By Jack Shanley
If you walked into the theatre expecting a polite, tea-sipping period drama, you clearly haven’t seen an Emerald Fennell movie before. The director behind Saltburn has taken Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic and turned it into a neon-soaked, gothic fever dream that is as much a fashion shoot as it is a tragedy.
The 2026 adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’ ditches the dusty reputation of the novel for something far more visceral. Margot Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw, playing her not as a delicate heroine, but as a bored, selfish, and deeply magnetic force of nature. Opposite her is Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. While his casting caused a stir online regarding the character’s heritage, Elordi leans into a “brooding rockstar” energy that makes his destructive obsession with Cathy feel dangerously modern.
The plot sticks to the first half of the book, focusing entirely on the toxic pull between the two leads. We see them grow from feral children into adults who are clearly wrong for each other but unable to stay away. When Cathy marries the wealthy, stable Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif), the film shifts from a romance into a full-blown revenge thriller.
What really grabbed my attention was how beautifully crafted and visually stunning the film was. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling, transforming the rugged Yorkshire moors into a living, breathing character. Every frame feels like a carefully composed painting, utilizing natural light to capture the haunting contrast between the cozy, flickering warmth of the Grange and the raw, wind-swept desolation of the Heights. The cinematography by Linus Sandgren doesn’t just show the landscape; it makes you feel the grit of the earth and the chill of the mist, perfectly mirroring the turbulent emotions of the story. From the intricate, period-accurate textures of the costumes to the sweeping aerial shots of the highlands, the film is a breathtaking visual experience that stays with you long after the screen the film ends.
In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Wuthering Heights’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Three Stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today but would recommend seeing it in IMAX. Director: Emerald Fennell – Rating: 15A – Genre: Romance – Run Time: 2h 16m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
Female fertility in Chinese Medicine is seen as part of the whole person – body, mind and spirit working together to create the right conditions for conception. Instead of focusing only on ovaries, hormones and test results, it looks at overall balance and the smooth flow of energy in the body. Key Chinese Medicine ideas - Qi (vital energy) and Blood need to flow smoothly to the uterus and ovaries for regular cycles and healthy ovulation. If they are weak or blocked, periods, ovulation and fertility can be affected. - Yin and Yang describe cooling/nourishing and warming/active forces; both must be in balance for ovulation, implantation and a healthy womb lining.
The Kidney system is seen as the root of fertility, linked to hormones, egg quality and the “Jing” or essence you are born with. As you age or become very stressed or depleted, this essence can weaken, so treatment aims to protect and strengthen it. Holistic treatment methods - Acupuncture uses very fine needles at specific points to improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, regulate cycles and calm the nervous system, which may support implantation and reduce stress. - Chinese herbal medicine is prescribed according to your individual pattern (for example, Blood deficiency, Kidney weakness or Qi stagnation) and may help regulate ovulation, improve cervical mucus and support a healthy uterine lining. - Food is treated as medicine: warm, cooked meals, good-quality protein and avoiding excess cold and raw foods are often advised to “nourish Blood” and support the digestive system that produces Qi. Lifestyle and emotional balance.
Restful sleep, gentle regular exercise and regular meals are encouraged to build energy and support hormonal balance. - Managing emotions is seen as vital, because worry, grief and frustration can disrupt the Liver system, which in turn can disturb periods and ovulation. - Many practitioners suggest preparing the body for at least three months before trying to conceive, allowing time to regulate cycles and strengthen overall health. Working alongside Western care - Chinese Medicine can be used on its own or alongside fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI to improve comfort, reduce stress and support cycle regulation. - From a holistic perspective, the goal is not just pregnancy, but helping you feel more balanced, energised and emotionally supported throughout your fertility journey.
TCM dietary guidelines for fertility support Core principles - Favour warm, cooked foods (soups, stews, porridges, stir-fries) to support digestion and “Spleen Qi,” which is seen as key for making Blood and energy for the reproductive system. - Eat regularly and avoid skipping meals so your body has steady fuel to nourish hormones and cycles. - Aim for mostly whole, unprocessed foods – fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, good-quality proteins and healthy fats.
