Hello 2026!! Yes, it’s January and its cold and dreary but hey, why not try and plan something nice for yourself to look forward to. Our daughter is heading off skiing so we have been trawling the post-Christmas sales nabbing ski bargains for her. Regatta has a great selection online and in stores and Dare2B.ie is brilliant for ski gear and essentials. They currently have a huge sale on which is helpful for the parents who are paying for these ski trips!!! An important thing you might not think about when skiing is sunscreen – it is so important to wear it on the slopes, the reflection of the snow against the sun can cause major sunburn and it’s best to have a really strong sunscreen. We love Elave SPF50, made in Ireland it is very effective and kind to sensitive skin.

If you are not jetting off to hit the slopes, or lucky enough to going on a winter holiday, then try to do something nice for yourself. It can be a small thing, like booking in for a haircut or a massage or even sneaking off for a walk, coffee and glossy magazine by yourself. I like to relax in a bubble bath with a magazine and maybe even a cheeky glass of wine. If it means I can go 30 minutes without someone calling ‘Mam’ then that’s good enough for me!

If you do feel like a mini break to break the January blues, Farnham Estate in Cavan has great winter breaks offers. Their outdoor pool is open all year round and is amazing! If you like to spend some time in Dublin, it can be tricky finding a nice hotel at a good price, so we usually check into Bracken Court and then hop on the train or bus into Dublin. It’s only 30 mins on the train. There are lots of cool events on in January including family friendly show Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The National Concert Hall. Book at www.nch.ie

For some lovely new year competitions, go to www.mams.ie and follow our socials where we’ll be doing giveaways and offers to help chase away the January blues!

By Dave Kavanagh

Here we are again at that time of year when, after possible excesses over the festive period, many people embark on making some positive changes or improvements in their lives. The most recognisable of these is the “losing weight/getting healthier” one. To give people more of an incentive to maintain what they start, it’s worth noting that if done properly, losing weight can have the added bonus of leaving you with more money at the end of each month. So how does that work?? Well, by “doing it properly” I refer to NOT going on a diet, or buying products with magic properties that will make the weight just fall off. Instead, making small, sustainable lifestyle changes. It can be adding some exercise in week 1, drinking more water (and less alcohol/sugar laden drinks) in week 2, reducing portion sizes in week 3, substituting things like chips for wholegrain rice or pasta in week 4, breaking the association of biscuits/cakes whenever you have a coffee or tea in week 5, etc., etc. Doing it this way, makes it sustainable and when weight is dropped slower over a longer period of time, it is far more likely to be kept off. So how does that help your finances?

When I analyse people’s spending budgets, it’s clear that takeaways, alcohol, sweets, cakes biscuits etc. pop up quite frequently. If you keep track of the savings when you cut down on many of these things, it’s easy to see how much you can save. One person I was helping used to enjoy her “treat” of a chocolate eclair most days. When she accepted that she felt bad after eating it and conceded that it was not helping her goal to lose weight, I suggested it was more of a punishment than a treat. I proposed that she put the money into a jar each day and when there was enough, to treat herself to a back massage, which can positively reinforce the good changes someone has made. Make the right choices, one day at a time. In addition, keeping these positive changes going, can actually let you save enough to pay for the following Christmas.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM, LMFM and TV3.

The east side of Swords castle was the earliest part built; the original castle having had a much smaller footprint than the area enclosed by the extensive pentagon curtain wall we see there today. The venerable east tower shown here would have tottered to ground long ago, but for the modern steel supports buttressing it.

These six young boys are long passed away now, being 104 years in modern year! In time no doubt, they became the beloved fathers and grandfathers of many Swords families. We recall them fondly as they lived stringent lives then in a much poorer Swords. Wearing their trademark short pants, jumpers and sporting impish expressions, they posed for the camera outside cluttered gerry-built structures, a ‘privvie’ (outside toilet) leaning against the castle to their left.

The modern picture shows the same site cleared of it’s buildings, the tower whitewashed (as it would have been) and defining the original c.1200 line of the castle. The holes we see in it are putlogs, holes for supporting scaffolding. Sitting well back from north street, the area between would have been a murder zone, specifically cleared to provide scant cover for attacking enemies.

For more information, or to speak to Mike about local Swords heritage he can be contacted via email: mp9211198@gmail.com

December is the month of celebrations, family gatherings, and big meals… but for those of us who share our homes with pets, it also means keeping a very close eye on the table to make sure nothing “mysteriously disappears.” It’s the perfect time to remember that some things that are delicious and harmless for us can be dangerous for them.

