WW13 2020

YOUR SPECIAL STAY AT HOME ISSUEIRRYEAEOLALAULDNRD

YOUR LIFE YOUR WEEK YOUR READ

JOE WICKS FLOUR
POWER
KEEPING KIDS

10 WAYS fmobraakkheoermsse

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2 WOMANSWAY.IE

Contents Pg 10 Pg 11

On the cover COMPETITION

4 Andrea Hayes WSVHOINOUECAHH€OE2RR0N0 Regulars
8 Home dye tips
23 Gardening advice Csaanpdriacle ye ow 18 Parenting
24 Self-isolating tips 28 Puzzles
32 Mum of the Year Rsiaenkderaclro bar 34 Knitting
42 Reader fiction 38 New in books
52 Una Power Rmieeksehrsdnoevae kgerrey 40 Reader fiction
56 Joe Wicks Rieker floral trainer 46 Soaps & TV
57 Get active at home 48 Self-Made
April 6, 2020 58 Easy bread recipes W€O2R0T0HWproinndt ewrsedlgeoepard 50 It’s your letters
Vol.57 Issue 13 Wleaaltdhlearutrfaeirnredr FSiNanvovhwcnsaarsitaIootObtonprniortelutSreiohlirffhchuareerhleuiuaeaoenctnstonnayrst’htrtesrsitiincndoenioecoohpved,.inaonfmgoirasaweslsorslfoalncoetenrlnhaiunyhrenetot.vlastlhdrwia’miaeeesvasnanrsstiesaoiSlehgrleMntalsa.ffptareyeonabynovrteilvbkdlhreitroieoneechesettfrt,eginhertnleraeinntre!gdsst essffatcoharkcoWyhsfronjooaorFuyogumdeellho-rsueoens,otttabtiucofwfkfdmtvtoearrlie-yoiinawoesnvcnssstamgsictkecnaustooryr,ofverStlaaucteopyiaibhhslnghpsokerltdoaegoituaeaoedotnroonrierhfeoengmsstgsflorooeiiaiat.tlsnranvtoseybfcngagesrlsluhhiee.eor,nyilely,smneoosoeeo!oourul.rftsstr,iwf o 51 Tarot advice
Pg 34 53 Horoscopes
COVER IMAGE: Tfuooslilwnogwinionaugnrsqcwouemerspttiehotenition 54 Health news
Jenny McCarthy email:
(Photos By Jen) TSsarehlulroevoeivohceerorrftIanorl.esicleeua:snotdo?emrsers Pg 38

Hi there, WOMANSWAY.IE 11 Pg 24
e Woman’s Way team likes WINPut Spring back into your step with Shoehorn.ie
Your life
company. We’re well able to Pg 62
work on our own - which is 6 Ani Katz
just as well given the current 10 Hand creams
circumstances - but still, 11 Win new shoes
when you’re used to working 12 Stephanie Hickey
with people, not having 14 Grace Weston
them around feels odd. We’re 16 Sasha Delaney
devising ways to ensure we 17 Win new clothes
can still speak to each other 20 Where’s your place?
and this week, Amy and 22 Agony advice
Niamh have put together 26 Kids’ puzzles
20 things you can do from 43 Fiona Gibson
home that will hopefully help 44 Domhnall’s column
with the potential boredom. 62 e WW week
But let us know what you’re
doing to help the days go Pg 57
by. And please tell us how
you’re getting in touch with CLaanrdaigSatrnip€e4L9o.9n5gline COMPETITION
family or friends who can’t
be visited. We’re all in this VIWCOLIONUCT€HH15EIN0RG
together, and we’ll continue
putting out a magazine for twrchcieWwyoniCaoedcIoWmssrsWelreleoiuuoteiadfiecshttharhtbhehrhnyowliairaneieoglbsejnvbesigerartelaeegawlhmamnzb.gnbcsnecyoeoaleoresodotaorsenm,m–w,uwuttnayihyitctt-fiCeiitlohohttssfsealhowrufeeatyoruat-elusltlieiaypoobmnhcslncnlinffgulginnatomsndrgtiiocdtgoalgllshsaaiweuind.tinknecksdnit.eeluusoeydelscfgamttoowcluoahhglonarcrsfaelaohr’eoyoaftntkdape.rroehwt.iseWeensmgtaFlrnseooavdefbreoeeunaoelnernwwocrrmetttattoetoiasthseacokosntptshrlhipphhstnsrtatopemietocotgpinooohpcoflpcwargeb.oegoayrtrpieeiuomtmctfttifhncaeoeeeeiwocnicnlnhxttamoedyhgcoinposboiewifttakdntoeoteshihsrriadrwcucantetnooaplthaeraondfbbaatottotelotothuereffiuiaoisrrynnltt,lcle...agoety.w-
you to enjoy. BPMleupealuu-mr€a3TF9o.l9po5rIanl

Like I said last week, some Pg 23 WIN wdifeStrlhoihvmoneperhyx2ott4mod/oae7y
things don’t stop however,
and we are still collecting Rita Bahama Flamingo ofTouolrlwocwoinminapgnesqtwuiteeiosrnttihoeenmuasili:ng
nominations for the Woman’s Sweater In Blue - €54.95 bIsraiCnldo?thing.com an Irish
Way and Beko Mum of
the Year Awards. Once Editor: Áine Toner Email: [email protected] See iClothing.com for more information
we’re back up and running Deputy Editor: Amy Wall Email: [email protected]
properly, we are guaranteeing Staff Writer: Niamh Shields Email: [email protected] WOMANSWAY.IE 17
putting on an awards Art Director: Karl O’Toole Email: [email protected] Designer: Áine Duffy
ceremony that is going to Publisher: Norah Casey Subscriptions: [email protected]
impress. Fnacy nominating
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know? All the information is WILL CHANGE TO €7.61 IN LINE WITH NEW SUBSCRIPTION RATES.
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Have a great week from all Woman’s Way, Drumcliffe House, 47 Stephens Place, Dublin, D02 NX78. Tel: (01) 240 5300. Fax: (01) 661 9486. ISSN0043-7409. Published by Harmonia Limited, Drumcliffe House,
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Being THE AUTHOR AND PRESENTER OFFERS US SIMPLE

here nowWAYSTOTAKECAREOFOURSELVESRIGHTNOW

When I speak to Andrea
Hayes, we’re just over a week
into the COVID-19 crisis.
Social distancing is the name
of the game and across the
country, people are struggling.
Businesses have been closed,
jobs have been lost and the
general mood is one of fear,
stress and anxiety. You can’t
turn on the television or look
at social media without seeing
terrifying headlines from
at home and abroad as the
pandemic takes hold.

“I think what’s happening
is a lot of people are,
understandably, very worried
about the headlines and
projecting themselves forward

4 WOMANSWAY.IE

COVER INTERVIEW

By Amy Wall, photo by Jenny McCarthy, Photos By Jen into the future and all of the “I think on people at the moment is so day with three things that
‘What ifs?’ are coming up. we need to intense and it’s unprecedented happened that you’re grateful
But it’s really important that be very careful times in our country’s history for is a great little too and
we stay present and that with what we’re and globally, these are just we talk about [gratitude]
we’re aware of our triggers,” feeding ourselves times that nobody has ever so frequently, but it’s so
says Andrea when we speak at the moment” seen before. The thing that’s powerful,” says Andrea.
via phone. free is nature and it’s such a
that you’re putting up some lovely time at the moment And of course, it’s important
“If people find that certain nice images on social media, – there’s a lot of things to maintain a sense of balance
things like news or social like you’re Googling maybe blossoming and blooming and as we move forwards.
media accounts or whatever flowers in a meadow, and for I think nature is a great teacher
it is, is creating anxiety for five minutes or three minutes as well,” says Andrea. “A lot of people are
them [those things are not] or one minute, you’re being very sensitive at the
going to be helpful. So they present and just breathing in “We’ve just come out of moment, which is totally
just need to be aware of that and allowing your mind to get early spring where everything understandable, and when
and I think kind of switch off swept away with the image,” looked quite barren and things we’re sensitive, certain things
a little bit – a digital detox can she says. looked quite bleak but now can heighten our anxiety.
be quite helpful.” the first shoots have started to
It’s also important during emerge and the daffodils are “So if you’re watching the
And if a digital detox doesn’t these difficult times to be coming up and [there’s] the six o’clock news, which most
appeal, there is another thing aware of the content and sign of fresh things blooming people are every evening,
that can have magnificent media that we’re consuming and blossoming. We just need counteract that. ‘I’ve got my
healing and calming powers on a daily basis. to trust that this too will news, now I need to balance
that has been documented for pass and the seeds that we’re that with something soothing.’
centuries: nature. “I think we need to be planting now, whether you’re
very careful with what doing a little bit of exercise at “And if it’s just looking out
“My advice really would be we’re feeding ourselves at home or whether you’re trying the window for 10 minutes
to get out into nature. There’s the moment. Are we feeding new ways of connection with or sitting down and actively
more restrictions in place, but anxiety, are we feeding stress, yourself and with nature, and breathing and just being
everybody’s free, generally, to are we feeding the worry? breathing and staying present, present, I think people will
go out into their garden or just Because at the moment, these new skill sets and find that really, really helpful.”
to breathe in some fresh air there’s nothing really we can rituals that we’re trying now
every day. do. We only have this present will have a really beneficial One of the conversations
moment. We can only do what outcome if we can just stick that’s happening a lot in our
“It sounds so simple but we can do for ourselves and with them.” communities is what we’re
[just] get out of your house do the best that we can do for most looking forward to doing
or apartment or wherever ourselves,” she says. Andrea says that while we once COVID-19 has passed
you’re staying and just allow won’t see the benefits for a and life returns to normal. I
the fresh air to go right inside, “So really it’s about week or two, they will blossom ask Andrea if there’s anything
into your body. Even if you peppering your day with and soon we’ll notice some she’s keen to do again.
can take your shoes off and moments of gratitude, positive changes.
just feel the grass under your moments of just being present “This is interesting as
feet… you’re really grounding and intentionally connecting “You just notice that your because I’m somebody who
your energies into here and with yourself and in the anxiety levels are more lives with a chronic illness, I
now… It really helps you to morning saying, ‘Okay, just reduced. Maybe you’ve more don’t ever feel that my future
become present.” for today I’m going to try and compassion for people, more is guaranteed. So I’m never a
stay present and stay positive empathy for people because person who lives in the future
And if you’re self-isolating and just know that I can’t you’re calmer in yourself and or lives in the past. I just live
or in quarantine, you can still sort out every problem in the you’re not so judgemental or in the present moment and I
get your daily dose of nature future, but I have today. I can quick to go into that anxious really want to enjoy what I’m
and mindfulness by simply sort out today.’ That’s the most space,” she says. doing now… Nobody has the
opening a window to feel important thing I think. gift of tomorrow guaranteed
the fresh air on your skin or For all the bad things and I think that’s why the
by simply observing what’s And leaning on nature can currently going on in the present is called the present.
going on outside your home or be very beneficial to us, mainly world, it’s absolutely essential
apartment. due to the fact that it can teach to do our best to focus on “I’ll be very grateful
us, if we allow it to. the good and the count our [when this is over]. I think
The key, Andrea says, is to blessings as an act of self-care. my gratitude will grow for
just allow yourself to practice “People are losing jobs, have everybody in society because I
the art of being present and family abroad that they’re “There’s lots of positive stuff think we’re stronger together
mindful, no matter what trying to get back. The burden and there’s always people and I think that when people
you’re doing. that are much worse off than realise that we’re just one
ourselves, so we have to just big global community trying
“If we look around ourselves be grateful. I think starting to live the best way that we
at the moment, even looking every morning with three can, and to see through a lens
out the window, there’s trees things that you’re grateful of connection rather than
outside or you might notice for and then closing off your division, [that] is going to be
a flower in somebody else’s the most positive outcome of
garden or even if it’s just this.” WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 5

OPINION

How To Be A Good Man:

Toxic Masculinity
in the Blogosphere

AUTHOR ANI KATZ ON HER RESEARCH INTO THE DANGERS OF TOXIC MASCULINITY

About midway through my repulsive wouldn’t align “unchecked feminism,” arguing that it benefits both
novel, A Good Man, narrator with his own myth-making including women’s schemes sexes because it is the “natural
as a well-meaning protector of sexual deprivation, the order” of the world.
omas Martin reflects on and provider. He would only supposed epidemic of false
recent tensions with his wife: work as a character if he were rape accusations, and the But while this kind of
familiar and understandable. manipulation of the legal traditionalism is not so
“Recently I’d read that in system to steal custody of their obviously anti-woman, in
order to maintain marital One can understand his children. some ways it is more insidious,
harmony and satisfaction, impulse to provide. One may because unquestioning
you needed to treat your even see the comfort and logic But I knew that was not devotion to traditional values
relationship like a bank in submitting to conventional who omas was. I sought out of masculinity is likewise
account… According to this ideas about masculinity. e and spent time on websites harmful to both women and
theory, it was pointless to try kind of mindset that omas that promoted traditional men. If an online essay asks
to resolve conflicts that could embodies is so pervasive, and masculinity in well-meaning, “What pattern are you setting
never be resolved... You just the real effects of that mindset seemingly anodyne ways. for your family?” it implies
needed to maintain a buffer of are so close to so many people’s that you – as the man – are in
positivity, a healthy balance experiences, that as a writer it ese well-designed sites control of the destinies of your
to make up for the inevitable became easy to access. featured articles on why partner and children, which is
disappointments.” couples’ therapy and conflict to say that your partner has no
However, I was also helped resolution don’t work, how say. Such doctrinaire thinking
A Good Man explores toxic a great deal by my research. to make people listen to relies on the concept of gender
masculinity, and how the In addition to reading about you, how to size people up, essentialism, which is built on
stories we tell ourselves about real life cases of men who had the differences between a rigid ideas about what is male
what it means to be a man can committed acts of violence “dandelion child” (resilient, and what is female, what each
have deadly consequences. against their families, I spent tough) and an “orchid child” role should entail, who should
As the narrator, omas was a lot of time on blogs geared (sensitive, weak), how to have power, and what that
always intended to exhibit toward audiences who were empower boys to succeed, and power should look like.
these qualities. hungry for answers about how how to accept your partner’s
to be a good man. flaws. is kind of content In reality, the idea that
When I first started drafting became part of omas’s there is a natural order to the
the novel, I believed that ough I checked them out internal monologue, and a world and to human relations
briefly, I was not interested driving force for his actions. is a myth. e antidote to
omas needed an obviously in the sort of vicious, anti- contemporary feelings of
creepy, even cruel voice. In woman content that flourishes Depending on one’s alienation is not to pursue an
my very early pages, I made in some corners of the internet. values, these ideas may idealised past that never really
him flagrant in his misogyny, seem understandable, even existed, but to reject gender
threatening in his moments ere, one finds the conspiracy appealing. e popularity of roles that are no more than
of intimacy with his wife, theorists and angry activists, these beliefs about gender social constructions. WW
and more steeped in rage the alienated and aggrieved can be seen in the social
from the get-go. If only a Elliot Rodger types. (Seeking media ascendancy of the A Good Man by
monster could do what omas revenge for what he saw as a “tradwife,” a woman who Ani Katz (William
ultimately does to his loved lifetime of sexual rejection, embraces submissiveness and Heinemann) is
ones, then didn’t he need to be Rodger murdered six women domesticity. Tradwives and available now
monstrous? in a shooting rampage.) ese their supporters rejoice in
men tend to rail against the the surrender to male power,
But as I kept going, I realized evils of “wokeness” and
that approach would not work.
Making omas so blatantly

