Monkey see, monkey do. Small children are shaped, more than anything, by example. As life underwent a metamorphosis with the arrival of children, many old habits and hobbies had to go by the wayside. Playing guitar was of the few things that survived into this chaotic new epoch. I found I could continue to play,…
Category: Your Faith
Being productive the Stoic way
Science of Life We would all like to be productive, to use our time well and to get lots of things done. I know I would – I tend to have a problem with procrastination. But effective techniques to enhance productivity are well known, if only we would use them. Today I will outline…
A wonderful dessert that anyone can prepare
Sweet Treats Strawberry cheesecake has always been one of my favourite dishes to make. Quick and easy, this no-bake cake would suit anyone looking to try their hand at desserts. This particular cheesecake is light and creamy in texture with bursts of sweetness from the strawberries mixed throughout. Perfect for a Sunday evening dessert,…
Faith in the Family
There is a psalm that I have loved for many years and even more so since I became a mother. It is psalm 139: “It was you who created my inmost self, and put me together in my mother’s womb; for all these mysteries I thank you: for the wonder of myself, for the wonder…
A godliness in their eyes
The people of South Sudan need Ireland’s help, writes Colm Fitzpatrick With poverty, hunger and fear still rampant in war-torn South Sudan, a lay missionary is calling on all Irish people for support. Noeleen Loughran, who originally hails from the small village of Emyvale, Co. Monaghan, now helps suffering children in Africa, having sold…
Family News and Events
Céilí, comedy and lots of craic For anyone in the family with a penchant for music or all things Irish, The Gathering Traditional Festival, which is one of the biggest traditional music festivals in the country, is an event worth your attention. The festival has been running for 19 years and takes place in Killarney…
Listening: an elusive art
We are all guilty of poor listening at times, writes Barbara Duff Do you ever feel that your partner does not really listen to you? Well, don’t worry – you are not alone. And chances are that at times your partner feels the very same. For most of us, the art of true listening…
The fight against domestic violence
Colm Fitzpatrick explores relationship abuse in Ireland With 40% of those women who experience domestic violence first experiencing it during pregnancy or soon after childbirth, it is clear that relationship abuse is a crisis in Ireland. Domestic violence appears in many shapes and sizes which can range from verbal and emotional abuse to sexual…
Learning to shed light, not heat
A Parent’s Perspective In the coming weeks and months we’ll be hearing a lot about the Eighth Amendment and the right to life of our smallest human beings. It’ll be a tough time for anyone who puts themselves out there to speak on all the issues involved. I’m a bit of a social media…
Family News and Events
New cancer-fighting test is announced In Ireland, an average of 40,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year, so it’s good news that a recently developed blood test is making leaps and bounds in changing the way doctors screen for cancer. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University in the US have developed a test that screens for…


William Reville

Bairbre Cahill
Colm Fitzpatrick



Maria Byrne
