One of the hardest decisions we face as pet parents is knowing when it’s time to let them go. As a veterinary professional who has also gone through this personally, I can tell you: there is no universal answer. Every case, every family, and every pet is different. What matters is that the decision is made in the best interest of the animal.

We’re here to guide you through that moment, to help you make the most compassionate and informed choice. So don’t hesitate to reach out once, twice, or 300 times if you need to. We understand how difficult it is, and we are here to help.

Watching our pets grow old is a privilege. And having the power to decide when it’s time to say goodbye is a final act of love.

When we make that decision, it’s for them, but also for us. To be at peace with ourselves, knowing we did everything possible to make their time with us joyful.

We often ask the same questions, but the answers are unique to every animal:
Do they still enjoy walks?

If your dog never really liked walks and preferred the sofa, that’s not a good measure. But if they used to run happily through the park and now refuse to go out, that’s a sign something’s wrong.
Do they still seek affection and company?

Wanting cuddles is a sign of well-being. A cat who hides and wants to be alone may be telling us that something has changed.

Do they still have an appetite?

Food is often a great indicator. At a certain age, and if their health allows, we can bend the rules a bit. If your dog wants fries from McDonald’s and it makes them happy, that’s okay. But if they’re no longer even smelling their food, maybe their body is telling us it’s time.

It’s not just about age or a diagnosis, it’s about their quality of life.

Veterinarians, nurses, and every member of the clinic team are both professionally and personally prepared to support you through this. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out as many times as it takes. We’re here to help you make the most compassionate decision possible.

By Jack Shanley

Paul Thomas Anderson’s newest sprawling epic, One Battle After Another, is less a film and more a sensory assault. An adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland, this action-thriller, masquerading as a deeply melancholic character study, sees the director operating at his most anarchic and kinetic. The film follows Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a paranoid former revolutionary living off-grid with his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti), until his past—embodied by the grotesque and obsessive Col. Steven Lockjaw (a career-best Sean Penn)—forces them into a dizzying, nationwide chase.

Anderson’s technical prowess is immediately evident, shooting in the ultra-high-resolution VistaVision, which paradoxically lends a beautiful, painterly quality to scenes of utter desperation and chaos. The film rarely lets up, fueled by Jonny Greenwood’s jangling, nerve-shredding score, which acts like a constant, anxiety-inducing heartbeat. DiCaprio channels a man whose revolutionary fire has curdled into exhaustion, creating a portrayal of paranoia that is at once hilarious and heartbreaking. Penn, meanwhile, is a strange monster, a physical caricature of immense power obsessed with eradicating not just the rebels, but the very idea of dissent. The overall story of the film is interesting, along with some great cinematography and simple but brilliant costume design, but it’s the performances that make the film as great as it is.

The reason this film stuck with me, weeks after viewing it in a stunning IMAX screening, wasn’t just the spectacular car chases or the political fury; it was the quiet emotional devastation at its core. I felt somewhat unsettled by the film’s central question: when you sacrifice everything for a cause, what do you owe the generation you bring into that unstable world? Willa, played with striking clarity by Chase Infiniti, is the conscience of the movie. Seeing her forced to navigate her father’s crumbling idealism felt like a true gut-punch.

‘One Battle After Another’ is a top-class piece of filmmaking, with PTA showing us once again how much of an incredible filmmaker he truly is. Overall, it’s a messy, essential masterpiece, and for me potentially the best film of the year.

I’d recommend checking out ‘One Battle After Another’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of Five stars, after my first watch. You can watch it at your local cinema today: Director: Paul Thomas Anderson – Rating: 15A – Genre: Comedy/Drama – Run Time: 2h 50m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

November is a great time for a clear out and Oxigen has a wide range of skips for getting rid of old Halloween decorations, junk from around the house, and debris from the garden. Ideal for getting your home Christmas decorating ready.

Small accessories like lamps, decorative cushions and rugs can transform a room and we’re very impressed with the colourfully decorative rugs from RugShop.ie An Irish company, they have a huge range of rugs and underlays. We got new rugs for our daughters’ bedrooms and the quality is exceptional. The underlays are brilliant too. The old rugs got bunched up and stuck in the vacuum and under beds but these new ones are gorgeous, and they stay put, ensuring no slipping and sliding! Check them out at www.rugshop.ie

Did you know The Gem Treatery in Balbriggan is not just an ice cream shop? They have delicious coffee, pancakes, crepes, sandwiches. Download their QR code to get every 10th coffee free. Enjoy their weekly parent & baby mornings. Their gift vouchers make excellent gifts for Christmas, perfect for treating teachers!

