Opinion
Who cares for our legion of carers?
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS To borrow from the Liberator Daniel O’Connell, if you throw your hat over any community in Ireland, you’d hit someone, many even, volunteering as a full-time carer. According to Family Carers Ireland, there are 500,000 carers, often working silently away, often unseen by many. They save the …
Nicky Roche-Absent Without Leave in Callan
By John Fitzgerald Many Callan men flocked to join the defence forces over the years, but at least one of them didn’t share his comrades’ fondness for army life. Nicky Roche of Kilbride (and later Mill Street) became allergic to the marching, training, saluting, parade ground antics, and just about anything of a military nature …
Sneezes, pollen, and unexpected allergy chaos
CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton This time of year can cause suffering for so many people due to pollen which can trigger :sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and other symptoms. It’s a time of dread for those with seasonal allergies. I am allergic to cigarette smoke, female cats and Royal Jelly which is …
The ego shouts. Wisdom whispers. And more…
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran “Are you emotional?” I was asked. We were having our regular friendly drinks together. “Am I what?” I replied. “I get emotional watching the Angelus.” And I do. I got very emotional watching that scene they used to air a while back: a mother and daughter, with special needs, making a …
Why is fibre so important?
BY CLAIR WHITTY Fibre is one of the most overlooked nutrients in our diet, and it plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and preventing disease. It’s found only in plant-based foods. When we think of fibre we think of maintaining good digestion and healthy bowel function so that we don’t get constipated. This …
Where being insured could save us all money
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON Bills can induce a nasty sinking feeling can’t they? Especially insurance bills. The sums involved are large, getting bigger by the year, and, unless you have a problem, you generally don’t get anything back …. except peace of mind. By the time you insure your health, you home …
Monzo latest to cash in on online banking
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Last month Monzo officially launched in Ireland, a UK fintech that already serves millions with the promise of becoming a bank we might actually love. With a waiting list of 100,000 customers, the company is offering free current and savings accounts, an Irish IBAN, and up to 1.6% interest on …
Facts are, Leo need not have apologised
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS I realise I’m skating on thin ice, being an urban man writing for a relatively rural readership, when it comes to commenting on Leo Varadkar’s statement about who pays for, and who gets more from, services in this country. Remarks that have caused more than a modicum …
War of words between Trump and the Pope
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS The criticism of Donald Trump by Pope Leo XIV over the US president’s depiction of himself as Jesus and Trump’s dismissal of the American-born pontiff as “not doing a good job” is nothing new. Tensions between the two have been bubbling under since before this latest war …
The many sounds of silence
CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton Recently, sitting alone, in the dentist’s waiting room, I became aware of an inane chat-show on the radio near me. It was annoying to say the least… bubble gum for the brain! I turned it right down, relaxed and tuned in to my own breathing pattern. Why is …
