the centre panels, a row or two of oldairplane seats were installed and the band wasready to travel "in style." Although style was amatter of opinion...if you're stuck in the back of avan on a cold and rainy winter's night, it may seemlike "a long way to Tipperary," but it's even furtherto Castletownbere, Co. Cork! It will be impossibleto list all the bands that played the dance halls,ballrooms, marquees, parochial halls, communitycentres, hotels, and town halls across Ireland buteach month we are planning to feature a band fromthe west with the help of Gerry Gallagher andwww.irish-showbands.com . Apart from a few whoenjoy near mythical status (such as the RoyalShowband and a handful of others), most bandscame together, played for a few years and theneither reinvented themselves, changed their name,or just disappeared, their members either returning

to civilian life, or scattering to two or three newbands. For such a small country, it is difficult tocomprehend the sheer number of bands that thecountry produced. Almost as hard to imagine, is thenumber of dance halls that once dotted thecountryside, many out in the "middle of nowhere."Pick up next months issue for another blast fromthe blast from the showband era...

All editorial and photographs are kindlysupplied by Gerry Gallagher from

www.irish-shownbands.comOver the years Gerry has built up what canonly be describe as the definitive guide to

the showband era. I would like to thankGerry for allowing us to reproduce the

articles and photos in Mature Living. If youwould like to know more about your

favourite band or who was number one in aparticular year visit

www.irish-showbands.com

The Bands of our Showband Era

Dave Glover is creditedwith coining the term"showband" even though

the Clipper Carlton aregenerally regarded as the bandthat first popularized thisuniquely Irish form ofentertainment. His story starts

with his birth in 1925 in a firestation in Ardoyne, youngest offour. All his brothers playedinstruments: Ollie (tenor sax),John (trombone) and Sam (tenorsax) played with Dave on histrumpet and his mother onpiano.

Growing up in Belfast, he andhis brothers played with theBelfast Military band. When hewas in his early teens he joinedthe Whitehurst Silver Band, alocal marching band. A few ofthe lads got together and formeda group that played in the local

pubs. He first took a job as afitter in the Short and Harlandsshipyards and learned a trade,before setting off for a career inmusic. In 1945, he playedtrumpet for the summer in theQueens Ballroom and in 1946he was in Milanos Ballroomwith Jimmy Montague. In 1947,he turned 21 and started hisprofessional career as thetrumpet player with the BobRobinson Orchestra which wasthe resident band in the FloralHall in Belfast for £7-10schillings a week.

However, in 1948 he left theorchestra and formed a fourpiece group which playedfunctions and dinner dances inBelfast. Dave took the bigplunge in 1952 when he formedhis own 14 piece orchestra andwas the resident band in thenewly built Arcadia ballroom inPortrush. This was a relationshiphe would maintain for over adecade, performing there as theresident band every summer. In1955, Dave added a 20 minute"show" to the act and changedthe name of the band to theDave Glover Showband, the

first band to use the term in theirname. In a 1989 BBC interviewDave admitted he got the ideafrom the Clipper Carlton andthat the term, "showband" termgrew out of "Crazy Night" inwhich he let the band smoke anddrink on stage, as long as theydressed up and were willing todo a skit or two. From that camethe idea of the cabaret "show" inthe middle of the dance.

Interestingly enough, Davetalked about the conditions thathelped lead to the downfall ofthe showbands. In the earlydays, bands played the full fourhours from 9 to 1 am. As bandsbecame more successful, Davefeels they became lazy andstarted to substitute an inferiorrelief band for the band's firsttwo hours. (Editor's note: Ofcourse, in later years, even therelief bands would be replacedby discos!)

The original Dave GloverShowband included Dave(trumpet), Gerry Rice (sax),Andy Wilson (trombone), JoeClarke (vocals), Alex Burns(guitar), Jackie Flavelle (bass),Davy Martin (drums) and Harry

Dave Glover Showband (1952-1970)


Article and Photos courtesy of Gerry Gallagher www.irish-showbands.com

Mitchell (keyboards). The bandwould play the summer seasonsin Portrush and spend the rest ofthe year touring the ballrooms ofIreland. Harry Hamilton joinedthe band on bass in 1961 when heswapped jobs with JackieFlavelle, Jackie going to JohnnyQuigley's band.

Strangely enough, the bandsplit in 1963, just as theshowband era was in full swing.Everyone but drummer DavyMartin left and formed theWitnesses Showband, whorecruited George Mullen ontrumpet to replace Dave. TheWitnesses would go on to theirown fame and fortune, touringextensively outside Ireland andgaining a reputation for one ofIreland's most musical bands.Dave recruited a new lineupwhich included Gough Glenn(clarinet), Charlie Walker (bass),Jim Armstrong (trombone),Tommy Duffy (guitar andvocals), Jim Carson (guitar) andBobby Wright (vocals).

The new lineup clicked withthe dancing public and reallytook off. They were one of thefirst to feature both a male and

female lead vocalist which gavethem great range when coveringthe hits of the day. Throughoutthe 1960's the band continued tobe one of the major draws acrossthe country and touredextensively in England, playingthe Irish clubs abroad. In 1967,they undertook their second tourin the United States, playing forthree weeks across the northeastand Canada. In April 1968, soonto be Plattermen member, SimonScott joined the band as leadvocalist along with Muriel Day.The next chapter in the band'shistory is a little difficult todecipher. It appears that in late1968, the band broke up withSimon Scott going to thePlattermen. Dave and Murielwent into cabaret (this reported inthe March 8, 1969 issue ofSpotlight). However, in early1969, Muriel was selected torepresent Ireland in theEurovision song contest, a majorbreak for the her. Following herwin, the band was put back on theroad with Muriel as the leadsinger. Dave has said that hethought it was a great opportunityto put Muriel out front and would

allow him to manage the band. InSpotlight magazine in September,1969, and advert announcedDave Glover was "back" withMuriel Day and Billy Joe as leadsingers.

In 1970, things were reallyhappening for Muriel. An articlein the March 27th issue ofSpotlight reported that Murielhad done an hour long special onBBC and that she had beenbooked for a series of shows thatwould take her to all the bigtowns of the six counties in theNorth. The series was slated to airbeginning April 8, 1970. She wasalso featured a few weeks later onthe first episode of the RTE seriesGirls, Girls, Girls. However, theband went off to tour Canada andin the end, Muriel and Dave splitup with Muriel staying and Davereturning home and the bandwent off the road.

Dave continued to play musicwell into his 80's with his ownjazz band. On the 27th of April,2009, Dave (aged 85) sadlypassed away in Belfast bringingto an end one of the mostcolourful careers of the showbandera.


Left to right: Dave Glover (trumpet), Johnny Anderson (trombone), Jim Gunner (guitar), Jim McDermott (back-sax), Muriel Day (vocals), Dessie McCarthy (drums), Jackie Flavelle (bass) and Mike Munro (vocals).

Seafood to put you in a holiday mood!Ready in 15 - 25 minutes / Serves 2

Ingredients2 eggs2 tbsp olive oil3 tbsp lime juice, about 1 lime2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (try BlueDragon best)2 spring onions1 little gem lettuce198g can sweetcorn with peppers,drained140g cherry tomatoes, halved125g pack cooked peeled tiger prawns

MethodGET THE EGGS COOKING: Bring a smallpan of water to the boil. Gently lower

in the eggs and boil for 8 minutes, thenlift them out and plunge them into abowl of cold water until you need them.

MAKE THE DRESSING: Whisk togetherthe olive oil, lime juice and sweet chillisauce in a small bowl. Finely slice thespring onions on the diagonal, then mixthem into the dressing.

LAYER UP THE DISH: Shell the eggs andslice into rounds. Pull the lettuce apartand divide the leaves between twoplates. Spoon the sweetcorn on top ofthe lettuce and scatter the tomatohalves on top. Finish with the prawns and egg slicesand douse everything with the chillidressing.

Add a boozy kick to your summerparty with this peachy cocktail10 mins / Serves 8

Ingredients4 tbsp caster sugarzest and juice 1½ lemon750ml bottle rosé wine150ml peach schnapps1 peach, sliced1⁄2 lemon, sliced

ice cubes1l bottle of soda water or tonic

MethodHeat the sugar with the lemon zestand 100ml water until the sugardissolves. Cool, pour into a jug andadd the wine, lemon juice andschnapps. When ready to serve addplenty of ice and the fruit and top upwith the soda or tonic to taste.

