Author: Senior Times

Mairead Robinson enjoys sparkling wine from The Garden of England When it comes to sparkling wine, no other European country can rival Champagne’s depth, intensity and finesse, although Prosecco has certainly made a big impression in this country. Personally I generally prefer a good Cava to Prosecco, although if the Prosecco is dry enough, I will be tempted. The Aussies have done quite well too, with Jacob’s Creek in particular being a respectable enough bottle of bubbles.  But who would have thought that the south-east of England would have been growing the classic Champagne varieties Meunier, Chardonnay, and the notoriously…

Conor O’Hagan covers the country in his latest group of walks, taking in counties Meath, Limerick and Clare Dromore Wood Loop, Ruan Village, Ennis, Co Clare Ascent: 30m, Distance: 6km Estimated Time: 1hr 30mins – 2hrs Grade: Easy Dromore Wood, Ruan, Co Clare Map Ref: OS 58 R353863 Terrain: Laneways, lakeshore and wooded tracks Situated in the south-eastern extremity of the Burren in Co. Clare, Dromore Woodland Nature Reserve is an area of approximately 400 hectares. It is owned by the Irish State and was established as a nature reserve in 1985 because of the diversity and richness of its…

How is it that certain singers pitch their tent in our musical terrain and take up permanent residence there? In the twenties Al Johnson wrapped his audience in a great bear hug of sound and emotion with a potent mixture of Jewish cantor fervour overlaid with a generous coating of American show-biz sentimentality.  In the thirties Bing Crosby beguiled a generation (his radio show attracted fifty million listeners) with a style so tantalisingly artless that it enticed a small army of would-be Crosbys to enter the business.  To them it seemed that no great vocal range was needed nor a…

Colette Sheridan profiles life and extraordinary times of climber, motivator and inspirational speaker Pat Falvey Explorer extraordinaire, businessman, motivator and inspirational speaker, Pat Falvey, has recently published his autobiography, Accidental Rebel. In it, he charts the highs and lows of his life and his philosophy  which is to think big and refuse to accept society’s restrictions. Pat, one of Cork’s most famous ‘norries’ is proud of his north side roots and the resilience of its people, often in the face of adversity. Born on Baker’s Road in Gurranabraher, Pat went to live with his grandmother from the age of six…

Now more than ever, there’s an army of unscrupulous characters out there ingeniously trying to get their grubby hands on your hard-earned money. Lorna Hogg alerts you to some of the more common confidence tricks The word `scam’ is now an all too common part  of everyday life, as an unpleasant side effect of life online. Scams continue to permeate increasing aspects of our lives. When it comes to our  24/7 holiday deals, tax payments,  banking, shopping, dating, travel plans, and  even charity donations, we’ve been joined online by 24/7 fraudsters. So, how can you protect yourself and your money…

Sharon and Brady Aiveen McFarlane on the proven mental and physical benefits of yoga No matter what your age, fitness level, or flexibility, yoga can be adapted to suit you.  It is best to slowly develop your yoga practice, looking for a class that suits your body and ability and building it up over time. Benefits of yoga Some benefits are listed below:    Balance, stability and muscle tone Yoga increases balance, stability, and muscle tone, which deteriorate with age. Improving balance, stability and muscle tone reduce the likelihood of falling. Flexibility and joint health Yoga…

John Low joined the millions who visit Lourdes every year but also took excursions to some of the stunning sights in the neighbouring Pyrenees Everybody, it seems, has been to Lourdes, but most pilgrims leave without experiencing a number of its many non-religious attractions and those of the surrounding Pyrenees.  Buried beneath the countless shops offering religious mementoes – some tasteful, many tacky – and all the associated paraphernalia it is a pleasant town and hinterland  waiting to get out. Millions visit the town every year and there are more hotel rooms in Lourdes than anywhere else in France after…

Connie McEvoy’s mother and fellow Carlow guild members were invited to a notable gathering at An Grianan My mother and other ICA members including Mrs Farrell, Mrs Kennedy and Mrs Foley from selected guilds of Carlow Federation  were invited to attend a Summer school in Garryvoe during nice weather in 1946. According to her diary Mam attended an ICA Council meeting on Saturday June 1st 1946 (she often spoke about it) but I am unable to recall the venue at present, anyway I can furnish a photo copy of her condensed hand-written report. Although it’s not mentioned she always told…

Mairead Robinson recommends some products to keep your skin looking its best  Whatever your beauty routine, and of all the products you use on your skin, cleansing your face correctly is without doubt the most important step.  There is no point in applying the most expensive and luxurious serums and moisturisers to your skin, if the base is not clean and clear enough to be able to absorb them. Facial skin cleansing is the most vital part of your skin care routine, keeping your skin healthy and looking radiant. Every night before bedtime, it is important to clean your face…

Connie McEvoy remembers running the gauntlet across the farmyard to fetch water These creatures were the bane of my childhood existence on my parents farm. Dodging the wicked turkey cock every time I went to fetch a bucket of water from the well at the far end of the haggard was an essential art as he was wont to fly at and peck and scratch anyone who was unfortunate enough to cross his path. My siblings and I were terrified of him but he never attacked my father hence he regularly escorted us on our way to the well if…