WW33 2019

HEALTH NEWS

GIRDEEAAT FAMILY FITNESS

Staying fit as a family is a fantastic idea and Gym Plus Swords in Dublin have a
wide range of classes on offer that are suitable for all ages. The Kids-Fit class
is specially designed to meet the fitness needs of children aged five-12 while
Teen Fit is aimed at 12-15-year-olds and includes a mix of physical activities
and weight training. Family Fit is another popular class and helps to create a
fun bonding experience for parents, guardians and their children or teens. Is
family exercise the way forward? We think so.
For details log on to www.gymplus.ie

SDHAATARING Call the joyologist

Affidea recently unveiled We all know that happy employees are
a new personal healthcare app more productive and this is something
that allows patients and doctors to share personal that more and more businesses are
health data in a secure format. The ‘Affidea recognising (which is wonderful).
Connect’ app is unique in Europe and will connect However, in the United States, they’ve
patients and referring clinicians with all medical taken it one step further. Some businesses
imaging and reports such as MRIs, Ultrasounds, have now created active ‘joyologist’
X-rays and more. Completely GDPR compliant, it roles. That is, they’re employing people to,
is hoped that the new app will result in improved well, bring some extra joy to their company.
efficiency for all healthcare services and an Simply put a joyologist is designed to support
improved patient experience. and encourage employees and keep them happy. Their role can
For more information log on to www.a dea.ie include offering a listening ear and organising fun activities. Is it time
Irish companies started hiring joyologists? We’d love to hear your
By Amy Wall Reading Bottom’s up thoughts. Email: [email protected] or tweet us: @Womans_way
the signs
Attention all wine lovers, DID YOU KNOW?
A recent study in here’s some good news.
the Journal of Sexual Enjoying a glass of red Green mucus doesn’t mean that you
Medicine revealed could be protecting your have an infection. There’s a common
that when it comes to mental health, when misconception that green mucus
recognising whether or enjoyed in moderation automatically means that you need an
not their partner has that is. A new study antibiotic, but that’s not always the case.
been, ahem, satisfied published in the journal According to a slew of studies, green
during sex, men just Neuropharmacology mucus is not a definitive sign that you
aren’t that good. For revealed that resveratrol, need antibiotic treatment. A common
the study, researchers a plant compound found cold can also cause green mucus and
asked over 1,600 in red wine, can protect would not require antibiotics. So for best
married heterosexual against the symptoms of results, consult your GP but don’t worry
couples about their sex depression and anxiety. if antibiotics aren’t the recommended
lives and found that a So that sense of calm mode of treatment.
massive 43 per cent of that you experience
men were wrong about when sipping on a glass? TRY THIS AT HOME CHECK YOUR RATE
how often their wife had It’s the resveratrol
an orgasm. getting to work. Your heart rate can tell you a lot about your overall health. On average a
healthy resting heart rate is somewhere between 60 and 100 beats per
minute. The fitter and healthier you are, the lower it should be. You can
check your heart rate by using a heart rate monitor or by placing a finger
on your pulse and counting it for ten seconds, then multiply that result by
six. If you’re worried about your result, make sure you consult your GP.

WOMANSWAY.IE 51

WEASK Health questions with..