Adventure Light at Skypark is now open for 2025! Discover the maze, see the dazzling light displays, toast smores and enjoy a fabulous family night out. Book at www.skypark.ie

Wicklow on Ice, the spectacular ice rink at Avondale House opens 14th November and bookings are now open. You can also enjoy twinkly tree top walks at Avondale, a beautiful location for making family memories

Looking for ideas for Christmas party night ideas? Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan is now taking bookings for their wonderful party packages and fab festive menu.

Thinking of a winter mini break? Farnham Estate in Cavan is glorious at this time of year – the warm outdoor pool in wintertime is truly special. Their gift vouchers are wonderful for Christmas.

Kids illnesses are rampant at this time of year, and we recommend Tonstix; lollipops kids suck to soothe their sore throats. So clever, so easy and they’re an Irish brand too! See www.tonstix,com

For adults, Sentro Labs customers can save 20% on every order of gut and immune support supplements and get free delivery. Use code MAMS15 for an additional 15% off the first subscription. See https://www.sentrolabs.com/collections/bundle-save

Stay well this winter!

By Dave Kavanagh

From 1st January 2025, employers can provide up to five, small, non-cash benefits per employee per year, with a combined value of up to €1,500, free of PAYE, PRSI and USC. To qualify, benefits must not be in cash, must not be redeemable (in part or full) for cash, and must be something used to buy goods or services.

So, what type of options/cards qualify to be used for this? Store-specific or multi-store gift vouchers/cards that are used to buy goods/services and cannot be exchanged for cash. E.g. a gift card for a department store, or supermarket, or a retailer. Closed-loop gift cards (cards valid in certain stores or groups of stores) used only to purchase goods/services. Tangible non-cash gifts (e.g. objects, hampers, items) which are similar in value to vouchers, again provided they are used to buy goods/services or are themselves goods. Non-cash benefit cards such as gift cards that are structured so that they are not redeemable for cash or usable like a debit card with direct cash extraction capability.

Options that do not qualify include cards that are redeemable for cash (or partially usable as cash). For example, any gift or “card” that allows the holder to withdraw cash, or exchange for cash. Prepaid debit cards or “spend anywhere” cards if their terms allow the card to be used like cash / cash-equivalent (e.g. ATM withdrawals etc.). If the card is effectively redeemable for or convertible into cash, the revenue rules treat it as a cash benefit and it loses the exemption. Any bonus or benefit provided via payroll or via salary sacrifice. These must be provided outside payroll and not deducted from salary.

With the recent budget not being exceptionally generous to workers, this is a great way to both reward employees without having to tax them further and also benefit employers as gifts are tax deductible.

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.

In a quiet workshop in Rush, Co. Dublin, the sound of hammer on steel mingles with the scent of freshly worked hardwood. Here, Michael Dempsey, founder of Jarnvidr Crafts, is forging more than just tools — he is creating lasting heirlooms rooted in Irish craft and Norse mythology.

“I wanted to make items that last, that people would value and possibly pass down,” says Michael, who launched Jarnvidr Crafts in October 2024 after a long career in technology. “After years in tech, I felt the pull back to my roots in metalwork and carpentry. This is about legacy, creativity, and building something with soul.”

The name Jarnvidr comes from Old Norse, meaning “Ironwood” — a mythical forest where Troll’s and Giant Wolves dwelled in legend. It reflects the blend of myth and nature that runs through the brand. Inspired by Viking tradition, each creation — whether forged blade or hand-turned bowl — carries a sense of story as well as function.

While Jarnvidr Crafts first gained attention for its hand-forged kitchen knives — including Viking-inspired seax blades and unique Damascus steel creations — the workshop has since expanded. Michael now crafts wooden chopping boards, bowls, writing pens, and will soon have CE-certified wooden toys, all from reclaimed or recycled hardwoods.

Norse influences are never far away. Boards shaped like shields, rune-burned designs, and multi-wood patterns inspired by Viking knotwork bring myth into the modern kitchen. The Björn knife line, named after Michael’s grandson, bridges personal family legacy with Norse tradition.

Every Jarnvidr piece is meant to be used. “It’s a chopping board — a few knife marks are expected. That adds to the charm,” Michael says with a smile. His philosophy is simple: with care, each creation will last a lifetime.

