Everyday Philosophy An important distinction in political philosophy is that between substantive and procedural questions. If I have a substantive problem with an action, it’s because of the moral rights or wrongs of the action itself or its results. Imagine the government raised the top rate of income tax. If I were to criticise that…

Green Fingers We as humans are very dependent on tiny insects called pollinators. We need them because they pollinate most of the fruits and vegetables that make up our diet. Pollination occurs when pollen is moved within flowers or carried from one flower to another by insects. The transfer of pollen between flowers of the…

Through the looking glass Lewis Carroll’s works will be reimagined this January as the Sligo Hospital Musical Society presents their 23rd annual pantomime. This band of talented HSE employees has donated almost €200,000 to local Sligo charities from show proceeds. This year brings their first ever pantomime sequel following on from the successful 2014 Alice…

Medical Matters Have you had your blood pressure checked recently? Well, measurement of blood pressure, as we all know, is a fundamental part of the routine clinical examination – and for good reason. This is because high blood pressure or hypertension is for the most part a silent condition which, over time, may have far-reaching…

Sweet Treats   This January many of us in an effort to consume fewer animal products will be attempting so-called ‘Veganuary’. However, this doesn’t mean sacrificing your favourite treats. These cookies are as good as any regular version, crispy on the edges, soft and chewy inside. Don’t be panicked by any of the ingredients, coconut…

Finding a Voice To celebrate the music of female composers throughout the ages, a three-day concert series will take place in Tipperary this March. Founded in 2017, Finding a Voice has featured music by more than 50 women composers, from Hildegard of Bingen to newly commissioned works, and performances from leading Irish and international musicians.…

Mindful Living   My parents watched the Late Late Show every Friday night and that show vied with the Riordans for top place in everyday conversation the following week. Both shows explored in their own way a changing Irish society. The whole culture of Irish society has changed in the intervening years, including the authority…

A tribute to folk-rock duo It’s been over 50 years since Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel joined forces to create one of the most well-known folk-rock groups. Their songs are recognised around the world and although the duo are no longer together, you can still get a chance to hear some of their most famous…

A musical new year Why not start your new year off with a bang…of a cymbal and the beat of a drum? Join the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland and Symphonic Waves conducted by Gearoid Grant and James Cavanagh for a New Year celebration at the Bailey Allen Hall, NUI Galway! NYOI works with the…

Green Fingers “It may be doubted whether there a many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world as have these lowly organised creatures”, said Charles Darwin. Darwin wrote this in 1881, he spent over 40 years studying them. As gardeners we should think more about them, what…