Teresa Mannion

Have you always had an Pepperoni pizza and ice How important is it to factor Do you drink alcohol? What’s
interest in health and cream (not together). in time to look a er your your favourite drink?
wellbeing? mental health? Yes. A chilled glass of
Yes. I’m not a fanatic but I What’s your favourite type of It’s as important as eating and Sauvignon Blanc does it for
love the physical and mental exercise? drinking healthily. The mind me every time.
benefits of good self-care. Ultimately it comes down and body are scientifically
to a brisk walk in fresh air. proven to be connected and Has your approach to
How important is health and Good for the body. Good for dependent on each other for health and fitness changed in
fitness to you? the mind. maximum wellbeing. recent years?
I like to get a good blast of For sure. It was more random
fresh air on the Salthill Prom Do you think it’s important What’s your favourite way to and hit and miss when I was
(as everyone knows!) a couple to have a good balance in mind your mental health? younger. But since my cancer
of times a week and I’ve life when it comes to healthy I love listening to podcasts diagnosis in 2013 I’m more
recently bought a rebounder eating/staying fit? that promote better mental conscious of being proactive
for jumping around at home. I Absolutely. If you’re health and wellbeing. My about my health and fitness.
also attend drop-in reformer exercising, you’re more current favourite is Fearne Today I’m cancer free and
Pilates classes which are great likely to eat clean as well. If Cotton’s Happy Place. apart from a few aches and
for stretching. I fall off the wagon, I tend to pains in my 50s, I’ve never
have that bar or biscuit that I Do you engage in any other felt better.
Would you say that you enjoy don’t really want or need. self-care practices?
working out and eating well? I love an occasional massage What are your three top tips
When I push myself to Do you ever have days where and facial. for staying in good health?
exercise – especially after a you struggle to make health a Drink lots of water, move
long and tiring day – I feel priority? Being in the public eye, do you and stretch your body daily,
much more refreshed and Of course! Stressful days ever feel under pressure to make time for friends.
energised and willing to and bad weather are huge look a certain way?
eat healthier. As a breast disincentives. That’s when Yes, especially when I’m What’s your favourite way to
cancer survivor, I know how you need to step up all the reporting at conferences or relax?
important it was to get out more and feel doubly good courts. But I’m often outdoors Netflix, pizza, wine and good
and move even after gruelling afterwards. in rough weather so the warm company.
chemo sessions. This year I’m jacket and wellies does the
delighted to be involved in the How do you motivate job! I try to wear appropriate
Boots Night Walk for Night yourself to exercise? clothing that doesn’t distract
Nurses to encourage people to Signing up to a charity walk from the story I’m reporting
take part in the annual 5km like the Boots Night Walks on.
walks and raise much-needed for Night Nurses is a great
funds for the Irish Cancer way to motivate yourself to What’s the secret to feeling What’s your life’s philosophy?
Society Night Nurse Service. exercise. Doing something comfortable in your own skin? This too shall pass.
What’s your go-to food? to raise money for a good
Spinach leaves, mixed salad cause makes it hard to back It’s a work in progress. Just What’s the best piece of
with salmon and a splash of out. Otherwise, I try to get focus on being your imperfect advice you’ve received?
balsamic vinegar. a pal on board, I put a good best self. There’s no point in Breathe! WW
playlist together, I take comparing yourself to others
What’s your go-to guilty inspiration from good role and ruminating on past
pleasure food? models. mistakes. You’re just you. You
are enough.

Boots Ireland’s annual Night Walks for Night Nurses take place this year in Dublin on August 16
and in Cork on August 23. Tickets to join the 5km walk cost €15 for an adult and under 16s go free.
Funds raised will go towards the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing service which provides end of
life care for cancer patients in their own home. For full details, search the event on
www.eventbrite.ie or log on to www.cancer.ie/support/night-nursing

52 WOMANSWAY.IE



Food news IN SHOPS SOON B is for You will need
Bacardí Ice cubes
Clever Batch (Gill Books) 35.5ml BACARDÍ Raspberry
by Susan Jane White will Bacardí has launched two 10ml raspberry purée/jam
be published in September new flavours perfect for 25ml fresh lemon juice
and is available to pre- summer. e raspberry 100ml tonic water
order. In it, shares her and ginger options (€25.20 Fresh raspberries
kitchen-ninja secrets to each) mean you can Lemon Wedges
create nourishing dishes turn a simple drink into
that will sit in your fridge a refreshing cocktail. Method:
all week, hang out on your Simply add lemonade
kitchen shelves, or wait patiently in your freezer to your Raspberry or › Build up your highball
to service another night, saving on shopping, a drop of cola to your
cooking and washing up. It sounds great to us. Ginger for the perfect › glass with cubed ice.
summer serve. Why Pour in the BACARDÍ
not try this recipe to
whet your tastebuds? Raspberry, lemon juice

CONGRATS TAKE three... › and raspberry cordial.
Top with tonic water and
Aldi gluten free goodies
Happy food anniversary to Floris › stir well. raspberries
Gluten free Garnish with
Wagemakers, owner of e Gourmet sourdough
cob €2.49 and a lemon wedge.
Offensive, which is marking his 15th
Fancy!
year in business. e Gourmet Offensive

started trading at the St Nicholas’ Market

in 2005 with the falafel stall, and expanded

to trade nationally at many of Ireland’s Mount Juliet has launched

largest music festivals. In November a Summer Champagne

2015 they moved to their fixed home at 11 Afternoon Tea if you find

Mary Street, of course still bringing their yourself in Kilkenny.