Selling online via jarnvidrcrafts.ie and at craft fairs, Jarnvidr Crafts appeals to chefs, food lovers, and gift buyers alike. From bespoke knives for professional kitchens to wooden toys for Irish families, Michael’s work is carving out a reputation for authentic Irish craftsmanship with a Norse soul.

“I’m building something I hope will outlast me,” he reflects. “A craft reborn — from the heart of Ironwood.”

The Ward River has powered many water-mills in its time, the volume and flow of the river having been historically much stronger than we see in it today. Before the age of steam, wind and waterpower were the only sources of energy available. In 1847 there were 3 mills working from the Ward. This particular one operated well into the 1940s, many of our older residents remembering it’s nostalgic resonant grumbling and grinding sounds!

The bridge itself dates from 1875 and is made of cut limestone with very distinctive ‘saddleback’ coping. Next time you are down this way, look down into the river to see a string marking the historic levels of water here. Down on the left at riverside you will also see the typical entry-piers I’ve cleaned, placed here to allow access to the river for washing clothes or drawing water. These piers appear all along the Ward to allow safe access to a once powerful and dangerous stream.

By Sarah Louise, MD – Impulse Recruitment

Have you wondered how to make your CV stand out in 2025? With September here and the final quarter of the year underway, it’s the perfect time to refresh your CV and set yourself up for new opportunities this autumn. Whether you’re looking for a promotion, a complete career change, or simply want to be prepared if the right role comes up, your CV is your personal marketing tool and it needs to work hard for you.

The number one rule: keep it simple. Your CV should be one to two pages long, highlighting your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Employers don’t want to wade through unnecessary detail but they do want to see, quickly and clearly, why you’re the right fit for their role. A clean, well-structured CV not only makes you look professional but also shows that you can communicate effectively.

Start strong. Open with a clear headline at the top: Reliable and dedicated candidate seeking a role in [industry], with [X years] of experience in [area]. This gives hiring managers an instant snapshot of who you are and what you’re looking for.

From there, list your most recent role first (job title, company, and dates). Underneath, outline your key tasks and responsibilities, then work backwards through your career history. Use bullet points to make it easy to read, and wherever possible, add achievements with measurable results — for example, Increased sales by 20%” or Implemented a new system that reduced processing time by 30%. These details show the real impact you’ve made.

Make sure you include:
• Contact details (phone and professional email).
• Education (qualifications and relevant courses).
• Skills (communication, teamwork, technical expertise, etc.).
• Hobbies/interests (keep it light and relevant).
• References (either included or “available on request”).

Golden rules: Be honest – no exaggeration. Double-check for errors. Ask a friend to proofread. Never forget your contact details! (Yikes — the last thing you want is to miss out simply because the employer can’t reach you.)

And don’t underestimate the value of a cover letter. Keep it short — three paragraphs is plenty — but use it to show enthusiasm, explain why you’re interested, and highlight how your skills match the role. A tailored cover letter can make all the difference in standing out from dozens of other applicants.

Think of your CV as a fishing hook: clear, targeted, and designed to catch the right employer’s attention.

This is your time to shine, so make sure your CV represents the very best version of you.

Happy job hunting this autumn! Catch me next month for more recruitment insights

By Jack Shanley

The Long Walk (2025) is a masterful adaptation of Stephen King’s chilling novel, and director Francis Lawrence has delivered a film that is as relentless and hypnotic as its source material. This isn’t a blockbuster filled with explosive action; instead, it’s a profound, character-driven psychological thriller that explores themes of endurance and conformity.

Set in a dystopian America, the film follows Ray Garaty, a 16-year-old boy who has entered the “Long Walk,” an annual televised event where 100 teenage boys walk non-stop until only one remains. If they drop below a certain pace, they receive a warning; three warnings and they’re “ticketed,” a euphemistic term for being shot dead by the military escort. The film captures the gruelling, almost meditative monotony of the walk, focusing on the subtle shifts in the boys’ mental and physical states. It’s a testament to the powerful performances from its young cast, who perfectly embody the mix of youthful naivete, and hardened resolve required to survive.

Lawrence’s direction is a triumph of atmosphere and restraint. He understands that the horror isn’t in the blood and guts, but in the slow, inevitable psychological toll. The camera often lingers on the boys’ faces, capturing the exhaustion, fear, and even moments of strange camaraderie. The sound design is a key player, with the constant, rhythmic thud of feet on asphalt serving as a metronome of impending doom. As a big fan of film scores, the lack of a traditional score in many scenes enhances the stark reality of their situation, making the silence and the sound of breathing even more potent.

