A risen people achieve their own miracle

Thu, Aug 27, 2009

An unusual feature of the apparition at Knock on August 21 1879, was that it was silent. On all other occasions when the Virgin Mary has appeared, a verbal message was imparted to the visionaries. It was usually an exhortation to pray. But the Knock vision, consisting of Mary, St Joseph, St John the Evangelist, and other religious images, was motionless. There was no verbal message.

The blessing of the boats

Thu, Aug 20, 2009

This classic photograph of the Claddagh was originally taken c1890 and was given to us by the National Library. It illustrates just how close the connection was between the thatched village and the sea. Most of the menfolk who lived there were fishermen who depended for their livelihood on the sea, and so a tradition developed which became a colourful expression of ancient local faith.

In the summer of 1879, the role of the Church in the Land Movement was centre stage...

Thu, Aug 20, 2009

Week II
The fledging Land League, officially founded in Castlebar October 21 1879, had every reason to believe that the influential Archbishop of Tuam, John MacHale, the great supporter of Daniel O’Connell and Fenianism, would support them.

Back to school — the essential style guide for teachers

Thu, Aug 20, 2009

Build your work wardrobe with comfortable and practical pieces which will ensure you always look good. Here are the must have pieces to have in your autumn/winter work wardrobe.

Are markets too expensive?

Thu, Aug 20, 2009

As most readers will know, I am an avid supporter of local markets and indeed I shop regularly at them in Galway city, Oranmore, Clarinbridge, Moycullen, and anywhere else I see them up and down the country. However I have had many comments from readers and friends that the produce is often very expensive. Traditionally most people go to a market and expect some sort of deal or bargain — I’m mainly thinking of clothing, etc, however, I think the same mindset is true with many people where food markets are concerned.

Make the most of lemons

Thu, Aug 20, 2009

Ah, the lemon, one of the fruits we look at almost every day and yet we easily forget just how versatile a fresh lemon really is. Sure what would become of fish and chips without a squeeze of lemon, or a gin and tonic for that matter? Indeed the lemon helps increase the vitamin C content of many an alcoholic beverage.

A touch of summer indoors

Thu, Aug 20, 2009

Green is one of the most difficult colours to decorate with. From choosing just the right paint colour to the perfect green accessory, green is one of those colours that you either love or you hate. But now more than ever, bold green can be found everywhere, from the designer runways to the home decor fabric houses. And no matter which colour trend expert you talk to, intense green is one of the hottest colours right now.

So why is it so hard to decorate with green? Simply put, it can be a chameleon colour. Depending on your lighting and your mood, green can seem lurid in fluorescent light and tepid in natural daylight. The trick is to use bold green as an accent colour only — not to paint an entire room, for example. However darker shades of green can be a very restful and stylish colours for halls if you pick the right one.

Easing the transition from primary to secondary school

Thu, Aug 20, 2009

Moving from primary to secondary school can signal major change for many children. Twelve year olds who were until recently seniors in primary school become juniors overnight again.

Guth na n-Óg town league

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

Guth na n-Óg was originally set up as a youth club in the late 1940s. Some of those involved in its setting up were Páid McNamara, Fr Fitzgibbon SJ, Tom Walsh (who worked in O’Gorman’s), Seán Kirby, Paddy Gleeson from William Street, and Ivor Kenny. Initially they used to meet in the Arus in Dominick Street but they fell foul of the authorities there because they did not speak Irish all the time, so they moved to the British Legion building on Father Griffin Road (Where Yeats College was until recently). Each member got a membership card and a badge. They used to play indoor games and have music sessions, and eventually they formed a céilí band and held a céilí every Saturday evening. They also formed a marching pipe band which thrived for a number of years.

Miracle at Knock, and a disturbed County Mayo...

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

If any reader thought that spirituality was a dying aspiration of the Irish people, they might recall the 20,000 or so who climbed Croagh Patrick on the last Sunday of July, or go to Knock, Co Mayo, on August 15, the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Assumed into Heaven, to see thousands of people, many in family groups, happily attending Mass, saying the Stations of the Cross, eating ice-cream and chips, thoroughly enjoying the day out.

Let’s talk about bags

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

A must have accessory, a bag can make or break an outfit. Whether for daytime or evening, your bag should suit your lifestyle, your outfit, and your shape — do not assume that you can wear one bag with all your outfits. However this does not mean that you should have a wardrobe full of handbags. Instead, choose fewer good quality pieces that can be worn with at least two outfits. You will get more wear out of them and save money in the long run.

Make an entrance

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

Hallways can be a difficult area to decorate. You want to make it interesting without overdecorating such a small space. There are ways that you can make your hallway feel as though it blends in with the other rooms in your home. Hallways are great spaces for artwork and family pictures. Hallway decor can be blended in to match with the other decor in your home. You can turn your hallway in to a photo gallery, hanging all the photos in order and at eye level where they have more impact.

Form your party at The Dáil Bar

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

The Dáil Bar in Middle Street goes above and beyond your typical bar and restaurant when it comes to group reservations and party bookings. They are taking all the planning and stress away from organising an outing and making sure that you receive a package and service that is tailor-made for your group.

Form your party at The Dáil Bar

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

The Dáil Bar in Middle Street goes above and beyond your typical bar and restaurant when it comes to group reservations and party bookings. They are taking all the planning and stress away from organising an outing and making sure that you receive a package and service that is tailor-made for your group.

Celebrity chefs — are they losing their appeal?

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

I may be wrong, but I get the impression that the adoration being heaped on certain chefs may be starting to wane. Perhaps it is the recession; perhaps it is the stories of Gordon Ramsay’s empire in disarray, or perhaps we are just sick of them. I am all for promoting better cooking, better eating, and buying the best local produce, but realistically how many people actually ever cook anything they see demonstrated on television? It is a bit like watching reality TV, except you are watching someone cook rather than wander about a house.

Carefree Sundays at the Western Hotel

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

The Western Hotel is pleased to announce carefree Sundays, a day for parents to sit back and relax with the children and experience the best in Irish hospitality.

Make your own marshmallows

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

One of the great things about food is there’s always something new around the corner, be it a vegetable or exciting newly introduced seafood or meat. Food and its variety are truly infinite. But often even better than finding a new culinary experience is rediscovering an old one.

Quay Street bistro

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

A smart, dinky bistro restaurant with stripped floorboards, bentwood chairs, a big dresser and plenty of atmosphere, is how Artisan was described by the Irish Independent in a list of three to try best French restaurants. Award-winning chef Sylvan Gatay specialises in local seafood, farmhouse, and organic produce. Early bird menus are available along with take-away picnic baskets. The restaurant is open seven days serving lunch from 12noon to 3.30pm and dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm.

Massage away tension

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

The benefits of massage are many. It stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph fluids, helps detoxify the body, relaxes tense muscles and tones up weaker ones. The addition of essential oils to massage blends add an extra dimension.

The scent of luxury

Thu, Aug 13, 2009

A family-run niche perfume house which specialises in creating scented products for the body, bath and home, has added five new luxury candles to its collection.

E-paper

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