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.

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.

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

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.

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.”