The Legend of the Christmas Robin

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

A chara,- The robin has excellent credentials for inclusion in religiously-themed Christmas stamps. In Irish tradition, the robin (spideog) was beannaithe, that is, blessed or holy, and had a sacred character. Various religious legends illustrated why.

My daughter

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

Not often one gets a chance
To produce a beautiful piece of art

To produce a beautiful piece of art

A blind poet’s love for Mary Hynes

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

South Galway still echoes with stories of Antoine O Raifteiri , and 18th century blind poet and fiddle player in the ancient bardic tradition. His best known poems are probably Cill Aodain, and Anach Cuan. He never wrote his poems down, but they were collected by Douglas Hyde, and Lady Gregory, from those whom he taught them to, after his death.

Raftery's Praise of Mary Hynes

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

GOING to Mass by the will of God, the day came wet and the wind rose; I met Mary Hynes at the cross of Kiltartan, and I fell in love with her there and then.

I spoke to her kind and mannerly, as by report was her own way; and she said "Raftery my mind is easy; you may come to-day to Ballylee."

Christmas in the White House, December, 1941 - a meeting that saved Europe

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

On December 7 1941 Japan launched a devastating surprise attack on the US naval base of Pearl Harbour. America declared war on Japan, and Germany declared war on the United States four days later. This was no longer just a war in Europe. It had leapt onto the worldwide stage

Dick Martin’s reputation as a duellist struck terror into his creditor

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

Last February some readers enjoyed the tales of George Robert Fitzgerald, of Turlough, Co Mayo, known as Fighting Fitzgerald. He was an appalling man who provoked duels by his insulting behaviour, with his cronies conducted a reign of terror through Mayo, and at one time chained his father in a cave to get him to change his will. He ended on the gallows at Castlebar.

Galway enjoyed an unusual breach of promise marriage case

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

It is not often that one reads of a man taking an action for breach of promise of marriage. Such an action was heard in the County Court-house, Galway, at the Lent Assizes of 1817. (I think it was one of the first cases heard after the opening of the building).

Brave little Otto humbly meets his Maker

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

I was very impressed at the dignity and solemnity at the funeral of Otto von Hapsburg who died aged 94 years on July 4. Twelve days later he was entombed in the Imperial crypt of St Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, with some pomp and ceremony; but his actual ‘ Three Knock’ burial was simplicity itself.

The knocking ceremony

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

AFTER A requiem Mass at Vienna’s St Stephen’s Cathedral, the funeral party entered Vienna’s Capuchin Friary (Kapuzinerkirche) after the following “knocking” ceremony.

The strange story of the virgin birth and Kinvara’s great huntswoman

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

Geoffrey Russell, fourth Lord Ampthill, died at the age of 89 last April 23. His mother Christabel, Lady Ampthill, bought Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, Co Galway, an old tower house with a bawn and smaller tower on a creek of Galway Bay, and restored it most sympathetically. It is now owned by Shannon Development and used for mediaeval banquets.

The Parlour Tea Rooms, Athenry

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

There must be something in the air that has prompted the recent spate of tea rooms/cafes. Maybe it is a hankering after a slower pace of life and taking the time to relax rather than grabbing a paper cup of your favourite beverage and drinking it on the go. Maybe it is simpler? During my visits to eating establishments over the past year or three, it is impossible not to notice the fact that the female population dominates. With that in mind, any clever restaurant proprietor should be catering to this sector and that is why in my humble opinion we are seeing the growth of places like the Corrib House Café I visited a couple of weeks ago, and now this new one in Athenry.

Feasta Bia food ambassador of the year

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

This award was presented to Cait Curran earlier this month in recognition of her work in producing, training, and supporting local organic foods. Cait Curran has her own stall at the Saturday Galway market and she has been the project manager for Garrai na Oileain, an association promoting organic market gardening in offshore islands. She is also involved in the slow food movement and is editor of Organic Matters, a magazine dedicated to all things organic. The award was presented by Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine Simon Coveney. Feasta Bia is all about local food production and consumption, and through various initiatives it hopes to help increase these areas by 20 per cent over the next few years.

That’s it for 2011, and surprisingly it was a good year for food lovers, some really great new restaurants have opened, and lots of new artisan food producers are rivalling many of the international brands on the shelves. Happy New Year to all readers.

GMIT Hotel School to host first national food forum

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

The Hotel School in GMIT will host the first national Foodie Forum on Thursday February 2. The event will be an interactive one-day experience which will showcase the abundance and variety of excellent local and artisan produce available in Ireland. The event aims to support local food businesses and promote consumer sustainability.

Support local food when holidaying or eating out this New Year

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

Good Food Ireland calls on the Irish public if eating out or holidaying this Christmas to eat in restaurants and stay in hotels that are committed to using Irish food.

Love your tummy this New Year’s

Thu, Dec 29, 2011

With two out of every five adults experiencing symptoms of digestive discomfort at least once a week according to a poll of some 1,000 people conducted by Danone Activia Ireland, a significant proportion of Irish adults could be facing into a festive season of digestive discomfort. In order to help prepare your tummy for the New Year excess, Danone nutritionist Kellie O’Connor has developed a number of top tips for the festive season.

Try to maintain your normal eating routine as much as possible during the festive season. Skipping meals may lead to you overeating at your main meal which could leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Eating small, regular, meals will help to prevent this.

Ten pitfalls to avoid this Christmas

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

Christmas is just days away and you are busy rushing around trying to get everything done. You still have to buy presents, do a grocery shop and organise a makeover to ensure you look great for the party season.

Parentline is there for parents over Christmas

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

Parentline, the national support helpline for parents, has made arrangements to be available to parents over the Christmas period.

Wrap up this winter with EuroBead insulation

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

EuroBead, Ireland’s leading supplier of insulation services, offers a wide range of insulating products and there is one available to suit every homeowners needs. From cavity wall insulation to EuroFoam spray foam insulation, EuroBead can offer a product to suit your home and help you save up to as much as 50 per cent on your home heating bills.

Keep healthy over Christmas

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

To keep you and your family healthy this Christmas the HSE west has some safety tips:

Don’t let a cold sore come between you and the mistletoe this Christmas

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

Everyone wants to look their best for the party season, but an unsightly, painful, and often embarrassing cold sore can get in the way of a great night out, and most importantly come between you and the mistletoe during Christmas. A Vogel's Bio-Propolis is a natural cold sore herbal remedy which can be used at any stage of the virus to soothe the attack, and also prevent the cold sore from replicating.

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