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6 WOMANSWAY.IE



BEAUTY

COLOURINGEXPERT HAIR COLOURIST
MARICIA WALSH ON GETTING

at home THEBESTDIYRESULTS
“A colour 5. When you’re done leave for the gloss and shine of your
build up is the development time stated newly coloured hair. Your
definitely one of the (20 mins with Clairol Nice secret will be safe with you!
biggest mistakes N Easy) and if you want to
people make when freshen the ends, make sure 7. When choosing what colour
colouring their hair you leave some extra colour shade you are going to use, with
at home” to bring through for the last Clairol stick with the single
5-10 minutes. Never bring the numbers for covering grey e.g.
1. Before colouring your hair at 3. Take a comb and divide colour straight through from 5, 6 or 7. These are the most
home, always do a skin allergy the hair straight down the roots to ends. If you do this the ideal for covering grey, but it
test beforehand. The best middle from the centre of the ends will either be darker than definitely varies from brand to
way to do this is to pierce the forehead to the back of the the roots or they will start brand. They are the most natural
top of the tube of colour and neck. Apply the colour using to become darker over time shades and generally give you a
take a cotton bud and press the tip of the bottle from and this will lead to a heavy true to shade result. If you want
it in just until there is a little the front to the back of your colour build. A colour build up it to be warmer go for golds (G)
on the top of the bud. Apply a head. Press the colour into is definitely one of the biggest or brunettes (B) i.e. 6B or 6G.
dot of colour behind the ear the parting, making sure it’s mistakes people make when (Don’t forget that you can use
and leave 48hrs. If you notice easily distributed. From the colouring their hair at home. If one colour for covering grey
any redness or irritation on top point on the head, part you colour your hair at home i.e. 6 and the 6G for the ends to
the skin do not proceed with the hair into four, out towards all the time and want it to look make it warmer). If you have a
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new ME+ technology is not colour to both sections. Once it needs to be done in steps. boxes especially if you want
suitable for anyone with a again pressing the colour. to freshen or change the ends,
PPD or PTD allergy but its Doing colour application in 6. When the colour is applied, you don’t want to be half way
formula is 60 per cent less this way keeps the application take a cotton pad and some through and realise you have
likely to cause a colour allergy even and stops you losing cleansing water and clean all run out of colour.
developing in the future). your place. around the hairline. Doing it
now will help you avoid that 8. Colouring hair is a science
2. To make the application as 4. Continue by applying the dark colour halo. Before you and if you’re thinking of a big
easy as possible, have a comb colour, section by section, take the colour off, emulsify colour change i.e. blond to
to hand to help divide the starting with the first of the the colour around the hairline brown, or black to red, always
hair into segments and a also front sections and moving into itself to help remove any seek professional advice. As a
mirror helps! Take an old towel clockwise around the head. colour stains. This will also hairdresser most of the biggest
and wrap it around your neck Use the tip of the bottle and ensure nobody will ever know problems I encountered in the
and tuck in well to protect your take diagonal sections. Your you have coloured your hair! salon were from people trying
clothes. Add the tube of colour sections should be around Finally condition with the to do big colour changes at
to the applicator bottle, shake 1 cm deep and as you apply enclosed conditioner for up to home and running into serious
well and make sure you have the colour make sure you’re four weeks to help maintain problem. It ends up costing
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root. (The product is a cream “Never apply the colour to supermarket or chemist plus the
consistency and will transfer the hairline first (the hair hundreds it costs to fix it. WW
evenly once it’s pressed into around the hairline for most
the sections). people is finer and will take Maricia Walsh is a freelance hair
colour quicker and will leave stylist and colourist. Check out her
you with a darker shadow Instagram @MariciaWalshHair for
which you really want to hair inspo and advice. Clairol Nice
avoid)” ‘N Easy is available in pharmacies
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fRoUrNwNIaNGrd

HOW RUNNING GAVE STEPHANIE HICKEY
HER STRENGTH BACK

Stephanie Hickey was justice, you can get your life out the other end and to was sent to stay with them
only 12-years-old when back… and you can be happy love yourself again. most weekends to help out in
she first suffered sexual again. her sister’s hairdressing salon.
abuse at the hands of her “I hope my story will Prendergast would pick her
brother-in-law, but it took “Looking back I wish I had help others going through up from Touraneena on Friday
decades for her to find reported him sooner,” says something similar and evenings in his van and drive
the strength to report his Stephanie. encourage them to tell her to their house in Tallow.
crimes. Now aged 48, and someone straight away.”
with her abuser behind “I don’t think the outcome It was here and while driving
bars, she has written a would have been any different, Born in 1971, Stephanie her to and from her home, that
book, Running from the but if I had done it earlier, I was the youngest of six most of the abuse took place.
Shadows, about the hell would be in a different place children (four girls and two
she endured, survival and today. boys) in a loving and close- “At the start, I didn’t
how running helped her knit family. really understand what was
get her life back. “I wrote the book to send a happening… what he was doing
message to others who have e family lived in the to me, but I knew it was wrong
On December 3, suffered historic abuse that village of Touraneena in and I knew I didn’t like it,” says
2018, Waterford man they can get justice for things west Waterford and her early Stephanie.
Bartholomew ‘Batty’ that have been done to them childhood was full of fun,
Prendergast pleaded guilty in the past. And also to show family and music. “But I was so young and
to sexual abuse and rape, them that it is possible to come Bartholomew Prendergast afraid and I didn’t know how
and was sentenced to 10 first visited the Hickey home to tell my parents. I had no idea
years in prison with the last 18 when Stephanie was nine- how to broach the subject.
months suspended. years-old. A council worker
and singer with a local band, “Batty was loved and adored
e crimes he committed he was a popular figure in the by my family and everyone in
were not just against Stephanie, area and had started dating one the community.
but also her older sister Deirdre of Stephanie’s older sisters.
and another girl. Known as ‘Batty’ he quickly “If I said I didn’t want to go
ingratiated himself with her to Tallow, Mum would want
In Running from the Shadows, parents and became a regular to know why, and my sister
Stephanie is unflinching in visitor. He and Stephanie’s would find out what he had
revealing the horror of her sister subsequently married done… and what ‘I’ had done.
teenage years, and the terrible and the couple moved half an
and life-long emotional hour’s drive away to Tallow. “I was sure no one would
damage that sexual abuse When she was 12, Stephanie believe me and in my child’s
inflicts on victims and their mind, I felt I was somehow
families. to blame. at there was
something about me that had
But it’s also a book of hope
and victory, and a rallying cry
to those suffering in silence
– tell someone, you can get

12 WOMANSWAY.IE

REAL LIFE

By Audrey Watson caused this to happen.” annoyance. keeping busy rearing came to visit, the thought of
When Stephanie confided e abuse was over, but her children and having to share what might be
working for a catering her father’s final days with this
in a friend, her friend revealed Stephanie’s ordeal was not. company. monster was not something she
that Prendergast was abusing At 20-years-old, she became could tolerate.
her too and she was going to She found love
tell on him. pregnant to a man from with a new partner, On November 30, 2015,
Donegal whom she had been Angelo, and had she reported Bartholomew
A meeting followed between dating and a wedding was another child, but Prendergast to Gardaí.
Prendergast, Stephanie’s hastily arranged. she was finding it
sister, the friend’s mother and harder and harder to ankfully, her father rallied
Stephanie’s parents. To her horror, her sister keep the trauma and and Stephanie finally told her
arranged for Batty to take the shadows at bay. parents what Batty had done to
e meeting resulted in photos and Prendergast himself her all those years ago.
Prendergast being sent to a cancelled the reception band Some days, she
local priest, who in turn sent and arranged for his own group could barely get out “After making our statements
him to a psychiatrist. to perform. He had taken over of bed, other times to Gardaí, Deedee and I sat
the whole day. the pain and self-loathing down with our parents and told
After a few weeks he was threatened to overwhelm her them what had happened. My
apparently ‘fixed’ and returned In the book Stephanie and she considered taking her dad cried openly and my mum
to the Hickey household to describes it as “one of the own life. was horrified - and still is.
drive Stephanie to Tallow for lowest moments of her life”.
the weekend. Deedee, a keen runner, “My dad wanted to live long
Wanting to get as far away suggested Stephanie join a local enough to see Batty behind bars
Her friend had not revealed from Prendergast as possible, women’s running group and and, although it took almost
that Stephanie was being Stephanie and her husband she agreed to go along. three years, thankfully he did.”
abused as well, and so the moved to Donegal after the
nightmare continued. birth of their first child, but She struggled to do three Her father passed away in
before she left, she made miles that first night and vowed April last year.
Reading the book, it’s easy the shocking discovery that never to go back. But she did,
to feel disbelief at Stephanie’s Prendergast had abused and within weeks was loving it. Just sixth months after
parents for letting her go back. another of her older sisters – putting on running shoes for the
Deirdre (Deedee). “Initially, I felt very out of first time, Stephanie completed
“I don’t hold any resentment place,” recalls Stephanie. “I a half-marathon – and she’ still
toward my parents,” she says. “I had always thought that was in my 40s and many of the running today, but no longer
“ ey didn’t know what was there was something bad about women were much younger.” from the shadows.
happening to me. me that had caused the abuse
to happen. at I was the only “However, I began to love She writes in her book:
“ ey knew something had one,” says Stephanie. the banter and company. “Now, when I think about who
happened between Batty and Stephanie Hickey is, I don’t
my friend, but they didn’t “But when I found out about “We became friends and think: I’m Stephanie Hickey,
know what that was. And he Deedee, I realised that I wasn’t we were all working toward the little girl who was sexually
had been supposedly ‘fixed’. alone, I felt that a weight had the same goal – to finish an abused by her brother-in-law;
been lifted. upcoming 6K race. And with instead I think: I’m Stephanie
“ at’s the way country life the support of each other Hickey and I’m a runner!
was in Ireland at that time. “Deedee was very upset. She and encouragement from our
felt guilty for not speaking out trainer Colm, we all did. “Running has given me back
“He was married to their at the time, and felt that if she my identity.” WW
daughter and they didn’t think had, she could have somehow “ e Touraneena 6K was a
for a moment that I was going protected me. special moment in my life. Running from the Shadows, by Stephanie
to an unsafe place.” Hickey with Shane Dunphy (Hachette
“But we were children. “On the road I found Ireland, €16.99) is out now
When Stephanie was almost We were groomed and something. I felt proud of
16, she found strength and manipulated. myself and I learned that I
started planning ways to get deserved to be happy.
out of going to Tallow. “She wanted to go to the
police there and then, but with “Running had given me a
She threw tantrums, took up a new baby and new life to strength I didn’t know I had. It
Irish dancing - the associated look forward to, I couldn’t do gave me an escape.
tournaments and festivals it. I knew I wouldn’t be able to
meant she was either busy cope with it all coming out and “Taking to the road brought
or away most weekends - I knew it would tear my family me peace and a calm. I felt
and she got a boyfriend who apart.” empowered and energised and
fortuitously happened to have a it provided a safe place that I
motorbike. Living in Donegal, Stephanie could go to at any time.”
had two more children, but the
When she is asked to go marriage didn’t last and she One morning after covering
to Tallow and babysit for returned to Touraneena with 12 miles, Stephanie made the
Prendergast and her sister, her daughter and two sons. decision to report Batty’s abuse
instead of staying overnight, to the police.
her boyfriend was able to take For years she tried to
her there and bring her home bury the bad memories by Her father was gravely ill
afterwards, much to Batty’s in hospital and when Batty

WOMANSWAY.IE 13

REAL LIFE

IS KEYDETERMINATION
GRACE WESTON CHARTS HER JOURNEY
FROM STAR ATHLETE TO ILLNESS SURVIVOR

At age 16, Grace Weston had they thought I had a tumour “Matthew used his him. He used his healing gift to By Tara Corristine
the world at her feet: she was on my kidneys. My lecturers in repair all of my organs. I went
on the Laois Ladies Senior college thought I had missed so healing gift to repair three and four days a week,
County football team and much, they wanted me to take all I wanted to do was get
had an All-Ireland medal to a year out, but I didn’t and I got all of my organs. I better. I improved a lot, I was
her credit. But her extensive my degree.” able to walk in myself, I could
sporting career – she played went three and four feel changes, my energy was
for schools, club and county, Shortly before she was due coming back.”
and was on the county to play an All-Ireland club days a week, all I
camogie team, too – was semi-final, Grace began She spent ten months with
taking its toll and aged 18 she to retain fluid and was wanted to do was get Matthew, undergoing hands-
had shin splints. At 19, she rushed to hospital and was on healing. Within ten months
had an operation on both legs, subsequently diagnosed better” she was back playing sport and
expecting to be back in the with kidney disease. at work. Her treatment ended
game within months. In May 2014, aged 29, she four years ago and she has
“I was diagnosed with was eventually diagnosed taken no tablets since.
“At the time I felt sport was what Jonah Lomu had [he in Germany with Chronic
my life and all I wanted to do died of a heart attack linked Lyme disease (CLD) and eight “I can work a full day, I can
was get back playing.” to his kidney disease]. I infections. e treatment plan go running, I can live my life.
had to stop all sport and all required 28 or more tablets a I’m pain-free and flying fit.”
Her recovery didn’t happen activity, because the treatment day and an IV every second
as quickly as expected: e was so severe, I couldn’t do day which her parents learned She attributes her health to
operation took place in anything.” how to do. But Grace’s health Matthew’s healing gift.
September and, “by February continued to deteriorate.
I was only starting to go for a She responded well to the “In my granny’s, time it was
bit of a walk. e feeling in my treatment but the symptoms “I needed help. My mother normal practice, you went to a
legs was never the same.” remained: fatigue and fluid was sleeping with me, she healer.”
retention. had to wash me, look after
“I pushed myself to get me, they would carry me Having battled ill health for
back playing. I was very “I was tired and could put from the bed to the sitting over a decade, she credits her
determined. It was late that up two stone in fluid. Any room. My functions started to training with giving her the
summer before I got back onto exertion and I would swell up close down, my bowels and strength to get through it, and
the team.” really badly.” kidneys.” is grateful to the healer and his
‘divine gift.’
But that was only the Shortly after finishing Her mother was given the
beginning of a Grace’s struggle college she set up her own telephone number of a healer, “I’ll be forever indebted to
to stay fit and well. marketing consultancy but Matthew Lennon. Matthew.” WW
symptoms made it difficult.
“I had chronic pains in “I was carried in to his
my legs. I started to develop “My lungs started to give waiting room. I was about six
stomach problems where I trouble. I couldn’t walk stone in weight, I couldn’t eat,
started to lose a lot of weight. a hundred yards without sleep, talk or function.
I had pains all over. I was struggling. I was really short of
starting to lose muscle as well. breath.” “Matthew has a gift of
I started declining. ey didn’t healing. Straight away he
know what was causing the Over the coming years, knew that I had had the
weightloss and I just had to Grace’s health spiraled operation at 19 without telling
keep going.” downwards, and she was
seeing numerous specialists
During this period, Grace and consultants.
was balancing her studies in
Marketing in Carlow IT. “I was on treatment for my
thyroid but I wasn’t getting
“I was in fourth year when any better. I needed support all
the time.”

