We are a week on from a decision that has changed Ireland forever. I recognise the possibility that you may be saying, “please, no, we have had enough, let’s talk about something else” and yet the reality is that the time for talking has only begun. This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi…
Sweet Treats Chocolate chip banana bread… it sounds as good as it tastes. This easy to bake loaf tin recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whip it together in no time and enjoy the chocolatey smells wafting through your kitchen. The light banana sponge combined with the sweetness of the dark chocolate is a…
Portlaoise festival promises a memorable day Archery, shield making and medieval heritage re-enactment displays will be amongst the highlights of this year’s Old Fort Quarter Festival in Portlaoise, taking place from Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June 24. The festival, now in its third year, will take place across various locations in the town centre…
Weddings are becoming more expensive and lavish, writes Colm Fitzpatrick The notion of marriage often evokes thoughts of togetherness, love and family but now more than ever the financial costs of weddings are playing a central role in a couple’s decision to postpone it. Weddings nowadays are notoriously expensive, with couples willing to splash…
A Parent’s Perspective In 1534, during a dialogue with his daughter on the subject of conscience, St Thomas More said: “I never intend, God being my good Lord, to pin my soul to another man’s back, not even the best man that I know this day living: for I know not where he may…
You are always in the middle of something critical when you get ‘the call from school’. A surgeon might be about to make that vital incision when his mobile will bring with the news that a kid has a high temperature. A footballer might be about to score the winning goal in the FA Cup…
Personal Profile Colm Fitzpatrick speaks with the new Prior of Lough Derg With the summer months of sun and holidays fast approaching, one man is preparing to greet pilgrims from all over the world for a spiritual retreat in a small island in Donegal. Lough Derg, which has been a place of Christian pilgrimage…
Green Fingers The main reason to grow plants, be they trees, shrubs, flowers, fruit or vegetables, is the pleasure we get from it. It doesn’t matter whether you measure your garden in hectares or your balcony in metres – grow something. It is from June onwards that your hard work over the last few…
Limerick sing song – come along! For enthusiasts of singing, sightseeing and entertainment, the Limerick Sings International Choral Festival will be returning for its sixth year, designed to offer choirs of all traditions an opportunity to come together without the demands of a competition. Limerick City has a long tradition of choral, opera and musical…
Medical Matters An outbreak of measles earlier this year has highlighted the importance of children getting immunisation with the MMR vaccine. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that gives rise to cold like symptoms, a fever and a rash, and usually affects children but can occur at any age. While in most cases…
Bairbre Cahill
Colm Fitzpatrick
Maria Byrne
Paul Gargan
Dr Kevin McCarroll