One in six over 65s admit to feeling low over Christmas

Thu, Dec 28, 2023

As the Christmas season approaches, a survey conducted by Bounce Insights on behalf of HaloCare, has highlighted the pressing issue of social isolation among older people with one in six of those over 65 years of age in Ireland feeling low at Christmas time. Carried out in December 2023, the survey also found that one in 20 people surveyed over the age of 65 will be spending Christmas alone this year.

One of the many contributing factors to this growing isolation over the holiday period for the older generation is the impact of geographical distance from loved ones. Nearly half (49 per cent) of over 65s surveyed reported having family members who live far away or abroad whom they would like to spend Christmas with, but can’t due to physical distance. Consequently, a number of older individuals will spend Christmas alone this year and will avail of homecare services to help them over the holiday period.

A city-centre gym with luxury hotel perks – Energize Fitness & Leisure brings together the best of both worlds

Thu, Dec 28, 2023

A city-centre gym with luxury hotel extras, Energize Fitness & Leisure at The Galmont Hotel offers a unique training experience that will have you feeling good inside and out.

Embrace hyperbaric oxygenation for a healthier New Year

Thu, Dec 28, 2023

Make a resolution to prioritise your health this New Year by exploring the transformative benefits of hyperbaric oxygenation. Investing in your wellbeing can yield incredible dividends, and hyperbaric oxygenation offers many known and proven benefits to elevate your health.

The best pelvic floor is just a click away

Thu, Dec 28, 2023

Aoife Ni Eochaidh, chartered physiotherapist, clinical specialist in women’s and men’s health, is providing an affordable solution for incontinence and other pelvic conditions for women and men. Her practice is located at Suite 10, Bon Secours Consultants Clinic, Renmore, Galway and she has a two clinics in Dublin.

The little shops of Bohermore

Thu, Dec 28, 2023

There were a few little shops at the top of Prospect Hill leading up to Bohermore — Kelly’s shop was where you got the thickest penny ice cream between two wafers. There was McInerey’s, Mary Kate Mahon’s and Lohan’s chemist. Almost next door was Tom Duffy, the tailor. On the other corner of Biddy’s Lane was Molloy’s little shop — neat as a pin.

The homes of Woodquay

Thu, Dec 21, 2023

As we pointed out last week, much of what we now know as Woodquay was under water until the funnelling of the various streams that came down from the Corrib into the river that we know today began in the mid-19th century. As part of the project, the lands of Woodquay were gradually reclaimed. The people living in the area in those early years were mostly small farmers and fishermen. Their houses were very basic, single story, and for the most part, thatched and built of crude stone. There were of course some landmark houses but things began to change generally around the turn of that century with the construction of terraces of new slated houses around the broad space of Woodquay as we know it today, mostly built by the Urban District Council.

Experiencing TY and how to make the most of it

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

BY SEMI MCHUGH
After the Junior Cert, students have a choice to make: continue swiftly through two more years or take a break and enter TY. I chose the latter. but a lot choose to get it over with. Some of you trying to make this decision may be undecided and that's why I'm here. Time to get the ball rolling in your mind on what you want to choose.

Bumper funding announced for expansion apprenticeships across higher education sector

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris and Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins have this week announced €17 million in capital funding to respond to the growing demand for apprenticeships in the higher education sector.

Find the perfect gift at Fallers

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

Fallers jewellers on Williamsgate Street is celebratings its 144th year in business this Christmas. Explore the largest selection of fine jewellery, luxurious timepieces and those special last minute stocking fillers.

Blackrock Cottage making a splash on the Galway dining scene

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

I'm no stranger to Blackrock Cottage, It has been the delicious carrot dangled at the end of the stick to reward myself and my wife Marie at the end of our weekend walks. The promise of a superb coffee and delicious brunch is the reward for having our faces scalded by the Atlantic breeze as we step-it-out along Salthill promenade. This however is the first time we have been for the evening menu so we were interested to see how it transformed for a dinner venue.