Food and Drink

a taste of

Ready in 40 minutes /Serves 6 - Once you'vetasted these light-as-aircakes, you will be hooked!

Ingredients100g unsalted butter,melted and cooled125g icing sugar, plus extrafor dusting25g plain flour85g ground almonds3 medium egg whites1 unwaxed lemon, gratedrind only85g blueberries

MethodPreheat the oven to fan180C/conventional 200C/gas6. Generously butter sixnon-stick friand or muffintins. Melt the butter and setaside to cool.Sift the icing sugar and flourinto a bowl. Add the al-monds and mix everythingbetween your fingers.Whisk the egg whites in an-other bowl until they form alight, floppy foam. Make awell in the centre of the dryingredients, tip in the egg

whites and lemon rind, thenlightly stir in the butter toform a soft batter.Divide the batter among thetins, a large serving spoon isperfect for this job. Sprinklea handful of blueberriesover each cake and bake for15-20 minutes until just firmto the touch and goldenbrown.

Cool in the tins for 5 min-utes, then turn out and coolon a wire rack. To serve,dust lightly with icing sugar.

Food and Drink

Stack your grilled beefburgerswith cheese, bacon, pineapple,beetroot, tomato and lettuce -the Australian wayPrep:40 mins / Cook:30 mins

Ingredients

For the burger1½ kg minced beef, not lean2 red onions, finely chopped5 garlic cloves, crushedlarge handful of parsley,chopped75ml tomato ketchup50ml oyster sauce2 egg yolks

To serve6 smoked back bacon rashers6 slices fresh pineapple6 slices good melting cheese,such as cheddar6 burger baps, split in half2 tbsp mayonnaise12 slices pickled beetroot2 large tomatoes, sliced1 Cos lettuce, separated intoleaves

MethodTo make the burgers, mixtogether all the ingredients and

knead well so everything isthoroughly mixed. Separate themix into 6, roll each into a largeball, then shape into burgers.Put them in the fridge and, ifpossible, leave to chill for atleast 1 hr. They can be made upto 2 days ahead.To cook the burgers, get thebarbecue good and hot with thecoals glowing. You don’t need toadd any oil to the burgers. Putthem on the barbecue and leavefor a few mins until the edgesstart to colour, then slide a fishslice under the burgers and turnover. Repeat the process, thenturn again. Remove to thecooler side of the barbecue andleave to cook for a good 15 minsif you like them well cooked.While the burgers are cooking,BBQ the bacon and pineapple.Top the burgers with the bacon,then add the cheese and putback on the barbecue to melt.Warm the baps over thebarbecue, too, if you like.Divide the mayo between thebap bases and top with theburgers. Add the pineapple,beetroot, tomato and lettuce,then put the lids on top.

Try Aussie chef BenO'Donoghue's bonzabarbecued chook - it reallyis finger licking good

Takes 35-45 minutes /Serves 6

Ingredients2 garlic cloves, peeledfinelygrated zest and juice of 1lemon2 tbsp Kashmiri spices mix,or good-quality currypowder1 dried bird's-eye chilli,seeded and crushed, or apinch of chilli flakes3 tbsp olive oil12 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on2 large bunches each rosemary andthyme2 branches fresh bay leaves

MethodMake the marinade. Smash the garlicwith a little salt using a pestle andmortar. Add the lemon zest and juice,the spice mix, chilli, oil and a goodgrinding of black pepper. Mix to apaste. This can be done in a mini food

processor.Toss the chicken in the marinade andset aside while you light thebarbecue. When the barbecue’s hot,lay the bunches of herbs on the gridand put the chicken, skin side up, ontop. Close the lid, if your barbecuehas one, and cook the chicken on thesmouldering herbs for about 10minutes until the meat starts tocolour. Turn the chicken and continueto cook for a further 20-30 minutes,turning as necessary, until it is slightlycharred from the burnt herbs andcooked through to the bone.

Some like it hot, so sizzle your ribs withBBQ saucePrep:5 mins - 10 mins / Cook:30 mins /Serves 6

Ingredients4 x 500g packs pork spare ribs1 bunch of spring onions, roughlychopped (green stems and all)1 Scotch bonnet chilli, seeded andfinely chopped4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped6 tbsp Appleton rum6 tbsp demerara sugar

6 tbsp dark soy sauce6 tbsp clear honey6 tsp Dijon mustard1 tsp ground allspice

MethodTip the ribs into a big bowl (not a metalone) and throw in the spring onions,chilli and garlic. Now spoon all theremaining ingredients over the ribs andsprinkle with salt and pepper. Get yourhands in the bowl and turn the ribs overand over again until they’re coated inthe sauce. (You can keep the ribs

uncooked – tightly covered – inthe fridge for up to 3 days. Youcan also freeze them forseveral months.)Cook the ribs over a moderatebarbecue for 20-30 minutesdepending on their size,turning them over frequentlyand brushing with sauce eachtime. The turning and brushingis important, so that all foursides of each rib get encrustedwith the sauce, which buildsup like a lacquer. If you haveany leftover sauce at the end,heat it up in a pan and pour itover the ribs just beforeserving.

Fiona Faery is an Irish Psychic Medium who unites people regularly with their loved ones in spirit & also offers psychic guidance with her Faery or-acle card readings. She is a regular on Irish radio & has monthly columns in various publications. Fiona is known for her optimistic no-nonsenseapproach to life. She teaches workshops on mediumship and helps 'baby' mediums build their confidence & step into their power. Her spiritual

poetry has found a home on her Facebook page; Fiona Faery where she posts a daily poem. Her poetry is aimed to motivate & empower, asFiona believes in helping people connect with their soul purpose. She reads internationally through her website www.fionafaery.ie

Fiona Faery gives private 1-to-1 sittings at The Sligo Park Hotel on the last weekend of every month. She is also availablefor private consultations or One Question readings on her

website www.fionafaery.ie You can contact Fiona to Book a Private Reading @ 0863736143

with Fiona Faery

Angel of BalanceMarch is all about priorities. It's time to focusyour energy on the year ahead. Write

down a list of whatyou wish toachieve, dreams,wishes, plans etc.Try not to getbogged down bythe mundane, asthis will only weighyou down. Chinup and lookstraight ahead! Lucky Day: 21stMarch Lucky colour:Green

Angel of Truth and Integrity Another's opinion of you is none of yourbusiness. Try not to let gossips and hearsay

press your buttonsthis month. Bulls docharge when theyare riled up. Staycalm and see it astheir issues notyours. This monthsees issues over acontract/legalitythat may need tobe addressed. Lucky Day: 18thMarch Lucky colour:Brown

Angel of FriendshipThis month your feeling very sensitive, Gem-ini. Try not to get stuck between two feud-ing friends/family members. A joyful eventconcerning musicsees you let yourhair down. Forthose single Gem-ini's the appear-ance of the lovebirds indicate anew romance laterin the month. Getout and about!Lucky Day: 24thMarch Lucky colour: Emer-ald

Angel of NatureThis month you may need time out to restand regenerate. Pursuits such as hillwalking, Yoga orThai chi will be verygrounding for you.There is a need torelease pent upemotions. Beaware of taking ontoo much and tryand maintain ahealthy boundarywith others thismonth. Lucky Day:28th March Lucky colour:Purple

LeoAngel of Children It's time to connect with your inner child. Dosomething just for fun, play your favouritemusic or contact a childhood friend. Buy

an ice cream or hopon a swing! You'vebeen guilty of takenyourself too seriously.Its time to connectwith all that isfrivolous and fun.Laughter is a tonic,it's time to remindyourself of what istruly important. Lucky Day: 29thMarch Lucky colour: Garnet

Angel of Romance For those single virgoans, A lucky romanticencounter later in the month sees youbeen quite smitten. There is nothing likesome old fashion chivalry to make yourheart melt! If your in arelationship, it's time tomake a date andplan some coupletime. There may alsobe a trip abroad or aweekend awaybefore the end of themonth. It's time tomake the sparks fly!Lucky Day: 17thMarch Lucky colour: Lilac

Guardian Angel Know you are loved. This card is a sign fromyour loved ones in spirit and your guardianangel that they are always watching overyou. You may haveeven asked for a signand you can takethis card as confir-mation of it. Watchout for coincidences,sycronisities, as theyare our loved onesway of letting usknow they arearound. Heaven isonly a heartbeataway.Lucky Day: 30thMarch Lucky colour: Pink

