Galway Chest Clinic to run another Breathe Freely programme in January

Thu, Dec 13, 2012

Following the success of its first Breathe Freely programme for COPD and lung fibrosis sufferers, the Galway Chest Clinic has announced that it will run another programme in January 2013. The programme is designed to improve the quality of life for people with chronic lung diseases, many of whom suffer from considerable shortness of breath when carrying out simple daily tasks despite maximum medical therapy. The British and Irish Thoracic Societies have stated that all patients with lung diseases whose lifestyle is adversely affected by chronic breathlessness would benefit from such a course.

“Chronic lung disease is the third most commonly reported long term illness,” said Dr Hilary McLoughlin, the director of the Galway Chest Clinic. “This course is modelled on the national COPD rehabilitation programme which aims to address the inequity in COPD service across the country. Not everybody who needs help and support is getting it because of long waiting lists in the HSE.

Facing down fear

Thu, Dec 13, 2012

Many of us carry fears within us. Fear of the dark, fear of failure, fear of losing our jobs, our homes, our lifestyle, our loved ones.

The Bish, one hundred and fifty years

Thu, Dec 06, 2012

On this day one hundred and fifty years ago, St. Joseph’s Secondary School formally opened. It represented a triumph for Dr McEvilly, Bishop of Galway, who had worked tirelessly to get the Patrician Brothers to Galway to add to the educational facilities for Catholic boys in the city. Indeed the bishop’s association with the school was such that it became known as ‘The Bish’. Others regarded it as a seminary for preparing boys for the priesthood and so it was also known colloquially as ‘The Sem’.

Reeling back the years....

Thu, Dec 06, 2012

I get both embarrassed and amused, in an hysterical sort of a way, reading back over the recent social history of poor Cathleen Ní Houlihan. Particularly when it touches on anything sexual. It is surprising that any of us were born at all, such was the misery caused at the mention that anyone might be enjoying a healthy sexual relationship with a partner. The impression was given that everyone who had sexual contact outside marriage was not only in a state of serious sin, but that they were some kind of social pariah, to be scorned and driven away from normal society. Even sex within marriage could be shaky. It really was a subject that could not be discussed in public at all without inviting legions of self-righteous men and women out on the streets proclaiming well-meaning but ill-informed opinion.

Tackling the accessory issues ahead of the Christmas nights out

Thu, Dec 06, 2012

To amend the words from the famous musical Annie, ‘you’re never fully dressed without accessories’. Every ensemble poses the accessories debate. From tights to shoes to scarves, indecision over these articles can leave your head in a frenzy of confusion so as the party season looms quicker with the passing days it is essential to be prepared when it comes to decorating your going out attire. Below is a consise guide on how to vamp up your outfits.

The tights

On the Wine Shelf...

Thu, Dec 06, 2012

Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Independents €14.99)

On the Cookery Book Shelf …

Thu, Dec 06, 2012

Over the last number of years, Paula Wolfert has made a name for herself as an author with a penchant for Mediterranean cuisine and this publication will only enhance that growing reputation.

Christmassy lunch

Thu, Dec 06, 2012

If you are looking for somewhere to have a Christmassy lunch with family or colleagues, there is a little place in Galway that I can recommend to you, Blazers Bar & Bistro. It is set apart from the hustle and bustle of the city, part of The Ardilaun hotel and yet but a stroll from either Salthill or the city centre. This tranquil setting, with beautifully landscaped gardens is a little a gem.

Kirwan’s Lane

Thu, Nov 29, 2012

This medieval street dates back as far as the 16th century and is believed to be one of only five medieval lanes that still exist in the city out of an original 14. It is considered by historians and archaeologists to be one of the richest areas “in terms of its medieval layout, building design and street plan”. It evidently received its name from the Kirwan family, one of only two of ‘the tribes’ who were of Gaelic origin. They were successful merchants and landowners who moved into the city around 1490, and whose wealth helped Galway reach the peak of its splendour during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Tricksters, undemonstrative fathers, and other stories...

