Father Michael Griffin

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

Ninety years ago this week, Galway was abuzz with the news that Fr Griffin, a junior curate for the parishes of Bushy Park and Barna, apparently responding to a sick call, went out into the howling gale in the company of three men who were said to have trench coats and rubber boots, and disappeared. The suspicion was that he had been decoyed from his house. It was significant that he did not take the Blessed Sacrament with him. His housekeeper heard very loud knocking as if with the butt ends of revolvers on the front door near midnight, as did one of the neighbours. Apparently Fr Griffin opened his window, spoke briefly to the men, and then left with them shortly afterwards.

The mystery of little Eliza Murphy of Island Eddy

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

Among the serious articles in the current edition of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society*, renowned for its hard facts and forensic research, is a surprising story as tender as its subject. It concerns two people, one a child of 17 months, the other a sculptor, who, up to now, have been unknown. Who are they?

How to dress up and dress down your favourite dress

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

I have been asked on several occasions about the best ways to dress up and dress down for various occasions. This week I want to focus on how to dress up and dress down your favourite dress. Let’s take the example of this elegant red dress from Standun boutique. It is versatile and feminine, comes in green, purple, or black, and it will suit most shapes.

For a fun day look team it with black tights, kitten heels or boots, and a cropped leather jacket. Finish the look with a warm coloured knitted scarf wrapped around your neck.

Bridal wear for less at Áibhéil of Adare

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

Are you looking for a gorgeous wedding dress that will not break the bank? Áibhéil of Adare in Co Limerick always has a selection of sample dresses that can be bought off the rack at greatly reduced prices. These wedding dresses have only ever been tried on in the shop and have never been worn. They are a brilliant bargain and, unlike some second hand dresses, they have never been altered to fit someone else.

Notes for the season

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

First thing every girl should have — a signature scent. How you smell says just as much about you as how you look. A familiar smell instantly floods us with memories of a certain person. Every time I smell Estée Lauder’s Beautiful I think straight away of my best friend, who actually only wore it one summer many years ago. One to try at the moment is Tom Ford’s Black Orchid. It is warm and sensual and I love to wear it when it is raining outside — it the perfect scent for this time of year. Come into Brown Thomas’s fragrance wall and Joan or Ali, fragrance experts on counter, will get you sorted with your own signature scent.

Golden skincare event at Heaven Scent Beauty Spa

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

Heaven Scent, located on St Augustine Street (above Provedance Market Kitchen), offers a wide range of treatments such as facial, massage, chocolate body wraps, manicures, pedicures, Gold Experience waxing, air brush make-up, threading, and the two week miracle polish, Shellac.

Rare chocolate, great paté, and cooking on a stone

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

I had some great feedback about last week’s article, where I suggested that we support our local restaurants and food producers. The best commend I had was: “Use them or lose them.” I think that about sums it up and it is a great message to keep in the back of our minds when shopping generally.

Acupuncture as a treatment for pain relief

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

Acupuncture is a Chinese therapy that works miracles for different diseases, especially for relief of acute pain. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, there are energy pathways called meridians that flow through your body. A blockage of these pathways results in health related issues. When needles are inserted in the areas which influence the energy flow through the meridians this relieves the pain.

Recent research shows positive results for people who were treated through acupuncture for post surgery pain and chemotherapy. Acupuncture is helpful in treating patients in rehabilitation after a stroke as it helps the patient in relearning the skills lost due to the effects of stroke. Acupuncture is also very useful for treating patients of osteoarthritis. In this health issue the cartilage and the tissue that cushion the joints break down. Recent studies also indicate that knee pain can be reduced by acupuncture.

Learn to heal your body at Galway seminar next week

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

Internationally respected pioneer in healthcare and best-selling author, Michael O’Doherty will speak at a seminar in the Clayton Hotel next week. Entitled Learn to Heal Your Own Body, this seminar, organised by Plexus Bio-Energy, will motivate and empower people to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.

O’Doherty has received huge international publicity for his successful treatment of dancer Michael Flatley from a mystery virus that plagued him for three years. “I saw every specialist that there was to see but we couldn’t come up with an answer,” Flatley said. “Then I met Michael O Doherty. I can’t explain how Michael achieved what he did, other than to say he found a way to unblock my energy, to release it again positively within my body. I threw all the drugs I’d been given into the bin. I was a new man.”

The celebrity Cho Yung slimming tea craze has hit Galway

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

The tea everyone has been talking about is now available at Therapie Clinic on Shop Street.

Winter in the garden

Thu, Nov 18, 2010

We may be in the depths of winter but there is still plenty for avid gardeners to do.

December is an ideal time to repot houseplants, which do not have to deal with the Arctic conditions outdoors. Speaking of outdoors, don’t forget your garden is not just for plants. Leave some food out for the birds, whose visits will bring some cheer to the garden during the dark winter months. Aim to provide a mixture of suet, insects, and seeds in order to feed as wide a number of species as possible. Peanuts and mealworms are always a treat.

Face facts

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

A new skincare range from the Body Shop has been clinically proven to give firmer-feeling skin from the first day of usage.

Keeping snug in style this winter

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

It’s all about the essential wardrobe item this winter, the coat, so keep in style with trend tips from Debbie Norman, manager of BORN Clothing in Newtownsmith – winner of Galway’s Best Fashion Retailer 2010.

Treat yourself to a few nights out

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

I am sure many of you are sick to the teeth of the never ending doom and gloom that pervades our every working hour. On a positive note it would appear that we are saving like never before and, while I do realise there are some who are put to the pin of their collar to make ends meet, many are stashing away a few bob for whatever may lie ahead. We all need a boost every so often, so what I am suggesting is that you earmark some of the saving for eating out.

Cheers, It’s NovemBeer

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

Cava Spanish restaurant and tapas bar on Dominick Street has christened this month ‘NovemBeer’ and is offering enticing beer and tapas promotions to whet your appetite.

Power in surrender

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

At a recent talk in Athlone, the audience were enthralled with the concept of there being power in surrender regarding conflict resolution.

While conflict occurs in most of our lives, isolated incidences of conflict are part and parcel of the norm with everyday living. It is when the conflict becomes more consistent, more threatening to our wellbeing and happiness, that we must surrender power and change our priorities. Most conflict in our lives originates in the workplace or the home. Then why do we allow conflict to fester and dominate either of the two places where we spend most of our waking hours?

Stamp out colds and flu with fresh echinacea

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

Echinacea is one of the most popular herbal remedies to help boost immune systems and fight off colds and flu. However research has shown that not all echinaceas are the same. Fresh echinacea contains almost three times more active substances than from the same amount of dried herb, helping to stamp out winter sniffles and ensure your immune system works more effectively.

Trend: home design from Armani to Versace

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

Fashion designers have always been involved in home design and interiors, but from the multiplication of Armani hotels in Dubai to Versace residences in Miami, this trend has quickly developed in the past few years.

Ireland’s largest antiques and art fair to take place this weekend

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

Ireland’s largest antique fair will take place in Limerick this weekend.

Energy efficiency in historic houses

Thu, Nov 11, 2010

The Irish Georgian Society (www.igs.ie) and conservation officers from Galway and Clare county councils are partnering to deliver a seminar on energy efficiency in historic houses. This half-day seminar will be held from 1pm today (Thursday) at the Loughnane and Quinn Memorial Hall, Labane, on the Galway to Gort road.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.