Let’s start with decorations.
The poinsettia is a beautiful and festive plant, but it’s extremely toxic for cats. If you have a feline friend at home, it’s safer to choose other options. Here are a few non-Christmas plants that still look great and even help purify the air: the spider plant, the Boston fern, and the ribbon plant (also called the love plant).
Next, a food that is wonderfully tasty for us (especially with a cheese board) but highly toxic for pets: grapes, and even worse, raisins. If your dog or cat eats even one raisin, go to your vet immediately. We can help remove it before their body starts to metabolise it and cause serious damage.

Now on to dessert. For us, chocolate is only a problem in excess, but for pets it can trigger severe gastrointestinal issues. No one wants to spend Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day cleaning up vomiting or diarrhoea. If you want to share a treat with your pet, peanut butter is a much safer option.

And finally, be careful with coffee and spirits. They’re common during the festivities but absolutely not suitable for animals. If you’d like to include them in the celebration, you can “cheers” with a little unsalted chicken broth or vegetable broth instead!

With these tips, Village Vets Lusk wishes you a happy and safe holiday season. If you have any doubts or emergencies, don’t hesitate to call us!

Eating in accordance with the Chinese Body Clock is believed to optimise digestion, energy, and overall health by aligning meal times with the body’s organ systems’ peak activity periods. The key idea is that each organ has a two-hour window of maximum function, and eating appropriately during these times supports harmony within the body.

Early Morning (7am–9am): This period corresponds to spring in the 24-hour cycle, when the stomach’s energy peaks. It’s the optimal time for a nourishing breakfast that is warm and moist, avoiding overly rich, salty, or sweet foods. Porridge made with oats, rice, or barley helps to strengthen the body and stimulate yang energy—a concept akin to a seedling emerging or a newborn crawling out of bed.

Mid Morning 9am–11am: During this window, the spleen is at its peak, digesting breakfast and fuelling the body’s morning activities. It’s a good time for mentally challenging tasks and exercise.

Late Morning (11am–1pm): This period marks summer, with the heart organ dominating. It’s ideal for consuming hotter, pungent foods, along with whole grains. Many Western-style lunches, such as salads or sandwiches, may be too yin (cooling and dampening) and better replaced with steamed vegetables, cooked grains, or soups if bloating or fatigue occur.

Afternoon 1pm–3pm: The small intestine peaks during this time, making it suitable for nutrient absorption. It’s also a good window for physical activity if digestion is robust, or for resting if recovering or depleted.

Late Afternoon 3pm–5pm: This time is linked to the bladder and kidneys, focusing on waste elimination. It’s a good period for studying or problem-solving, and a light snack helps if experiencing an energy slump.

Evening (5pm–7pm): Corresponding to autumn and approaching winter, this is when kidney energy peaks. Dinner should be light and nourishing to support this detoxification phase, ideally eaten early. Foods such as baked meats, fish, vegetables, grains, or legumes are preferred. This period aligns with winding down, supporting vitality and longevity.

Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasises eating the biggest meal between 7 and 9 am (stomach), a moderate lunch at midday (heart), and a light dinner early in the evening (kidneys).
Eating late disrupts these natural rhythms and may impair digestion and energy balance.
This approach is supported by modern research indicating that meal timing influences metabolism and weight management.

By Jack Shanley

Edgar Wright’s take on The Running Man is less of a remake of the campy Arnold Schwarzenegger film and more of a gritty, modern adaptation of the original Stephen King novel. Starring Glen Powell as Ben Richards, the blue-collar man desperate enough to volunteer for a lethal, televised hunt, the film is a non-stop, kinetic thriller that often feels uncomfortably timely.

From the first frame, Wright brings his signature visual energy. The pace is absolutely frantic, rarely giving you a moment to catch your breath as Richards is chased across a dystopian, corporately-controlled America. This isn’t just a staged arena game; it’s a cross-country chase broadcast as prime-time entertainment, complete with high-tech surveillance and a bloodthirsty viewing public. The action sequences are inventive and sharp, and the movie is powered entirely by Glen Powell’s performance.
Powell plays Richards not as a wisecracking action star, but as a man consumed by justifiable, seething anger. He’s running to get medicine for his sick daughter and railing against a system of extreme wealth inequality and broken healthcare. This is where the film feels strongest: its dystopian 2025 is less sci-fi fantasy and more “uncomfortably familiar” social commentary. It’s a world where propaganda and “FreeVee” reality shows are used to placate a miserable working class, and the film does a solid job of highlighting this critique.