plant-based magic A summer twist is

to the Galway brought to the afternoon

market every tea experience by a

Saturday. He was refreshing glass of Henriot

at the beginning Garlic Champagne which will
mayonnaise
YOUR of a vegetarian Gluten free Madeira be served alongside the
WEEKLY movement that has €1.49 cake €2.29
ROUND-UP never been more delectable afternoon tea
OF FOODIE popular (plus the
TIPS AND falafel is gorgeous). menu. Chef John Kelly has

lPifueb created a seasonal menu

NEWS The using ingredients from the
Donnybrook
WIN A LITTLE is a new venture Mount Juliet Estate herb
A €20 by chef and restaurateur
JUST shake up Oliver Dunne of Bon Appetit, and vegetable garden.
Beef & Lobster and Cleaver
Subway has unveiled a range East. The Donnybrook is a Treats include smoked
of 21 new and improved ‘neighbourhood gastropub’
where the pub o ering is of salmon on homemade
equal measure to the food
service. Both daytime and brioche to baked ham on
evening menus see starters
EAT ingredients, as well as a such as Crispy Squid Rings, crusty fresh bread roll.
GIFT CARD selection of brand new menu Honey and Black Pepper
items. It has introduced the Aioli, Amalfi Lemon and Black We are sold. It’s priced at
Garlic and mains such as 30
Day 12oz Striploin , Home €50 per person, available
Cut Fries and Garlic Butter or
Win a €20 Just Eat gi card new Make It What You Want Peppercorn Sauce. Sundays from 1-5pm.
Bookings can be
Did somebody say Just Eat? Station, found at the end of made online at www. Booking is essential.
thedonnybrookgastropub.ie Call 056 777 300 or email:
Just Eat, Ireland’s leading or by phoning 01 269 6116.
the counter, where customers [email protected]

food ordering and delivery are encouraged to add further for more information

service, is giving you the flavour-filled finishing touches

chance to win a €20 gi to their Sub, salad or wrap

card! Choose from 100s with items including diced

of your favourite local beetroot, crispy onions and

takeaway restaurants. chopped tomatoes. ere’s also

Download the Just Eat app gluten free bread (hurrah!)

and order food for delivery plus improved sauces and the

to your home or o ce. new Vegan

To win, answer this question Signature

using the entry form on page Loaded

45: What service does Just Wrap.

Eat provide? Good luck! We’ll see

you there.

54 WOMANSWAY.IE

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Fu of flavour
Put a spin on your regular
dinner favourites with
these zesty ideas

“Delicately perfumed with Salt & Pepper by Valerie
ka r lime leaves and Aikman-Smith (Ryland Peters
lemongrass, this curry is & Small) available now.
given a little kick with the Photography © Ryland Peters
addition of green peppercorns & Small
and fresh chillies. Serve it up
with lots of fragrant herbs 45g dried unsweetened coconut 6 ka r lime leaves coconut milk and
and juicy limes to squeeze.” flakes Grated zest and juice of 1 ka r or
450g prawns/shrimp, peeled, regular lime flakes to the pan and stir to
Green coconut tails on 2 tbsp fish sauce
shrimp curry Fresh coriander, to serve combine. Bring to the boil,
Ka r or regular limes, to serve
Serves 4 Time 40 mins then reduce the heat and
Level Easy For the curry paste
2 Serrano chillies, roughly chopped Method › simmer for 20 minutes.
You will need 5cm/2in piece of fresh ginger, Increase the heat and
2 tbsp coconut oil peeled and sliced › Put all the ingredients for
820ml coconut milk 3 stalks of lemongrass, white part bring the mixture back to
only, sliced
3 garlic cloves the curry paste in a blender the boil. Add the prawns/
2 tsp green peppercorns
2 tsp shrimp paste or food processor and shrimp, cover and cook for
1 tsp ground coriander
process until they form a 5–6 minutes until they are

› paste. frying pan over › pink and cooked through.
Set a deep Remove from the heat

a medium–high heat and and rest for 5 minutes.

add the coconut oil. Add Spoon into bowls and

the curry paste and cook sprinkle with coriander

for 3–4 minutes, stirring leaves. Serve with limes to

continuously. Add the squeeze.

