Opinion
How your home may be a gift to the taxman
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON “In this world nothing can be certain but death and taxes,” wrote Benjamin Franklin. When it comes to inheritance, the two, combined, can pose uncomfortable questions over when you may die and how much Revenue is going to grab from what you hoped to pass on to the …
When I’d ball my eyes out for poor Jesus
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS In the Catholic upbringing of my youth, there was no more an austere day than Good Friday. Curtains were drawn – as respect for the death of Christ – we children were not allowed play football out on the road – indeed, play at all – and …
Whispers of spirits secrets and the hidden world
CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton Last week I saw a brilliant production of “The Weir” in Thomastown Community Hall. It was a very intense claustrophobic play set in a rural pub. There were only 5 actors, and it revolved round local gossip and reminiscing. As the drink flowed the talk turns to talk …
Shoot-out at Garryricken House
By John Fitzgerald (Part two) In March1921, six members of the Callan IRA Flying Column sought shelter at the Luttrell farmhouse: Paddy Ryan, Ned Aylward, Jimmy Leahy, Paddy Luttrell, Sean Quinn, and Jim McKenna. The Luttrell family welcomed them and they opted to spend the night in the unoccupied Garryricken House. But someone had tipped off the …
Healthy Weight Support
BY CLAIR WHITTY As many as 80% of people are tyring to lose weight and it is not always as easy to do as some people think. There are many reasons why we gain a few extra pounds that end up being difficult to shift. Low mood, hormone changes, perimenopause, pregnancy, sluggish metabolism and medication …
Basic learning needs to avoid that empty wallet
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR More than a third of Irish adults fail to grasp basic financial concepts. The figure jumps to nearly 70% among 18- to 24-year-olds, according to a recent nationwide survey commissioned by global insurance group NFP Ireland. When 1,000 adults were questioned on practical topics such as pensions, tax relief, insurance, …
Time for a bug safari in your garden
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON From 1:am this Sunday it will be later than you think! Clocks will spring forward thanks to Daylight Saving, a change to take advantage of long hours of summer daylight which has been happening since 1908. Thankfully, the EU plan to do away with it was dropped during …
On the borderline of better migrants law
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Last Friday marked International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and in the same week comes a report that the Government is planning major new policies on migrants. Friday’s campaign was the Immigrant Council of Ireland’s national day of celebration of diversity and inclusion, dedicated to …
Why woman are their own retiring lot
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR New research from Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland has thrown a spotlight on a stark reality facing many women as they approach retirement. There is a 31% gender pension gap. According to the study of working adults over 50, women are retiring with significantly less saved than men, a shortfall …
Belated Mother’s Day greeting from Earth’s Storm-Children
CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton We love our mother, she’s yours as well. Her name is Gaia. She was born long ago in the Big Bang and is meant to live forever. She’s the most beautiful being in our solar family. Earth, our mother, Gaia, is a stunning, remarkable beauty, flowing with bountiful …
