September is super busy for Mammies! Kids are back to school, LC exam results are out, JC results are coming, college places are being offered and its Debs season!

For Debs (wedding guest/special occasion), we love MyKindOfDress.com Visit their store Unit 1, Fashion City, Ballymount or order online. The dresses are affordable and beautiful; we especially love the lilac pictured above – stunning for debs.

Baloot Accessories has bejewelled bags, embellished hair bands and fancy belts. See https://www.baloot-clothing.com/
For our daughters Debs we’re heading to Lynda at Neon Trees Balbriggan for make-up. She is incredible (she did my look above). Lynda is friendly, affordable and you can visit her at PA Salon or message about house calls via her Insta https://www.instagram.com/neon_trees_makeup/

Advanced Hair Design is affordable, and the girls are so friendly. Pop in for a chat with Trisha about styles for your daughter.
Corsages are back in fashion and Willow & Wisp Flowers have some gorgeous ones to complete the debs look.

Whatever their Leaving Cert results are, they have completed 14 years of school, and that’s worth celebrating! Hopefully they got the results they wanted but if they didn’t, it’s not the end of the world. There are other ways to their dream course; via a PLC for example. It’s so important they understand these results, from one snapshot in time, do not define them. After all her hard work, we will be treating our daughter!

We love to support Irish brands and here are some of our favourites….
Athlone Hampers ‘Cadbury Chocolate and Prosecco’ is our top pick for Leaving Cert gifting (just leave out the bubbles for Junior Cert Gifting!) See https://athlonehampers.ie/ And for the hard-working mammies, we have a fabulous ‘Thank You’ Athlone hamper to give away on mams.ie and our socials Insta @mams.ie & FB @mams.ireland Get entering gals – you deserve it!
Fíor make beautiful Irish inspired jewellery, the Grá and Mother & Child sets are perfect ‘Well done’ exam gifts.
Absolute Jewellery have beautiful jewellery sets for Debs and exam gifting.

Green Angel Skincare have sets for him and her – ideal for gifting. And Cloud10Beuaty do excellent bundles, of beautiful skincare, hair care and make-up – something to suit everyone who deserves a treat!

If you fancy a little family getaway, Pillo Hotel Ashbourne has lots of family offers this Autumn. Swimming pool, sensory room, fab food, spacious rooms. Go on, you deserve it!

By Jack Shanley

Christopher Nolan has always been a director who loves grand scales and mind-bending ideas, but his latest epic, The Odyssey, might be his most ambitious project yet. This three-hour spectacle takes Homer’s ancient Greek poem and transforms it into a gritty, stunningly beautiful story about the heavy cost of war. Shot entirely on massive IMAX 70mm cameras, it demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

The movie follows Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, a battle-weary king trying to sail home to his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland) after the fall of Troy. While the classic mythical obstacles are all there including a terrifying Cyclops and enchanting Sirens Nolan does something different. He focuses deeply on the psychological toll of the journey. Odysseus isn’t a flawless hero here; he is a man haunted by the violence of his past, whose own pride and guilt keep delaying his homecoming.

Matt Damon delivers a career-defining performance. He sheds his usual charming, friendly movie-star persona to play a grizzled, deeply exhausted leader crushed by the weight of his actions. The star-studded supporting cast is equally excellent. Anne Hathaway plays Penelope with a quiet, fierce grace as she defends her home from greedy suitors, while Tom Holland captures the emotional ache of a son growing up without a father. Zendaya also makes a memorable impression as the goddess Athena, acting as Odysseus’s watchful protector.

Visually, the film is an absolute masterpiece. Keeping with his signature style, Nolan relies heavily on practical effects rather than computer graphics (CGI). This choice makes the stormy seas and ancient landscapes feel incredibly real, rough, and dangerous.

The vast, breathless shots captured by cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema are perfectly paired with Ludwig Göransson’s pounding, intense musical score, keeping the audience glued to their seats.

If there is a flaw, it is that the movie’s pacing occasionally slows down during the middle chapters of the sea voyage. However, the emotional payoff and the thrilling final act more than make up for it.