56 WOMANSWAY.IE

RECIPES

Salt cod latkes Place in the refrigerator with enough olive oil to fry
with green
olive salsa for 2 days, changing the the latkes. Drop heaping “Here is a fun spin on
bacalhau, the famous
Makes 24 latkes Time 50 mins water four times a day. This tablespoons of the latke Portuguese salt cod fritters. I
Level Easy like to make a rich green olive
will rehydrate the cod and › mixture into the pan. salsa to pile on top. Look
You will need Cook the latkes for 2–3 for green olives marinated
500g salt cod › remove any excess salt. in herbs; they have a deep
500g russet potatoes, or similar When the cod is ready, drain, minutes on each side until earthy flavor and when
starchy potatoes combined with the latkes
2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, put in a pot, and cover with crispy and golden brown, bring all the flavors of the
roughly chopped Mediterranean together.
2 tbsp chive onions or spring cold water. Bring to a boil and the potato is cooked. When buying the salt cod,
onions, chopped make sure the flesh is pure
1 garlic clove, finely chopped and cook for 15 minutes until Repeat in batches until you white.”
1 egg, lightly beaten
Cracked black pepper, to season the cod begins to break away have used all the mixture.
Olive oil, for frying
from the skin and bones. Arrange the latkes on a
For the green olive salsa
12 herbed green olives such as Remove from the heat, drain, serving plate, top with a little
Picholine, stoned
1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest and cool. Using a fork, flake salsa, and serve.
2 tbsp olive oil
the fish, discarding the skin
Method
and bones. Mash and set
› Put the salt cod in a bowl
› aside. roughly grate the
and cover with cold water. Peel and

potatoes. In a large bowl mix

together the cod, potatoes,

oregano, chive onions or

spring onions, garlic, and

egg. Season with black

› pepper and set aside.
To make the green olive

salsa, roughly chop the

herbed green olives and put

in a small bowl. Add the

lemon zest along with the

› olive oil and mix thoroughly.
Preheat a medium-size non-

stick sauté pan over medium

to high heat and drizzle

Miso and For the miso and nut topping
nut-crusted 1 tbsp yellow miso paste
salmon 60g cashews, roughly chopped
½ red Serrano chilli, finely chopped
Serves 2 Time 20 mins Finely grated zest and freshly
Level Easy squeezed juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
You will need
225g wild salmon fillets Method
1 tbsp olive oil
Chopped fresh chive onions, to › Preheat the oven to
garnish
Lemon wedges, to serve › 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6
Rinse and dry the salmon.
“Miso is a traditional staple of
Japanese cooking. It is made Drizzle the olive oil into a
by fermenting soybeans in sea
salt, which results in a thick small baking dish and place
paste. Most common are white,
yellow, and red miso pastes. The › the salmon fillets in it.
delicate, slightly salty and fruity To make the miso and nut
flavour of yellow miso really
enhances the flavour topping, mix together the
of wild salmon. This is a
fantastic easy supper dish miso, cashews, chilli, lime
and healthy, too.”
zest and juice, and sesame

oil. Divide the mixture and

spread on top of the salmon

› fillets. the preheated oven
Cook in

for 12–15 minutes until

the fish is cooked and the

topping is golden brown.

Garnish with chopped chive

onions and serve with lemon
wedges. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 57

