Opinion
Vegan Essential Foods for Balanced Die
BY CLAIR WHITTY Are you planning on trying a vegan lifestyle or planning a meat free day per week? Are you wondering where to start? I spoke with Cal in our Kilkenny store who is vegan and I asked him for some tips to help you on your quest. Cal’s top items to have in …
The Hairy Bikers: where adventure meets the kitchen
THE LAST WORD By Pat Coughlan When I first stumbled upon the TV show The Hairy Bikers, I found myself drawn into a world where adventure meets the kitchen. Hosts Si King and Dave Myers effortlessly blended their love for cooking with the simple joy of exploration. Their show wasn’t just about recipes; it was …
Recalling Gary Lynch and ‘Moscow’ Larkin
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran Gary Lynch passed away on January 17. I loved Gary. Did I tell him that? Don’t be daft. Men don’t tell each other that they love each other (but we should). I feel I’d known Gary all my life. That said I am desperately trying to remember when and where I …
Inflation: We’re not out of the woods yet
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR As inflation eases and mortgage interest rates drop, 2025 brings a mixed bag for consumers. While new tax rules offer some relief, a slew of price hikes across energy, broadband, insurance, and groceries threatens to stretch household budgets. Here is a detailed look at what is rising and how you …
Negotiating the ‘smarts’ of the deal …
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON We have seen the results of plenty of wheeling and dealing recently. Some of the bargaining has resulted in deals being struck, while some have been abandoned or fallen apart. By far the most dramatic has been the sudden agreement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in …
Reeling in the years, and getting older
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS It seems like it was only yesterday that I wrote in this column, Where did that year go, what with 2024 just upon us? Now, here I am again, wondering where the last 12 months went. I may not be any the wiser but I am, unfortunately, …
Now good time to reappraise your mortgage
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR The housing and financial markets are experiencing significant shifts as 2025 unfolds, driven by a robust economy, people’s changing needs and reduction in interest rates. Trevor Grant, of Irish Mortgage Advisors, notes an increase in first-time buyer mortgage approvals, signalling strong demand for home ownership. This trend, fuelled by uncertainty …
Playing the blame game only leads to trouble
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON In the wake of the devastating wild fires that reduced whole neighbourhoods of Los Angles to ash the blame game caught light. Locals blamed water shortages, cutbacks, possible arson and poor forest management for the inferno. President-elect Donal Trump, never slow to point the finger, accused local leaders …
Our Universe: What in the world do we know?
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS It is 2004 and I am traversing South Africa to write a major national newspaper report on the country celebrating 10 years of independence. I am travelling with the South Africa Ambassador to Ireland, Melanie Verwoerd – one-time partner of the late Gerry Ryan – the youngest, …
Supplements to support your new year fitness regime
BY CLAIR WHITTY Last week myself and AoifeRose looked at ways to get motivated for the new year and we promised that we would talk about some supplements that might help you achieve your goals. If you are worried about getting colds and flu if you go out and about mixing with people, I suggest …