Foods to emphasise - Blood- and Qi-nourishing foods: lean red meat, eggs, dark leafy greens, beetroot, beans, lentils and whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa) to help build Blood and energy for the uterus and ovaries. - Kidney- and Jing-supporting foods: black beans, walnuts, sesame seeds, bone broth, small oily fish, shellfish and seaweed to support the Kidney system linked to fertility and egg quality. - Warm, grounding foods: root vegetables (carrots, sweet potato, squash) lightly spiced with ginger, cinnamon or garlic are thought to warm the womb and improve circulation. - Plenty of fibre from vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains to help clear excess hormones and support a healthy weight.
Foods and habits to limit - Excess cold and raw foods (large salads, iced drinks, cold smoothies), which are believed to introduce “cold” to the uterus and weaken digestion. - Very greasy, fried, heavily processed foods and high sugar intake, which can create “dampness” and may affect hormones and weight. - Large predatory fish high in mercury (such as frequent tuna or swordfish), due to possible negative effects on reproductive health. - Too much caffeine and alcohol, which may deplete Yin and Blood and increase internal heat or stress for some people. Lastly practical tips - Build meals around a warm base: soup, congee, stew or a stir-fry with vegetables and protein. - Include healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds) at most meals to support hormones. - Eat mindfully: chew well, sit down to eat and avoid multitasking, as relaxed digestion is believed to help your body absorb more nourishment for fertility.
Next Issue: How Chinese Medicine can help Male Fertility issues
In Wellness Susan
susangrahamcoaching@gmail.com
There is a unique rhythm returning to the streets of Balbriggan this March. The Fingal International Festival of Voices (FIFOV) is back from March 5th to 8th, and while the world-class choirs are traveling from as far as the US and Europe, the heart of the festival remains firmly rooted in our local community.
Whether you are a lifelong choral fan or just looking for a great family day out, this year’s line-up offers more ways than ever to get involved—without breaking the bank18.
In a time when event tickets can be a major expense, the festival is offering free entry to all competitions. All daytime choral competitions are free for the public to attend. This means you can walk into the award-winning Lark Concert Hall or the Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS), St. Peter and Paul’s Church (home to Harry Clarke windows) or in pop businesses around the town and hear elite international choirs, barbershop quartets, and sacred music ensembles at no cost. It is a rare opportunity to experience a “Feis” atmosphere with a global twist right on your doorstep.
Meet the Global Choirs
Balbriggan will play host to a diverse array of voices from across the Atlantic and Europe. Locals will have the chance to hear:
The Holy Cross Choir (Massachusetts, USA): Bringing the prestigious Ivy League-style choral tradition to North County Dublin.
Chester River Chorale (Maryland, USA): A massive 60 voice ensemble showcasing a rich tapestry of American folk and gospel.
Gospodnetič Singers (Croatia): Bringing the hauntingly beautiful and rhythmic traditions of the Adriatic coast.
European School Brussels 1 (Belgium): A vibrant youth choir representing the multicultural heart of Europe.
These groups will join top-tier choirs from all over Ireland, creating a global soundscape right here in Fingal.
Learn from a Disney Legend and others.
Perhaps the most exciting news for local families and aspiring singers is the arrival of Tove Ramlo-Ystad. Hailing from Norway, Tove is the world-renowned conductor of the choir “Cantus,” famous for providing the iconic, ethereal vocals in the opening of Disney’s FROZEN.
Tove is part of an elite panel of adjudicators from Norway, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, and Ireland. Across the weekend, these experts won’t just be judging competitions; they will be leading free workshops open to anyone with an interest in singing. Whether you’re a shower-singer or a seasoned pro, you can learn directly from the woman who helped shape the sound of one of the biggest movies of all time.
Learn from the Best: Free Workshops
The festival is offering workshops and classes led by international guests. These sessions are designed to be inclusive, catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned singers. Topics often include:
Music of Sami People & Norway (Tove Ramlo-Ystad)
Learn to sing to barbershop style
Local health and “healthy singing” techniques.
Irish Traditional music workshops
Check out our full schedule on www.fingalfestivalofvoices.com or on our instagram @fingalfestivalofvoices
If you are interested in volunteering we’d love to have you - email: manager@fingalfestivalofvoices.com with the subject title Volunteer!
