Green Fingers “I’ve lived in small rooms, flats, growing plants in pots on window sills. I’ve had liked to have had a full-hedged garden with all kinds of flowers and plants. I’ve never had enough money to buy a big enough garden space.” – Ruskin Bond. The above quote from the great author/poet is something…
Category: Family & Faith
Dad’s Diary
I am entering the ‘taxi driver’ stage of parenthood. My little customers have busy schedules and must be ferried at the appointed time to brownies, gymnastics, rugby training, soccer training, GAA training, Irish dancing classes, flute lessons, singing lessons, tin whistle lessons, swimming and weekends away, together with sundry playdates, birthday parties and so forth.…
Analogies are dying, and proper debates with them
Everyday Philosophy Analogies are a powerful aid to the truth-seeker. By comparing two relevantly similar situations, you can move from conclusions about one to conclusions about the other. Analogies can help expose inconsistencies: (‘how would you react if these accusations were being made against Bill Clinton rather than Donald Trump?’) or to help make a…
Faith in the Family
I am currently organising an event for my mother – or I should say in memory of my mother. Next year it will be fifty years since she died and I believe that it is important to mark that. It seems to me that the best way to do that is to gather her family,…
Family News and Events
Wicklow Christmas market During December, Christmas markets are installed across the world and Ireland is no different to this practice. The Wicklow market which begins on November 23 and lasts three weeks will offer a selection of local artisan foods, decorations, gifts, workshops and even a visit from Santa himself! This year, there will also…
Reviving date nights without babysitters
Love Notes Both myself and my husband used to be really good out on a ‘date night’ but, since we have had our first baby, she isn’t ready to be babysat and I feel at this point we wouldn’t be able to leave her for a few hours, but lack of time out is having…
Cautious optimism for new Alzheimer treatment
Medical Matters The fight in the battle against Alzheimer’s got some positive news last month when the results of a drug trial raised hope and promise for a potential new ground breaking therapy. Disappointedly, the search for new medicines to treat Alzheimer’s has been a story of gloom and failure spanning more than 15 years…
Spiced sticky toffee pudding – an indulgence!
Sweet Treats This is a cosy, decadent dessert perfect for those cold evenings as the darker weather sets in. It isn’t as difficult as you might think to make this lightly spiced version of the sweet gooey classic. It is worth looking for Medjool dates, they have a rich caramelised flavour compared to that of…
Dad’s Diary
Ten-year-old kids are complex creatures. There is but a short period in life when you fervently believe in Santa, but also can operate a computer proficiently. If there were a Venn diagram with circles entitled, ‘Computer skills’ and ‘Santa Claus’ the age in the intersection would be 10. A 10-year-old is at a remarkable juncture…
Family News and Events
A magical ho-ho-ho Christmas is a time of awe and wonder, and there’s no better place for children to experience this than at a magic show performed by Santa! Taking place in Brigit’s Garden, Galway, from December 8-23, Santa and his little helper will mesmerise kids and their families, along with the added touch of…

Paul Gargan

Ben Conroy
Bairbre Cahill

Wendy Grace
Dr Kevin McCarroll


