by Tom McCloughlin, DCU Water Institute
For those of us living in east Fingal, there is an issue with transport. We live near the coast, but to travel north or south we have to go around the estuaries of Rogerstown-Turvey and they, because they are protected areas for wildlife, appear to be black holes in our local geography. We go around them but never to them. When you do they can appear empty and devoid of any life.If you are a fisherman you may wonder where your catch comes from, where do the fish reproduce and if you are a birdwatcher, you might wonder what do all the birds eat? The estuaries are where many fish species caught at sea come here to reproduce because the estuaries are sheltered but also be-cause they provide food for the young, just enough to keep them going until they get out to sea. The birds come from Canada and Iceland to feed on a variety of animals living in the mud, and each species has its preference (but like us, they’ll try different flavours!). The picture shows the ‘favourite’ food for each bird.The little mud animals depend on clean water entering the estuary, so if pollution enters a stream at Ballough, it has an effect at Rogerstown. Too much phosphate and the water is starved of oxygen because certain algae go mad. The mud animals die, and the birds arrive to find less food than before. Breeding fails, the birds move on to other already cramped areas, and the breeding cycle is interrupted reducing the population of birds who keep the fish and mud animals in check. Without them, the mud animals in turn over populate for the avail-able nutrients and space, and they in turn crash. If we keep our litter, rubbish, pollution, and dump-ing to ourselves, the estuaries will thrive and become the glory of Fingal, as great international hubs of life and biodiversity and a source of pride to show the rest of the country how to work for the environment.
by Carina Cunningham
The second of our resident artists from Ardgillan Castle is a blow in from up north via Spain. A popart, portrait artist, Glenn is originally from the leafy suburbs of Belfast but is delighted to find himself in the magnificent setting of Studio 27, Ardgillan Castle. His work has been described as “Precision Impressionism” with the author continuing: “Glenn is impressionistic as he breaks figures down into blocks of colour…close up almost abstraction but as you step away the blocks flow together to form the subject in the most precise way possible. A modern day technical Monet” His collectors include Donal Gallagher, brother of the late, great Rory Gallagher, and Steve Garrigan, Kodaline front man. Proud to have pieces all over the world he continues to develop his craft with local galleries as well as representation in Milan, Italy where, with help from the Fingal Arts Office, he has plans to exhibit this September. Having recently been sponsored to paint in Cannes, France Glenn will also be flying off to Miami later this year for an installation of three pieces produced for the biggest Realtor Association in the USA. If we can keep him in the country long enough his studio is well worth a visit. Original pieces, limited edition prints and various pieces of work in progress are always on show. Or find him on-line on the links glennmatthewsart.com or instagram.com/glenn.matthews.art.
By Siobhan O’Neill White
Are you wondering how to keep the children busy this summer? Check out our outdoor & indoor activity recommendations here on mams.ie. On sunny days, explore the Japanese gardens, get up close to world class thoroughbreds, enjoy the children’s play area, fairy trail and fantastic restaurant at The Irish National Stud. Learn the history of the Vikings with a trip to Dublinia, it’s fun and educational. SkyPark Carlingford is brilliant for adventurous families. Climbing walls, zipwires, archery, footgolf and more. I bravely did their biggest zipwire (amidst much screaming), while my children cheered me on! Great family fun and Carlingford is so beautiful, why not stay over at the Four Seasons hotel nearby.Planning a daytrip to the beach? Please only visit beaches with lifeguards and stay close to shore. Older children may think it safe to swim out, but please explain that invisible dangerous currents can pull swimmers under quickly, so always keep your children in your eyeline. My daughters were playing in the sea last year when my youngest stepped in a hole in the sand, and the seawater immediately came up to her neck. We got her out quickly, but it was a stark reminder that the sea is dangerous and unpredictable, so please be careful.On rainy days, there’s lots to do at home. Origami sounds tricky but is quite easy. Our son spent hours doing Origami with his late Nanna, creating treasured memories. You can pick up child friendlyOrigami kits from The Works Stores Ilac SC. Another fun indoor activity is collecting and paintingstones or seashells. It takes hours for the kids to wash, dry and paint the stones/shells and all you need is child friendly paint and lots of newspaper underneath!Decorating their bedroom is a fun project for children. Let them get creative picking paint colours and accessories, like cushions and throws. We love the personalised wall and door stickers from MyNameTags.ie - a cost effective way to give bedrooms a new look! The Arc Cinema Drogheda has parent & baby movie mornings running where you can bring your baby/toddler into the movie. Lights are dimmed, sound lowered and there is space for buggies.Contact siobhan@mumstown.ie to be added to mailing list. They also do a great deal for family cinema visits; 2 adults & 2 children, or (1 adult and 3 children), get movie entry, popcorn, sweets and drinks for €39.95. Great value, especially if you are on a budget.