However, the sheer speed of the film is also its biggest flaw. The constant movement leaves many of the supporting characters Richards encounters feeling underdeveloped or quickly forgotten. They’re colorful plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out people, which dilutes some of the emotional weight.
The biggest stumbling block is the final act. After establishing such a tight, brutal, and cynical world, the ending feels strangely Hollywood-ized. It’s too neat and lacks the dark, uncompromising bite that Stephen King’s novel delivered. It struggles to commit fully to either being a purely biting satire or an all-out action flick, landing somewhere in the middle.

I’d recommend checking out ‘The Running Man’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of 3 and ½ stars, after my first watch. You can watch it at your local cinema today: Director: Edgar Wright– Rating: 15A – Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure – Run Time: 2h 13m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

When Christmas shopping this year, please Buy Irish. Remember that Amazon or Shein won’t sponsor your kids jerseys, it’s local businesses who support local communities! Here are some of our fave products….

Love candles? Rathbornes1488 in Dublin are the oldest candle makers in the world! They make beautiful candles in incredible scents, fab for creating ambience and gifting.

MyKindOfDress.com has fabulous party dresses. If you’re a jeans and nice top kinda gal, use code “mumstown20” for 20% off Freddy Jeans!

Looking for a Christmas party venue? Bracken Court has fab party night & festive afternoon tea options.
The Gem Treatery vouchers are ideal for gifting teachers who love a coffee run; or anyone who loves ice-cream, sambos and crepes!

Farnham Estate festive packages are wonderful for Christmas mini breaks and they have Santa and Afternoon tea and lots on.

www.wanapix.ie has personalised calendars, mugs, glasses, mouse mats, tote bags, makeup bags and loads more. Use code MAMSWANAPIX for 15% off!

For winter days out, Avondale Tree Top walk, Smurfs Village and Skypark Adventure Lights are stunning. While National Concert Hall and Casino Model Railway Museum Polar Express are great indoor events.
Ilac SC has great shopping with LFC store, Stitch-a-Name, Lovisa, Smiggle, Normal, Hoco, Dunnes and Santa’s Magical Cabin! Interactive and fun, see www.santaexperience.ie and also check them out at Kilnamangh, Dublin 24

For coffee lovers, Irish brand Artessa fusion blends, in ground coffee or beans, are delicious gifts.
Nutrgove SC has free parking and lots of stores including Penneys and Regatta and a fab Santa Claus too!
Hampers & Co. huge range of hampers come in gorgeous boxes, so no need to wrap. Irish, clever and easy – love them!

Elave Skincare is a fantastic Irish brand for all skin types with gift sets for baby, junior and adults - all made in Dundalk.

Glimmerboxes are a Glimmer of happiness in a box. We love the Gamer, Brighter Days Ahead & Christmas boxes.

Chocolate Garden has lovely Hot Chocolate tins, perfect for treating hot chocolate fans and their chocolate is Gluten free too.. Mienas Nougat is a wonderful handmade brand and a great stocking filler.
Tipperary Crystal have fab bags, jewellery and lots of offers on their Christmas range. Design Gallery in Drogheda is a treasure trove of gifts with free gift-wrapping service. Willow & Wisp Mornington has gorgeous locally made gifts, like Shelley’s Driftwood.

By Dave Kavanagh

Traditionally, December is when we tend to spend the most. Is there a way to soften the impact? Of course there is. Firstly, manage expectations: Most people can’t remember what they got 2 years ago, so don’t put yourself under too much pressure for “big” presents. Next, leave the credit card at home: At about 20% interest, adding debt for things you don’t need to overspend on, only starts the new year off in a negative. Be realistic with food shopping: The shops are only closed for 1-2 days, do you really need to stock up so much? In the days/weeks after Christmas, make a list of all the things you bought but didn’t really need or through out, and keep it for next year, so you don’t repeat the same mistakes. Kris Kindle: Talk to family and close friends to agree to pick one person and buy them a present for a set limit, to ease the burden.

There are things you can also do all year round that can save you enough to cover the cost of Christmas: Switch utility providers, the savings can be quite substantial. Compare before you shop for larger items: Just because one store has a sign saying the fridge you want is reduced from €799 to €699, doesn’t mean that another store that does not have a sale on, isn’t selling the same fridge for €649. Take the time to shop around when your car or house insurance renewals come in, it can be well worth the effort. Review premiums that you pay regularly, such as mortgage protection or life cover, especially if they were taken out directly with a bank who could not compare. Finally, go through a few months’ bank statements: we regularly find people paying for things like subscriptions or gym memberships, that should have been cancelled years before or that they simply no longer require.

With it’s different names over time, the present-day Arch pub has always played a pivotal role in the social life of Swords. Burnt by the Black and Tans in 1920, it’s granite facade still features some bullet-holes dating from that troubled era of Swords history.