14 WOMANSWAY.IE

JNOOINWUS

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REAL LIFE

SASHAA DAY IN THE LIFE OF “One thing’s for
DELANEY
sure, all of my
FOLLOW THE 35-YEAR-OLD SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT,
LIVING WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS, ON HER DAILY ROUTINE mornings start with

Living with cystic fibrosis in or any meetings that I have regardless of circumstances. I the one essential By Michelle Newman
(CF), my mornings are, by scheduled. If I have time before believe every student should
nature, quite hectic and very class, I will check my emails have proper access to the thing in life -
regimented. for notices of events happening education system. ere is a
that day. We are a staff that common misconception that coffee!”
I am usually up between values collegiality and my working in a school is easy but
5.40am and 6am depending day is usually full of informal it has its stresses and challenges awful lot of time and means
on what nebulisers I am on, meetings about school life. like other workplaces. I often I am less likely to forget
some take longer to inhale than We do, of course, have formal sit in the evenings thinking of something important, like
others. It is then that I do my meetings scheduled into our students and how I can help my oral steroids. ere are
chest clearance physio using a diaries too. Help, advice and them. When I was in school, I more nebulisers or inhalers
PEP mask – this keeps pressure support are always on hand. had great help with my illness before bed, as well as a
on my airways as I breathe and realise the importance of pint of medication I need
out allowing me to clear my My lunch always begins that support. to drink to help my bowel
lungs. Physio is followed by with another round of function, as CF also has a
my nebuliser (an inhaled medications. I carry my I leave work at 3.45pm when massive impact on that too. If
antibiotic) my inhalers and afternoon medications in my the school day ends and aim there is time, I like to unwind
oral medication. I usually take handbag so I don’t forget them, to be home by 5pm, traffic with a good book or some
about ten tablets. Breakfast as well as leaving Post-it notes allowing. My evenings are Lego, and I am certainly not
is a must as I have CF-related everywhere reminding me! I often as hectic as my mornings, averse to a cuddle on the
diabetes and I need to keep my am a big fan of food and so it as I try to grab a snack and hit couch with a movie.
blood glucose stable. However, is normally leftovers, curries, the gym at least three evenings
one thing’s for sure, all of my stir-fry or salads, with lots of a week. Exercise is vital for I try to be in my bed and
mornings start with the one vegetables. en, more coffee. people with CF and, without asleep by 11pm. Less sleep
essential thing in life – coffee! Once a week at lunchtime, I it, I would be a lot sicker. I also and my health declines pretty
co-run a social justice group find that it really helps relieve rapidly – recovery during
Once that is out of the way I for Junior Cycle students so the stress of the workday and sleep is crucial. I need to be
make myself more presentable lunch is eaten quickly before helps me to sleep much better. well rested in order to face it
to the world with as much that meeting at 1.20pm. If I can I do classes in the gym as well all over again the next day.
make-up as the time left allows at all, I will try and get out of as some weight-lifting. A hot Having something like CF is
and then I am on the road from the building for ten minutes for shower always feels better similar to having a second
Kildare to Dublin no later than some fresh air. post-workout. job. It takes up a large chunk
6.40am. On a good day I am of time during the day and
in work by 8.15am. In order Without doubt, education en it’s some dinner and so I need to have the physical
to keep going, I usually have is something I am extremely maybe a bit of television for energy to keep going. WW
a second breakfast, normally passionate about and I always an hour before it is back to
porridge after a dose of insulin. knew I wanted to be a part the medication regime and Sasha is a patient ambassador for
of it. ere is such power in preparing for the next day. I Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. 65 Roses Day,
I work as a Special Needs having a good education. I love like to have everything ready which was due to take place on April
Assistant in a lively and my job and all aspects of it, for the morning – breakfast 10, has gone virtual. You can donate
dynamic secondary school in especially enabling students things out and medications online now at 65RosesDay.ie
Dublin. I check the timetable to access the curriculum organised, as it saves an
for what classes I am needed

16 WOMANSWAY.IE

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WOMANSWAY.IE 17

Parenting news Ask THE everyone’s health, and don’t Schools and teachers will with what’s being shared
forget, children often go be sharing information and communicated within
EXPERT outside at school at some with you, as the parent, the school’s community.
TUTOR HOUSE’S point normally, so try and on what your child is
TOP TIPS FOR keep this consistent when currently learning and what 10. Make the most
HOMESCHOOLING home schooling. they should be learning out of this extra time
over the next month or Instead of focusing on the
Parents are facing the reality 5. Put the phones so. Stick to it and ask negatives of being out
that their children could away and limit screen time questions – teachers will of work and having your
be away from classrooms Just like in school, phones still be working during this children out of school, try
for several weeks. Despite will only be a distraction so time, and many schools to make the most of this
these uncertain times, try to get your children to put will create a dedicated extra time spent together
the education of students them to one side when going communication platform as a family and enjoy it!
remains a top priority. through schoolwork, and TV’s for parents and students.
should remain off throughout This will become invaluable Tutor House offers
That’s why we have put the day. for you while monitoring many tips and advice for
together a list of Tutor your child’s home students working from
House's tips for parents on 6. Maintain a healthy diet schooling, so make sure home. See tutorhouse.
homeschooling your children. Try to stick to your child’s you are keeping up to date co.uk for more
regular diet that they have
1. Set up a workspace during school if possible, MAKING HISTORY
Set up a dedicated area although a few extra treats
in the house where your wouldn’t go amiss! The team behind the award-winning Medieval
children can focus away from Mile Museum in Kilkenny city is offering schools
distractions, an area with 7. Mix it up a bit around Ireland a unique classroom experience,
good natural daylight is ideal. If attention does start to suited to fourth, fifth and sixth classes where
fade, try a different activity its curator, archaeologist Grace Fegan, visits
2. Create a planner, set that could still engage them, the classroom and gives pupils a fun insight
goals and reward the small like puzzles, board games into the exciting detective work undertaken
victories or colouring books for a nice by archaeologists and historians. The visit
This doesn’t have to be ‘creative break’. Don’t forget concludes with an invitation to explore the
a rigid timetable, but set children are used to being Medieval Mile Museum in the company of Grace.
up a structure with daily stimulated mentally by one
goals to achieve, giving another at school, which Life and death in Medieval Kilkenny, centuries
children something to aim they won’t have at home. So of craftsmanship and how we know what we
for and reward them when keeping them ‘entertained’ know will be explained in a fun and engaging
the goals are reached to throughout the day will help way. The experience costs €4 per pupil and is
keep them motivated. It them stay motivated. available until the end of June.
will be beneficial to try and
mimic the child’s school day 8. Don’t be afraid We think it's a lovely idea and hope that,
as much as possible. For to ask for help should everything attempt to get back to
example, breakfast at 8am, If you are unsure about normal, it's well worth a visit.
first home lesson at 9am, anything or need a helping
YOUR lunch at 1pm, with finishing hand don’t be afraid to Sonny Bear is a new boutique
ROUND-UP off the learning day at 3pm. reach out to friends, family, children’s clothing brand created
OF ALL colleagues or the school. Use by busy mum Lynda Murphy.
THINGS 3. Don’t forget break time the internet as a rich source of Launched last spring, Sonny
CHILD Breaks are just as important information, it might even be Bear sells ethically sourced
FOCUSED as study periods for resetting worth doing a bit of research children’s wear made from
focus, keeping kids happy on your child’s subjects in organic materials. This labour
MUM QUOTE: and grownups sane. Aim for the evenings, so you become of love was borne out of
a 15-minute ‘snack’ break acquainted with the material. Lynda’s enduring passion for
The gi of motherhood mid-morning, and a good stylish children’s clothing ever since her first daughter
is the selflessness that 45 minute to an hour lunch 9. Stick to the syllabus was born. A sustainable approach to children’s wear
it introduces you to, break in the afternoon. is fundamental to the brand and with this in mind,
and I think that’s really Sonny Bear stocks high quality clothing from exclusive
freeing. 4. Try to get some fresh air designers in Portugal, England, Scandinavia, France
Even if it’s just a quick and Italy. They are made from the best quality fabrics
OLIVIA WILDE break in the garden or a that aim to move away from ‘fast fashion’ fads. We
walk around the block. Make have personally sourced all the items in our shop.
sure to spend time outside Prices range from €15-€90. Dotty Dungarees from
each day as it’s great for €44. Dresses from €50. Tops from €15. All clothing is
available to buy online at www.sonnybear.ie.

18 WOMANSWAY.IE

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YOUR PLACE IN some go through a period
WTHHEAFTAIMTIMLYEA–NASND of rebellion as a way of
MANY PSYCOLOGISTS BELIEVE A CHILD’S PLACE CAN IMPACT PERSONALITY distinguishing themselves
from brothers and sisters.
Firstborn? Piggy in the They hate making mistakes to put pressure on them to
middle? Or always the baby? and tend to stick to the achieve. Encourage your Their naturally laid-back
Many psychologists believe straight and narrow. child to experiment and personality can mean
that a child’s place in the make mistakes to combat that middle children are
family can be a key factor in This comes from initially any tendency toward easily led, inclined to
their personality. Woman’s enjoying exclusive attention perfectionism. follow the crowd, and have
Way looks at the theory of from parents and then difficulty finding direction
birth order. suddenly, a few years later, Middle children in their professional and
finding that they have personal lives.
The first-born to share this focus with When second and middle
subsequent siblings. children arrive, parents Surprisingly, middle-born
Being the oldest child in a tend to be more relaxed children are often the first
family has many perks, and As a family grows, being and confident and therefore to leave home – perhaps in
a few disadvantages. The the oldest, they are more middle children are often the a bid to establish their own
arrival of a first baby can likely to have authority over peacemakers in the family, identity and independence.
be a nerve-wracking time. younger siblings, or take on easy going, adaptable and
The responsibility of caring the role of surrogate parent, patient. On the plus side, because
for a tiny living bundle can which can lead to bossy they have had to compete for
cause first-time parents behaviour and a tendency to With less pressure and adult attention, they develop
to feel under pressure to assume control of activities more freedom than their excellent social skills, are
do everything right, be and situations. older sibling, middles are happy to compromise and are
extremely attentive and often drawn to creative very sensitive to the needs
overly worried about the Unsurprisingly, first-borns pursuits and areas such as and feelings of others.
little things. tend to be high achievers and sport, the arts and music.
natural leaders in adult life. CHARACTERISTICS
This anxiety often Their chilled vibe makes Diplomatic
means that the oldest child Downsides of being the them good at bringing Generous
experiences stricter rules first, include difficulty people together, and they are People-pleasers
and boundaries than younger delegating, feelings of naturally popular with a wide Laid back
siblings. insecurity and jealousy and circle of friends. Creative
being overly sensitive to
As a result, first-borns tend criticism – criticism can feel However, because they Parenting Tip
to be more responsible and like rejection, which triggers did not have the time on Make it a priority to carve
conscientious and mirroring subconscious memories of their own with their parents out one-on-one time for
their parents’ anxiety, losing parents’ exclusive that the firstborn enjoyed, middle children. Regular
may put more pressure on focus when they were very they can be competitive and individual play times or
themselves to succeed. young. attention-seeking. special moments are key to
meeting their need for feeling
They are more likely to CHARACTERISTICS They struggle to establish safe and loved. A simple walk
seek approval from adults. High achievers a clear role for themselves in the park or reading a book
Perfectionists in the family dynamic and – just you and them – can
Responsible make them feel like they are
Organised getting attention too.
Conscientious
The last-born
Parenting Tip
The youngest child’s role as
Be aware that oldest children baby of the family means
often feel a fierce need to that he or she is likely to be
please their parents. Help indulged. They’re the least
them lighten up by not being
overly critical, and try not

20 WOMANSWAY.IE

PARENTING

By Audrey Watson likely to be disciplined and and discipline him or her as But because they don’t Raising twins or multiple
when it comes to chores much as other children. If have any siblings, they are births is one of the hardest
and rules, parents often fail you’re delegating tasks such less likely to suffer from things for parents to do.
to hold them to the same as tidying up, find something anxious or jealous feelings.
standards as their siblings for the youngest to do, too. An only child will learn The children will want
to develop loyal, lasting to be individuals, yet the
They’re the one everyone The only child friendships. world, and often their
loves to look after which parents, see them as two
means fewer responsibilities Only children enjoy the CHARACTERISTICS versions of the one person
and more opportunities for same parental attention as Independent dressing them exactly the
fun. They are very outgoing first-borns and are often Diligent same and giving them the
and love to try new and confident, conscientious and Creative same hairstyle.
exciting things. socially mature, due to the Self-su cient
amount of time they spend in Responsible Also, since multiples are
But youngest children often an adult world. the same age, they’ll often
find that they aren’t taken as Parenting Tip play with the same toys, take
seriously as their siblings or Growing up largely among Parenting only children can part in the same activities,
given the independence they adults, means that only be naturally very structured or even be in the same class.
crave. children become skillful and focused. Make sure to That makes competitiveness
at handling emotions and add lots of relaxed playtime unavoidable.
And if they became too behaving logically. at home and with their peers.
accustomed to being looked This way, your only child Making themselves an
after and having things done They tend to do well at will learn the same healthy individual is one of the most
for them, there’s a danger school because they are used social and communication difficult parts of being a
that in adulthood they may to interacting mostly with skills that they’d otherwise twin.
feel let down and blame grown-ups and can express develop alongside their
others when things don’t themselves clearly. siblings. However, twins are more
automatically go their way. likely to rely solely on each
Unlike children with Twins or more other for support. They
In some cases they can siblings, they are used to also depend on each other
also have self-esteem and finding ways of entertaining Many birth order experts socially and grow used to
confidence issues as they’ve themselves and as a result agree that twins or multiples always having a friend with
grown up feeling they can be incredibly creative. tend to organise themselves them everywhere they go.
constantly lagged behind according to their overall
everyone else in the family. However, having a brother place within the family – if In in some cases this can
or sister to trade insults they have one older sibling, cause them to grow up to be
Parents tend to be and squabble with during they will both exhibit more introverted.
less impressed by their childhood can encourage a characteristics of a second
accomplishments because thick skin when it comes born. If they are the oldest Having a twin is practice
they’ve ‘been there, done to criticism. For many only children, they will adopt for maintaining other
that’ with older children. children, that lack of playful some traits of firstborns. relationships. Because of
teasing can make them more this, twins search for deep
Last-borns quickly learn sensitive as adults. Within the twin dynamic emotional closeness in adult
to use their role as the baby itself, if parents reveal which relationships and friendships
to manipulate others in order One of the biggest perks one arrived first they may because it is what they were
to get their own way, or get of being an only child is develop in a similar way to used to as children.
others to do things for them. also one of its pitfalls: only firstborn children or the
children get so used to being youngest of the family, and CHARACTERISTICS
And while this can alone that they have an these roles have the power to Loyal
sometimes result in independent streak that’s be just as impactful on their Competitive
immature and irresponsible difficult to break. personality as they would Well-balanced
behaviour, on the whole, be if they were actually the Sociable
they tend to be calm, happy, Also, the burden of having oldest or youngest. Easy going
fun-loving and sociable their parents’ expectations
creatures who enjoy being sitting solely on their Parenting Tip
the centre of attention. shoulders can result in over-
achieving and perfectionist Help your twins or multiples
CHARACTERISTICS tendencies. feel like individuals by
Adventurous spending time with them
Outgoing separately. It’s important
Fun-loving to get to know them
Calm individually and not just as
Natural charmers one unit. Find out what each
one’s strengths are and what
Parenting Tip they enjoy doing. Encourage
individual interests to
Make sure they’re not combat competitiveness. WW
spoiled or babied. Give your
youngest child responsibility