mams.ie Shortlisted for Golden Spider Award & Infant & Maternity Award. As seen on RTE and Virgin Media Ireland & Weekend AM. As heard onToday FM’s Ian Dempsey & Dermot & Dave; RTE’s Ray D’Arcy Show, 98FM, LMFM Late Lunch, WLRFM & Shannonside FM
Ciaran Russell
There are 6 months gone in 2022, already! I have 6 simple ways for you to get back on track with your health goals and make some progress toward achieving them by the end of this year. My advice here is to implement these over the course of July and not all at once. If you try to go all-in at the start of the month, you may get overwhelmed and give up, leaving you back at the start again.First, start keeping a food diary. Not with the aim of reducing what you’re eating straight away but to create awareness of what food and how much of it you are consuming. Include everything you eat and drink. Then at the end of the first week take some time to read it. Next, increase your water intake. Being hydrated is very important for many bodily functions and will improve your energy levels. Get a water bottle and keep it beside you all the time. Aim for 1 litre of water for every 25kg that you weigh.Then start to walk more. You don’t have to hits 10,000 steps a day but gradually increase your step count from where it is now.Next, start taking a look at your sleep. Aim for at least 7 hours per night. And if you want 7 hours you’ll probably have to give yourself an 8-hour window to get it. Once you’ve implemented these 4 habits, then you can start to look at exercise and protein. Find some sort of exercise you enjoy doing and do it 2-4 times per week. Whether it’s going to the gym, playing a sport or something else. Do something you find challenging and gets your heart rate up. Protein is generally not eaten enough by most people. Things like greek yoghurt, eggs, lean meat, beans & lentils and fish. If you are over 60, 1.2 grams per kg of body weight would suffice. However, if you are younger and are exercising regularly, especially in the gym you should aim for between 1.6g - 2.2g of protein per kg of bodyweight. If nothing else taking care of the first 4 things above will have a big impact on how you feel and your health.Follow me on Instagram for more tips for simplifying weight loss and improving fitness, @ciaranrussellcoaching.
By Dave Kavanagh
During a consultation with new clients recently, I asked if they had serious illness cover in place. They said that they did. When I asked for the details, they were unsure so searched for their policy details. It turned out that they had PPI (Payment Protection Insurance) and misinterpreted the word “illness” somewhere in the description. They did not have serious illness cover. (The PPI “might” have paid out a few hundred euro towards their mortgage payment if the person covered was out of work due to illness or injury and only after a 2 month period and then stopped after 12 months, whereas serious illness cover can pay out a tax free lump sum on diagnosis of one of the conditions covered). It was yet another reminder that most people do not know the important details of plans that they pay regularly for. As people’s circumstances change, it’s important to be up to date with knowing what you are actually paying for. Here is the very least that you should know about any protection plans that you have in place:
Life Cover: How much cover is there? When does it expire? Is it dual or joint? Does it have a conversion option? Is it level, increasing or decreasing? How much does it cost?
Income Protection: What is the deferred period? (The length of time you have to be off work due to illness or injury before payments commence). What level of cover do I have? Up to what age will payments continue if I could never return to work again? How much does it cost? Have I claimed my tax relief? (I.P. premiums are tax deductible).
Serious Illness Cover: A.K.A. Critical Illness Cover or Specified Illness Cover. What level of cover do I have? Is it stand alone or accelerated cover? Is it dual or joint? When does it expire? Do I have the option to extend cover without further medical evidence? If you don’t know those details, it’s time to get out the paperwork and find out. You’ll be glad you did.
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 financialcompanion.i 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.
By Dave Kavanagh
For many reasons, people often put off having to deal with their finances (it’s not the most fun exercise!) despite the fact it can give them peace of mind, reduce outgoings and often leave them with more money left over each month. But what are they really saying?