Scor!ioAngel of supportKnow you are always supported andguided by your spirit team. It is also impor-tant that you avail of support from yourfamily members, friends, colleagues etc.We all have downdays. It's importantwe learn to reachout to others whenthey need supportjust as much as weneed to ask for sup-port when needed.The universe is al-ways listening.Lucky Day: 27thMarch Lucky colour: cerisepink

Sagi"ariousAngel of New BeginningsYou cannot open a new chapter in your lifeif you are still re-reading the previous one. It's

time to thank thepast for the lesson ithas given you andturn and face thelight of a newbeginning. Watchout for a luckyphone call orsurprise invitation atthe end of themonth. Know thatthis year could bethe best year yet!Lucky Day: 26thMarch Lucky colour: White

Angel of CelebrationLucky Capricorn! Make a wish Capricorn,for the gods are smiling on you this month.Keep yourthoughts focusedand honest,believe in yourdreams and thankthe universe forthe blessings thatare on their wayto you. A joyfulannouncement orcelebration will beannounced inyour family.Lucky Day: 31stMarch Lucky colour: blue

AquariusAngel of Ideas and Inspiration Are you ignoring your gut feelings? Do youfeel someone is being two-faced around

you. Listen to yourgut. Do not confuseit with paranoia orfear, for your gutfeeling is calm andstrong. Any ideas orthoughts, keepclose to yourself thismonth. Trust yourintuition as it willnever lead youastray.Lucky Day: 19thMarch Lucky colour: ForestGreen

Angel of Divine Timing This is a card of destiny. Cupid stands withhis bow poised and ready to shoot, keepyour thoughts positive and focused. Seewhat you want,take aim and gofor it! This card alsourges you to bepatient, Divinetiming is in order.Don't give up hopeas destiny isweaving it'sthreads aroundyou.Lucky Day: 20thMarch Lucky colour: Mossgreen

Pisces

Virgo Libra

Capricor#

Taur$s Gemini CancerAries

Angelscope for April

Contact Mary for a quote Tel: 096-33456Market Street, Killala • [email protected]

• Personal Injury Claims*• Employment• Property Sales & Purchases• Family Law• Wills & Probate• Court Attendances

* In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or othercharges as a percentage or portion of any award or settlement.

www.mcgregorsolicitor.com

Efficient, Confidential &Affordable Legal Services

Tel: 071-9144479Elphin Street, Boyle | 19 Chapel Street, Sligo

Please contact John or Carol on the abovenumber to arrange an appointment or email

[email protected] [email protected]

At Murphy Ballantyne, Solicitors, our servicecombines the personal touch of the familysolicitor with a range of specialist advicerelevant to clients. We provide a strictlyconfidential, courteous service, all at the

highest professional standards.

Solicitors

CONOR A. MAGUIRE

SOLICITORSConor A. Maguire BA (ES)

T: 071-9855983 • M: 087-6739454E: [email protected]

skype: conor.maguire31

Lower Main Street, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim

(Sub Office) High Street, Drumshanbo, Co.Leitrim (Tuesdays 4-7pm)

* In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as apercentage or portion of any award or settlement.

Tel: 094 -9022980 094-9022981

Thomas Street, Castlebar, County Mayo

Email: [email protected]: 094 9022 922

VINCENT DEANE & CO. SOLICITORS

Deerpark Business Centre, Claregalway Road,Oranmore, Co. Galway

Tel: 091-795941 Email: [email protected]

Joan C. O’Brien, B.Comm., LL.B.John Keane, B.Comm., LL.B., Dip. Emp. Law

• Wills & Probate • Property Sales & Purchases• Personal Injury Claims* • Employment Law• Family Law • Court Attendances

It could just be temporary: forexample, if you are in hospitaland need help with everyday

things such as making sure thatbills are paid. Or you may needto make more long-term plans if,for example, you have beendiagnosed with dementia.There are two types of power ofattorney: ordinary and lasting.

1. Ordinary power of attorneyIf you want to give someone fullaccess to make decisions andtake action concerning yourfinances while you still havemental capacity, you can set upan ordinary power of attorney.This is a legal document givingsomeone else authority to act onyour behalf. It is only valid whileyou still have mental capacity tomake your own decisions aboutyour finances, so that you cankeep an eye on what the personmaking decisions for you (yourattorney) is doing.You can limit the power you giveto your attorney so that they canonly deal with certain assets, forexample, your bank account butnot your home.

2. Lasting power of attorneyA lasting power of attorney givessomeone you trust the legalauthority to make decisions onyour behalf, if either you’reunable to in the future or you nolonger wish to make decisions foryourself.

What is mental capacity?Having mental capacity means aperson is able to make their owndecisions. If you’re unable tomake your own decisions at somepoint in the future – such as ifyou have advanced dementia orare unconscious – someone elsewill need to do so for you.These could be decisions aboutyour:property and financial affairs -paying your mortgage, investingyour savings or buying items youneedpersonal welfare - what youshould eat, or what type ofmedical treatment you shouldhave. Some people may havecapacity to make decisions aboutsome things but not others, ortheir capacity to make decisionsmay change from day to day.

Attempts should always be madeto first overcome difficultiesTaking time to understand orcommunicate may be mistakenfor a lack of mental capacity, buthaving dementia for example,does not necessarily mean thatsomeone is unable to make anydecisions themselves.Where someone is havingdifficulty communicating a

decision, an attempt shouldalways be made to overcomethose difficulties and help theperson decide for themselves.There must be 'reasonable belief'Before someone can make adecision on your behalf, theymust have reasonable belief thatyou cannot make that particulardecision yourself. The words‘reasonable belief’ are important

because capacity can changeover time. The person making adecision for you must make surethey are acting in your bestinterests. There may be timeswhen someone needs to seeklegal or medical advice onwhether you have mentalcapacity to make a decision, orwhether to act under a lastingpower of attorney permanently.

Power of attorney There are a number of reasons why you might need someoneto make decisions for you or act on your behalf.

Alternative Therapies


Learn to understand and accept your selfHenry Schwab Healing

Evikeens, Boyle, County Roscommon • Tel: 071 96 62114

LEARN TO UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT YOUR SELF calm, relaxed and in controlREIKI may help you to heal pain in your body, back and joints, relaxing and balancing your body and mind.TAPPING ( EFT = emotional freedom therapy) may be very effective to overcome youranxiety, fears, phobia and negative thinking to free you from mental and emotional stress.TAT(Tapas Acupressure Technique) may heal old trauma and many allergies.Matrix Reimprinting = transforming your past, present and future.Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy are available.ANXIETY , BEREAVEMENT , CHILDHOOD ABUSE , CONFIDENCE , DEPRESSION , EATINGDISSORDER , FEARS & PHOBIAS , PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT , RELAXATION , STRESSMANAGEMENT, STOP SMOKING , WEIGHT MANAGEMENT ,and any other problem of a psychosomatic nature, i.e. caused by the mindit is never too late to turn your life around - www.henryschwabhealing.com

Hypnotherapy &Psychotherapy(Dip.Hyp./Psych.,ADHP),EFT

Master Practitioner (AMT), AdvancedPractitioner of Meridian Therapies, Master

in Reiki & Seichem (Tera Mai)Holistic Therapies

Carmel is a qualified nurse and hasDiplomas in Reflexology, TherapeuticMassage & Aromatherapy coupledwith Post-Graduate training inreflexology in pregnancy , workingwith people undergoing cancertreatment including their Carers.

Airport Road, Strandhill, Co. SligoContact Carmel Clarke: 087-6323903 (Holistic therapies Sligo)

Aromatherapy • Massage • Reflexology

Home treatments available on request

10% DISCOUNT with on any treatment with this advert

Massage for theelderly hasvarious physical

and mental benefits,which results in theimprovement of healthand general well-being.The techniques used forsenior citizens differgreatly from those usedwith younger individualsso massage therapistsstrive to understandthose differences inorder to better treattheir patients.

With regular massage,the quality of life isgreatly increased,allowing the olderpatients to feel younger,healthier, and balanced.

Massage for theelderly involves gentlestroking, kneading, andthe application of lightpressure on specificpoints. Studies showthat massage facilitates

communication andrelaxation, and istherefore an effectivetherapy in thetreatment ofAlzheimer’s patients.The manipulation ofspecific points on thebody has also beenshown to promote thenatural lubrication ofjoints, greatly assistingin the pain managementof patients sufferingfrom the stiffness ofarthritis.