WOMANSWAY.IE 21

FUN WAYS YOU
AND THE KIDS
CAN RECONNECT
WITH NATURE
IN THE GARDEN

TOP GARDENING INFLUENCER ELLEN MARY REVEALS
HOW FAMILIES CAN RECONNECT WITH NATURE
IN THEIR OWN GARDEN

If you’re lucky enough to have how you and your children can Activity: Get your socks work out where Orion is, make By Hannah Stephenson
your own garden, there’s lots reconnect with nature in your off! Put your shoes aside. Feel your own shapes in the sky like
of ways you and your family own garden... liberated by walking outside a dot-to-dot drawing.
could enjoy it - and connect on the lawn or a soft outdoor
with nature and benefit from a 1. Garden tracing surface with bare feet. Feel 4. Sow some seeds
wellbeing boost in the process. the natural negative charge
This is an activity many of us from the earth being absorbed Sowing seeds is now only a great
With social distancing at the took part in at school and it’s through the soles of your feet. way to grow your own food, but
height of the agenda at present, still really good fun, no matter Breathe deeply and relax. also for children to understand
you might need to make sure what age we are. Children can where their food comes from.
you keep a safe distance from learn about plants and trees 3. Spot a star constellation Great seeds to try with children
neighbours, so be sensible in their garden, identify them are sunflowers, nasturtiums and
and follow the all-important and be outside away from When we are busy looking microgreens, which grow really
guidelines. But gardens can computers and mobile phones. down at phones and laptops, quickly.
bolster wellbeing for both Studies have shown that it’s easy to forget to look up.
children and adults, says walking among trees reduces By looking up at the night Activity: Be mindful and sow
gardening writer, presenter levels of cortisol and can even sky not only is it a hub of some seeds. Before you do, feel
and horticultural influencer boost the immune system. fascination and awe but it’s the seeds in your hand. What is
Ellen Mary. also a relaxing activity before the texture, shape, size? Look
Activity: Take a walk in your bedtime. Finding shapes in the close at the detail - does each
Mary, who specialises in garden with some paper and moon and trying to spot star seed differ? Smell them and
gardening for wellbeing, has a crayon. Trace the bark of a constellations can be a lovely if they are edible, taste them.
just launched a 30 Moments tree, if you have one, and a way to switch off before a good Be marvelled at the way those
In Nature challenge on her fallen leaf to stick on the paper night’s sleep. tiny seeds become big fruits,
website (ellenmarygardening. by your tracing. Look closely vegetables or flowers.
co.uk), featuring activities to at the tree, identify it, touch Activity: Did you ever stare at
help people reconnect with the bark and the leaves. Back the stars as a child and wonder 5. See life beneath
nature. inside, put it on your fridge. what they are? Glistening in
Each time you look at your the sky, light years away. It’s Picking up a large stone from
“We all lead such busy lives, tracing, remember how you really good fun identifying star your garden, your children will
with everyday stresses of felt in the garden. constellations but if you can’t be able to marvel at the life
work, school and digital life, beneath. They’ll be fascinated
that ‘nature deficit disorder’ 2. Walk barefoot by the woodlice, ants, worms
and even ‘plant blindness’ has and beetles. We forget that inner
become all too real,” she says. Walking barefoot brings us child as we grow up and life
into direct contact with the takes over.
“There is nature everywhere, planet and allows us to absorb
and spotting it, even in the the natural energy the earth Activity: Revisit those
most unlikely places, can give a provides. This is known as memorable moments with your
much better understanding of ‘earthing’ and it’s said to have children, lifting a stone in your
how we are all connected - to a host of benefits. Great on a garden and encouraging the
nature, not our phones.” warm morning in the garden. children to stay inquisitive and
keep looking. WW
Here, Mary offers top tips on

22 WOMANSWAY.IE

GARDENING

6 BOOKS
FOR GROW-
YOUR-OWN
BEGINNERS

KEEN TO GROW YOUR OWN FRUIT AND VEG? THESE GARDENING BOOKS SHOULD HELP YOU GET STARTED.....................

The garden can be a 1. Grow Food For Free leaved lime and Tasmanian overwhelmed by all there is to
bewildering place if the last mountain pepper - whatever get done.
thing you grew from seed was by Huw Richards (DK) that is.
a straggly tray of cress. Organic veg champion 5. Veg In One Bed
and former child YouTuber 3. How To Grow Stuff
Even if you have a little Huw Richards explains how by Huw Richards (DK)
snatched knowledge gleaned to build up your stash of by Alice Vincent (Ebury Press) This manual from Huw Richards
from your green-fingered gardening equipment - be it If you consume most of your is a massive bestseller, and could
parents or Monty Don on tools, your compost bin, or greenery content via Instagram be the nudge you need if you
Gardener’s World, it can take fertiliser options - through you’ll appreciate How To Grow have a raggedy-looking veg
a frustratingly long time to get bartering, borrowing and by Alice Vincent. bed, or a suitable slice of earth
your bearings. making do. He’s got nifty tips Ideal for urban gardeners that’s desperate for attention.
on propagating and taking with little space to play Learn what plants should fill
And what if you don’t even cuttings to create brand new, with, it offers a crash course what gaps when, and how to
have a garden? What if you’re totally free plants, and still gets in nurturing herbs, salad cycle through different veggies
limited to a blank square of you up to speed with the basics leaves, tomatoes, chillies and as the seasons progress, so
concrete balcony, or a skinny of fruit and veg growing. courgettes. They’re ingredients you stay consistently well fed
kitchen windowsill? that will pep up your lunch but throughout.
2. Grow & Cook won’t require much digging.
Can you still grow your own, 6. RHS Step- by Step Veg Patch:
even in such a limited amount by Mark Diacono (Headline 4. The Ten-Minute Gardener A Foolproof Guide To Every
of space? Home) Stage Of Growing Fruit And Veg
This handy paperback is by Val Bourne (Bantam Press)
Of course, you could just ask colour and picture-free, Author Val Bourne breaks by Lucy Chamberlain (DK)
the internet all these questions, but author Mark Diacono down the swift jobs you can If there’s one thing a newbie
and let the ether tell you has a straightforward style do month-by-month, and veg grower needs to know, it’s
exactly when to sow, pot on that’s easy to follow, and cheers you on to exploit every that the RHS is about to become
and plant - but have you ever peppers his instructions with last usable scrap of daylight, your most trusted resource and
tried unlocking your phone snippets from his own veg by making even the smallest beloved touchstone. Guaranteed.
in the glare of the sun, while growing adventures. He talks outdoors jobs seem achievable. The RHS website is good, but
wearing compost covered you through more than 180 The Ten-Minute Gardener words on a paper page often
gardening gloves? It’s really varieties of fruit and veg and should provide inspiration for hold more gravitas, and this
not that easy. mixes familiar staples, like those just starting out, and newly updated version of a
squash, chilli peppers and help those with busy lives - step-by-step classic guide will
So instead, pore over one of blackcurrants, with the much but hardy green fingers - to have you turning tiny seeds into
these illuminating veg guides, more exotic, like pineapple maximise every moment carrots, onions and aubergines
and may your patch of green be guava, boysenberries, small- they have without becoming in no time. WW
forever more filled with slug-
free courgettes and hot pink
radishes...

By Ella Walker

WOMANSWAY.IE 23

20 THINGS

YOU CAN DO IN
SELF-ISOLATION
Manifestation Babe Get Sl py

5 Podcasts to listen to Magic Le ons with Elizabeth Gilbert Oprah’s Super Elizabeth Gilbert (of Eat, Pray,
Soul Conversations Love fame), teams up with a
All podcasts are available in some of those all-important zzzs. host of experts to help aspiring
the iTunes store. This podcast is ideal for those Ted Talks Daily artists overcome their fears and
nights when you just can’t stop create from a space of joy and
1. Manifestation Babe If you’re tossing and turning. of topics. Designed to uplift and freedom. Featuring guests such as
a fan of the Law of Attraction and inspire, this is perfect listening Neil Gaiman and Glennon Doyle
modern spirituality, then this is the 3. Oprah’s Super Soul for when you’re stuck indoors and Melton, this is chat podcasting at
podcast for you. In each episode, Conversations In this brilliant in need of some positivity and its absolute best. There haven’t
manifestation expert Kathrin podcast Oprah Winfrey interviews inspiration. You will want to live been any new episodes for a while,
Zenkina talks listeners through a some of the biggest names in your best life after listening to a but it’s so worth spending some
host of tips and tricks on how they showbiz and popular culture. From few episodes. time dipping into past shows.
can up-level every single aspect of thought leaders to bestselling
their lives and get the laws of the authors, spiritual luminaries to 4. Magic Lessons with 5. TED Talks Daily If you’re
universe working in their favour. health and wellbeing experts, Elizabeth Gilbert This is an oldie looking to learn something new
It’s positive, empowering and very each guest is quizzed on a variety but a goodie and believe us, the and expand your mind, TED Talks
inspiring. archive is required listening for Daily is the way to go. Think of
anyone who has a big creative this as a mobile-friendly version of
2. Get Sleepy Struggling to fall dream. In this chat-focused the usual TED Talk video lectures
asleep? Grab your headphones podcast, bestselling author in a handy audio format. Listen
and listen to an episode of Get and you’ll learn about a host of
Sleepy. Deeply soothing, this new topics and get to hear some
gentle podcast contains half- of the world’s most innovative
hour stories filled with calming thinkers and creatives share their
music and subtle mindfulness and thoughts on a variety of subjects.
relaxation techniques to help you A must-listen.
relax, unwind and hopefully get

5 Feel Good Movies to Watch yourself, your friends or even get awful bold sometimes just like all embarks on a dangerous journey
your children to watch it and watch family pets. This movie is filled to find her sister. Like every Disney
Get the kettle on and the magic in their eyes, maybe with many funny and raw relatable movie the way to break the spell
popcorn popping and sink just tell them not to swap hairloss moments for any dog lovers. is true love but this ending takes
into your duvet to watch cream with the shampoo. Definitely would recommend to a different approach. A feel good,
some wholesome movies watch. empowering watch for sure.
while you isolate. 2. Marley and Me A movie
that will make you belly ache 3. Frozen Do you want to build a 4. Mrs Doubtfire Probably one
1. Matilda Who wasn’t watched laugh, smile and shed a tear, snowman? Okay, this is a film that of my favourite Robin Williams
Matilda and not smiled? This truly beautiful. If you are a dog you probably have watched over movie, although it does have
movie is the ultimate pick-me- lover like me, you will feel all the and over again back in 2014. The strong language and some rude
up, Danny De Vito’s adaptation feels in this movie. The Grogans movie deals with two sisters Anna topics so probably not best for
of the Roald Dahl’s classic is are a young couple who juggle and Elsa who drift further and small ears. Tackles the topic of
captured beautifully celebrating parenthood, jobs, loss and further apart due to an accident divorce in a humorous light-
the beauty in being unique, happiness all with their number related to Elsa’s magical ice powers hearted way as a father dresses up
being kind and magic of being one sidekick Marley. Marley is a which later freezes the whole as a female babysitter in order to
creative. A movie that never Labrador who is kind, caring but village making her flee. Anna spend more time with his children.
gets old, you can watch it with

24 WOMANSWAY.IE

SSMPEANLDL! Udemy Mastercla SELF CARE

2. Headspace In the midst of all

SPBENIGD! this uncertainty and occasionally
overwhelming time, it often is

difficult for us all to catch a
breath. Headspace is an app and

personal guide to health and

happiness. It helps you focus,

by experts from Trinity College breathe and remain calm so you

Dublin). 4. Google Digital Garage can sleep well and also perform

For more information log on to Google’s Digital Garage offers to your best ability. Ideal before

www.futurelearn.com a range of free learning content bedtime or in the morning

designed to help you advance before you start your day so

2. OpenLearn The home of your career or grow your you are calm and ready for the

free learning from the Open business. You can upskill your challenges ahead.

University, this website features a professional abilities by taking

5 Free online courses mix of short animated videos and a ‘Fundamentals of Digital 3. Duolingo Take the time in

Learn something new 24-hour courses to help you learn Marketing’ course or, if you’re self-isolation to learn a new
without leaving the house.
quickly and easily. Choose from a an entrepreneur, why not learn language or even improve.
1. FutureLearn FutureLearn
is a site that has partnered library of over 900 short courses how to grow your business Duolingo is one of the best apps
with some of the world’s
top universities and cultural or read thousands of articles online? This is a fantastic free to download during self-isolation
institutes in order to offer
online courses for free. Yes, on whatever subjects take your offering that’s laid out in a clear as it can not only keep your mind
you read that right: they’re
free! You can learn anything, fancy. From languages to science, and concise way. going and connects you with
whether you want to focus
on building your professional maths and technology, this is an For more information log on people from all over the world as
skills or you simply want to
explore a new hobby. If you incredible resource and it’s all free. to learndigital.withgoogle. you learn their language.
enjoy this method of learning
you can also sign up for online For more information log on to com
programmes and degrees
through the site (although open.edu/openlearn 4. Quizzland Test your
some payment applies).
Courses include learning how 5. Masterclass A knowledge for the next pub quiz
to write a book and a deep
dive into the history of our 3. Udemy If you have a little subscription-based platform, now you are in isolation. Answer
very own Book of Kells (taught
cash to splash, Udemy is home Masterclass allows you to learn free trivia quizzes, read interesting
A funny watch but filled with love
for family and making memories. to the world’s largest selection of from the best in the business explanations and check your

5. The Sound of Music I online courses and new courses in exchange for less than €20 general knowledge. You will spend
remember watching this when
I was in my granny’s house and are published every month. Each per month. Whether you want hours on this app trying to guess
being in complete awe of Julie
Andrews. The musical tells the course is led by an expert in the to learn how to cook with and answer these questions. An
story of Maria, who takes a job as
governess to a family while she field of study and for a tiny price, Gordon Ramsey or you want to app filled with fun and a get way
decides whether or not to become
a nun. She falls in love with the you can learn whatever you like. write the next bestseller with to train that brain of yours.
children and their widowed father,
Captain von Trapp. He is ordered From media training to brush James Patterson, each course
to accept a commission in the
German navy, but he opposes the lettering for beginners, there’s is slick, perfectly complied and 5. Down Dog Yoga With gyms
Nazis. He and Maria decide to flee
something to cater to all tastes very detailed. New classes are now closed, Down Dog is a top-

and all skill levels. announced on the regular. rated yoga app as it is suited for

For more information see www. For more information log on all levels and you can start it in the

udemy.com to www.masterclass.com comfort of your own home. There

are many features in the app, level

entries, multiple practice tips,

from Austria with the children. 5 Feel good apps teachers to chose from and many
An uplifting classic which will be you need to download more. A great app in particular
for those wanting to get a bit of

sure to have you singing along All available on AppleStore exercise in to clear the mind. WW

and tapping your feet to the and Playstore.

music. T he Sound of Music 1. Audible Sometimes when Audible Headspace

Matilda reading our eyes can get that

little bit tired making us sleepy

By Amy Wall and Niamh Shields but still wanting to find out

what happens to our beloved

character in our book. Audible is

an app that contains an array of

audio books and podcasts from

romance, horror, short stories and

kids’ books for bedtime. Ideal for

relaxing or when you are out on a

walk getting some fresh air.

Marley and Me Down Dog Yoga WOMANSWAY.IE 25

COME HOME SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

Can you match the images to the house numbers? Find the ten differences.

HOW MANY UNDERWATER MATHS

How many in each box? Add up to get the correct answers.

26 WOMANSWAY.IE

SHADOW MATCH ODD ONE OUT JUST FOR KIDS

Find the correct shadows. Which image on each line doesn’t belong? AT HOME

ODD ONE OUT ROPE TRICK

Which image on each line doesn’t belong? Which of the ropes will form a knot when pulled?

