By John Fitzgerald The Sisters of Mercy were the great teachers in Callan for decades. But they also had a strict code of discipline in the early part of the twentieth century. Learning through kindness and a politically correct teaching method was unheard of-with rare exceptions: The infamous Bata-a long ruler or skilfully crafted stick-was …

BY CLAIR WHITTY By now we all have seen the benefits of creatine monohydrate to help build muscle in the gym. Big muscular men (and women), working out with a glass of creatine in one hand and a barbell in the other. As well as helping with muscle building there is increasing evidence that it …

CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton The transition into very hot weather feels rather sudden. Last week there was cold air from Siberia and I was well wrapped up against it. This week my body is trying to adapt to extreme heat. It’s very confusing and doesn’t feel right at all. When I was …

FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran Two things I hate. (Only two, Ger? Okay maybe three, now moving rapidly on). Two things I hate: I’m searching for a space in a busy parking lot, I spy one just up ahead but as I’m approaching someone cheekily shoots in before me. Hate that. I curse and swear and …

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Summer is here and whether it is sunny or pouring (typical Irish weather!), it is the perfect time to dive into a good book about your finances. You do not need to be a financial expert to enjoy these. They offer straightforward, practical ideas that can really help you get …

AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON Emigration is in our genes. Since 1800 around 10 million people have left Ireland. But once upon a time, people left largely because, without work or hope, they had to. Now leaving is likely to be a choice. Around 65,000 to 69,000 leave Ireland each year, but only …