Natura y Weshowyouhow

done to bring the outside
into your home
with these top tips
This year we have seen a huge 4. Do your homework
shift towards incorporating A before you buy Natural
more natural materials and patina is a materials
textures into our homes either thin layer that can It’s really important to take
through the furniture we form on the surface of time and examine any piece to be careful not to use too
choose or the accessories we materials such as copper, of furniture you are going to much. For instance, a wooden
decorate our rooms with. Here, bronze, certain stoned or buy. Ask how or where it was table on a timber floor can feel
glass sculpture maker Edward wooden furniture. On wooden made? Is it Irish made? Was it too heavy especially if they
Coveney – who was one of five furniture, the surface can designed in Ireland? Examine are the same colour. This is
winners to receive a €10,000 sometimes develop a sheen how the piece has been made, where you can get adventurous
bursary from the RDS Craft caused by polishing and look closely and see if there with contrasting colours and
Awards 2019 to help start their everyday use. are staples on show or if it has textures, such as dark furniture
careers as artists – offers his been tasked together. Can on a white floor or vice versa.
top tips for including natural 3. Choose local stone and you see glue? Are there any We use a lot of brass in Elements
materials in your home. materials where possible cracks visible? Watch out for of Action but it’s always
leatherette when you expect combined with mirror, wood or
1. Your furniture should I enjoy working with local real leather. Manufacturing a marble or stone. This allows
stand the test of time stone like Kilkenny limestone sometimes puts forward covers for the warm brass colour
as it has got such a deep colour, or woods as real when they are to contrast with the stone or
Furniture is an investment it has a rich history as manufactured. wood. Combine the new and
so buying it once is the best a dimension stone and the old, we love adding old
policy for your pocket and we have such beautiful 5. Oiled timbers versus antiques with modern elements.
the environment. I would materials in this country that varnished surfaces WW
recommend purchasing a need to be celebrated. The
really good quality kitchen grey/blue colour works with I am a big fan of oiled timbers Old and
table for use and durability, so many combinations as a not varnished surfaces. As soon new
as much as your budget modern addition or fitting into as you use a traditional varnish
affords you. A kitchen table is older pieces. these surfaces can look and feel Elements of Action is a design
something that is used every plastic. Oils need a small bit of firm who design and make
day and you will need one that Kilkenny limestone was used maintenance but are worth the hand-made, high-end furniture
will last. in the bone light base effort and you can make that in Dublin. For more information
into some fun family DIY time see www.elementsofaction.net
2. Be prepared for the too! Natural materials have to By Michelle Newman
possibility of a patina feel tactile, it’s an important
part of the sensory experience.
Properly investing in good
materials can often mean that 6. Natural materials can so en
the furniture will be well made and warm contemporary living
but will also mature with age spaces
and gain a patina. Veneered
hard board/MDF furniture Bringing natural materials
will chip if knocked and will into any space is always a good
look damaged and these idea. You can bring nature into
‘unnatural’ materials are then the home in the form of small
difficult to repair. A dent on items like wooden boards,
solid wood or a chip on a stone weaved baskets and lovely rugs
will have a story! It will be and cushions are also just as
more sustainable over a long important.
period of time especially if they
are local materials and crafted 7. Contrasts in colour and
locally too. texture are important

Like any material, you have

58 WOMANSWAY.IE

HUGH’S HOUSE Image Harvey Norman

When Ade Stack sadly lost her little boy TAKE 7… INTERIORS

Hugh she channelled all her energy into Seven pieces of Faux flowers and greenery from
setting up Hugh’s House; a charity that interiors heaven €5 from Harvey Norman
this month
Lounge beforeprovides year-round accommodation for Watermelon lunchbox €5.99
the families of children who are long-term Pink woven stool from TK Maxx Ireland
€69.99 from
in-patients of Temple Street Children’s Garden chair €143
HomeSense Ireland (approx.) from Cult
University Hospital, Holles Street, The
Elephant planter €70 Furniture
Coombe Women & Infants University from Next
Notepad and writing
Hospital and the Rotunda Hospital. set €16.99 from

Hugh’s House enables families to stay HomeSense Ireland
Ada three pendant
free of charge in a supportive, comfortable ceiling light €247 from
John Lewis & Partners
environment. Most importantly, it stops

them from being separated from their

sick loved ones for too long. To mark

its 50th anniversary sofa retailer

DFS worked with Nine Yards Design

to give Hugh’s House a gorgeous

makeover, as one of DFS’ 50 Acts

of Comfort, an initiative which

launched this year. As Hugh’s House

always has a waiting list of families

wishing to avail of its services, this

project has created space for an extra

bedroom, enabling another family to

stay. The main sitting room has also

been given a make-over to create a

space for parents to relax. What a Lounge after
transformation!