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors - Irish Media Group, Fingal County Council, Our Balbriggan, The Irish Institute of Music and Song, Lark Concert Hall, St. Peter and Paul’s Church
By Dave Kavanagh
In a week where I have arranged pay out of another Serious Illness Cover claim, many people are in the “it’ll never happen to me” group, when it comes to planning for events that could potentially impact finances. Let’s face it, nobody wants to think that anything “bad” will happen to them but the reality is, bad things happen whether we like it or not. The three areas most relevant are, Life Cover, Serious Illness Cover and Income Protection. Of course, we would hope that we are not going to die prematurely, we are not going to get seriously ill and accident or illness will not prevent us from being able to work. Sadly, in this small country of ours, about 6,000 people die each year NOT of natural causes (under age 65), over 43,000 new cancer cases every year (the cause of more than 50% of Serious Illness claims) and the average time off work for an income protection claim is close to 5 years! When I do group talks, I often ask the question whether anyone’s close family or friends have been affected by cancer? I have only ever had one person say “no”. When I ask whether the same close family or friends have ever won the lotto jackpot, not surprisingly, it’s (almost) always “no”. Yet with odds of 10.7 million to 1 to win the lotto jackpot, people spend a relatively large amount of money each week on lotto (and Euromillions and scratch cards etc.) believing and hoping that it will happen to them. The same people have a 1 in 4 chance of being diagnosed with one of the Serious Illnesses covered BEFORE they are 65.
I often see that people have their cars insured, house insured, pets, mobile phones, lap tops and jewellery insured but not themselves! It’s not until one of these events happens that people appreciate the financial loss that is suffered. An important detail is that even if people have cover in place from a few years back, they could well be paying over the odds premium wise or it may no longer be most appropriate. Take the time to check what is most appropriate for your specific circumstances.
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 daffodils are up, the days are getting longer and spring is finally in the air. March is a time for getting out and about again and, very importantly, celebrating the Mammies, Grannies, Mothers-in-law, Step-mums, Aunties and all the wonderful Mother figures in our lives. If you would like to treat a special Mam, here are some of our favourite gift ideas……
You can personalise a gift for her from Wanapix.ie and use code MAMSWANAPIX26 for 10% discount. You can personalise gorgeous tote bags, blankets, makeup bags, calendars, frosted glasses, t-shirts, aprons, goodies & lots more. Delivery is fast and the quality is superb. Mammies (me included) love their products!
Bracken Court Hotel does a gorgeously decadent Afternoon Tea. We treated our Mam to this recently, with Prosecco, and it was so lovely. Their Sunday roasts are also delicious if you want to treat her to dinner on March 15th.
National Concert Hall has great shows and concerts coming up, their gift vouchers are a great gift idea.
Droichead Arts Centre has some wonderful events coming up, perfect for treating Mam to a night out.
If she likes coffee, Irish brand Artessa Coffee has fab coffee fusions and keep cups. Their bamboo keep cup is brilliant.
Cocoa Brown products make fab gifts - its a glow up in a bottle!
Another Irish brand we love is SoSu, their makeup sets and snazzy nail polishes are stunning.
For beautiful Mothers Day gifts with free gift wrapping, Design Gallery Drogheda is well worth a visit.
A spa trip to Farnham is a gift any Mammy would love; their heated outdoor pool is stunning.
Flormar makeup is affordable and really nice, great for anyone on a budget.
Willow & Wisp Flowers make beautiful wreaths and hand tied bouquets, plus a wide collection of locally made gifts.
Freddy jeans are a firm favourite with mams.ie members and followers. Super comfy and so flattering. See our Freddy.ie competition on mams.ie
And keep an eye on mams.ie & our socials @mams.ireland on FB and @mams.ie on Instagram for more Mother’s Day ideas and competitions!”
St Brigid’s Day marks the beginning of spring and is linked to Brigid, the ancient fertility goddess and patron saint of Ireland. Just two weeks later, on the 14th of February, we celebrate love with St Valentine. For this reason, it feels like the perfect time to talk about reproductive health in our pets.
For many years, there have been different opinions about whether early neutering is always the best option. Recently, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) published updated guidelines to help standardise neutering protocols worldwide, from our Emerald Isle to the beaches of Mexico and the cold fields of Greenland.