Ultimately, The Odyssey is a powerful, thought-provoking blockbuster. It shows us that surviving a war is only half the battle—the hardest part is truly finding your way back to who you used to be.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘The Odyssey’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four ½ stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Christopher Nolan – Rating: 15A – Genre: Action/Fantasy – Run Time: 2h 53m - Language: English. For more film content please follow @screen_.addicts on Instagram.

By Dave Kavanagh

For many years, I have recommended to clients the importance of setting up an “ICE” file (In Case of Emergency). Preferably in either a metal filing cabinet or any container that is fire-resistant (some have even used a strong biscuit tin but only after the biscuits are gone!) Then, make sure at least one (preferably two) trusted friends or family members are aware of where it is kept in the home. This way, in the unexpected event of either a fatality, a severe illness or even early onset dementia, it removes the confusion of trying to establish details, such as, what bank account are there, what cover (if any) is in place and is there a will made? I’ve often heard of situations where a surviving partner says “oh, he/she always dealt with all of that, I haven’t got a clue”.
So what kind of things should be kept in it? Consider the kind of information that would be needed at such a time. Details of bank accounts, any loans due to be paid, details of any mortgage and associated cover in place that could clear such a loan. Any life cover details (and any contact names and numbers in connection with them). Details of any regular payments that should be cancelled, such as gym membership, magazine subscriptions, etc. The benefit of having cover plans and wills in place is diluted somewhat if nobody knows that they exist or where the details are.

With all of this in mind, something that is well worth researching, is an Enduring Power of Attorney. While this was formerly associated with someone having reduced mental capacity and therefore needing someone to make decisions on their behalf, the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015, brings a more modern approach to having someone assist in certain decisions. Talk to your solicitor for more information about this service.

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.

A historical society in Donabate & Portrane was first established in 1948 but became inactive in 1955. It was reactivated in 1972 by Mr Peadar Bates of Donabate and continues to this day. The aim of the society is the collection of information on the peninsula as to the customs, stories and incidents of the ancient, medieval and modern times to complete a written history of the area.

The Donabate/Portrane historical society has regular meetings, times and dates of which will be posted on social media and website, anyone interested is welcome to attend. Talks and presentations are also arranged several times a year, information available as before, and all are welcome.

The society Local History Museum is located in the courtyard of Newbridge House and is open every Saturday & Sunday (+ bank holidays) from 2 to 4pm, entry is free. The museum provides a wonderful window into the past of the peninsula containing artefacts and images of life in rural Donabate and Portrane, and the ‘big’ houses of the area. Well worth a visit! For information please contact: Donald Henderson 087-2610164 Copies of Peadar Bates book available in the museum, or call 087-2397608

The final construction of Swords Castle was the work of many hands and many centuries too.

Having a siting near a powerful, navigable river recommended Swords immediately to the conquering Norman’s in 1170 ad. Rivers provide vital water, allow for rapid travel over the waterways of that day and provided these new continental invaders with immediate access to the open sea at the Malahide estuary. Sea travel, in a territory still covered by thick forest, was the most efficient means of travel the Swords Castle was built not so much for defence or sieges either, but for control of the local area and native population.

Nevertheless, as this 1790 print confirms with fishermen depicted near the Constable’s Tower(1400s). The castle once boasted a surrounding moat, fed directly from the river Ward. Tight lines to all our fishermen!

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Warm weather often brings an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Heat, excessive sweating, and dehydration can reduce urine output, allowing bacteria more opportunity to multiply in the urinary tract. Drinking enough fluids and maintaining good hygiene are important first steps in reducing the risk.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, many UTIs are associated with a pattern known as Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao, (The Lower section of the torso) where excess heat and moisture contribute to symptoms such as burning during urination, urinary urgency, frequent urination, and dark or cloudy urine. A qualified TCM practitioner may recommend an individualised treatment plan that includes acupuncture and customised herbal formulas designed to clear heat, drain dampness, and support the body’s natural healing processes. Herbal treatments should always be prescribed by a trained practitioner, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications.

At home, several natural measures may help support urinary tract health. Staying well hydrated is one of the most effective ways to help flush bacteria from the urinary system. Aim to drink water regularly throughout the day, especially during hot weather or after exercise. Unsweetened cranberry products may help reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs in some people by making it more difficult for certain bacteria to attach to the bladder wall, although they are not a treatment for an active infection.