WOMANSWAY.IE 27

CODE WORD WORDSEARCH: COUNTIES

Find and cross out all the listed words

5 LETTER WORDS 6 LETTER WORDS TOILETS ANTRIM DOWN LAOIS SLIGO
AGREE LATEST ARMAGH DUBLIN LONGFORD TIPPERARY
EMPTY TISSUE 8 LETTER WORDS CARLOW FERMANAGH LOUTH WATERFORD
EXTRA BICYCLES CAVAN GALWAY MAYO WEXFORD
GRAZE 7 LETTER WORDS ELEVENTH CLARE KERRY MEATH
JEWEL ASPECTS CORK KILDARE MONAGHAN
MYTHS CLOSEST 9 LETTER WORDS DONEGAL KILKENNY OFFALY
OPENS COMPETE CHARACTER
PARKS DESERVE EXPRESSES WHO AM I?
QUICK IMITATE HOPEFULLY
SCENE INSPECT PLATFORMS A cult writer, I was born in Kentucky in 1937. My signature style
TOWEL METHODS THEREFORE of ‘gonzo’ journalism saw me rise to popularity as a chronicler
USING OCTOPUS WHISTLING of American counterculture, a reputation which was enhanced in
SPECIAL 1972 with the publication of my autobiographical novel, Fear and
Loathing in Las Vegas.
ANSWER: HUNTER S THOMPSON.

MEDIUM SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU ISSUE 12 SOLUTIONS

28 WOMANSWAY.IE

PUZZLES

WORDWISE PUZZLES PRIZE CROSSWORD 13

The word may sound familiar, but do you know what it means?

NEBULOUS RAPTOR
A Larger than life A Rascal
B Vague B Plunderer
C Unavoidable C Teacher’s cane

ORDINAL SAVATE
A Religious book A Soap with perfume
B Point of the beginning B Boxing with the use of the feet
C Indicating order of sequence C Tract of level land with low vegetation

PENNANT TRUISM
A Long narrow flag A Wooden fruit-basket
B Bi-valved shellfish B A self-evident truth
C Large feather C Fungus of the genus Tuber

ANSWER: MARGOT KIDDER.
1: B. 2: C. 3: A. 4: B. 5: B. 6: B
WHO AM I? ACROSS: 1. Staid (5); 4. Knotted (7); 8. Flier (7); 9. Jokes (5); 10. Jot (4);
11. False belief (8); 13. Image (4); 14. Cosy (4); 16. Close by (8); 17. Pool
An actress, I was born in Canada in 1948. I appeared in low- (4); 20. Weary (5); 21. Inaccurate (7); 22. Remainder (7); 23. Disburse (5).
budget Canadian films in the late 1960s, but started getting DOWN: 1. Railway o cial (7-6); 2. Erected (5); 3. Roster (4); 4. Attic (6);
bigger roles in the 1970s and was leading lady to Gene Wilder 5. Postpones (8); 6. Enduring (7); 7. Unbiased (13); 12. Granted (8); 13.
and Robert Redford. I am best remembered for playing Lois Harms (7); 15. Imprudent (6); 18. Rub out (5); 19. Minus (4).
Lane to Christopher Reeves’s Superman in the 1970s and 80s.
CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS ISSUE 11
CELEB PIXELS
ACROSS: 3 Prosecute; 8 Rare; 9 Assailant; 10 Single; 11 Lever; 14 Noise;
15 Rest; 16 Rages; 18 Load; 20 Their; 21 Least; 24 Stolen; 25 Delineate; 26
Loss; 27 Inclement. DOWN: 1 Presently; 2 Principal; 4 Ruse; 5 Scare; 6 Caller;
7 Tend; 9 Alter; 11 Light; 12 Rebellion; 13 Sternness; 17 State; 19 Denial; 22
Steam; 23 Keen; 24 Stun.

Time a er time, I’m still a I have a touch of royalty. WLIQINU!IDARLTIPDEPCIGOMENT €W1O8R.2T0H
musical icon. You might call me a Queen.
ARTDECO is all about ‘a ordable luxury’ and the
Liquid Lip Pigments are a perfect example. The light
formulation contains a high proportion of pigments
which create iridescent e ects. Liquid Lip Pigments
reach not only the highest colour intensity, but also
a stunning, shiny glitter finish. The fluid blends
seamlessly, creating a long-lasting film on the lips.
Available in four colours. The winner of this week’s
crossword will receive one Liquid Lip Pigment.

PRIZE ENTRY FORM

Name:
Address:

I played the role of Mary I made a cameo on Friends Number:
Magdalene recently. beside my then-wife. CLOSES: APRIL 13, 2020

Post entries to: Crossword 13, Woman’s Way, Drumcli e House, 47 Stephens Place, Dublin
2. This competition in Woman’s Way is open to anyone resident in Northern and the Republic
of Ireland aged 18 and over except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its
printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will
only accept one competition entry per envelope. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries a er
the closing date. Winners will be notified by phone or post. The editor’s decision is final.

PUZZLES

IMPOSSIPUZZLES CODE WORD

1 When Judy was a year older “Separately or together, prices The same number represents the same letter. Crack the code and fill
than Clare was when Judy was are the same,” he replied. “We the grid. To help you get started some words are already in place.
a year younger than Clare was took exactly a hundred pounds
when Judy was as old as Clare for them today, and for just one
is, Clare was a year younger hundred items, but more ties than
than Judy was when Clare was ascots and ties are cheaper.”
half as old as Judy is. I wondered about the respective
They are both in their 40s, and prices. You figure them out.
we have taken ages in complete
years. 5 “We did a staff survey today,”
So how old is Clare? Peter told his wife. “Some of
the results surprised me. For
2 Sam was locking up when I example, exactly half the women
banged on the door. “Come in,” are married, but only a third of
he chuckled. the men. So just two-fifths of
“I’ve had a good day.” He them all are married.”
pointed to a counter. “Ascot and Helen smiled. “But how many
matching tie. women are there?”
£2.95. Cheap but profitable.” “Well,” replied Peter. “We have
“Do they sell separately?” I 30 men, so can you work it out?”
asked.

CODE WORD 1: 1958. 2: 1970. 3: 1978.
1: Clare is 43 years old. 2: 85p and £2.10. 3: 20 women.
The same number represents the same letter. Crack the code and fill
the grid. To help you get started some words are already in place.

WREHMEENMBER Song Contest
2. Elvis Presley had his first
The following events all occurred UK No.1 for five years with The
in a year in living memory. Can Wonder of You
you guess the year? 3. Love Story had audiences
weeping at the cinema
1 4. East Pakistan was
devastated by a cyclone and
1. Prince Albert of Monaco storm surge
was born
2. Composer Ralph Vaughan 3
Williams died
3. The monarchy in Iraq was 1. Grease was released and
brought to a bloody end became a huge hit at the cinema
4. Cliff Richard had his first 2. Kate Bush had a UK No.1
hit single with Move It single with Wuthering Heights
3. Bjorn Borg won his third
2 Wimbledon men’s singles title
4. The first Sundance Film
1. Dana won the Eurovision Festival was held, under the
name Utah/US Film Festival

30 WOMANSWAY.IE

Stay connected

Lookbook Food

People So what are you waiting for?
We’re live and we want
We have launched our fantastic newly improved website and you to join us.
we have to say, we’re rather keen on it. From health and beauty
features not found in the regular pages of Woman’s Way, to
soap and TV news, celebrity interviews, recipes for that perfect
meal, or exclusive horoscopes and tarotscopes, womansway.ie is
a great place to stay informed about the Woman’s Way world.

Plus, our new site features the exclusive Competitions’ Corner.
That’s right: every week we’ll be giving those who sign up
members-only access to online giveaways. Quite simply, you need
to register (for free!) to ensure you get that all important email
each week.

It’s timeTO NOMINATE

IRELAND’S NO1 MUMS!

2020
ADVOCATE

The gamechanger
who has gone beyond
expectation to deliver

something positive
for their families/

communities

2020
SPORTS MUM
At the sidelines,
making sandwiches,
2020 cleaning uniforms,
2020 2020 2020 CARER this mum is the
LOCAL HERO VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER team’s number
Our winner can be one fan
The person who The person who The person who works a foster carer or a
strives to improve selflessly gives her tirelessly for the benefit carer for a partner,
their community time to promoting children, neighbours,
through a series good causes within specific charity/ies or friends or family
an overall fundraiser
of initiatives or members
organisations for the benefit of
other

her community/ 2020 2020
for a particular SCHOLAR SUSTAINABILITY

sector The person who has

The person who has gone to great lengths to
It’s our 17th year and the in celebrating those women gone back to school/ encourage their friends,
college, who has retrained families, communities
search for honouring women who are giving back so much in a di erent industry, or county to be
who is constantly more green
throughout Ireland is still to the people and agencies self improving
going strong. In 2018, we around them. The women academically
developed new categories working shifts, preparing
that reflected the changing meals, looking after others

nature of what motherhood and just being invaluable to

means in the country. In their nearest and dearest.

2020, we’re mixing it up a Winners will be chosen At our judging day, we will be choosing our 2020 Supermum,

little again. to attend a special lunch in an award for a woman who encompasses aspects of all the

The Mum of the Year the summer and will receive categories, or who sits above all other nominees.

Awards is the largest and bespoke gifts – and a day

most recognised national they’ll never forget. How to nominate
award celebrating mothering Woman’s Way and Beko

and Woman’s Way has teamed are seeking nominations When you’re nominating please mark clearly ONE
up with Beko for the fifth from anyone who knows an category ONLY
year to showcase our 2020 exceptional mum. She could POST: Complete nomination form and post to Mum of the
winners. This year, we’ll be be your mum – birth, foster, Year Awards 2019, Woman’s Way, Drumcliffe House, 47

supporting the women who step or adoptive – wife, Stephen’s Place, Dublin, D02 NX78
continue to do their best partner, sister, daughter, EMAIL: Send all information to [email protected]
for their families, friends, friend or a community ONLINE: Log onto www.womansway.ie for an online
neighbours and communities. worker. Do you know a application form
category winner?
We have always believed

32 WOMANSWAY.IE

MUM OF THE YEAR

CUT OUT AND SEND MUM OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2020 ENTRY FORM

YOUR NAME:
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER:
MOBILE NUMBER:
YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO NOMINEE:

NAME OF NOMINEE:
AGE:
POSTAL ADDRESS:

COUNTY:

IN WHICH CATEGORY ARE YOU APPLYING?

2020 FUNDRAISER £ 2020 SCHOLAR £
2020 ADVOCATE £ 2020 SUSTAINABILITY £
2020 CARER £ 2020 SPORTS MUM £
2020 LOCAL HERO £ 2020 VOLUNTEER £

DETAILS OF YOUR NOMINATION...

CUT OUT AND SEND

WOMANSWAY.IE 33

AT HOME

Bags & bags of style

Crochet bag with coloured pattern first treble crochet, 2 treble crochets in EDGE:
and flowers. The piece is worked in 2 the next treble crochet *, repeat from *-*
strands DROPS Paris. to end of round = 36 treble crochets. Work an edge at the top of the bag with
ROUND 4: Work * 1 treble crochet 2 strands mustard as follows: Fasten the
DROPS Design: in each of the first 2 treble crochets, strands with 1 double crochet in the first
Pattern no w-713 2 treble crochets in the next treble stitch, work 1 chain stitch then work
Yarn group C + C or E crochet *, repeat from *-* to end of LOBSTER STITCH - see description
Measurements: round = 48 treble crochets. above, to end of round. Finish with 1
Circumference: approx. 92 cm. REMEMBER THE CROCHET TENSION! slip stitch in the first chain stitch. Cut
Height: approx. 46-47 cm. ROUNDS 5-9: Continue with increases and fasten the strands.
Materials: and pattern as before, i.e. on each round
DROPS PARIS from Garnstudio (belongs to work 1 more treble crochet between HANDLE:
yarn group C) each increase = 108 treble crochets.
200 g colour 100, light wash ROUND 10: is round is the last round Cut 4 strands of each colour of 120 cm
100 g colour 41, mustard of increases (= 120 treble crochets) and = 36 strands. Lay the strands together
100 g colour 39, pistachio you work flowers. e flowers have and tie a loose knot, leave approx. 12
100 g colour 11, opal green different colours, so you need to use cm after the knot. Divide the strands
100 g colour 01, apricot 2 balls of each colour to avoid cutting into 3 bunches with 12 stands in each
100 g colour 06, shocking pink strands on the round. bunch. Plait the 3 bunches together
100 g colour 07, heather until the plait measures approx. 68 cm
100 g colour 14, strong yellow e order of colours for the flowers are (do not plait too tightly). Divide the
100 g colour 12, red as follows: strand ends in 2 bunches. read the
If the bag is worked in just one colour, you will Colour 1. 06, shocking pink 2 halves through the bag with 1 treble
need 650 g Paris. Colour 2. 07, heather crochet between them, in the second
The piece can also be crocheted with yarn from: Colour 3. 41, mustard round from the finishing edge. Tie the
“Alternative yarn (Yarn group C)” – see link Colour 4. 01, apricot strands together on the front of the bag.
below. Colour 5. 12, red Pick up the knot in the other end of the
DROPS CROCHET HOOK SIZE 5.5 MM – or Colour 6. 14, strong yellow plait and fasten to the bag in the same
the size needed to get 13 treble crochets and 6 Colour 7. 06, shocking pink way on the opposite side (see photo).
rows with 2 strands on 10 cm in width and 10 Colour 8. 07, heather Make another plait in the same way
cm in height. Colour 9. 41, mustard and fasten on the other side of the bag
Colour 10. 01, apricot as described above. If you wish, you
Colour 11. 12, red can make small plaits in the ends of the
Colour 12. 14, strong yellow handles on the outside of the bag. WW

BAG: ROUND 11: Cut and fasten the
background colour (100, light wash).
e bag is worked with 2 strands of each
colour - read DOUBLE STRAND TIP. is is done because this round starts
3 treble crochets earlier and the new
e piece is worked in the round, but is start will be between 2 flowers. Work
turned after each round so that every treble crochets and pattern according to
other round is worked from the right diagram A.2 to end of round.
side and the wrong side. ROUNDS 12-18: Continue with treble
crochets and diagram A.2.
Work 5 chain stitches with 2 strands ROUND 19: Continue with treble
opal green and hook size 5.5 mm. Form crochets and diagram A.2, but on this
them into a ring with 1 slip stitch in the round work the first 2 treble crochets
first chain stitch. en work according in each repeat together - i.e. decrease
to diagram A.1 (work 12 repeats of A.1 in 12 treble crochets on this round - read
width) - read COLOUR PATTERN. DECREASE TIP = 108 treble crochets.
In other words, work as follows: ROUNDS 20-27: Work treble crochets
ROUND 1: Work 12 treble crochets and pattern according to diagram A.3
around the ring - read CROCHET INFO. (there is 1 round left in A.3).
ROUND 2: Work 2 treble crochets in ROUND 28. Work the last round in A.3
each treble crochet = 24 treble crochets. with double crochets, cut and fasten the
ROUND 3: Work * 1 treble crochet in the strands.

34 WOMANSWAY.IE

“ is colourful CROCHET
crochet bag
is the perfect INFORMATION FOR THE PATTERN:
addition to PATTERN:
any spring See diagrams A.1, A.2 and A.3. The
wardrobe” diagrams show the colours in the pattern.
1 square = 1 treble crochet.
DIAGRAM DOUBLE STRAND TIP:
Use the strand from both the inside and
= opal green outside of the ball. When changing to a
= pistachio new ball, it is best to change 1 strand at
= light wash a time, so the strand fastenings are not
= see colour order in too thick.
text - each repeat COLOUR PATTERN:
has a di erent When changing colour, work as follows:
colour Work the last treble crochet with the
= mustard old colour, but wait with the last pull
= heather through, change to the next colour and
= shocking pink work the last pull through with the new
colour, then work the next treble crochet.
When working with 2 colours, lay the
strand of the colour you are not working
with over the stitches from the previous
round and work around the strand so that
it is hidden and also brought forward.
CROCHET INFO:
The first treble crochet on the round is
replaced by 3 chain stitches. The round
finishes with 1 slip stitch in the 3rd chain
stitch at the beginning of the round. Turn
the piece a er every round and continue
working from the other side.
DECREASE TIP:
Decrease 1 treble crochet by working
the next 2 treble crochets together as
follows: Work 1 treble crochet, but wait
with the last pull through (= 2 loops on
the hook). Work the next treble crochet,
but on the last pull through, pull the
strand through all 3 loops on the hook.
LOBSTER STITCH:
Worked as double crochets, but
backwards; i.e. work double crochets
from le to right.

