Opinion
The high cost of going back to school
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR It is nearly August and you’re staring at your bank account wondering how on earth you’ll cover all those back-to-school expenses without going into the red. Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone. The Irish League of Credit Unions’ (ILCU) latest survey is out, and it’s got some eye-opening numbers that …
Respect needed for our referendum decision
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON Oh no, not that again! A UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) has suggested that we rerun the amendment of article 41.2 of the Constitution. We hardly need reminding that the changes supported by politicians in every party, save for Aontu, which sought to …
Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Some things in life we take for granted. Like water, particularly as we are literally surrounded by it. Although the unusual hot summer we’ve been having may have dampened a little, hosepipe bans introduced in several parts of the country appear to have also dampened local demand …
Book celebrates “life-enhancing” care home
BY JOHN FITZGERALD An “absolute treasure” and “a compelling piece of social history”: Just a few of the accolades for a new book about a remarkable County Kilkenny care home Mount Carmel in Callan has celebrated the 40th anniversary of its foundation and to coincide with this milestone, retired secondary school Principal Frank McKenna launched his book …
How to Improve your Sleep Health
BY CLAIR WHITTY Those of you who know me, know that sleep has been a challenge for me over the years. I think many of you can relate to those nights when falling asleep can be difficult. You lie there, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling while the hours tick by. A busy mind, …
Train Your Brain
Harness the natural way your brain can change to improve pain By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). Impermanence is one of the few certainties in life. Nothing is ever quite the same as it was before, everything is in a state of change, adapting to the world around it. Our brains are …
Callan’s Field of Dreams…
BY JOHN FITZGERALD Part 2 Last week I recounted the glory days of the Callan Motte- better known as the Moat- back in the 14th century, when it was home to a Castle on the Hill and powerful Norman lords, ladies, and knights-at-arms. A little of its former glory returned with the carnivals of 1959, ’62, …
Back Pain – reduce your risk
What really reduces the risk of back pain – a chartered physiotherapist’s advice By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). Back pain is extremely common, but rarely serious. People generally recover without the need for any treatment – often easing back from bothersome activities or movements and gradually returning to them over a …
How do you know when to take a multi-vitamin
BY CLAIR WHITTY How do you know when you need to take a multi-vitamin? I often get asked this. The answer depends on your diet and lifestyle. For example, if you have a healthy diet, moderate exercise, healthy sleep, and no stress in your life, then you probably don’t need a multi-vitamin. But, how many …
Gatsby, Stellenbosch and ‘The Big Yin’!
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran Okay, folks, off with the sun hats (they’re well off, says you) and put on your thinking caps for Moran’s: Scintillating Summer Quiz Special – best approached over a strong coffee or something even stronger at the bar, or wherever. Quiz rating: 20 – 25 Fair. 25 – 30 Good. 30 …