Cooling foods that are commonly recommended in TCM include cucumber, watermelon, celery, pears, and mung beans, which may help support hydration during the warmer months. Reducing spicy foods, alcohol, excessive sugar, and highly processed foods may also be beneficial, as these are traditionally thought to contribute to internal heat.

Good personal hygiene, urinating after sexual activity, avoiding prolonged periods in wet swimwear, and wearing breathable cotton underwear can further reduce the risk of infection.

If you develop symptoms such as burning when passing urine, frequent urination, pelvic pain, fever, chills, blood in the urine, or pain in the back or side, seek prompt medical attention. UTIs often require antibiotic treatment, and delaying care can allow the infection to spread to the kidneys. Chinese medicine can be a valuable complementary approach but should not replace appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment.

In Wellness
Susan

By Declan Glynn

The all-new Kia PV5 Passenger represents the Korean manufacturer’s bold entry into the modular electric vehicle space, and it promises van-like practicality with a car-like driving experience. The PV5 is the first vehicle in Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) family – a flexible electric architecture deliberately engineered to support multiple body styles and passenger configurations.

Outstanding Practicality.
The PV5 is based on Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), and is manufactured at the brand’s cutting-edge EVO production facility in South Korea. Long Wheelbase, Standard Roof (L2/H1) Passenger and Cargo versions are available now, with additional variants to follow for the 262 registration period, including an impressively-spacious 7-seat MPV. The PV5 Passenger represents a genuinely different type of practicality over typical MPV rivals, and the space on offer within the cabin eclipses most large SUVs and estate cars outright. With all five seats in use, there is a class-leading 1,330-litres of cargo space available, and with the rear seats folded flat, the figure increases to a massive 2,300-litres.

Modern Appeal.
The PV5 Passenger’s refined profile accentuates its contemporary look and delivers excellent visibility thanks to the large window area, made possible by a low beltline. Robust black wheel arch cladding and rocker panels mirror Kia’s SUV line-up, while a bold lighting signature and sleek black accents elevate its modern appeal..

Vehicle on Review.
My review vehicle was a PV5 Passenger K4, which looked very elegant in its Aurora Black Pearl metallic paint and contrasting two-tone alloy wheels. Designed with practicality and functionality in mind, the ergonomic cabin features a multitude of recycled plastics and other eco-friendly alternatives, and overall fit and finish is excellent. In typical Kia fashion, there is a good blend of physical buttons and switches on the dashboard and steering wheel, so it is always easy to access important functions when on the move. The standard 120kW electric motor is powered by a 71.2kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, and it produces 163PS (165bhp) and 250Nm of instant torque, resulting in a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 12.4-seconds. The PV5’s driving character has to be one of its unexpected qualities, as it delivers a driving experience that defies its upright stance and van-like dimensions. Despite its tall proportions, body roll is well controlled, and the steering is light and agile for confident urban driving, yet suitably direct for spirited motorway driving too. The cabin is surprisingly refined, with very little in the way of wind or road noise getting through to the cabin, and this makes the PV5 a genuinely relaxing motorway companion for longer family journeys. Acceleration is brisk from the get-go, and settled at motorway speeds, and the low centre of gravity from the flat battery pack results in consistent power delivery. With a best-in-class electric range of up to 416km, and ultra-fast charging capabilities providing a 10-80% charge in as little as 30 minutes, the PV5 ensures efficiency without compromise.

Price.
Priced from just €42,550 (ex-delivery), the PV5 Passenger represents outstanding value for money.

We’re always delighted when the Irish sun decides to make an appearance. Gardens fill up, beaches get busy, and our pets are never far from the action. But while most of us reach for the sunscreen, we often forget that some of our furry friends may need protection too.

Many owners are surprised when I tell them that pets can get sunburn.

Dogs with white or thin coats are particularly at risk. The nose, ear tips and even the tummy can burn after spending too much time sunbathing. And let’s be honest, some dogs would happily lie in the sunshine all day if we let them!

Cats can also suffer from sun damage, especially those with white ears and pink noses. In fact, repeated exposure to sunlight can lead to a type of skin cancer called Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), one of the most common skin cancers we see in cats.

The tricky part is that it often starts with what looks like a harmless little scab. Owners may think their cat picked up a scratch while climbing a fence or chasing a bird. But if a sore on the ears or nose doesn’t heal, it’s worth getting it checked.