WOMANSWAY.IE 35

Purple princess ATHOME

Knitted jacket and tights in DROPS on 10 cm switch to smaller needles. DROPS Design:
Baby Merino. Jacket is knitted top DROPS MOTHER-OF-PEARL BUTTON Pattern no bm-110-by Yarn group A
down with leaf pattern, round yoke and Flower (red), NO 617: (5) 5-6-6 7 (7) pieces.
A-shape. Tights is knitted top down SIZES:
with lace pattern. Size: Premature - 2 TIGHTS: 0/3 - 6/12 -18/24 months
years. SIZE: Equivalent to the baby’s height in cm:
48/56 – 62/80 – 86/92
DROPS design: (<0) 0/1 - 1/3 - 6/9 - 12/18 months (2) years Fits head size: Approx. 40/44 – 44/46 –
Pattern no bm-111-by Yarn group A Size equals approx. kid’s height in cm: 46/50 cm
(40/44) 48/52 - 56/62 - 68/74 - 80/86 (92)
FOR THE ENTIRE SET: MATERIALS:
MATERIALS: DROPS BABY MERINO from Garnstudio
Size: (belongs to yarn group A)
(<0) 0/1 - 1/3 - 6/9 - 12/18 months (2) years DROPS BABY MERINO from Garnstudio 50-50-50 g colour 26, light old pink
Size equals approx. kid’s height in cm: (belongs to yarn group A)
(40/44) 48/52 - 56/62 - 68/74 - 80/86 (92) 100-100-100-150-150-150 g colour 26, KNITTING TENSION:
light old pink 26 stitches in width and 42 rows in height with
MATERIALS: ACCESSORIES: approx. 35-50 cm elastic leaf pattern; 26 stitches in width and 51 rows in
DROPS BABY MERINO from Garnstudio height with garter stitch = 10 x 10 cm.
(belongs to yarn group A) KNITTING TENSION:
(200) 200-250-300-300 (350) g colour 26, NEEDLES:
light old pink 24 stitches in width and 32 rows vertically DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE
in stocking stitch = 10 x 10 cm. 2.5 MM.
JACKET: DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 2.5 MM:
NEEDLES: Length 40 cm or 60 cm.
SIZE:
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE Needle size is only a guide. If you get too many
(<0) 0/1 - 1/3 - 6/9 - 12/18 months (2) years 3 mm stitches on 10 cm, change to a larger needle
Size equals approx. kid’s height in cm: DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 3 mm : size. If you get too few stitches on 10 cm,
(40/44) 48/52 - 56/62 - 68/74 - 80/86 (92) Length 40 and 60 cm. change to a smaller needle size.
Needle size is only a suggestion! If you
MATERIALS: have too many stitches on 10 cm switch to BONNET
larger needles. If you have too few stitches
DROPS BABY MERINO from Garnstudio on 10 cm switch to smaller needles. WW Short overview of the piece:
(belongs to yarn group A) e piece is worked back and forth with
(150) 150-150-200-200 (200) g colour 26, Knitted bonnet for babies with leaf
light old pink pattern and garter stitch in DROPS circular needle or double pointed needles,
Baby Merino. Sizes 0-24 months. from mid back.
KNITTING TENSION:
Cast on 7-8-9 stitches with circular needle
24 stitches in width and 32 rows vertically size 2.5 mm and Baby Merino. Start from
in stocking stitch = 10 x 10 cm. the wrong side and work A.1 back and
24 stitches in width and 40 rows vertically forth (= 7-8-9 repeats of A.1). When A.1
with leaf pattern = 10 x 10 cm. has been completed there are 77-88-99
stitches on the needle. Insert 1 marker –
NEEDLES: THE PIECE IS NOW MEASURED FROM
HERE!
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE Work GARTER STITCH back and forth
3 mm – see description above. When the piece
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 3 mm : measures 9-10-11 cm from the marker,
Length 40 and 60 cm. cast off with a picot-edge as described
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE below.
2.5 mm: For edges
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 2.5 mm: CAST OFF EDGE WITH
Length 40 and 60 cm for edges PICOT:
Needle size is only a suggestion! If you
have too many stitches on 10 cm switch to Cast off from the right side as follows:
larger needles. If you have too few stitches Knit 1, (* insert the right needle between
the first 2 stitches on the left needle; i.e.
between the stitches on the needle not
through the stitches, make 1 yarn over

36 WOMANSWAY.IE

KNITTING

EXPLANATIONS FOR THE PATTERN:
RIDGE/GARTER STITCH
(worked back and forth):
Knit all rows.
1 ridge in height = Knit 2 rows.
PATTERN:
See diagram A.1. The diagram shows all rows in
the pattern seen from the right side.

the right needle and pull it between the cord measures 22-24-26 cm, cast off and
2 stitches and place it on the left needle *, fasten the strand. Work the other cord in
work from *-* 2 more times, so there are the same way on the other side of the cast-
3 new stitches on the left needle. ** Knit off edge. WW
the first stitch on the left needle, pass the
first stitch on the right needle over the last DIAGRAM
stitch worked **), work from **-** a total
of 5 times. Repeat from (-) along the whole = knit from right side, purl from
edge until there is 1 stitch left on the left wrong side
needle. Cut the strand and pull it through = purl from right side, knit from
the last stitch. wrong side
= between 2 stitches make
ASSEMBLY: 1 yarn over; on the next row
(wrong side) knit or purl the
Sew the bonnet together mid back, along yarn over as shown in the
A.1 – sew in the outermost loop of the diagram to leave a hole
outermost stitch so the seam is flat and = between 2 stitches make
continue the seam approx. 2 cm along the 1 yarn over; on the next row
garter stitch section. Cut and fasten the (wrong side) knit-twisted or
strand. purl-twisted the yarn over as
shown in the diagram to avoid a
TIE CORDS: hole
= knit 2 together
Work back and forth with 2 double pointed = slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 1
needles size 2.5 mm. Knit up 4 stitches on and pass the slipped stitch over
the one side of the cast-off edge. the knitted stitch
Knit 4, * do not turn the piece, but push = slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit
the stitches to the other end of the needle, 2 together and pass the slipped
take the strand behind these 4 stitches, stitch over the knitted-together
tighten and knit the 4 stitches again from stitches
the right side *, work from *-* until the

WOMANSWAY.IE 37

BOOKS MY LIFE IN BOOKS
LAURA ELLIOT
B kOF THE WEEK
My Dark Vanessa OMAU3R1TCH Your favourite
book of all
by Kate Elizabeth Russell (Fourth Estate) time?
That’s like
Seventeen years a er Vanessa Wye first had sex with asking me
her English teacher, he’s been accused of sexual abuse to choose
by another former student. Vanessa is outraged: she is my favourite
colour, food or
certain that their relationship was exactly that, and not holiday destination.
If I must choose, it has
one shrouded in abuse. However, given world events in 2017, and to be The Colour Purple by Alice Walker. It
lands such an emotional punch on me as
what’s happening closer to home, Vanessa must re-evaluate what she initially dubbed I follow Celie’s struggle from the brutality
she endures to finding to her own unique
her greatest love story and view it as underage sexual assault – and rape. Could it sense of self.

be possible that she was a victim as much as the student being so vocal about her Book that made you become a writer?
Daphne du Maurier’s opening chapter in
experiences? It is an uncomfortable, unsettling read, but it has to be to adequately put her novel, Rebecca. Spellbinding!

across the depth of feeling and memory. An author of whom to sit up and take notice. Book you would recommend to
people?
AMNESTY MRUEASTD Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia
Owens.
by Aravind Adiga (Picador)
Danny has a secret: he’s illegal. He overstayed Best book to start a book club?
Books that explore di erent cultures and
his student visa and now lives in Sydney with no the impact immigration has. A Woman
Is No Man by Etaf Rum describes how a
medical cover, unfair wages and the fear he’ll be young woman is transported from her
Palestinian home in an arranged marriage.
sent to a brutal detention camp and back to Sri Lanka. is is It combines a riveting mystery alongside
the contentions and o -silenced issue of a
the premise of Aravind Adiga’s latest book, Amnesty. ere’s no woman’s place in a dominant male society.

doubt Adiga writes beautifully - he won the Man Booker Prize Favourite author?
Margaret Atwood. I read The Handmaid’s
in 2008 for his debut novel e White Tiger. Danny’s character is Tale when it first came out in the 1980s.
Atwood’s ability to fill the solitude that
spot-on, capturing his terror and astute observations on race in O red experiences with captivating prose
fascinates me. I’ve loved her novels ever
Australia. e novel is hooked on whether he tells the police about a murderer, since.

risking deportation in doing so. It’s gripping and heartbreaking, showing just Book you wished you’d written?
Any Roald Dahl children’s book. Imagine
how broken attitudes towards immigration and foreigners can really be. giving such mischievous pleasure to so
many young people who will remember
WOMAN’S WAY We you forever with joy.
WRITING CLASS
OTHFEIRAINSTHHFOOLLOKGY Laura Elliot’s latest novel, The Thorn
Each week, we’ll be giving advice TALES Girl (Sphere) is out now. AKA June
for anyone looking to make 2020 Considine, she has also written books
the year they begin writing their (The History Press) for children and young adults
book, short story or blog (and Banshees, Púcas,
everything in between). We’ll pick changelings, fairies and
an important theme or topic and leprechauns, many of us
give some pointers that may help grew up with folk tales
if the muse hasn’t hit you yet (it from around the country.
will hit, we’ve no doubt!). This beautiful book places
quite a few in one tome
This week we’re talking about with many of its authors
joining in and joining up – experts in the folklore of
enrolling in a writing class may be their area. A real treat for those who enjoy
of benefit if you’d like others’ help a well-told story, and the perfect book to
in what you’re creating. read to those with an interest in folklore.

When you’re all in the same WIN ME
boat, it can be so beneficial to
speak to writers and see what This week you can win a copy of Mine
they’re doing, or get them to read by Clare Empson.
a sample of what you’ve written. To enter, simply answer the following
Help can be vital if you’ve lost your question and email the competition
muse too. email: who wrote My Dark Vanessa?
Are you writing? What are your
tips for other WW readers? Email
Áine at [email protected]

38 WOMANSWAY.IE

ALSO ON SHELF WMINE IT’S HERE!

MINE WE’VE LAUNCHED
2020 AWARDS
by Clare Empson (Orion)
Luke and his girlfriend Hannah have a great WOMAN’S WAY AND BEKO
life, with a little boy and careers both are
enjoying. But when Luke finds his birth 2020MUM OF THE YEAR AWARDS
mother, Alice, the connection is instant and
he realises the part of his life that he didn’t NEW CATEGORIES
know he was missing. Luke asks Alice to mind NEW WINNERS
their son – surely nothing will go wrong? An NEW PRIZES
excellent, unsettling read.
DO YOU KNOW
LIVERPOOL DAUGHTER
IRELAND’S NO 1 MUMS?
by Katie Flynn (Arrow)
It’s August 1940 and Shane Quinn wants to GET YOUR NOMINATING
move his family back to Ireland. However, his CAPS ON!
only child, Dana, wants to stay and serve,
joining the WAAF with pals Lucy and Patty.
As the reality of war takes its toll, and news
arrives from Ireland, Dana needs to realise the
real importance of family.

THE NUMBERS GAME

by Danielle Steel (Macmillan)
Eileen Jackson raised her family, setting
aside career dreams. But when she realizes
her husband has been having an a air, she
fears it’s too late to start over. Fortunately,
she decides to chase her dreams, in Paris,
and what comes is an adventure that will
transform her life.

HER HUSBAND’S
MISTAKE

by Sheila O’Flanagan (Headline Review)
A er twenty years, and with two kids, she and
Dave are still the perfect couple. Until the day
she comes home unexpectedly, and finds Dave
in bed with their attractive, single neighbour.
Suddenly Roxy isn’t sure about anything.

By Áine Toner CHILDREN’S

BOOK OF THE WEEK

AND THE STARS WERE
BURNING BRIGHTLY

by Danielle Jawando (Simon and Schuster)
As a teenager, author Danielle Jawando was
herself so intensely bullied by schoolmates that
she attempted suicide. This novel, which draws
on those experiences, brings hope, humour and
courage to a very di cult subject. The story
centres on two characters, both of whom are struggling
to find their way in the a ermath of the suicide of Al: his
brother Nathan, and Al’s close friend Megan. Funny, raw
and honest, with an unexpected element of romance, this is
a brave and absorbing book for 12+ readers.

WOMANSWAY.IE 39

Cash crisis!

Standing in the long queue at my local lead such busy lives these days.” That’s it, I thought, turn on the taps. By Jennifer Turner
branch of “Your friendly” bank, I was “Impossible,” I spat the word out That won’t get you out of this one. You
becoming impatient with the lack of need a concrete explanation and I can’t
cashiers and also the time it was taking to through gritted teeth. “My wife would think of one myself.
deal with clients. never do that, she always asks me first if
she wants money to spend.” “Yes. It was me,” she sobbed. “It
I had an appointment at the barbers in began some time ago, in a small way.
just over fifteen minutes and I’d better The cashier gave me an odd look. But it’s got out of control and I’ve
things to do on my day off. I’d had enough. been worried sick about it all. I am
“I wish to speak with the manager, so, so sorry Dan, I can’t imagine how
At last, my turn came. I just needed please.” I said, feeling quite worried and you must have felt just now. I’ve got
some cash and I will not, on principle, embarrassed. an addiction,” she spluttered, “It all
use that stupid machine outside. It took just fifteen minutes of the began with a little game of bingo on the
manager’s time to clear up the problem. internet, I won a few times, so carried
“Good morning sir, how may I help There had been no error or fraudulent on and on. Trouble is I lost too. I tried to
you today?” said the greasy-haired activity. Oh no. My wife had some win back the money I’d lost but it never
young man. explaining to do. happened.”
Abandoning the idea of a haircut, I
I smiled in return, not feeling a bit went straight home. Wondering how she I glared at her, hardly believing what I
like smiling but decided best to appear would explain this away to me. was hearing.
pleasant. “I wish to withdraw some “Hi darling, you’re home early. Would
cash, please,” I replied. you like a coffee?” She then collapsed on the floor
“No thanks, Janet. I want an sobbing violently. To see my wife,
Handing over my debit card, I waited explanation. Can you tell me why you’ve who I loved so dearly, reduced to this
impatiently. Noticing the ill-fitting suit taken nearly two thousand pounds from wretched state got to me. I sat down
and badly washed greyish-white shirt our current account, without telling me? beside her, wrapped my arms around
he wore, I thought he may be from an Can you also tell me what’s happened to her and cried too.
impoverished background. that money? Money I’ve worked hard
for. Money I thought was in our account Eventually, when our tears had
Having decided this had to be the case, until I went to make a withdrawal today subsided, we sat up and talked. Possibly
I began to feel sorry for the fellow, but and was embarrassed and humiliated the first time for ages that we’d really
not for long. when I was told, in front of a bank hall talked. Once I’d calmed down I realised
full of people, that I couldn’t have any that this was a problem that she needed
“I’m afraid I can’t allow a withdrawal cash as we were overdrawn. Overdrawn help with, professional help.
on your account today, sir. You are beyond our limit. I have never felt so
overdrawn above your limit.” foolish in my life. That was three months ago. The change
“The manager has traced the missing in my wife has been dramatic and quite
It took a few seconds for his words to cash to a regular payment which has amazing. She’d been suffering a “mid-
register. been made monthly to a company who life” crisis and needed fulfillment in her
deal in online gambling. Two hundred life. That was the diagnosis.
“You’ve made a mistake young man. pounds at a time. I have definitely never
There is no way I could be overdrawn,” made a payment to such a firm and She now helps out at the local care
I said. never, in my wildest dreams,would have home so is feeling quite fulfilled and has
thought it of you, Janet. But, according been cured of her gambling addiction.
I began to feel eyes piercing through to their records, they claim you gave
my back, the eyes of the queue behind the authority for these payments to be We never mention those bad days of
me. Oh the shame of it. I dare not turn made. Now start talking, and you’d bingo because I now have my lovely wife
around in case there was anyone in the better tell me the truth as to what’s been back, thank God.
bank who knew me. Of course, it had happening to our money.”
to be a huge mistake. But did this young She looked at me horrified, “Oh no!”
clerk have to speak quite so loudly? she said, then the tears came. Floods of
them.
I could hear the ever-growing queue
of customers grumbling.

