Opinion
Old Time Fun and Games
PART FOUR BY JOHN FITZGERALD The sports days at Ballyclovin, near Callan were legendary. Peter Roughan, who penned the weekly Callan Man Looks Back column, recalled how in one memorable outing, local teacher Tom Frisby took a set of china after beating all rivals in a race. Jack Commons came second, and had to be content with …
Winter Wellness for the little ones
BY CLAIR WHITTY The kids are not long back to school and already I am seeing lots of infection going around. Parents are looking for ways to help keep their young ones from missing any school days. Especially anyone in exam years. I thought you might like a little reminder of some of the natural …
OLD TIME FUN AND GAMES
PART THREE BY JOHN FITZGERALD Continuing the story of the Callan “Street League” showdowns… The meetings at which match challenges were agreed upon were held at a variety of venues. Peter Roughan gave a few examples: Hickey’s Forge, the back of the Academy, and Jackie Croke’s barn. When a ball needed mending, Johnny Walsh, the …
Farewell ‘old friend’, thank you for the music and positivity
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran ‘Take care, old friend, and regards to Ka.” Those were the last words Billy Murphy shared with me some days before his passing on January 25. We bumped into each other, as we often did, in Supervalu in Loughboy. I don’t recall exactly what we spoke about (Man U, the team …
Grip of doubt continues in du Plantier’s murder
AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON The death of chief suspect Ian Bailey for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier has stirred up a further storm of questions over the unsolved case. Did Ian Bailey get away with murder as Joe Duffy bluntly asked on Live Line following Bailey’s fatal heart attack? Whatever the …
Refugees: we may need an ‘Ireland full-up’ sign
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS As I write, protesters are still outside a hotel in Co Tipperary demonstrating against plans to house international protection applicants. The Department of Integration said 160 beds – some now occupied – were being provided in Racket Hall, in Roscrea, the town’s only hotel. Most residents claim …
The Posture Myth
A chartered physiotherapist’s take on a misunderstood topic By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist. We have had it wrong this whole time. Posture is not that important for back health. Yes, it’s a good idea to sit tall with your shoulders back at a job interview, and sometimes brief changes in posture can give temporary relief from pain. But for long-term back health, focusing on posture is …
What the rules are governing a carer pension
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Last week we looked at some of the changes coming down the line for the State pension (contributory). This week we look at the pension for caregivers. A Pensions Commission was established in November 2020 to examine the sustainability of the State pension system and the Social Insurance Fund, comprised …
Transforming those old houses into new homes
AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON That term ‘property porn’, was new to me until it came up prior to the launch of TV architect Dermot Bannon’s new series of Room To Improve where he helps transform humdrum homes. Bannon admitted that he might be to blame for people feeling inadequate when they didn’t have …
At last, some good news for future pensioners
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR In a recent landmark announcement, the Government has revealed a series of significant changes to the State Pension (Contributory), promising flexibility and improved benefits for those aged 66 and above. The most striking development is the decision to maintain the State Pension Age at 66, contrary to recommendations from the …
