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…
Everyday philosophy As we celebrate the feast of Christmas, it’s time for this column to tackle the question of faith. This is a philosophy column, and so I’m not going to get into the precise nature of supernatural faith, or anything else that specifically depends on God’s revelation to us. But there’s a widespread idea…
Sweet Treats This German gingerbread has the perfect balance of sweet and spiced. This version is even tastier as the biscuits are filled with raspberry. Other flavours like apricot or cherry, also work really well, or you can keep it simple and not fill them at all! Heart-shaped lebkuchen look extra decorative and would make…
It echoes through the first Reading, the Acclamation and the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent – Emmanuel, God with us. In the Gospel for the Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve we are reminded that Jesus is embedded in history. We are given, as my father used to say, the “seed, breed and generation”…
A Lullymore Christmas With the kids off school for the Christmas holidays, why not treat them to a magical trip to Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park to celebrate the festivities? The Kildare event which runs until December 23 includes a memorable visit from Santa and a special gift from the busy elves in their workshop.…
Advent feels like a good time to be thinking about parenting. We are conscious of Mary and Joseph – parents to be – their expectation, their anxiety, the advice coming from all sides, the whispers in the background about Mary’s pregnancy, the prospect of a long journey with Mary heavily pregnant. As well as being…
Robin Hood Panto He steals from the rich and gives to the poor – the famous story of Robin Hood will be performed this December in Liberty Hall Theatre Dublin. The whole family will get to watch the legendary outlaw, along with Maid Marion, Nursie Nellie Nu Nu and the Merry Men as they try…
Mindful Living Since Advent began, we have been waiting for Christmas. For most children, since they returned to school after Halloween, they have been inundated with messages about Christmas. Between targeted ads on television and social media and huge displays on the streets and in the shops, the overriding message has been about wanting more.…
Children’s Corner If you’re a natural performer or just want to move out of your comfort zone, why not try entertaining your family and friends over Christmas with some magic? This is a time of year when all of your family are together under one roof, making it the perfect opportunity to show off all…
Paul Gargan
Ben Conroy
Bairbre Cahill
Colm Fitzpatrick