Having checked the computer screen,
he spoke again.

“No, sir. I’ve double checked and your
account is definitely overdrawn.”

I spluttered helplessly, “But how
can this be?” I asked, feeling quite
desperate. “There must have been an
error somewhere. There is no other
explanation.”

“Perhaps you could you check with
your wife, sir. Just in case she has made
some withdrawals that you are unaware
of. This can happen you know. We all

40 WOMANSWAY.IE

Learn to be still READER FICTION

By M.T. Walsh It’s the 1970s, Donny Osmond is singing for me. ey would do things like rule the “My class did
And they call it puppy love, the war is on in margins in my copy book without being their best over the
Vietnam, the Troubles are raging high in asked, open my reader hurriedly on to the time to protect and
the north of Ireland. right page when teacher’s back was turned cover for me. ey
to the blackboard. would do things like
Well down in the south of Ireland I’m rule the margins in
having a few of my own! I would be forever in that class debt for
their kindness. my copy book”
Her name was Mrs O’Shea, and she was
my hell on earth. But things have come to a meltdown with children, even though sometimes they
Mrs O’Shea, as she has had enough and sets didn’t deserve it.
I’ve been ill for months now, heading to out to truly finish me off with what spirit I
school was an nightmare and teacher Mrs have left. I didn’t let these events break me. If
O’Shea was not a person to be messed with, anything, I had a compassion for illness
I’ve found out just how cruel she was today. For good measure it’s not enough that that was truly genuine and that’s the truth.
she has to humiliate me but as I recently
My problem? Can’t sit quiet not the got my ears pierced, pulls on not very well Strangely years afterwards I was in the
can’t-keep-quiet-because-she’s-bored- healed ears. local town shopping with my mother-in-
or-bold but the kind that has a big medical law a wonderful women and so good to me,
name which was Sydenham’s chorea. She wants the class to laugh at me but no when whom should we spot but the old
one was really because sometimes things teacher herself.
It would look like to anyone observing are just not funny but cruel.
uneasiness with constant fidgeting and She called out to us and came in to my
jerking about. It was a very short time after this I end up path blocking me from moving away even
in hospital for four months. if I wanted to, well! she always was a bully!
But it’s a neurological disease following
rheumatic fever presenting itself with I needed rest and tablets and word has She looked me straight in the face and
involuntary jerking movements. got out around the school just how ill I had said, “I owe you a huge apology for the way
been. I treated you it has haunted me more than
e school was run mostly by the nuns anything else for years.”
whom had only ever shown me kindness But the Ireland of the seventies was a spot
but it also had three lay teachers one of that kids didn’t go and tell their parents Part of me wanted to sneer and say
them was Mrs O’Shea. about what their teacher has being doing to “really” but instead I say, “it’s ok.”
make their life hell.
Mrs O’Shea had been teaching at the My mother-in-law pushes her to one
school since Adam was a boy! e teacher got huge respect from the side and puts her little fist up in her the
teacher’s face and says, “Shame on you for
Most of the children in later years would treating this wonderful girl the way you did
remember her for all the wrong reasons. I hope your god can forgive you, because I
won’t.”
Teachers had big classes to teach, as
was the case with all schools in Ireland, e teacher bowed her head as we passed
big families equaled big class sizes, birth her.
control was very much frowned upon as
many of the mothers of that day would tell
you, but there was the strongest chance
that most of them have died, as their lives
were harder than they needed to be.

But here’s one teacher who lets down
her profession by displaying no empathy,
smiles or joy and not a shadow of a kind
bone in her body, she sees my behaviour as
a form defiance to her methods of teaching.

So this day my yerks are very bad, not
helped by the stare of a pair of dark blue
china eyes piercing through her like a knife,
teacher decides as a punishment to put me
standing up on a chair all morning.

My friends watch this punishment in
misery because most children will feel
the pain and upset of a friend and still be
helpless but will have a compassion that
might not be in adults.

is was truly the case here, my class did
their best over the time to protect and cover

WOMANSWAY.IE 41

READER FICTION

The rhythms of life

The time is here at last! I’m so excited. We dance on to the melody of life. I continue the cycle of life. I’m
Hopefully it does not show. I thought don’t want this night to end. delightfully dancing with joy and
this night would never come for me but laughter, echoing through my place
it has – I’m so lucky. Even though I I’m harmoniously twirled round and of wonder. We stretch our legs a bit
watched it being done and longed and round. Now we are soaring higher and further to scale that moss covered
wished that one day it would be MY higher. I am one of the wild geese, stone. I stumble...
turn. They really make it look like sheer flying in perfect harmony over rivers
bliss – the lilt, the swing, the freedom deep and mountains high. I land on a ‘so pillow.’ Where am
as they smoothly dance across the I? Alas, I was only dreaming. I slowly
floor, transcended beat by beat, step Graceful necks stretching in one turn o the alarm. I remember. It’s
by step in to the rhythm. Imagine! direction. With built in maps, these Friday. It’s pension day. I lace up
‘angels of the sky’ are heading to their my ‘bunion friendly shoes’, reach for
The music starts, he’s walking winter haven with the caress of nature my cane and to the rhythm of my
towards me. He’s tall and handsome. to help them on their way. pacemaker, I set o for the post o ce
More so even now that he is ‘outside with a ‘pep in my step!’
of the box.’ I feel the rhythm of my As the music speeds up and the pace
heart pacing. Can I even dance a er gets faster, it’s the ‘waggle dance’, I’m
all? being thrust backwards now into the
‘pendulum swing’.
He gently took my hand but with a
firm grip. I place my hand gingerly on I am a honey bee, delivering the code
his shoulder. I am so glad now I wore to the buzzing swarms. They’re o to
my higher heels. We pause. We have the wild flower meadows of intoxicating
to wait for that moment. That beat. nectar, scurrying in circles to their own
tune.
I find it hard to stay still. I hear
in my ears ‘shoulders back, watch It’s the last dance as we weave
your frame.’ It seems like forever. through the floor. I am a child again,
The time is now. We are o , dri ing skipping along the floor of the autumn
in perfect unison onto the floor. The forest on a carpet of magnificent
rhythm vibrating from the tips of colour.
my toes to the tips of my fingers. I
relax... As I go I kick the dry and
crispy leaves. Some are still
I am a ‘swan’ threading lightly on falling, being released from
the most beautiful tranquil lake lit their vital summer duty
up by a glorious sunset, magnificent from the lungs of the
wings leaving gentle ripples trailing earth, surrendering to
away in to the blue abyss. the breeze, spiralling
gently to
We dance on. I feel the pulse of
energy on the floor as we sway in and “ e time is now.
out. I say to myself ‘heaven is a place
on earth right here right now.’ We are off, drifting

As the tempo changes, I am a in perfect unison onto
butterfly flitting swi ly from plant to
plant, illuminated by the midday sun, the floor. e rhythm
charged with grandeur focusing on its
important mission amongst nature’s vibrating from the tips
abundance.
of my toes to the tips of
I breathe, reviving my senses and
wonder, connecting to my inner-self. my fingers”

Want to be published in Woman’s Way? By Bridie O’Connor

We are always looking for reader fiction! To get involved, simply email a short story of approximately 800 words to Áine
at [email protected]. If you require the submission requirements, she’ll email them back to you. Happy writing.

4??2 WOMANSWAY.IE

OPINION

NO, I DON’T
want my ethyaenbkryoowu!s
scalped,

FIONA GIBSON ON LEARNING TO SAY
‘NO THANK YOU’ TO BEAUTY COUNTER STAFF

As I walk into the beauty department, all of my money right now. This happens the ice. At least no one died from buying
I can sense it. I’ve shown up on their quickly with me (i.e. within twenty seconds), a mascara they didn’t need. Although I’m
radar with my gullible face, and now probably because this kind of activity was still mad at myself for wasting my cash
they are honing in. By ‘they’, I mean the out of bounds when my twin sons and on a frightfully expensive clear brow gel
counter sta . They are tracking me and daughter were little. I only had to step into (and which, frankly, no one needs, as it’s
assume - wrongly - that I have pots of a beauty department for the kids to start invisible: truly the emperor’s new clothes
money to spend. running around, opening the little drawers of of make-up).
testers and digging their pokey fingers into
I should mention that I love department precious creams and pressed powder discs. Even without being plied by booze,
store beauty halls. I love the seemingly The splendours on o er at the Laura Mercier I am still a salesperson’s dream. They
endless displays of gorgeous cosmetics, counter were as unattainable to me as the must smell it o me – my long-held
the delectable perfumes and divinely- crown jewels. believe that just one more product will
scented creams. I’d love to peruse them miraculously boost my radiance and make
leisurely – but no chance of that as I’m Now my children are all young adults and, the years melt away. I have even agreed to
pounced on before I have the chance. mercifully, that doesn’t happen anymore. have my brows re-shaped when they were
Yet the vision of them ram-raiding a Clinique a perfectly fine shape to begin with.
‘Can I help you?’ an assistant asks, counter in 2002 must burn fiercely in my
which is fine, of course – but that’s just mind, because I’m still thrilled that I can ‘Just a little tidy up?’ the young woman
the start of it. ‘Would you like to try visit such places without humiliation. Maybe suggested.
our new fragrance?’ ‘Can I show you a that’s why I’m such a willing customer:
bronzer?’ ’Are you interested in a primer because I feel lucky to be there, surrounded ‘Oh, go on then,’ I said.
at all?’ Actually, no – my gaze just by delicious scents and not the whi of burnt ‘Great! Here, sit down. Have a glass of
happened to skim over them briefly by fish fingers. wine…’
mistake. Then the clincher: ‘If you’d like ‘Thank you!’ I tipped it down, realising
to hop up on a stood I can show you how Plus, I get to sit down – albeit on a stool, - too late – that it had been administered
amazing it feels on the face…’ in public, with a stranger poking at my face. not as a treat, but as an anaesthetic
Yet it’s still relaxing and feels like a treat. as the woman proceeded to attack my
I don’t know why I always fall for this Better still, at certain counters I am o ered brows with hot wax. Including a couple of
because I know how primers feel ‘on the actual booze to drink! ‘Here’s one who’ll products that had been pressed upon me,
face’: eerily smooth as if I’ve been turned part with her cash,’ the sales assistant is the experience cost me sixty-five quid.
into a doll made from satin. At this stage, thinking, ‘if I can get a glass of prosecco And my brows looked terrible.
any quick-witted woman would say, down her throat.’ ‘No thank you,’ I’ll say firmly, next time
‘Sorry, I don’t have the time right now’, I am pounced upon. I’ll walk away briskly,
or, ‘I’m all sorted for primers, thank you!’ In my youth, I blamed drink for all kinds of then stop for a moment and think, Hmm,
Which would be perfectly fine. These mishaps: the loss of beloved a leather jacket, that did sound quite good. And I’ll turn
people are only doing their job, trying canoodling with colleague at an o ce party on my heels and go back and say, ‘Okay
to make sales (and commission) and and once – startlingly – making the unwise then, yes – I’d like to try that…’ Like fool,
of course I don’t blame them for that. decision to ‘walk’ across a frozen canal to my I will perch on the stool and allow my face
They’re used to polite no-thank-yous; no friend’s houseboat, and tumbling through to be covered in products.
one’s going to cry or beg or take it as a But I’m stronger these days. I’m a
personal slight. Yet for someone reason proper grown up woman who can
I find myself agreeing to ‘hop onto’ the stand her ground, and I will not
stool, and sit there, mutely, whilst said buy the clear eyebrow gel. WW
primer is dabbed onto my face.
Fiona’s new novel, When Life Gives you
The salesperson and I are chatting Lemons (Avon) is available now
away, and I’m starting to enjoy the
experience – which means I am already
hooked in and might as well give her

WOMANSWAY.IE 43

OPINION

Let’s Talk About

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

WITH THE HELP OF THE INTERNET, SMALL BUSINESSES ARE ADAPTING AND SHOWING
TRUE GRIT DURING THESE TRYING TIMES WRITES DOMHNALL O’DONOGHUE

e human spirit is given the ever-changing, way she worked - is Andrea mustn’t get ‘compassion
remarkable – particularly cyclical nature of fashion, Kelly, a Wicklow-based actor fatigue’ by taking care of
our ability to navigate her stock is akin to and drama facilitator. With everyone else.”
through difficult times. “perishable goods”. so many families essentially
Sometimes, like a squirrel, housebound, she decided to Yoga instructor
we hibernate. Sometimes, “All of a sudden, overnight, film and share her drama Gayle Norman and
like an eagle, we soar. the lights were turned off,” workshops online “as a way transformational life coach
she recalls. “We needed for children to be creative Brona Malone of Power in
While the world is to find a way to adapt – during this chaotic time.” You Coaching - collaborators
currently being held to quickly.” who often combine their
ransom by COVID-19, Andrea explains: “I’ve a respective, complementary
to survive, many small Sara says that Olives ten- and six-year-old myself practices - also deftly
businesses, entrepreneurs prides itself on the personal - they need to let loose, let responded to the crisis. ey
and freelancers across connections they forge with go of some of the tension. I abandoned their studios,
Ireland are, like that eagle, customers, one-to-one, hope parents at home can moving online instead, and
rising above the plume of in-store. With the country use these workshops to help presented a free workshop,
anxiety and uncertainty. effectively shutting down, children to connect with Finding Faith in Fear.
And with a little help the savvy entrepreneur themselves and their bodies
from technology, they’re needed to transfer and – and have some fun!” Brona says that
remodelling their business replicate that relationship participants were delighted
structure to connect with a online – not only to generate Her sister, Sharon that they could access the
world forced indoors. sales but to “engage and Fitzmaurice, a holistic workshop from home.
stay in touch with the wellness coach and author
For some, it’s a natural community.” based in county Galway, “At the moment, feelings of
extension of their work. is focusing on some of the connection, safety, meaning
She decided to create a positives emerging from this and fulfilment can only be
“ is situation series of vlogs, similar to the taxing period. sourced internally,” Brona
has brought a interactions that took place says.
surge of kindness on the shop floor – styling “ is situation has brought
and compassion outfits, and sharing tips and a surge of kindness and “Anything that supports
online. We’re advice. compassion online,” Sharon us in doing this inner work -
connecting with mentions. “We’re connecting like the workshop Gayle and
each other” “I’m more of a background with each other, even if it’s I hosted - is always going to
person,” Sara concedes. only virtually - we don’t feel be well received at a time
For others, they’re bravely “Being in front of the camera alone.” like this.”
pushing themselves out of is out of my comfort zone.
their comfort zones – not just However, I reminded myself Sharon’s initial concerns As it happens, being
for self-survival but, more that everyone is being following the social able to present these
importantly, to help and challenged at the moment, so distancing guidelines sprung workshops online is proving
support their loyal customers I persevered.” from her inability to work advantageous for Brona
and clients during this with clients face-to-face - and Gayle. ey’ve noticed
devastating global pandemic. Within minutes of many of whom are dealing that their participants are
uploading her first effort, with personal issues. effortlessly integrating this
Take Sara Forristal, Olives’ social media pages work into their everyday
Managing Director of lit up. Her customers were However, thinking cap lives and, in doing so, are
Drogheda-based boutique, delighted to get “some on, she began making short “literally inviting change
Olives. She tells me that escapism.” videos – including five- into their homes.”
minute online meditations,
“We got very positive which can be done alone or While we patiently wait
feedback,” Sara proudly with the family. for the future to reveal
reports. “And lots of requests itself, maybe we can take
for more vlogs!” “It’s just important to a moment to appreciate
connect with how you’re modern technology’s
Someone with much feeling.” extraordinary ability to
experience in front of the allow us to adapt and keep
camera - but who also She adds: “We must also the world connected. WW
needed to reimagine the take care of ourselves. We

44 WOMANSWAY.IE

‘Spark! – a really enjoyable page-turner that doesn’t lecture anyone’

RTÉ

‘Norah shares her journey and the lessons she has learned in Spark! Drawing on a mix
of personal insight and the wisdom of twenty years as a top business woman’

Barbara Scully, writing.ie

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On the box WITH SCHEDULES CHANGING, HERE’S WHAT
WE’LL BE WATCHING OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS
Coronation Street
time to say goodbye to a much loved the café, explaining she’s just started
Yas is trying to do the right thing animal? And what will Ken do when he Weatherfield High. Cue Gary wanting
for herself (at last, I hear you all cry) learns that someone made disparaging to know why Rick’s daughter has
but will Geoff let her slip through his remarks about Eccles? Super Ken to changed schools.
clutches that easily? Are you joking? the rescue! We rather like this new
proactive Mr Barlow. Speaking of Summer, she minds
She returns home (foolish, so very baby Oliver, who starts fitting. Will
foolish) to find a smashed photo Kelly approaches Summer and Asha in Leanne and Steve find out?
frame with drops of blood and no sign
of G. What’s happened? It all looks
like it’s going one way but we think
Yas is a lot stronger than she thinks.