“I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. Often replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a few others. What is actually being said is “I’ll name some time in the future so that I don’t have to deal with it now”. Let’s face it, you can easily find 30-60 minutes once a year to deal with something this important. You’ll be glad you took the time. “We have everything in order already”. Great. That is if it’s been reviewed in the last few months, but on closer examination, it often hasn’t been looked at in years and circumstances have changed. It’s important to keep things relevant to your current personal circumstances. “Our bank sorted everything for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things, but in most cases, banks are tied to one company, so a fair comparison cannot be made, meaning you could be paying way over the odds for whatever the bank has put in place for you. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you get the best value. “I’m busy at present, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. Let’s face it, going through your finances is rarely on anyone’s list of favourite activities. But the fact remains, if there is an activity that you like you will make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems. Someone once told me that they had no time and in the same conversation told me they had queued for over an hour in a drive through for doughnuts. (They were also up to date on all the soap storylines!)
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 phone 087-6414570, 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 and TV3.
Yes ladies and gentlemen rumour has it that Ardgillan castle is the place to have your civil ceremony/wedding day. Just to show you how, they hosted their first wedding fair and Fashion Show on the 15th May last. Civil ceremonies take place in the Drawing room at Ardgillan Castle but now with resident Interior Decorator and costume designer Carina Cunningham from style warriors Dreamscape room 102, Ardgillan Castle is now available as an additional extra for your themed wedding - Bridgerton Style, Gothic Style or just Classical style, using her bridal Archway, Candleabras, lanterns, red carpet and Roth Iron furniture, dressed to your own personal taste. The bride can also have the use of the room 102 with its makeup bar, 4 poster bed and pretty interiors for photographs as part of her wedding experience. Costumes can be designed and the décor can be themed to your favourite era or style. Let’s remember, for any couples looking for an alternative to a church wedding ceremony, Ardgillan Castle gives you the freedom to be diverse and creative. Boasting of its natural opulence, elegance, heritage and breathtaking views out over the Irish Sea, it has the perfect backdrop for unique wedding photographs, it’s got it all folks. The fashion show was a huge success featuring Mizz Rio gowns from the Naul, AB Formal suit hire Swords and of course Style Warriors Alternative Bridal Gowns and Costumes. All hitting the red carpet and looking amazing, Mattress Mick even strutted his stuff on the day while Steve Mangan sang a few Micheal Buble tunes. Delicious canopes were served from Brambles our in house Caterers, vintage cars by Classic Vintage Wedding Cars on facebook. See what you missed on Carina Cunninghams Facebook page and Style Warrior Presents on Instagram and on Ardgillan Castle Instagram and Facebook. What a fabulous day, look it all up folks, entertainment at its best at our beautiful Ardgillan Castle.
By Jack Shanley
Almost 50 years after it was made, ‘Day For Night’ truly stands the test of time. Screened last month at the Irish Film Institute (IFI), the classic, directed by the great French new wave director Francoise Truffaut, is one of his finest achievements.It tells the story of a committed film director struggling to finish his movie with several unexpected troubles, both personal and professional, affecting the cast and crew.It’s an entertaining romance drama about the struggle, the love and passion of the amazing craft we call filmmaking. Truffaut asks the powerful question: ‘Is cinema more important than life?’ ‘Day For Night’ is essentially about making movies with a romance story built within it, but more than that, it’s a love letter to cinema, a craft in which Truffaut devoted his life to. He once said ‘it was his own reason for living’. It’s an affectionate film with Truffaut starring as an ambitious director committed to his craft. Quite funny and charming, it takes you into the strenuous world and selfish mind of a film director. American film director Brian De Palma, a great admirer of Truffaut, was so influenced by the opening titles, designed by Michel Francois, that he used a very similar opening title for his film ‘Blow Out’ released in 1981, replacing the orchestra with screams and a beating heart. ‘Day For Night’ also has a remarkable soundtrack, scored by the effortlessly talented Georges Delerue who, through his music, gave the film this wonderful sense of hope which is essentially all that a film director really has.
Overall, ‘Day For Night’ is a beautifully crafted depiction of what a film director truly is. I give it a score of four stars as it makes you adore cinema just that little bit more.