The earlier photo shows that another business, a harness-makers shop, was originally attached to the main building, as well as a ‘jostle-stone’ to stop cartwheels striking and damaging its wall. These vertical stones can be found in many of the back lanes of Swords. These particular structures were removed when Chapel Lane was widened for modern traffic.

The eponymous star above gave it’s name to this business in the modern age.In the 80s and 90s, many older Swords folk looked forward to their Sunday roast carried home to them from the Star!

The ad in the left window is for DWD, the Dublin Whiskey Distillery, a famous distiller founded by master distiller John Brannick in 1872.His distillery was located on Jone’s Road and ushered in a golden age of Irish whiskey making. Amazingly, this venerable business was revived in 2017, some 71 years later, continuing a long and honerable tradition of distilling in Dublin.

The modern business here continues Sword’s long and proud tradition of hospitality and friendliness to all customers. Cheers!!

Sinus issues in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are understood as imbalances of the body’s vital energy (Qi), often influenced by both internal and external factors, rather than just local infections or blockages as in Western medicine.

Body & Environment Interaction Environmental Influence: Common triggers include weather changes, pollution, allergens, and seasonal shifts, which TCM interprets as invasions of Wind, Damp, or Heat. The body’s constitution (tendency toward heat, cold, etc.) affects how it responds to these influences.

Emotions: Emotional states can affect organ function—worry may weaken the spleen (affecting mucus), sadness may injure the lungs (reducing defence), and anger can trap Qi, leading to head and facial pressure. Typical Symptoms & Patterns from a Chinese medicine perspective Heat: Thick, yellow discharge, redness, swelling. Cold: Clear, watery mucus, congestion, and pain. Dampness: Heavy sensation, swollen sinuses, sticky mucus. Chronic Sinusitis: Usually involves “Dampness” and “Phlegm,” overlapping with Western ideas of persistent congestion and inflammation.

TCM Treatment Basics Herbal Formulas expel pathogens (like Heat or Dampness), drain mucus, and strengthen underlying organ weaknesses. If symptoms are severe, recurrent, or not improving, consult a qualified TCM practitioner for individualised assessment and herbal guidance. Many TCM herbs can interact with medications or cause allergic reactions if used inappropriately; professional guidance is strongly recommended.

Acupuncture Acupuncture targets specific points to open sinuses, clear blockages in energy channels, and restore balance. Acupressure on points like Bi Tong, Large intestine 20 (beside the nostrils), and Yin Tang (midway between eyebrows) using fingertips may offer home relief. Lifestyle and dietary advice are often given to support spleen and lung health, such as avoiding cold or damp foods. This approach emphasises restoring the body’s overall balance and resilience, not just treating the local sinus symptoms.

Foods that can trigger Sinus Excessive dairy products, refined sugars, alcohol, gluten, processed foods, and foods high in saturated fats do create problems for your sinuses. If you phase out or reduce these you will notice a major improvement. Essential Oils Several essential oils are commonly used to help relieve sinus infection symptoms, particularly congestion, inflammation, and sinus pressure. Essential oils should be used as complementary approaches, not a replacement for medical therapy in cases of persistent or severe sinus infections. Some oils, especially tea tree, should not be inhaled directly and must always be diluted. Please do a skin patch test before first use and consult with a healthcare professional if you have allergies, asthma, or chronic sinus problems The most frequently recommended oils and their properties include: Eucalyptus oil: Contains Cineole, which acts as a decongestant, helps clear mucus, and may have antimicrobial properties. Peppermint oil: The menthol in peppermint oil provides a cooling effect, soothes sinus pressure and headaches, acts as an expectorant, and offers mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Tea tree oil: Valued for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. It may reduce swelling but should not be inhaled directly due to safety concerns.

\rosemary oil: May offer anti-inflammatory effects and support respiratory health.

Application methods: Steam inhalation: Add a few drops (typically 20) of essential oil to 2 litres hot water, drape a towel over your head, and inhale the vapours while keeping your eyes closed for 10 minutes.

Sinus Saline rise Using a saline Sinus rise morning and evening can also prevent the accumulation of mucus and airborne dust particles, when you have cleared the nasal cavity make sure to dry the inner part of the nose to ensure the wet area is dried properly. A Zinc Deficiency can also cause problems in the mucus membranes in the respiratory tract. Exposure to air borne allergies such as dust mites, pollens, moulds, perfumes, aerosols, chemicals, animal dander and natural feathers. Warm compresses applied gently over the sinus areas may alleviate discomfort, particularly if the condition is due to “cold.

In Wellness
Susan