Here is a simple summary of the key points:
• There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach.
The decision to neuter should be individual, taking into account the pet’s species, breed, sex, size, lifestyle and environment.
• Timing matters
In some large and giant breed dogs, delaying neutering until skeletal maturity may reduce the risk of certain joint disorders. In other cases, earlier neutering may be beneficial.
• Benefits and risks must be balanced.
Neutering can reduce the risk of reproductive diseases and unwanted litters, but it may also be associated with changes in metabolism, weight gain.
• Behaviour and population control are also important considerations.
Neutering can help reduce roaming, hormone-driven behaviours and unwanted pregnancies, benefiting both pets and the wider community.
Ultimately, this is a very personal decision, and there is no right or wrong choice, only the right choice for your pet and your family.
At Village Vets Lusk, we are always happy to discuss neutering options openly during a consultation. These discussions are free of charge, and together we can create the most appropriate and informed plan for your furry family member.”
Havening I have been asked many times in my professional field what is Havening? So this month we are going to have a brief look at what Havening is and who can benefit from this wonderful treatment. Havening is a gentle, touch-based psycho-sensory technique used to help people reduce emotional distress and build resilience. It is often used alongside coaching or therapy rather than as a standalone medical treatment.
The following are the principal benefits of Havening.
It helps the nervous system by the following ways
A. Shifts the brain out of threat mode: The repetitive, gentle touch appears to stimulate slow delta brain waves and calming Neuro-chemicals (chemicals in the brain) such as serotonin and oxytocin, which support a sense of safety and reduce the response we call fight or flight or panic,
B. Supports the nervous system by helping to “rewire”: By pairing a previously distressing memory with a deeply relaxed state, Havening is proposed to reduce synaptic strength in the circuits that kept that memory highly charged, so triggers lose their impact over time.
I’ve been asked what are the everyday uses of Havening
A. Emotional difficulties: Practitioners use Havening with issues such as phobias, trauma memories, grief, humiliation experiences, and persistent anxiety or suffers of panic attacks.
B. Performance and wellbeing: It can also be used for confidence, performance blocks, unwanted cravings, and general emotional regulation, helping clients feel more resourceful day to day.
The biggest benefit from a practitioner’s perspective would be
A. Non invasive and client centred: The touch is gentle, the client remains fully conscious and is in complete control, and the technique can be adapted or slowed easily, which can support a strong sense of safety and empowerment.
B. While teaching this in my clinics over many years it is an incredibly easy technique to be taught as a self-care treatment. Clients have learned self Havening techniques to use between sessions, giving them a concrete tool to regulate stress and support ongoing integration of therapeutic work.
C. All that is required from the client is for them to share just a bit about their story as to why they would require this treatment, that way it can become a more tailored fitted session and can be applied for the individual. In wellness Susan If there are any specific topics, diseases or disorders that you would like me to cover in further issues please feel free to email me at. info@susangrahamcoaching.com
By Jack Shanley
In the chaotic, neon-veined world of Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, the humblest of sports—table tennis—is elevated to a high-stakes blood sport. It is a film that breathes with a frantic, jittery energy, feeling less like a traditional biopic and more like a two-hour-long panic attack that you somehow never want to end.
At the centre of this whirlwind is Timothée Chalamet, who delivers a performance so kinetic it feels like he’s physically vibrating off the screen. Playing Marty Mauser, a fictionalized version of the real-life ping-pong hustler Marty Reisman, Chalamet sheds his usual “boyish charm” for something far more jagged. He is a man possessed by a singular, borderline-delusional ambition: to make the world respect a game played with celluloid balls and wooden paddles.
Working for the first time without his brother Benny, Josh Safdie proves his solo voice is just as loud and uncompromising. The film is set in a grimy, tactile 1950s New York, but it’s scored with anachronistic 80s synth-pop and edited with a modern, “grind set” ferocity. It’s a sensory overload that perfectly mirrors Marty’s internal state. He is a hustler, a salesman, and—at times—a deeply frustrating narcissist who treats his loved ones like obstacles to be bypassed.
The supporting cast is nothing but fantastic. We see great performances all round but especially from Gwyneth Paltrow and Tyler, the Creator.