Ches wants Gemma to open up,
especially after her mammy leaves,
but she insists everything is fine.

But when she gets upset on a bus
with the babies, Ches needs to ring
Bernie to return.

We are feeling utter sympathy for
Gemma and hope she’s going to get
the help she needs and deserves.

David refuses to tell Gail where
he’s going when he’s off ‘for a walk.’
What’s this a euphenism for?

Emma takes Eccles to the vet
only to be told the bad news. Is it

Holby City Ros na Run EastEnders

On the day of his disciplinary hearing, Noreen hopes that a family dinner will As one Walford regular prepares to
Xavier is determined to prove that put a stop to Dee’s odd notion of heading confess all, Ritchie swoops in.
Cameron killed Evan - but will he to Australia.
gather enough evidence to bring Ian revels in his behaviour but when
Cameron down? Will Frances accept Malachaí’s apology another resident realizes what he’s done,
after he tries to push his friend on her for they’re furious. He thinks he’s got the
As Essie faces her first round of the Ionad Pobail job? upper hand. He. Is. Wrong. This person
chemotherapy, Sacha begs her to inform takes their frustrations out on a young
her friends and colleagues that she has Berni’s far from happy when she learns character, leading them to think about
cancer. Oh, we have too many feelings what Briain has done – and we would be their future. Too right.
for this storyline. too – and she begins to form a decision of
sorts. Can he convince her otherwise? Mick’s deflated when an estate agent
Overseen by Jac, Nicky is given the values The Vic but can someone put
opportunity to carry out a challenging Pádraig is shocked when Sam comes things in perspective for the Carters?
heart transplant, but will she hold it home with a black eye. The little fellah Which is all well and good, but what does
together? Please, pretty please. lies about what happened but Pádraig and it mean for Mick and Linda?
Sonia doubt his story.

46 WOMANSWAY.IE

SOAPS & TV

By Áine Toner Emmerdale DBeyynoanmdoB: elief universal experiences such as shifting
cliques, FOMO, bullying, crushes, peer
Someone’s not in a good mood this (SKY ONE and pressure and self-doubt.
week after a car is found abandoned NOWTV, April
- and in a poor condition - in a field. 9-10) CKoareeeem&
Well, it’s the countryside, lots of things Returning to the
are found in fields. screen after a (Netflix from
career threatening April 3)
Chas railroads Belle into attending illness, Dynamo: Beyond Belief is a three- While police
Take A Vow’s lingerie party but the part special combining Dynamo’s unique officer James
latter is understandably preoccupied. brand of jaw-dropping magic with the Coffee enjoys
And then someone has the audacity to story of his road to recovery. roughout his new
accuse Belle of being unprofessional! the three instalments, we follow Dynamo’s relationship
journey from the start of his illness, with Vanessa Manning, her beloved
In good news, Bob organises a village through to the height of his hospitalisations 12-year-old son Kareem plots their
treasure hunt in the hope of bringing where he created over 200 new magic idea break-up. Attempting to scare away his
Victoria and luke together. Awh. But from his hospital bed, and finally to his mom’s boyfriend for good, Kareem tries
will he have the guts to tell Wendy how return to health. to hire criminal fugitives to take him out
he feels about her? but accidentally exposes a secret network
Hitmen of criminal activity, making his family its
Meanwhile, Kim is approached with latest target. To protect Vanessa, Kareem
a proposition. (SKY ONE and teams up with Coffee — the partner he
NOWTV, never wanted — for a dangerous chase
Fair City April 8, 9pm) across Detroit.
Having
Troy’s not keen with Leo’s suggestion infiltrated a The Nest
that he take Dean on a night out, but wedding dressed
why the drama? Troy gets angry and as a Simon (BBC One,
later apologises but that’s not going to and Garfunkel April 5, 9pm)
be enough. tribute act, Fran and Jamie abduct a sleazy It’s been
DJ who has been cutting Mr K’s coke with weeks since
Hayley and Sharon arrive home to detergent. As they shove him into the back Dan learnt
the smell of gas. Cue Ger giving Hayley of the van, it emerges there is another the truth
a lecture about where her family occupant – a vicious dog whom Fran about Kaya’s
loyalty sits. “rescued” from the last hit. When Elton past and he’s tormented by the dilemma
(the dog) gets car sick, the DJ makes good of whether to tell Emily. She and Kaya
Liam tells Carol that he’s kicking the opportunity to scarper – leading to a have built a close friendship and Emily
Killo out of the outreach programme. three-way Mexican standoff between the is finally allowing herself to believe that
Will anyone else feel sorry for Killo? good(ish), the bad, and the muttley. there will be a baby at the end of all this.
If Dan tells Emily the truth it’ll destroy
ere’s going to be some sort of MToawloerrys her - but he also knows that he can’t have
miscommunication here, we feel. a girl like Kaya in his life.
(CBBC, BBC
Wayne is surprised at Sash’s refusal IPLAYER, CTMTwrohiaotlehegugbilee
to christen Olivia though she can April 6,
be persuaded… as long as it’s on her 5.30pm) (ITV, April 8,
terms. Crafty. A new 13- 9pm)
part drama It’s the
based on day of the
the iconic novels by Enid Blyton, which village celebrations and Maggie is only
follows the adventures of Darrell Rivers concerned with re-uniting with her own
as she leaves home for the first time to family and heads to the celebrations to
attend an all-girls’ boarding school. Set in meet them. As all the villagers gather
post-war Britain on the sun-drenched cliffs for the fete, a sudden shocking series
of the Cornish coast, the series explores of events are put in motion that could
a nostalgic world of midnight feasts, potentially cost the life of one beloved
lacrosse, pranks, a mystery ghost and character.
lasting friendships. Both aspirational and
inspirational, the show has also been given
a contemporary twist telling the story of

WOMANSWAY.IE 47

SELF-MADE

On Cloud 9

ISEULT WARD, CO-FOUNDER OF FOODCLOUD, TALKS
ABOUT BUSINESS SUCCESS AND SHARES HER TIPS FOR READERS

FoodCloud is an Irish social project with a team from Trinity ISEULT SHARES HER how they operate, and helping By Niamh Shields
enterprise founded by Iseult transformed into the FoodCloud people understand that they
Ward and Aoibheann O’Brien we have today, and it has 5 TOPS TIPS do operate in almost the exact
that connects businesses with resulted in a hugely successful same way as a business, but
surplus food to charities. The social enterprise network, which For those wanting to start with different measures of
company have two solutions to stretches across Ireland, the UK their own business or social success, with more of a social
reducing food waste. The first and internationally.” enterprise focus than a financial focus.”
uses technology to redistribute
surplus food directly from The duo have had massive 1 Set realistic goals: It’s There is no stopping the duo
retail stores to community success to date and have important to know what you’re as they have plenty plans for the
groups that need it. The redistributed approximately 75 doing and why, and to start coming year.
second is the company’s million meals. small with goal setting so you
warehousing solution that don’t get overwhelmed. “One of the most exciting
works closely with the “This is a number we’re 2 Consider what social problem things happening for FoodCloud
food industry in Ireland to incredibly proud of. Our online you want to solve: FoodCloud in the first half of 2020 is
redistribute larger quantities platform and our warehouse began because we were tired that we are featuring in a
from the three hubs in Cork, solution mean we are in a of seeing good food go to docuseries produced for
Galway and Dublin. position to see that number waste. If you see a void in the RTÉ One in association with
continue to increase... We can’t market, you can be the one to Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.
“Our combined activities do what we do alone. It is down do something about it. Changing Ireland: My Big Idea
reduce food waste, increase to the kindness and generosity 3 Know why you want to do shares the stories of eight
social inclusion and through of our food donors, funders, what you’re doing: You have to social entrepreneurs from
these activities we hope to supporters and volunteers that have a passion for what you’re the Social Entrepreneurs
inspire communities to take FoodCloud can continue to doing if you’re running your Ireland community including
local actions that can create deliver greater impact.” own business. FoodCloud.
global change,” says Iseult. 4 Understand that there’s a lot
Iseult gives high praise to of hard work, long nights, but “Our long-term aim is for
The girls formed the idea for Social Entrepreneurs Ireland as the rewards payoff: There are Ireland to become a global
the company when they were she was an alumni and is now ups and downs, but when you leader in developing solutions
students at Trinity College board member. see the positive impact your for surplus food redistribution
Dublin. business is having on others, from an ever-growing network
“It is a huge privilege to be it’s all worth it. of sources, so our goal for
“I was studying Business asked to sit on the board of 5 Be patient: Building a social 2020 is to continue working
and Economics in Trinity and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland enterprise takes time! towards that by redistributing
went to an event where I met (SEI). What many people will surplus food. We’re committed
co-founder, Aoibheann,” says not know is that FoodCloud was it and apply to SEI. It doesn’t to helping Ireland achieve
Iseult. “We got to talking about not successful the first time it have to be perfect. SEI will help Sustainable Development Goal
how much food is wasted and went for the SEI award. to further develop it.” 12.3, which is to halve per capita
how little there was to combat global food waste by 2030.”
that in Ireland because at the “Having the experience of Iseult shared some words
time there was only one tiny, being a successful alumni and of wisdom for those hoping to Lastly, I asked Iseult to tell
registered food bank in Ireland having been part of such a start their own social enterprise. readers her life motto to which
and internationally, in the UK strong community of SEI alumni she said, “Don’t be afraid to fail
and Europe. has given me great insights into “Running a social enterprise and try again.” WW
how we can better support the is no different than running any
“What made us take the courageous new entrepreneurs other business – it comes with For more information on
first step was our combined who take the brave step to its challenges. I would say one FoodCloud check out their
determination to do something tackle some of Ireland’s most of the particular challenges is website www.food.cloud
about the enormous amount pressing social issues. that social entrepreneurship
of perfectly good food that is is not a concept that’s widely Have a small business
wasted in Ireland every year. We “And right now, SEI is looking understood. It’s important and want your story
arranged for the surplus food to support the next generation to get the messaging around told? Contact Niamh at
from a farmers’ market to be of social entrepreneurs through what social enterprises are, [email protected]
redistributed to a local charity. their support programmes so I’d
So, what started as a college encourage all your readers who
have ever had a niggling idea to
solve a social problem to share

48 WOMANSWAY.IE

SOOHCSIAOL Love your weekly
dose of fashion,
Investigate our Instagram @womans_way beauty, interiors,

Delve into the team’s love of a motivational quote and, if food, travel, health
you haven’t gotten your weekly issue, learn what’s in the and celebrities?
magazine that week. Plus, we love cake so there’s plenty of
pictures of buns and sweet treats as we try not to reach for Keep up to date with
the biscuit tin in the o ce… the Woman’s Way
team on our social
media channels

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From news stories than in the magazine,
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to work on Ireland’s update multiple times
best selling women’s per day to give you a
magazine, our Twitter little extra slice of WW
has it all. Make sure life.
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BEAUTY Re y, a ly, GO! BEAUTY both working hard from home in the Star le er
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all the brow make you featured. I used

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every week. It’s always a good read.
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WORKING FROM HOME

Edel and granddaughter Meabh are

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Timmins, Co Kildare; Audrey Waugh, €W15in0
Dublin; Niamh Quinn, Dublin; Valerie NelwkfPoartstkeirrnt NEW MOON
Hengst, Dublin; Eileen O’Flaherty, Co vSouuncwheary EMBROIDERED
Tipperary; Deirdre Coffey, Dublin
Bellamianta tan Matthew O’Malley, VINROOET.L1EAMFNOUDRM’SS TGOIOGNWIVNEEI’ABVWAEGA8SY SWEET HOME
Co Limerick
New books Anne Macaulay, Co Kerry MEET LARRY DOKONRISTTTOEDP
Lily O’Brien’s’ chocolates Mary
Connolly, Co Galway; Vicky Devlin, MDAIYGACRZAINFETMAKE AN EASTER TOY
Co Galway; Maureen O’Donoghue,
Co Waterford; eresa Leonard, Co USE YOUR
Galway; J MacCurtain, Co Kerry Grgeúant as ANNUNACLAARE&Y ACAnSSnINeDressesthat VOTE
VJPEICNLKUNYSY,,ACNLDARUEDNYWAEOIAE,UED JUST DESSERTS MIRNEULFOAOMN1RD’S
ADDRESS UPDATE NO GLUTEN? HAVE YOUR CAKE

For the moment, we are asking all competition HIGHWAY
entrants to send entries to our dedicated email,
[email protected]. We are not based thitnokceilte’sbrraetaellyyoimurpomrutamnCFF”OAtLNOATCIYWREEARAL€Lf1rAo9Nm 23rd¤M1a.rch720920
in our office, so will not be able to receive postal 16t¤h M1a.rc7h 29020 (NI stg £1.69)
entries. For the weekly crossword prize, please The beauty of being Nationwide
keep posting your grids and we will select “I PUSHING HERSELF THROUGH WRITING
winners once we’re back in our office. anks.
(NI stg £1.69)

HERO: THE VILLAGE WITH A DIFFERENCE Music maker

05/03/2020
Great gúnasLOCAL 14:26

WW10 Cover.indd 2

GREEN ANGEL FACE CREAM
Irish skincare range Green Angel contains a rich blend of
hand-harvested organic Irish seaweed and luxury organic €W2O9R.9T5H WIN
essential oils which help to deliver beautiful skin and
reduce the visible signs of aging. Available in pharmacies
and lifestyles shops nationwide.
This week’s star letter will receive a Green Angel
face cream.

Check out www.greenangel.com
for more details

50 WOMANSWAY.IE