Director–Francoise Truffaut: Rating–PG: Genre–Romance/Drama: Run Time–1h 50: Language–French, English.
•For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram
By Siobhan O’Neill White
Whether it’s your Dad, Grandad, Daddy, Father-in-law, StepDad, husband, partner or a special father figure, Father’s Day on Sunday 19th June is the day to celebrate these wonderful men. We’re cooking dinner for my Dad as a treat but no matter how good dinner is, he’ll still proclaim that our roast potatoes aren’t as good as his! His roasters are famous around Balbriggan (according to him anyways!) Need some gift inspiration for the Dads? We can help….For guys who like sweets, the retro sweet hamper from Hampers & Co, a Clontarf based company is only €12. They also have Movie night in , Gourmet Wine, Fancy Cheese, Craft Beer and our favourite, The Dude hamper! Use promo code Mums12 for 12% off any of their cool hampers. If your Dad likes to exercise or is fond of casual wear, Irish brand Gym+Coffee, have cool shorts, t-shirts, hoodies etc. They’re super comfy and come in a wide range of colours. Thinking of getting him a gift voucher? Best Menswear is ideal. They have a great range of clothing from casual to smart. My husband is a big fan, so we’ll definitely be going there! If you prefer to pick him up a gift, Dealz have lots of goodies from only €1.50. If he loves Gadgets and gizmos, Hoco and Gadget Geek in Ilac SC are brill. And of course, there’s the LFC store for Liverpool fans! Check out mams.ie for gift giveaways, like hampers and Spotlight Oral Care gift sets. June is also time for summer camps. If your child is starting secondary school in September or going into 2nd or 3rd year, we highly recommend a new, clever and innovative summer camp called ‘Inside Out’. This fun camp includes a balance of physical, mental and creative challenges to help prepare kids for secondary school, particularly the emotional challenges they will face there. Ideal for 12-14 year olds, this camp is being hosted in the gorgeous, lush grounds of Gormanston Park. Places are limited, to register your interest, please go to insideoutcamps.ie/register/ It’s wonderful to see Inside Out camps taking a proactive approach to mental health, as these children navigate the stresses of school and today’s fast paced, social media laden, over whelming world. For more Father’s Day ideas and information on summer camps, please visit mams.ie . Shortlisted for Golden Spider Award & Infant & Maternity Award. As seen on RTE and Virgin Media Ireland & Weekend AM. As heard on Today FM’s Ian Dempsey & Dermot & Dave; RTE’s Ray D’Arcy Show, 98FM, LMFM Late Lunch, WLRFM & Shannonside FM
Established by local fisherman Sean Doran, whose family have been in the fish business in Howth for 60 years, this new marine focused excursion is sure to delight family members of all ages. This fun educational experience consists of talks on fishing vessels, how they fish and what species they catch in Irish coastal waters. Hear from real fishermen as they tell stories from the trawlers in action battling Irish weather & learn about fish stocks and sustainability. Then experience some fun hands-on activities such as rope tying, and shucking oysters, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch in our restaurant overlooking the pier. This excursion is available for a 2 hour, half day or full day session and some options include a boat trip around Ireland’s eye where guests will hear about local shipwrecks and the history of Grace O’Malley, the pirate queen. Located on the West Pier in Howth, facing out to Ireland’s eye and Lambay Island, part of the excursion will take guests on a walk along the pier to look at real fishing trawlers and talk to active fishermen about their day to day lives. This special day out will be of interest to groups of friends, family, transition year and catering students, groups of chefs and hospitality staff and tourist groups with an interest in how a fishing harbour works and how best to prepare and eat fish that is sustainable in stocks.Specialist groups can avail of a tailored package to focus talks on elements including food, biodiversity or environmental/aquamarine. Timetables can be amended to fit with tour timetables and look out for our mini tours which will give a one-hour taster throughout the 2022 summer season for only €35 per person including a takeaway lunch. We encourage our guests to take the Dart, bus or bike to Howth to keep the air clean for our human and animal friends! Howth School of Fish is a short five minute walk from Howth Dart Station. Visit our website for details and booking on www.howthschooloffish.ie , email sales@howthschooloffish.ie or call 086-2502401 to make an enquiry.