Therapistsadministering massagefor senior citizens arealso trained toincorporate stretchingin the massage session.The specific stretchingtechnique involves theapplication of justenough pressure on thejoints, soft tissue, andmuscles to make themassage safe for an

older individual whilestill retaining itsefficacy. Patientsgreatly benefit frommassage by gaining anincreased range ofmotion, strengtheningof muscles whilereducing tension, and ahigher quality night’ssleep. Those whoundergo regular massagehave reported sleepingdeeper and for longer,which allows the bodytime to regenerate andrepair itself, resulting inan overall state ofgreater well-being.Massage also improvesposture and reducestension thataccumulates in themuscles over manyyears. This not onlyassists seniors inobtaining higher qualityrest but also helps themavoid and manage

painful age-relatedconditions, such asdegenerative discdisorder and spinalstenosis.

Studies have shownthat the effects of agingtake place faster inpeople lacking mentalstimulation and whoengage in little physicalactivity. Further studieshave shown a linkbetween a reduction inphysical activity to anincrease in depression,which leads to manyage-related diseasesand conditions. Due tothe connection betweenthe physical andmental, any treatmentfor the aged should aidin improving thebalance between thetwo. By manipulatingthe body andstimulating the mind,massage provides theperfect balance neededfor an individual’shealth to thrive.

Killala, Ballina, Co. Mayo • T: 096-33898 • M: 085-2404817

E: [email protected] • www.dovehouseretreat.com

• Personal Counselling & Psychotherapy• Relationship Counselling • Therapeutic Art/ Mindful Art• Nutritional Therapy

Develop your knowledge and self understanding, Open your mind to new possibilities, Validate who and what you are and Experience positive living.

Therapies

CranioSacral Therapy

It’s gentle, deepand it works!

Relieves:• Stress and Tension related problems

• Nerve entrapment issues• Chronic pain syndromes

• Habitual patterns, insomniaFacilitating somato-emotional

release work

A treatment that works with the body, helping youto naturally free yourself from pain, improving

vitality and general well-being.

For enquries / Appointment contact BridgetMangan CST-T, IACST, MNRRI

A Light touch approachto body work, addressing

tensions deep into theNervous system...

Mind and Body Centre, Rosbeg, WestportTel: 087-2544660

Therapeutic Benefits ofMassage for the Elderly

Many people across theworld use complementaryand alternative medicine

or "CAM" in addition to traditionalor conventional treatments andtherapies. In the United Statesalone, according to the NationalCentre for Complementary andAlternative Medicine (NCCAM),the most recently availablesurvey data indicates that about38% of all American adults useone form of CAM or another. In arecent joint study by researchersfrom UCLA and the University ofCalifornia, San Diego, 75% of themedical students surveyedreported that "conventionalWestern medicine would benefitby integrating more CAMtherapies and ideas" intotraditional medicine.

What is CAM?According to NCCAM and otherexperts in the field, CAM isdefined as a broad range of"medical and health caresystems, practices, and

products...not generallyconsidered part of conventionalmedicine." Medical Doctors andDoctors of Osteopathy areamong the health professionalsyou'll find in traditionalmedicine. Physical therapists,psychologists, registered nurses,among others, are also importantproviders of traditional andconventional medicine. But,many of these same providerstoday have enhanced theirhealth care practices, offering aCAM portfolio of viabletreatments and therapies.Expanding the Boundaries ofConventional Medicine Today, theboundaries between CAM andconventional medicine are notabsolute, and specific CAMpractices have becomeincreasingly accepted by thelarger medical community.Health care professionals alsouse both conventional and CAMtreatments, blurring theboundaries between traditionaland CAM. This is especially the

case as patients themselves havebecome increasinglysophisticated health careconsumers, so much so that theyask important questions abouttheir treatment options.

What Makes CAM AttractiveToday? Why is CAM growingincreasingly popular? As healthcare costs soar and conventionaltreatments fail to produceintended results, more patientsand their caregivers today seekkinder and gentler treatmentsand therapies to manage theirdiseases and health conditions,including pain. Patients andcaregivers are increasingly tiredof throwing pills at their medicalproblems, opting for alternativesthat may produce the samehealth outcomes at a fraction ofthe cost and without the sideeffects of costly drugs andtreatments. CAM's GreatestPotential in Health Care TodayCAM shows its greatest potential,it seems, when combined withconventional medicine. Forexample, CAM allows patients tomanage pain without resorting toprescription drugs that may beaddictive or whose side effectspose problems for patients. Or,patients canmanage theside effects ofmuch-neededcancer drugswith CAMtreatments andtherapies.Mindfulnessmeditation,yoga, andacupuncture,among others,demonstratethe power ofcomplementaryand alternativetherapies andtreatments thatcapitalize onthe mind-bodyconnection.

Spiritual Holistic HealingDivine Intuitive Healing of Mind, Body and Soul

Spiritual Holistic Healing - Jacinta Hession - Phone: (087) [email protected] • www.spiritualholistichealing.vpweb.ie

Cora Langan Physiotherapy& Acupuncture Clinic

3 Moy Court, Batchelor's Walk, Ballina, MayoTel: 087 104 6010

Cora Langan, CharteredPhysiotherapist offers an holistic

range of treatments. Specialist clinical areas include

acupuncture, lymphatic drainageand pilates.

Hidden Mind Therapy is a non invasive sound correctivetherapy that helps promote positive mental health.Especially effective for people going through cancertreatments to help keep a positive mental outlook andalleviate stress in the body.

Here at Spiritual Holistic Healing our therapies are provenbeneficial in treating:

• Birth Shock • IBS • Depression • Anxiety/Stress• Lack of Energy • Autism/ADHD • Effects of Geopathic Stress• Joint Pain

Health Benefits of Complementary &Alternative Medicine

Sligo Clinic of Herbal Medicine

Now open for appointments at No. 1 Wine St, Sligo • Call Fionuala on 089-2321524

Fionuala Clarence, Medical Herbalist, would like to invite you to an openevening on Friday 20th March from 6pm - 7.30pm.

There will be talks by Dr Prannie Rhatigan, author of Irish Seaweed Kitchen, Dr DilisClare, GP and Medical Herbalist at Health and Herbs Galway and Tara Canning

Nutritionist and Masterchef.

Open 10am – 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday (Saturday morning clinic from 10.30-1pm)

For further info visit our website at www.sligoherbal.com and to see what’s new, or forinfo on upcoming events check out our Facebook page at Sligo Clinic of Herbal Medicine.

In the coming months we will be rolling out a programme of specialist clinics with talks anddemonstrations from leading practitioners of all things medical, herbal and nutritional.

To make an appointment please contact Steven on 086-8365411

Motoring

Suzuki launches New VitaraEver since its market launch in 1988, the Suzuki Vitara

series has earned acclaim for its on and off-roadcapability.

The series has evolved through changes in body size andpowertrain, and now the latest-generation has beenlaunched with a €19,995 starting price tag.

The all-new Vitara incorporates Suzuki's optionalALLGRIP four-wheel drive system.

Advanced safety and connectivity equipment features,as does a new level of 'personalisation' options.

The new Vitara is produced at the Magyar Suzuki plantin Hungary and is currently making its market debutacross Europe, with sales commencing in April.

It will later be exported around the world as Suzuki'sglobal compact SUV.

Volkswagen Ireland has confirmedthat it is to offer the Passat Alltrackin early 2016.

The car, which was revealed at the Geneva MotorShow, will be offered with two power outputs of 150hpand 190hp. Based on the Passat Estate, the Alltrack sits 27.5mmhigher and comes as standard with 4MOTION perma-nent all-wheel drive. VW says it's a perfect towing vehicle (certified up to2,200kg). The car's exterior features modified bumpers (with un-derbody guard in faux stainless-steel), rugged wheelarches and side sill mouldings in 'Anthracite' and sillextensions. Anodised silver roof rails also feature as do 'Alltrack'badges on the radiator grille and tailgate and custom17-inch alloy wheels (upgradable to 18 or 19-inch). Pricing will be in the region of €45,000. Passat Alltrack will go on sale in early 2016.

BMW Hybrid X5The BMW X5 xDrive40e is the first plug-in hy-brid production car from the BMW core brand.It combines the versatility and luxurious ambi-ence of the X5, along with the superb tractionprovided by the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.Plus, with BMW's EfficientDynamics eDrivetechnology, it has outstanding efficiency. The intelligently controlled interaction be-tween the internal combustion engine and theelectric drive together generate a total systemoutput of 313hp.