Partner Promotion

Travel newsTHE WALLS hotel while scouting for locations to about. We had dinner in the Town
OF ENNIS open a transatlantic gateway) and Hall Bistro (it used to incorporate a
yet is full of modern amenities. The jail) and it was exceptional. Honestly,
Áine relived a childhood four-star property is beautifully I still think about the Miltown Malbay
holiday and fell back in decorated to be sympathetic to its Crab Tasting Plate I had which
love with Co Clare history which I loved; the design included a crabcake, crabmeat pâté
allows you to explore the very best and crab claws. Options celebrate
Family holiday memories are of what the hotel has to offer. I love the best produce the locality has to
precious to me – and I know I’m that the building has history; you can offer and the presentation is on par
not alone. But when I was little, imagine what life was like 100 years with any ‘fancy’ meal I’ve eaten.
getting away from Belfast, getting previously and the idea of walking in It was a pleasure to eat the Grilled
into a car and driving for hours to the footsteps of thousands of visitors Medallions of Monkfish with Katafi
get to whichever town/city we’d is very appealing to history lovers. Prawns while my friend enjoyed the
chosen was magical. My parents Chargrilled Fillet of Irish Beef. The
and I spent a very lovely holiday in Think about sinking onto a bed and bistro team was exceptional – aware
Ennis, travelling around Clare and wrapping yourself up in a soft duvet, of all diners’ needs. I’d go back to
nipping in and out of the shops and because that’s what I did when I was Ennis to eat there alone.
tourist attractions. We stayed in there. Our room had all the facilities
the Old Ground Hotel in the town you need including an impressively But it’s amazing how restorative
centre and I can quite honestly say it sized shower and a hairdryer that my trip to Ennis and The Old Ground
was gorgeous. So when they asked if did what it was supposed to do! How was. I found it joyful to return to
I would return, a good, er, 25 years many times are you desperately a place that had so much happy
later, I was thrilled… and nervous. trying to dry your hair with barely a memories for me, and to find that the
Could it live up to that holiday? breath of hot air? level of care and dedication hadn’t
changed in over two decades. The
Well, it did. From arriving into When we came back from a day town too was packed with life, a
the hotel on an especially warm of pottering round Ennis, it was a thriving place that took only three
April Saturday, we were welcomed welcome sight to see cosy sofas and hours from Dublin.
by genuinely friendly staff and tables where you could enjoy the last For more information on the
given a tastefully decorated room rays of a spring day, watching the Old Ground Hotel Ennis,
that provided superb comfort. busyness of a hotel around you. tel: 065 682 8127 or log onto
The 18th century manor house www.oldgroundhotelennis.com
– it’s been a hotel since 1895 – is The hotel’s food options are
steeped in history (on 1936, pilot absolutely something to write home
Charles Lindbergh stayed at the

Brilliant bags BEAUTIFUL BUDAPEST

Keep your suitcase super organised this Enjoy three nights in the three-star King’s
summer with these handy little bags from Hotel in Budapest, Hungary, on a room only
Dealz (€1.50). Brightly coloured, they’re easy basis from €199pps. Flights depart from Dublin
to spot and will keep all your important bits airport for travel in September. For details call
together safely. 01 539 7777 or log on to www.clickandgo.com

DELICIOUS DINING

Now here’s a package that’s perfect for foodies. The ‘Dinner’s on Us’
package from Brooklodge and Macreddin Village is back by popular demand
and available for selected midweek dates for August and September. From
€149pps, you can enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast in a village room,
complimentary dinner in La Taverna Armento, a one-hour signature Flourish
Organics Facial for each guest, a bottle of bubble in your bedroom on arrival,
and a €10 voucher off any one-hour Flourish Organics treatment at the spa on
your next stay. Complimentary use of the Thermal Suite is also included.
For details call 0402 36444 or log on to www.brooklodge.com

60 WOMANSWAY.IE

HOME & AWAY

CITY GUIDE

The new ‘Personal City Guide’ package from Dublin’s five-star The Westin is ideal for anyone who
wants to get reacquainted with the capital city. The package includes an overnight stay with breakfast
for two and two exclusive experiences recommended just for you by your Personal City Guide (subject
to availability). Experiences include a personalised walking tour of the city, a private viewing of the
Book of Kells, a styled blow dry, a private shopping appointment at Arnotts and so much more. This
package is priced from €280 (off-peak) and €380 (during peak season). This package is available until
December 31 2019. For details call 01 645 1149 or email: [email protected]

COOL CANARIES

Spend seven nights at the Caybeach

Sun in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote,

on a bed and breakfast basis from

€499pps. Flights depart from

Shannon airport on August 29.
For details call 1850 453 545 or
log on to www.tuiholidays.ie

DesRcEaApMe FLYING SOLO Travel in style

Spend Christmas cruising Travel Department and Keep your passport, boarding
your way around Dubai and TDactive Holidays have just
Qatar with this amazing introduced a new range of pass and cash all safe and
package. Departing on ‘solo traveller’ itineraries
December 21 and sailing for 2020. Those travelling sound in this gorgeous travel
from Dubai, you’ll enjoy alone can enjoy a brand
eight nights aboard the new five-night short break wallet from Alice Scott @
MSC Bellissima. The MSC to the French Riviera. This
Bellissima offers a host of package includes a half- Amara (€30). It’s stylish,
activities and entertainment, day walking tour of Nice
from celebrity chefs to spas and a full-day excursion it has gold foil tabs for easy
to Cirque du Soleil, there’s to Antibes. Another new
never a dull moment. This addition is Egypt – you can organisation and it also has
package is available from enjoy a cruise on the Nile
€1,400pp including flights and take a trip to Cairo and a zipped pocket to keep any
and transfers. Hurghada.
To book call 01 231 1856 or For more information log on valuables safe in transit. We love it.
log on to www.sunway.ie to www.traveldepartment.ie
or www.tdactiveholidays.ie IN THE NEWS… SO LONG STONES