Thu, Nov 29, 2012

I wonder would the following story still happen in Galway today. It happened in more innocent times, in the early 1960s. A very upper class gentleman, Major Woodfall Murphy, rented Bermingham House, the great 18th century pile once owned by the barons of Athenry, on the outskirts of Tuam. The genuinely snobby Lady Molly Cusack Smith, who owned the pile, was only too glad with the promised extra lolly. To the outsider it all felt hunky-dory: One snob helping another.

St Bride’s nursing home

Thu, Nov 15, 2012

St Bride’s was situated on Sea Road and was opened in 1916 by Dr William AF Sandys. He was soon joined by Dr Michael O’Malley and by Dr Joseph Watters, who was the anaesthetist. Both doctors Sandys and O’Malley lived in the Crescent, so it was very convenient for them. It was a private nursing and maternity home accepting medical, surgical, and maternity cases. Generations of Galwegians were born here, and many more would have had their tonsils out or their appendix removed here.

‘Outstanding courage, skill and determination’ defined romantic Oranmore Commander

Thu, Nov 15, 2012

The first winter of the war was unusually cold. Commander Bill King’s submarine Snapper served in the North Sea from April 1939 for 12 months. During that time it had numerous contact with enemy ships, mainly in the Skagerrat Strait, between the southeast coast of Norway and the southwest coast of Sweden.

On the Wine Shelf...

Thu, Nov 08, 2012

Hugel Gewurztraminer 2010 (Independents, €15.99)

Style Isle

Thu, Nov 08, 2012

November is upon us and doing a wardrobe clear out is not just limited to spring. This week I took part in a great initiative called Fashion Fall Out, held in Dublin where the country’s most recognised faces in fashion and independent boutiques brought some pre-owned (and some new) pieces for a very exciting public sale. From vintage to designer bargains, there was something for everyone on offer. The rail sale idea is gaining momentum across the country and in the times we are in, the benefits are limitless. The seller makes some money and the buyer can find the most wonderful fashion treasures.

Cut your heating bills with thermal curtains

Thu, Nov 08, 2012

As the temperature begins to drop and heating bills begin to rise, it is good to know that Better Bedding offers thermal lined curtains, one of the most economical and easy to apply methods of home insulation.

A 2008 study at the Glasgow Caledonian University found that thermal lined curtains can reduce heat loss through single panel windows by 66 per cent and double glazed windows by 14 per cent, and with window heat loss accounting for 10 to 25 per cent of your winter heating bill through heat loss, this definitely translates into significant savings on your energy bill.

Taibhdhearc Na Gaillimhe

Thu, Nov 08, 2012

The history of theatre in Ireland goes back to the start of the 17th century. The beginning of the 20th century saw the emergence of plays written in Irish and that movement was given a significant boost with the opening of An Taibhdhearc on August 27, 1928. It is the oldest operational theatre in Galway and is Ireland’s National Irish Language Theatre. The title is made up of two Irish words, taibh meaning ‘spectacle or ghost’ and dearc meaning ‘behold’.

on The Book Shelf...

Thu, Nov 08, 2012

Eat Like an Italian
Recipes for the Good Life

Celebrate Irish seafood and Spanish cava this month

Thu, Nov 08, 2012

Cava Spanish Restaurant on Dominick Street is among 10 restaurants around the country taking part in a nationwide initiative by the Spanish Embassy to promote November as the month for enjoying Irish seafood and Spanish cava.

A 'happy meal' in gorgeous Gort

Thu, Nov 08, 2012

Have you ever really thought about what goes into the plate of food that is brought to your table in a restaurant? If you think about it, a large proportion of it comes down to the chef. It all starts at the back door of the restaurant, where products are unloaded every morning. Depending on the time of the year, chefs experiment, create, and make menus that are fresh, exciting, and appealing to customers all year round. Strawberries and fresh salad greens have come and gone, game and autumnal fruits are featuring now. If you do not have a good chef, then you do not have a good restaurant.

Go wild at Born Clothing

Thu, Nov 08, 2012

Despite the dark nights and the cold, crisp, weather, winter fashion needs not be dull and dreary. Although blacks, greys, and burgundys are your staple colours for the season you can always inject that much needed bit of life and colour into your wardrobe with a simple printed blouse or a vibrant printed scarf.

E-paper

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