This power gives the BMW X5 xDrive40e strongacceleration, while delivering a substantial re-duction in fuel consumption and emissions. BMW X5 xDrive40e manages a combined fuelconsumption of up to 85.6mpg and CO2 emis-sions of just 77g/km. The BMW X5 xDrive40e is assembled in parallelwith both the other model variants of the BMWX5 and the BMW X6 on a shared productionline. The BMW X5 xDrive 40e goes on sale this Au-tumn. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Car headlamp beamsthat are directed bythe driver's eyes?

With eye-tracking technol-ogy engineers at Opel arealready busy developingautomotive lighting for theday after tomorrow.

"We've been pursuingthis concept of controllingthe direction and intensityof light based on wherethe driver is looking foraround two years," said In-golf Schneider, Director ofLighting Technology atOpel, when describing theunique collaboration be-tween Opel's InternationalTechnical DevelopmentCentre and the TechnicalUniversity of Darmstadt.

"The more we under-stand the benefits of thistechnology, the more wepush ahead with our jointproject."

See the Light

The Luxury Glenlo AbbeyAManor to which you

can becomeaccustomed...

Galway’s 5 star luxuryhotel, Glenlo Abbey, is

the ideal choice for yourbreakaway in Galway,with unrivalled personalservice it is the perfectplace for either

relaxation or anactivities based holiday.

The wildness ofConnemara is right onour doorstep and the

vibrancy of Galway Cityis only minutes away.

The ideal location forexploring the West ofIreland - With its superbdining options. includingthe River RoomRestaurant overlookingthe estate, the OakCellar Bar, and threeelegant ReceptionsRooms, where guestscan enjoy a relaxingdrink, afternoon tea, ortake time out to relaxand read thenewspapers.

And the PULLMANRESTAURANT ABOARDTHE ORIENT EXPRESS, a66 seater restaurantcomprising of 2 of theoriginal carriages fromthe Orient Express is a“must”

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & SpaOffering one of the best

locations in and aroundDublin, Dunboyne Castle

Hotel & Spa has become known asone of the finest new hotels inIreland. The best of both worldsallow you to easily access all thatDublin city centre and surroundingshopping has to offer and yet thetranquillity of Dunboyne Village ison the doorstep.

Seiod Spa has 18 treatmentrooms and a luxurioushydrotherapy pool.

The Terrace Lounge is adelightful conservatory areaoverlooking the magnificentgardens and is a perfect setting tounwind with a pre-dinner drink.The 2AA Rosette Award WinningRestaurant – The Ivy, where thejourney through your taste budstakes over and for wine lovers aspecial treat is in store. Any visitto Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spawould be incomplete without avisit to the Sadlier Bar, wherelocals gather and mingle with

guests in a friendly festive setting.Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa

features 145 oversized modernguest rooms; 2 junior suitesfeaturing separate bedrooms andliving room areas and twopresidential suites that must beseen to be believed.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa – amust visit hotel with great serviceand stunning facilities. Visitwww.dunboynecastlehotel.comand see the amazing specialoffers.

Harbour Hotel, GalwayThe Harbour Hotel is

the ideal venue toexperience the

excitement and vibrancyof Galway. The HarbourHotel deliver the

complete experiencewith their City Centrewaterfront location is

right in the heart of theGalway City with amplecar parking space, andunrivalled hospitality, itcouldn’t be easier.

Just a 3 minute strollfrom our hotel will takeyou to Eyre Square andthe city centre, includingShop Street and thebustling bars & cafés ofQuay Street. Meanderalong the culturedstreets and enjoy thepace of life unique to theWest of Ireland. You areassured of a very warmwelcome upon arrival.Our team will welcomeyou to our modern,comfortable, familyowned hotel and takeexcellent care of youthroughout your stay.

Breakaways

Breakaways

Ashort drive along the SouthEast coast will bring you toDun Laoghaire, where over-

looking the bay you will find theRoyal Marine Hotel. Steeped inhistory, and a favorite with thelocals, this landmark hotel is animpressive sight on the DunLaoghaire skyline. A hotel hasstood here since 1828. Manycelebrities, and even royaltyhave passed through its doorsover the decades. In 2004 thismagnificent old building closedfor restoration, a painstakinglabour of love by the presentowners.

Situated in an elevated site on4 acres overlooking Dublin Bay,the hotel has stunning views thaton a clear day stretch as far awayas Howth; and yet is still only ashort journey from down-townDublin. The original hotel hasbeen extensively but sympatheti-cally renovated with precise at-tention to detail.

And it is just this same atten-tion to detail, we extend to youas our guest – whether overnightor simply joining us for a drink inour bar or dining in our restau-rant.

The large bay windows and highceilings of the Bay Lounge high-light the grandeur and historicfeel that is central to the hotelstyle. Lavishly furnished it is acomfortable and ideal venue tomeet friends and family for cof-fee, lunch or perhaps to enjoythe age-old tradition of afternoontea whilst overlooking the gar-dens, with spectacular views ofthe harbour. Our resident pianistcompletes the ambience everySaturday afternoon.

Or perhaps dine in relaxedstyle in our Dún Bistro where thedelights of the Restaurant arematched only by the professionalfriendly service and stunningviews over the harbour. Servingan Early Bird Menu, Table d’hote

and a la Carte Menus.Try out lively Hardy’s Bar for a

local drink (named after the fa-mous actors and world famouspartners Laurel & Hardy whostayed in the original Royal Ma-rine Hotel). Food served everyday until 10pm. Live music everySaturday night.

The Pier Health Club offersstate-of-the-art cardio and resist-ance equipment, free weightarea and a luxury 18 metre swim-ming pool. We are proud to offerour members a spacious, relaxedand welcoming environment inwhich to exercise. Or simply re-treat into the hushed tranquillityof the sansanaSpa (the only FailtéIreland ‘comprehensive’ spa inDublin) and choose pamperingdelights from our extensive treat-ment menu.

With so much to choose from,what better way to spend a dayor so than at the beautifully re-stored Royal Marine Hotel…

...With so much to choose from, what better way to spend aday or so than at the beautiful Royal Marine Hotel…

Active Retirement Breaks 2015

Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal • Tel: 074-9721014Email: [email protected]

www.abbeyhoteldonegal.com

The Abbey Hotel is locatedon the main square of thebeautiful coastal town of

Donegal. The small harbourtown lies at the heart of Co.Donegal making it the idealplace to explorer the northwest. The superior 3-star Hotelis right next to Donegal Castle,Donegal Bay Waterbus, Craft

village, Donegal railway andheritage centre, and a shortdistance from Salthill gardens, 2blue flag beaches and some ofDonegal’s top walking and hikingtrails.

Comfortable bedrooms eachfeature a flat-screen TV,telephone and individual privatebathroom. Most rooms also

overlookDonegal Bay andthe River Eske.

The awardwinning MarketHouserestaurant hasa menu ofexcellentinternationalcuisine. Guests

can dine in a room full ofcharacter, and drink from thewide selection of wines.

The Eas Dun Bar, with itsunique 2-tier interior design,offers regular liveentertainment and musicalmost every night of the year.Guests have complimentary useof the leisure centre facilitiesnext door, including a pool, spabath, steam room and gym.

During your visit hotel offerscomplementary parking, freeWi-Fi in all rooms throughoutthe hotel and a voucher ofTea/Coffee and scone. Nosingle room supplementThursday to Sunday. Forweekend rates please contactreception.

Active Retirement breaks in thebeautiful costal town of Donegal

Get away from it all and experience a relaxingmidweek stay at the 4 star Donegal hotel with3 nights B&B and 2 Evening Meals (2-course),

complimentary refreshments on arrival and spathermal session for only €139pps from Sunday -Thursday this Spring. The Forge bar hosts live musicevery Sunday night. Treat yourself to some retailtherapy at McElhinneys Department Store where youcan avail of 20% off as a Villa Rose Guest.

Set in the heart of Donegal in the busy town of

Ballybofey, the Villa Rose is an ideal base to touraround or stay put and relax for the week, read thecomplimentary morning papers or book in for arelaxing spa treatment. If Group Active RetirementBreaks or Dancing for Pleasure is what you are intothen call Leona on 074-9132266 today to request the50+ Active & Dancing Brochure 2015.