SCENT-SATIONAL If you visit Playa Jardín or El Beril in Tenerife, chances are you’ll spot
some stacked stones. These little stone ‘towers’ have been created by
tourists to the area, but local conservationists are now campaigning
to have them banned. Why? Well apparently they’re destroying the
fragile ecosystems in place on the beaches. By piling the stones on
top of each others, tourists
are removing essential plant
organisms from the soil. This
results in taking away valuable
nutrients from the soil and
getting rid of essential food
sources for small animals such
as reptiles which live in the
area. So the next time you
find yourself absent-mindedly
stacking stones on the beach?
You might want to think about
the ecosystem that’s in place.

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screw on the top and you’re good to go. Easy.

WOMANSWAY.IE 61

OPINION

Picture of me working by day in website
development, and by night as
Asomwaetlhkinagndveraycshpaetclieadl itond d an aspiring children’s book
illustrator. Two very different
“If Seán was disciplines! However I was
passionate for enjoying the unexpected turn
of events. With every step in
something, the development process, I
you really imagined Sean’s eyebrows
knew it” arching higher and higher! He
never saw what became of his
is photo is important to me printed a few, and that was it. it to be forgotten. College story; in tribute I’ve based the By Gerry Daly
because here, my uncle Seán Like many people then, the became very busy, and for a boatman in the book Where
has just been telling me he has while I had to put the book Are You, Puffling? on Seán.
an idea for a children’s story recession had affected my life. aside. Eventually I got around
set on the Skellig islands. Recently made redundant to it again, and, although is book rejuvenated
It was 2012, and we were from my graphic design job, Seán had intended to edit skills in me that had been
walking around the tall ships I returned to college to study his text, I left it as it was. dormant for some time. e
in Dublin’s docklands. web technologies, which With the addition of colour response has been fantastic.
was very different. With illustrations it now looked At events the children are so
Seán has since passed away, encouragement from family pretty presentable, so I had a enthusiastic, learning a little
but looking at the photo now and friends I could see it as a few printed for the family. about the Skellig wildlife, and
reminds me how something positive change, and was open joining in with the story.
really wonderful came of to other new challenges, even A big surprise it was too!
that day, when we were just illustrating a children’s book! e reaction was amazing. It’s amazing to think of,
having a chat while out for a I was encouraged to send it what we were just chatting
walk. Soon after this photo was into publishers. I knew Seán about in this photo has now
taken, we got cracking on would have preferred it be become a reality. Neither of
If Seán was passionate for layouts. It was great fun with an Irish publisher, so I us had the faintest idea that
something, you really knew working through ideas. Seán was really pleased that e what sounded like a fun thing
it. His eyes would open very would often say ‘I love it! O’Brien Press was keen to to make for Seán’s grandsons,
wide, the eyebrows jumped Now we’re sucking diesel!’ develop it. e story needed would develop into a book
way up, and he’d be almost Unfortunately, around this some work, and so the that more children can now
singing with enthusiasm. time Sean had been diagnosed wonderful, award-winning enjoy. e photo reminds
with cancer, and he passed children’s author Erika me you never know what’s
Seán had written this away not long after. McGann stepped in. around the corner, or what
story for his grandsons, and Taking the setting, and the can grow from something
it sounded like great fun. e story was intended as theme of birds and animals small, like just having a chat
He was asking me to do a a surprise, and I was eager to helping each other, Erika built while out for a walk. WW
few simple illustrations. We finish the job. I didn’t want the tale of a little Puffin chick
helping others as she explores Where are
the beautiful Skellig Michael. you, Pu ing
Now, with a very effective, by (O’Brien)
interactive structure, we had illustrated by
a great story ready for fresh Gerry Daly,
illustrations. retold by
At this stage I was Erika McGann
is out now

62 WOMANSWAY.IE