The film’s most powerful moments are not in the deaths but in the quiet, poignant interactions between the walkers. The fleeting friendships, the shared jokes, and the desperate attempts to maintain a semblance of humanity in an inhuman contest are what truly resonate. The Long Walk is a thought-provoking, and at times, gut-wrenching experience. It serves as a stark metaphor for the relentless pressures of modern life, and the lengths people will go to for a fleeting chance at glory. It’s a powerful cinematic achievement that will linger in your mind long after the credits have rolled.

I’d recommend checking out ‘The Long Walk’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of Three stars, after my first watch. You can watch it at your local cinema today: Director: Francis Lawrence – Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Sci-fi – Run Time: 1h 48m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

It’s October….time for hot chocolates and snuggly pj’s. It’s chilly but not too cold; perfect for strolling in the fields with Andean Alpacas. These beautiful animals are calming and therapeutic. Andean Alpacas, in Westmeath, have packages where you can simply go walking with the Alpacas or you can choose their Halloween package, to spend time with the Alpacas and enjoy pumpkin carving and other Halloween activities. See https://andeanalpacas.ie/

My husband and I spent a few days in Farnham Estate Cavan recently, enjoying woodland strolls and the warm outdoor pool, which is surrounded by green fields. Farnham have great offers on breaks and spa days/treatments. We highly recommend Cedars Steakhouse Tomahawk steak for 2, it’s a memorable dining experience. See https://www.farnhamestate.ie/?src=mams

This month The National Concert Hall has wonderful family friendly concerts and events, see www.nch.ie Wax Museum Plus has interactive events and kids can make a wax model of their hand to bring home! See https://waxmuseumplus.ie/

Adventure Light returns to Skypark this October. Wander the Magical Trail, Conquer the Maze, Bounce on Skynet, Hunt for clues and Make a Wish and Enjoy delicious street food. Bring the whole family to this interactive experience. See https://skypark.ie/adventure-lights/

For a little treat, The Gem Treatery in Balbriggan is a must visit. Fluffy pancakes, yummy crepes, tasty sambos, delicious coffee, acai bowls and so many flavours of ice cream to choose from. Spacious and child/baby friendly, it’s perfect for catching up with family and friends. They also do kids birthday parties! See https://www.gemtreatery.com/?src=mams

Fancy a scare? The new Conjuring movie is brilliant. Expect screams and popcorn flying everywhere! We saw it with our teens at Arc Cinema and really enjoyed it. There are lots of good kids movies on and kids clubs are excellent value during midterm. See offers at https://arccinema.ie/

Now is the time when many of us succumb to colds and flus and it’s good to boost your immune system. For adults, Sentro Labs has excellent supplements for gut health and support women in perimenopause. I find them very good to help with sleep. For kiddies, Tonstix are absolutely brilliant. It’s a lollipop they suck that helps enormously with sore throats. Such a clever product range, see https://tonstix.com/
Stay safe and Happy Halloween from mams.ie!

By Dave Kavanagh

A difficulty that occurs when planning ahead to protect you and your family’s financial future, is the fact that we don’t know exactly what the future holds. Will jobs and income change? How long will I maintain good health? Will I win the lottery jackpot in the next 3 years? The uncertainty of the future means that we often plan for a variety of occurrences. One important aspect of this planning is deciding on a term for things like Life Cover. A life cover plan can either be done for a specific term or it can be done as a “whole of life” plan. One of the problems with the old way of doing these was that the premiums were reviewed after a few years and could result in constant, substantial increases, often forcing people to either cancel them or accept a much lower level of cover. With “guaranteed whole of life” plans, you at least know exactly what the premium will always be and the level of cover but planning that far ahead can be costly. A relatively new method of dealing with this issue was introduced from one of the life companies, and it is an addition called “Life Changes Option”. This option gives the policy owners a number of choices once they have paid premiums for at least 15 years. They can then choose to either; a) Stop paying premiums and reduce the level of cover which stays in place until the cover is paid out, or b) Cancel the cover (if it is no longer required) and take a refund of up to 70% of all premiums previously paid, or c) Continue the plan as it is with the same level of cover and premiums. This option has become quite popular when people are looking to future-proof cover as it offers choices that can suit people’s changing circumstances. If they have cleared loans and have sufficient savings, a reduced level of cover might be ideal. If they have strong pensions and savings, they may no longer have a need for cover and can take back a lump sum. For more information on how this type of cover may suit you, ask your advisor or contact me for a free quotation.