4 Star, Family Owned, Town Centre hotelReservations: 074-9132266

Ballybofey, Co Donegal Email: [email protected] • www.villarose.ie

Spring Midweek Breaks1 B&B + Dinner €49pps • 2 B&B + 2 Dinners €99pps

3 B&B + 2 Dinners €139pps*Includes 2-course Dinner, Refreshments on Arrival

Complimentary Spa Session & 20% Vouchers for McElhinney's Dept Store

Dancing Holidays4 Night Ballroom Break, Feb 22-26th €239pp3 Night Ballroom Break, May 4th - 7th €185pp

4 Night Sequence Break, May 10th - 14th €239ppCall us for an Active & Dancing Brochure Today!

Spring & Summer Group Rates Available - Contact Leona for more info.

Active Breaks at The Villa Rose Boutique Hotel and V-Spa

May 20152 Nights B&B & 2 Dinners - €149pps3 Nights B&B & 3 Dinners - €209pps4 Nights B&B & 4 Dinners - €259pps

April 20152 Nights B&B & 2 Dinners - €119pps3 Nights B&B & 3 Dinners - €159pps4 Nights B&B & 4 Dinners - €199pps

With 68 comfortable, spacious rooms, our Hotel is ahaven of peace and tranquility, the perfect setting fora relaxing break. Located adjacent to the famous

Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Knock, we are a 20 minutedrive from Ireland West Airport Knock and just 10 minutesfrom Claremorris Train Station.

Knock House Hotel is ideally positioned to visit TurloughHouse and Museum of Country Life, Westport House andCroagh Patrick, which are all within a 45 minute drive. Andof course, Knock Museum is on our doorstep, capturing theunique and compelling story of the Apparition of 1879 and thefifteen ordinary people who witnessed this extraordinaryevent. Visitors can read original hand-written letters bypeople cured at Knock and listen to pilgrims sharing storiesand memories of Knock. The Apparition is also set in thecontext of life at that time, from living in the thatched houseto working in the forge.

During your break, we are happy to cater for your everyneed and it gives you an opportunity to make new friends andmix with like minded people. We have 6 bedrooms speciallyequipped for those with limited mobility. Enjoy fine dining inthe Four Seasons Restaurant which overlooks a beautiful

garden and captures the magnificent spire of the Basilica.We have earned a great reputation over the years for ourfood, wine and service. Lunches, snacks, hot and coldbeverages available all day in our beautiful limestone Lounge.

To book your stay and avail of our special rates, please callKaren on 094 93 88088.

Page 42 Mature Living February 2014

Why choose a Hotel when you canhave the Luxury of a ResortPlanning a relaxing break away, the ideal location

is Breaffy House Resort which is located in theheart of Co. Mayo. Set on 90 acres of gardens

and rolling woodland. The House dates back to1890, retaining some of its original Country Houseatmosphere whilst offering all of the luxury of amodern day hotel. The Resort is renowned for itswarm welcoming staff with an excellent range offacilities. The Resort includes Spa, Leisure Centrewith 20 metre pool, Sauna and Jacuzzi. The Resortoffers deluxe rooms which include a range of suites,superior, standard rooms with all the facilities thatyour guests would require – direct dial telephone,multichannel colour T.V., radio, hairdryer, trouserpress and tea/coffee making facilities.

This year we have put together an amazing offer of4 nights Dinner B&B and 5th night B&B FREE whenyou book our Golden Breaks package. This offerincludes 3 course dinner each night in the MulberryRestaurant and breakfast each morning, along with5th Night Bed & Breakfast free. Transfers can be

arranged from local bus and train stations based onminimum numbers. Complimentary on site parkingshould you wish to drive. We have chosen a selectionof arrival dates each month which means we canprovide in-house activities such as wine tasting, tabletennis, bowling, grow your own garden and potterypainting. This is the ideal location to explore Mayo.The Hotel is just 20 mins away from the scenic townof Westport. All guests have complimentary use ofthe swimming pool, sauna, seam room, Jacuzzi, andgym. You may also take part in one of our manyclasses, which include Aqua Aerobics, Over 55’sworkout and the increasing popular Zumba. If youfancy some pampering, enjoy some time out inBreaffy Spa. Which offers a range of facial, body andmassage treatments to leave you feeling relaxed andrejuvenated. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at leisurebetween 7:30am –10:30am each morning and Dinnereach between 6:30pm – 8:45pm. The Mulberry Barserves food for 12-9pm each day for snacks, lightbites and main courses.

To Book: Call us now on 094 90 22033 or email [email protected] Bookings on line

www.breaffyhouseresort.com

4 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast€199 pp5th Night B&B FREEOffer Available Selected Dates Only – Call for Details

Escape to Breaffy House Resort to Relax, Unwind and Revive

INCLUDES:Full complimentary daily and

nightly entertainment program Transfers local Bus & Train Station Use of the leisure centre facilities

One of the best places to base a home holiday or aweek-end break is, undoubtedly, the Lough AllenHotel in County Leitrim. Situated on the shores of

Lough Allen, only 14 km from the bustling town ofCarrick on Shannon, it is only a short walk to the townof Drumshanbo.

The hotel has offerings to compare with the tophotels in Ireland and also has the stunning Leitrimcountryside. Spa treatments, leisure centre and asumptuous candlelight dinner are all part of what’s onoffer for an unforgettable break. A family re-union can

be rounded off with a lavish evening mealIt is an ideal wedding venue or conference centre.

The central location of the hotel in Leitrim facilitatestours and visits to the surrounding unspoiledcountryside. The location facilitates visits to the manynearby lakes that comprise the Leitrim countryside andshopping in nearby Sligo or Enniskillen A visit to LoughAllen hotel & Spa in Drumshanbo is a must and there arepackages to suit any budget.

Visit the stunning Leitrim countryside

2 Nights B&B for 2 people Only €99Available Sun-Thur Only...€49.50pps

Please mention Mature Living Leinster when booking

Mid Week 2 Nights B&B Offer

Drumshanbo • Co Leitrim www.loughallenhotel.com

To Book Call 071-9640100 or [email protected]

Join us at the 3-star Knock House Hotel andenjoy the beautiful countryside in the heartof County Mayo.

Boyle, Co. Roscommon Telephone: 071-9670010 Email Us: [email protected] • www.pureflowers.ie

• Traditional Tin Smiths • Copper • Aluminium• Zinc • Stainless Steel • Lead

• Titanium • Natural Slate • Ornamentation

GG Roofing, The Grove, Kilmovee, Co. MayoPhone: 087 2437259/094 9649296

Email: [email protected] • www.ggroofing.ie

All forms of cladding & roofing in tradition standing seam and battenroll in Copper, Zinc, Aluminium Stainless steel and Lead Sheet.

Specialist flashing kits for chimneys,dormers, box gutter valleys andpitched valleys for slated roofs.

Design, layout and detailing services for both commercial and privateprojects.

Welding and fabricating of Stainless Steel and aluminium.

Services Directory

Creating the perfect personalised momento of

those we dearly miss

For a consultation in our comfortable surroundings, please pop in to our shop

Upstairs at JT Office Supplies, Ballina, Co. Mayo.

Tel: 086 7792771 Tel: [email protected] • www.westpest.ie

• Free 24/7 Call out service• Free Surveys

• Discreet soloutions• Regular Inspections

• Senior Citizen DiscountsWest Pest is an expert pest control companybased in the West of Ireland but covering allareas. We cater for domestic, commercial andagricultural customers. We deal with all pests

including: Rats, Mice, Wasps, Bees, Flies,Ants, Cockroaches, Fleas, Bedbugs, Pigeons

and other Wild Birds.We will respond to any emergency

within an hour.

CHIMNEY PROBLEMSFREEFONE: 1800 200 510

Relining, Repairing, RebuildingNormally no opening of walls ,

Free Insurance Quotes, National Guild ofMaster Craftsman

NATIONWIDE SERVICE

Oil Kits Supplied and Fitted, Stoves and

Ranges Fitted

Declan 087-9974893

Middleton TravelMiddleton Travel Sligo - People on the move

We can cater for all your trips:• Family Outings

• Airport Transfers • The Races• Golfing Trips

• Sporting Trips • Stag & Hen Parties• Corporate Events • Office Parties

Middleton Travel, 11 The Elms, Woodtown Lodge, Sligo Tel: 071-9162890 • Francie: 086-8143464

Keith: 087-2918668Email: [email protected]

www.middletontravelsligo.com

Chiropodist: Martin Mc NallyTel: 087 222 6260

Westport, Co. Mayo

WestportFoot Clinic

Contact: Tom RogersStrokestown, Co. Roscommon

SAME DAY COLLECTION SERVICESERVICING LEITRIM & SLIGO FARMERS FOR

OVER 20 YEARS

071-9634783 / 9633344Only Licensed Knackers Yard & Service in NorthWest

Lowest Prices and Daily Collection Guaranteed

DEAD AND WORN-OUT

ANIMALS

TREACY COACHES BALLINA

Daily Service to SLIGO - departs

Ballina at 7.30amand departs SLIGO IT at

5.15pm Monday to Friday* We Accept Travel Passes *

Enquiries tel: 096-22563

Services Directory

Call or e-mail today: Ashlee DolanPhone: 085 194 6653

[email protected]

Covering the Connacht areaSit Happenz will travel outside of Connacht

www.sithappenz.wix.com/sithappez

In home dog training service. Teachingpuppies & old dogs new tricks.