A taste of Christmas this festive season at The Ardilaun

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

Take some time out from the Christmas shopping and preparations for the holidy season and treat yourself and your friends or family to some festive lunch or dinner, available in The Ardilaun Hotel for the month of December. The award winning kitchen team have introduced sumptuous two-course and three-course Christmas menus with tea/coffee and mince pies for €26.50 and €31.50 per person respectively.

Sugar and spice and all things nice — what Ireland’s favourite cocktails are made of

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

Forget a tumbler of brandy for Santa this year, and instead think about leaving the big man a Pornstar Martini, which has today been confirmed as the nation’s favourite cocktail.

Enjoy your garden in winter with QOLA products

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

QOLA is a west of Ireland-based seller and fitter of high-class external structures which allow you to enjoy your garden even in the most miserable of days.

Book now for summer 2024

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

"We have never had as much interest in summer 2024 at this time of year," says Maura Fahy, managing director of Fahy Travel.

Bookings for next season are well up on last year, and Galway’s award winning travel company is encouraging customers to book early, particularly for the Shannon and Knock departures, where prices will continue to increase as the best prices are picked up by those in a position to make their mind up now.

Pelvic health physiotherapy-led Pilates at Pelvic Health West, Oranmore

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

Are you looking for a pelvic floor-friendly exercise plan for 2024? Pelvic Health West is now taking enrolments for a six week Pilates programme from January 2024.

Enhance immunity with hyperbaric oxygenation

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

Hyperbaric oxygenation has become a compelling strategy to fortify immune system health, offering a multifaceted approach within the pressurised environment of a hyperbaric chamber. Central to its benefits is the augmentation of white blood cell functionality, the linchpin of immune defence.

In the pressurised atmosphere of a hyperbaric chamber, the body absorbs elevated levels of oxygen, saturating blood and tissues. This surge in oxygen availability energises white blood cells, enhancing their efficacy in combating infections and diseases. Additionally, the pressurised setting triggers the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with potent antimicrobial properties, further empowering the body's immune response.

Belfast among TikTok’s favourite cities for a winter experience

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

Belfast has been named as one of the best cities for a winter holiday experience, with more than eight million seasonal hashtags on TikTok, a survey has found. London, New York, Manchester, Edinburgh and Paris round out the top five.

How to have a merry Christmas

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

1. Get your priorities right. Christmas day is just 11 days away so if you still have a lot to do beforehand then it is important you have a plan. Otherwise, the hours will just slip away and you will end up feeling frazzled before you even sit down to eat your Christmas dinner. Start by monitoring your time, this will help you pinpoint where you are wasting precious minutes. Then, make a list and decide when you are going to complete all those outstanding tasks. Your list could include everything from buying gifts, icing the Christmas cake, ensuring the chimney is clean for Santa's much awaited visit, or doing a grocery shop. If you have a lot of tasks to get through but very little time in which to do them, aim to reduce your seasonal overload by prioritising. Many of us spend up to 80 per cent of our time doing non-essential duties, according to research, so ditch these, at least until after the New Year when hopefully you will have more time.

Use layered lighting to create warmth in your home

Thu, Dec 14, 2023

As we approach the darkest time of the year, it is worth bearing in mind that with a little planning, lighting can become a secret weapon for boosting winter warmth around your home.

Market day in Woodquay

Wed, Dec 13, 2023

There were a number of aspects to the market in Woodquay in the 19th and early 20th centuries – there was a crane for weighing potatoes at the end of the park (near the toll booth) and it was there many of the farmers who carried their wares downriver used to gather to sell. Other groups would congregate here to sell scollops for thatching houses, ‘flexible sticks’ cut from hazel trees. These were very much in demand in the city area as so many houses were thatched in those days including in Woodquay. Also in that area you would find basket makers who would weave creels, ciseáins, skibs and baskets of many shapes and sizes for sale to the public.

E-paper

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