Fortunately, prevention is quite simple. Providing shade, limiting sun exposure during the brightest part of the day, and using pet-safe sunscreen in high-risk animals can make a huge difference. And before you raid your own sunscreen bottle, remember that human products aren’t always safe for pets.

We spend a lot of time talking about vaccines, flea treatments and healthy diets, but sometimes a little sun protection is just as important. Your vet can advise whether your pet would benefit from one and recommend a suitable product.

So while you’re enjoying the sunshine this summer, spare a thought for your four-legged family members too. They’ll thank you for it, probably by finding the sunniest spot in the house and ignoring your advice completely! “

By Dave Kavanagh

Despite every financial institution, news outlet, vloggers and even dedicated TV shows all constantly warning us how to avoid a variety of scams, not only are they still being attempted but they are still catching people out, with reported payment fraud estimated in Ireland of €160 million per year (based on 2024). Of course, many scams go unreported so it is most likely the figure is much higher than this. The scams range from simple text messages, either trying to persuade you to click on a hyperlink, or pretending to be one of your children who has a new phone number and needs you to send them money, to phone calls pretending to be your internet service provider, your credit/debit card company or an online store such as Amazon. There are also texts and emails needing you to pay a small customs charge on a delivery. Remember, if scammers send out 20,000 of these texts, there’s bound to be a number of people who are expecting a delivery, or have had a recent internet connection problem etc., so it makes them more convincing to some.

So what can you do to minimise the risk of being scammed? Firstly, if in any doubt, do not click on hyperlinks, no matter how genuine they appear. You could be downloading malware or giving scammers access to your digital device. If you’re concerned, contact the real company through the usual methods of contact that you have (not one that is given to you by scammers!). If you receive a phone call from someone who claims to be from one of the types of companies listed above, firstly, do not give away any information at all. If they say they are calling from Eir, do not say “but we’re with Vodafone”. You’re just giving them additional information to use to call you again in a couple of months. Ask them any questions you think relevant, then end the call and contact the company directly. The main thing is to be vigilant and cautious of unexpected contact.

The EPIC Irish Immigration Museum is an award winning interactive, immersive experience. Perfect for all age groups. With 5 star visitor reviews, it’s a must see.

Dublinia welcomes you to the heart of Viking and Medieval Dublin. Travel back to the heart of the old city at Christchurch. Walk where Vikings walked, step into Medieval Dublin, find out about Dublin’s rich past and climb an original Medieval tower!

The Wax Museum Plus in Dublin has a special summer offer, family entrance for only €50, that’s 20% off! Interactive and fun, it’s great to visit.

For lunch on family days out, we love Shake Dog. Yummy hotdogs, burgers, shakes & more. Family friendly and affordable. To win Shake Dog vouchers, go to mams.ireland FB!

Visiting Dublin city? We recommend staying at Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan. 5 min walk to beach. 5 mins to train station and only 30 minutes by train to Dublin City.

Irish National Stud is another fantastic day out. Meet the baby foals, follow the fairy trail, have a delicious lunch and let the kids run free!

For family getaways, Farnham Estate has a stunning spa, woodland walks, indoor/outdoor pool and award-winning dining. Our children love the pancakes at breakfast The Tomahawk steak for couples is an amazing dining experience!

Bounce n Beyond Ballyboughal has trampolines, soft play area and a Sensory Room. Let the kids bounce themselves tired!

The Gem Treatery Balbriggan has play area, acai bowls, crepés, sandwiches, coffee and multiple ice-cream flavours, including whipped for 99‘s! We had my nephew’s birthday party there. With a dedicated hostess, games and cake decorating, it was brill!

For Back To School we highly recommend personalised products! www.wanapix.ie water bottles, backpacks and pencil cases can be personalised with your child’s name, and they can choose the colour & style! Use code MAMSWANAPIX26 for 10% off.

For school uniforms, coats etc. MyNametags labels and stickers are superb. Personalise with your child’s name and your number and if anything’s misplaced, you’ll hopefully get it back. Cheaper than buying replacements!

Back to school is super busy for Mammies, so we’re giving away Charlotte Tilbury, Flormar & Gionni goodies for you amazing gals. Enter at:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mams.ireland/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mams.ie/?hl=en
And www.mams.ie