Sit Happenz is a professional in home dog training provided by Cer!fied

Animal Behavior Consultant Ashlee Dolan, CABC.

East BrothersGARDEN MACHINERY

• Petrol Chainsaws for Property Maintenance• Chainsaws for Agriculture and Horticulture

• Electric / Cordless Chainsaws

BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMONTel/Fax: 071-9662710 • Mobile: 086-2427554

FREE CONSULTATIONIN YOUR HOME

OR OUR SHOWROOMS.

Harmony Hill, Sligo Tel: 071-91-45810

Tolan Street, Ballina Tel: 096-24763www.tegre.ie

Shane McDonaghTree Surgery andAgri Contractor

• Tree Pruning / Reduction• Tree Removal & Hedge Maintenance

• Stump Grinding and Log SplittingFully Insured

Tel: 087-2116836

McGowan'sFUNERAL DIRECTORS

Emmet St, Ballina,Co. Mayo

Tel: 096-70669Anytime

Email: [email protected]: www.ballinafuneralhome.ie

Phone: 071-9162140 Market House, Market Yard, Sligowww.sligofuneralhome.ie [email protected]

All Services Provided

Authorised representative ofHorizon Funeral Planning

Talk to us today for help and advice in your Pre-Need arangements

KSC PAVING & DECKINGCENTRE, BALLINA

• PATIO SLAB • BRICK PAVING• FENCING • COLOURED CHIPPING

• DESIGN • SUPPLY •FIT

STONEWORKS• WISHING WELLS • GARDEN WALLS• FISH PONDS • STONE ROCKERIES

• BUILD • SUPPLY • DESIGN

GRAVE CARE• COLOURED CHIPPINGS

• SLABS • BARK• FANCY BRICKWORK

• SUPPLY • FIT • MAINTENANCE FREE

WHEELIE BINSERVICE

SKIP HIRE(All Sizes)

096-32500www.loftusrecycling.com

Call Martin on 086-0316833

Meet You Here COFFEE HOUSE & ART GALLERY

Cathedral Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Open 8am - 5pm • Tel: 087-7095874

Winner Of Best Causual Dining In Rosscommon

Open for Homemade Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner, Coffee and Drinks

Professional & amateur artists display their workat the ‘Meet You Here’ Coffee House - These pieces

are also for sale at an affordable price.

We also retail special gifts for that special someone.

Services Directory

Quality, Affordable HomecareIn Your Community

Providing dedicated homecare across the West,Northwest and Midlands since 1996

Choose RHS Home Services - World Class,Quality Homecare in Your Community

For Your Free No Obliga"on Consulta"on Call Us Now:Roscommon: 09066-25988Galway: 091 388785 Mayo: 09493 82156www.rhshomeservices.ie

Why se#le for a franchise when you can choosea local, proven homecare service?

• Home Help • Light Housekeeping• Care of the Elderly • Overnight Care

• Meal Prepara"on• Personal Care• Companionship • Respite Care

• Full dealer service facilities• Full Mechanical Repairs• Star Diagnostic Service

MERCEDES SERVICETEL: 086-0563130

Get the same serviceas your main

dealer at a fraction ofthe price!

Keane’s Garage

Urlaur, Killkelly, Co, Mayo Tel: 094-9649006 - www.keanesgarage.com

Roll-R-Doors, Derryhillagh, Castlehill, Ballina, Co. MayoTel: 096-51382 • Mob: 086-1650132

[email protected] • www.rollrdoors.ie

Roll-R-Doors offer a full range of Domestic and IndustrialGarage Doors and Accessories. Specialising in both

replacement and removal of old doors with new garagedoors and installation of new garage doors, Give Roll-R-Doors a call on 086 165 0132 to see what we can do for

your projects needs.

Contact John Foy on M: 085-8893518• T: 071-9164532

"We don’t just treat, wesolve the problem"

Sligo Pest Control has over 12 years experience in treat-ing domestic and commercial pests.

Pests treated include mice, rats, bed bugs, flies, fleas,wasps and bees, woodworm and birds.

We are fully qualified, fully insured and can supply references if required.

Market Cross , Sligo | T: 071 91 38775Manorhamilton | T: 071 98 55444

Carrick-on-Shannon | T: 071 9671850Open Mon-Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm

Eyecare for your Family

www.mcpartlanopticians.ie [email protected]

Stonemasonry ServicesConstructionRestorationMemorials

086-1953006 / 096-30003

Western Mobility

LO CALL 1890-253038Mobile: 087-7783633

StairliftsStraight & Curved

• Platform Lifts

• Level Access Showers

• Walk in baths

Free no obligation survey

Axis Business Park, Clara Road, Tullamore, Co. OffalyTel. 05793 – 51277

TEL: 086-240 7844 • [email protected]

Steel Garden Sheds,Garages & Tegkon

Custom Steel Buildings

Call Kieran on 0878343755Email: homesinsula"[email protected]

• Powerwall External Insula"on Contractor Grants up to €3600.00

• Cavity Wall / A$c Insula"on BER Grants up to €500.00

• Extensions, New Buildings, Roof, A$c Conversions, etc

‘Don’t delay, LAST chance to avail of grants’

We use eZeroThe new genera"on

of Insula"on

Services Directory

SLIGO

PHONE: 087-2066910 / 071-9197925www.terrysstoves.com

[email protected]

Buying a Stove???Talk to Terry first• Free Survey Available• Solid Fuel Stoves• Gas Fires

WARNING!!!Upto 80% of Heat Generated by anOpen Fire and almost 20% of Heatfrom your Central Hea!ng System

escapes up an open Chimney!Prevent this wastage!

CHIMNEY REPAIRS IRELAND

Tel : Office 1800 283067 / 087-7997671www.chimneyrepairs.ie

• 20 year guarantee • 25 years experience• Relining and rebuilding• Smoke and soot problems solved• Free estimates• Free assistance with

insurance claims

Drumkeerin Stone

Golden Gravel Suitable for Driveways, Paths,

Flowerbeds etc.Available in 6mm,14mm,20mm and

30mm stone mulch.Building sand and Golden blinding.Supplied in ton bags or bulk loads.

Na!onwide delivery available.

Tel: 086-8142496Ariel Dym 096-70993

• 086-8978395

www.ap-motors.eu

• Servicing • Panel Beating• Tracking • Parts• Light Setting• NCT Preparation• Valeting • Recovery

Unit 2, Ardnaree, Ballina, Co. Mayo

5%Discountwith this Advert

TEL: 096-72652 BOB: 087-9852827 • GERRY: 086-8581961

PADRAIG BURKE Funeral Directors

Rosebank, Attyrory, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Tel: 087-9385571 / 071-9621343email: [email protected]

WE ARE THERE FOR YOU TO PROVIDE EXCELLENCE IN FUNERAL

CARE WHEN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY NEED IT MOST.

All Services ProvidedAuthorised Representative of Horizon Funeral Planning

GS GORDON SHERLOCKCONTRACTS

Telephone: 071-91-30070 • Mob: 087-2969872www.sligotarmac.com

Specialising in laying tarmacadam, asphaltand stone mastick asphalt.

From small household driveways to tennis courts, large industrial areas, farm roads, estates, car parks and more• 25 years of experience in the Tarmacadam business

• Free Advice and quotations • Fully insured

We are confident that our workmanship wil impress anyone, we can count on our pastcustomers to verify our professionalism and attention to the finest detail.