What makes Marty Supreme linger is its refusal to apologize for its protagonist. Marty is not a “hero” in the classic sense; he is a man who steals from his uncle and neglects his pregnant girlfriend (Odessa A’zion) to chase a trophy in London or a match in Japan. In a sense he’s essentially the ultimate ‘antihero’.
The film asks a difficult question: Does greatness require a level of selfishness that verges on the sociopathic? By the time the credits roll to a pulsing needle drop, you might not like Marty, but you’ve been thoroughly seduced by his momentum. It’s a messy, loud, and brilliantly original piece of cinema that captures the “American Dream” not in a romantic fantasy way, but as a relentless, sweaty, and singular obsession.
I’d recommend checking out ‘Marty Supreme’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of FOUR Stars. You can go check it out at your local cinema today. Director Josh Safdie – Rating: 15A – Genre: Sport/Drama – Run Time: 2h 29m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
Love is in the air…. February is a time to treat yourself and those you love. I’m taking my daughters to Arc Cinema Drogheda on Galentine’s day for their 90’s throwback movie marathon. For Valentine’s Day, my husband and I usually stay in to watch a movie and have a nice dinner together and we’ll go out for dinner on a night when its not so busy. Or if we’re lucky, we might manage a romantic night away to somewhere special like Farnham Estate in Cavan, that’s one of our favourite places. There are some great shows coming up in The Lark Balbriggan and we might book into Bracken Court for dinner and B&B to make an overnight trip out of it. Any chance to carve out a little romance!
If you are looking to get a cool gift for someone special, www.wanapix.ie have a wide range of personalised gifts. Use code MAMSWANAPIX26 for 10% off. I got my husband a personalised glass and he loves it, he uses it every day. He got me a pink heart shaped mouse mat, which I use every day! Their snow globes are very cute – they even have one that is filled with little love hearts. Their personalised calendars are brill gifts. My Mam is already dropping hints that she’d like a calendar for Mother’s day, so we know what to get her!
Hampers & Co. have lots of fabulous hampers. Chocolate Garden of Ireland has lovely chocolate goodies. Tipperary Crystal have beautiful handbags and jewellery and they are all Irish companies, which we love.
For a romantic day out, take a walk with Andean Alpacas in Mullingar. Alpacas are gorgeous animals and it’s such a peaceful experience.
National Concert Hall has lots of shows coming up; tickets to a concert is a wonderful Valentine’s gift
Coffee is a clever gift idea and Irish brand, Artessa, roasts delicious fusion blends here in Ireland. Great gift for coffee lovers.
If you are on a tight budget don’t worry, most Mammies are happy to lounge in a bubble bath without interruption and have dinner made for them. If you can stretch to a takeaway, even better! A little ‘me time’ makes all the difference to busy Mammies!
For more ideas for Valentine’s gifting, head over to www.mams.ie
By Dave Kavanagh
Two important things to consider with both having and needing mortgage protection life cover. Firstly, there are those who have had mortgages for a number of years with mortgage protection life cover done in conjunction with it. For these people, it is well worth checking the current level of cover and remaining term on their mortgage protection and the same on their mortgage balance and term, to make sure there is sufficient cover. For example, in 2020 during the severe Covid lockdowns, many mortgage holders availed of a 6 month payment break. During this period, their mortgage protection cover will have continued to reduce, while their mortgage balances may have stayed level, or even increased if interest was capitalised. This could mean a shortfall in the event of a claim, meaning that the mortgage does not get fully cleared and there is a balance owing.
Possibly more important to consider, is people who are planning to get a mortgage soon, or in the near future. They have saved regularly to build a deposit, maintained stable employment, avoided taking out new loans (and made sure any existing or previous loan obligations were paid in full and on time), conducted their current accounts efficiently, etc. but sadly, they don’t get to proceed with their house/apartment purchase (certainly not in the time frame they wanted to) because they cannot get their mortgage protection life cover accepted. This could be due to their current or past medical history, or something simple like they have been referred for a test that has not yet been done. It’s why many are arranging their mortgage protection cover well in advance of drawing down their mortgage. Once in place, any new medical issues are not relevant. It can even save them money, as 36 years paying a cheaper premium (before another birthday has passed) is cheaper than 35 years at the higher premium.
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.