Specialists in tarmac & asphalt driveways

Is sport an important part ofyour life? Does your visionallow you to maximise yoursporting potential?At Deirdre Cooke Opticians, we carry a wide range of sports eyewear, the majority of which can be fitted with your pre-scription so no excuses for not improving yourgame!We carry frames and eyewear suitable for:•Cycling •Swimming • Skiing • Diving • Football• Fishing • Shooting • Golfing • Contact Lenses• Just to name a few...

We also carry Maui Jim Sunglasses which are polarised for UV protection, and where suitable, you can be fitted with contact lenses for unhindered movement andfreedom, without glasses getting in the way.

Lo-call: 1850 818 500 Visit: www.irishstairlifts.ie

The Luxury FLOW 2 stairliftwill glide you up & downyour stairs effortlessly

Are you breathless when climbing your stairs? Are you worried about falling on your stairs?

We can help!

• Extended Warranties are available when you mention this advert.

• Call us now to arrange a FREE survey and quotation

• Trust your safety on the stairs to us!

• Fully trained and manufacturer certified friendly fitters

Professional Relationship Counselling

Couples & IndividualsFees Based on Personal circumstances

Ballina 096-21478 [email protected]

Castlebar [email protected]

Charlestown 094-9254944 [email protected]

Feature ArticleServices Directory

• Water Analysis• Water Filtration• Water Softening• Well Drilling• Pump Supplied and Fitted• Rain Water Collection & Purification• Sewage Treatment Systems

IN THE BUSINESS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

Email: [email protected]: www.waterteck.com

Phone: 086-8072249 071-9658976

Furniture recovering and restoration including covering of chairs, 3 piece suites,headboards, car seats and boat seats.

Hotel and Bar seating, Office furniture and other Contract / Commercial furniture.Repair of sails, tents and other outdoor gear for sports and leisure.

We provide a service of Colour consultancy and Interior advice.

We retail upholstery fabrics and essentials. Collection and delivery can be arranged at a small fee,

depending on distance.Boradruma, Snugboro, Castlebar • Tel: 094 9023532 / 086 8350608

Open Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm Visit us online at www.boradrumaupholstery.ie

Rehabilitation Cent!e specialising inthe t!eat"ent of alcohol, dr#gs, gambling and other dependencies.

Addic!on Treatment Centre

Call in confidence: 094"9256888Email: hopehouse#eircom.net

www.hopehouse.ie

Hope House... “where recover$ begins”

Foxford, Co. Mayo

HEAR Ltd.2014HEARING CLINICGerard Feeney BSC, MSHAA, MISHAA, MIHS

Hearing Aid Consulta!on will a"end:

Matt O’Flaherty Chemists, William Street,Galway. Tel: 091- 556664

Mc Sharry's Pharmacy, Golden Island,Athlone, Co. Westmeath Tel: 090-6474799

Hayes & Hayes Pharmacy, St. Brendans Street, Portumna. Tel: 090-9741025

Stauntons Pharmacy, Main Street, CastlebarTel: 094-9024045

Appointment NecessaryFREE HEARING TEST, CONSULTATION AND ADVICE

Latest Digital Technology Available.PRSI Grants of up to 50% per aid may apply.

Repairs to all makes of hearing aids.

GIBLIN STONE...everlastingChoosing a memorial

for a loved one is avery personal thing.

Quality • Experience• Service

GRANITE COUNTERS& FIREPLACES IN MARBLE, GRANITE

ALSO AVAILABLE, CALL US TODAYFOR DETAILS

Church Street, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo Phone: James 087 9061833

• Brian 086 1957788

www.giblinstone.com

N5 Moneen Business Park, Castlebar, Co. MayoTel: 094-9026373 • Fax: 094-9024353

Email: [email protected]

• 50 Litre Sealed Bags • Cubic Metre Sacks Compost / Veggie Mix

• Bulk Loads Trailer pickup & can deliver

Union Wood Road, BallisodareCall to Yard or Phone

0879756455

COMPOST FOR SALE

Pure Organic Compost IdealSoil Enricher

MALE 60’S Enjoys swimming, walking, cook-ing, the outdoors, gardening,people. Would like to meet akind sincere female for company/ friendship. Life could be bet-ter with you. North Mayo area.Please reply if you are inter-ested.Replies with a stamped envelopeto Box number 1205 at the address below.

SINGLE LADY, Would like tomeet man late forties - earlyfifties. I have m,any interests,love music, all osrts. Pleasereply if you are interested.Replies with a stamped envelopeto Box number 1201 at the ad-dress below.

UP FOR A BIT OF CRAICMature prof. Lady, good sense ofhumour is looking for ‘kinda’handsome, good natured, GSOH,sensible, house trained gent, 65-

ish plus, who likes fun date out,cosy nights in, dancing & singingto a new beginning with a happyending. Replies with a stampedenvelope to Box number 1111 atthe address below.

GREEN ACRES Single man, 55,good jobm would like to meetsincere lady, foreign ladiesplease reply too!Replies with a stamped envelopeto Box number 1101 at the ad-dress below.

SINGLE MATURE GALWAY MANGSOH, likes music, dancing,sport, reading, photography,sogs. would like to meet honestsincere carling, n/s womanReplies in a stamped envelopeto box number 1150 at the usualaddress.

NORTHWEST LADYSingle, sincere, loves dancing,drama, creativity and adventuretravel. N/S 40+ would like toshare part of my jorney with you.Replies with a stamped envelopeto box number 1115

HANDSOME 49 SINGLE MANOwn H.A.C. Would like to meetany single or seperated lady 30’s

to late 40’s Pretty attractive,honest sincere and understand-ing. Replies in a stamped enve-lope to box number 1155 at theusual address.

PRETTY TALL SLIM 60’SRetired nurse many interests,wltm gentleman over 6ft tall tohave and to hold for yhe rest ofour lives to enjoy ala. Leinster.Replies in a stamped envelope tobox number 1080 at the usual ad-dress.

FREE DATING*

CLASSIFIEDTHE FOLLOWING DETAILS AREFOR OFFICE USE ONLY ANDWILL NOT BE PUBLISHED.These details MUST be com-pleted for all adverts

NAME:

ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE NUMBER:

WRITE YOUR ADVERT HERE:

(MAX 30 WORDS) - *Phone numbers will not be included in these adverts.

Post the completed form to Mature Living Magazine, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. SligoSTRICTLY PRIVATE ADVERTISERS ONLY - BUSINESSES CAN CALL 071-9154538 AND SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY SALES REPRESENTATIVES ABOUT OUR EXCELLENT RATES.

• Rollers • Tracks • Hinges • Door Realignment • Locks • Multilocking systems etc

Over 20 years experience servicing Irish windowsand doors. Fully insured

GLASS PARTS ETC REPLACED

Brendan Gormley: 071-9183860 / 087-2562669

Expert patio door repairs!

Aluminium & PVC RepairsTo windows, doors and patio doors

Services Directory

Far Finisklin Road, Sligo Tel: 07191 61924

[email protected] • www.sligoglass.com "pride in our work"

Heat Resistant Stove GlassWe can Cut Robax Stove Glass to required

Size & Shape While U Wait....

We Always have Stove Glass in Stock & can cut it while you wait.

SCHOTT ROBAX is aheat resistant Ceramic

Glass, suitable For99% of WoodburningStoves & Fireplaces

Robax has anextremely low

thermal expansionwhich allows it not to

be effected byextremely high

temperatures orsudden

temperature changes.


DATING CLASSIFIEDS

WEST OF IRELANDWINDOWS &

DOORS SERVICING

Repairs to all makes of Windows & Doors, Fogged

Units, Hinges & HandlesReplaced.

Tel: 087-3542249

TANK CLEANBoyle, Co. Roscommon • Septic Tanks EmptiedPre-Cast Sewage Treatment UnitsSeptic Tanks & Rainwater Tanks Supplied & FittedNew Percolation Areas & Polishing Filters InstalledAll Work to EPA StandardPermit No. 13-11160-01

Call today for a site visit - David Regan: 087-9125128 • Boyle, Co. Roscommon

PADRAIC CRYANSTONE WORK

Call Padraic on (086) 2867950 todayfor a FREE no hassle quota!on

Based in Roscommon, Padraic Cryan Stone & BlockworkServices is an Irish company with over 16 years experience inthe Irish Construc!on Industry that prides itself on exceedingcustomer expecta!ons and delivering all work on budget and

within the agreed !meframe.

We provide General Building work from Restora!ons to NewBuilds, and Stoneworks and are happy to meet you at your

convenience and provide you with a quota!on.

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Mature Living Magazine