Features

You Don’t Know What You’ve Got ‘Til It’s Gone - Tor Cotton

Written by Mossy

I must confess (although most confessions tend to be shameful secrets and this is not) that I am without doubt a fan of the cinema. For some this is no surprise and hardly constitutes an admission for others they may wonder why it is significant. Well I think we all need the diversion and relief that cinema has to offer more than ever. I absolutely love being transported into another world, suspending my own reality, fact or fiction, both can be delightful. I love being fully immersed in a story devoid of any thought for my own worries, pre-occupations and stresses of daily life. I don’t think I am any more self-obsessed than my fellow man, but heaven knows maybe I am. Sitting there watching a story unfold is an alternative form of meditation for me, it is chance to empty my mind, to relax, unwind.

Published in Features

Tunisia –A journey within a journey within a journey. By Nuala Moore

Written by Lorcan

Getting an invitation to swim with the International Swim of Peace was a huge honour but it was not without its challenges. In June last summer Nejib Belhedi took to the water to highlight the need for Peace in the Arab World and even the need for peace worldwide. You might actually say “world peace” with a sense of cynicism, an elevated tone or even a wry smile but Nejib Belhedi is genuine. He is a retired Col in the Tunisian army and the revolution is fresh in his world.

Published in Features

An Baile Riabhach - Teampall Mhancháin nó an Teampall Geal - Isabel Bennett

Written by Lorcan

Séadchomhartha Náisiúnta is ea Teampall Mhancháin nó an Teampall Geal agus tá radharc breá ar an gceantar máguaird ó láthair an Teampaill. Tá falla mórthimpeall ar chuid den láthair. Aireagal a bhfuil fardhoras ann, crosleaca, cloch oghaim agus uaigh talún nó seomra fé thalamh atá le feiscint ann. Tá tobar beannaithe taobh leis. Deirtear gur sa láthair seo a cuireadh Naomh Manchán agus Domhnach Cásca lá an phatrúin sa láthair seo. Deintí leanaí a cailleadh óg agus nár baisteadh, a adhlacadh sa cheallúnach anso anuas go dtí an naoú aois déag.

This monastic site, from which there is a magnificent view to the east, south and west, is one of our National Monuments and is well worth visiting seeking out and visiting, particularly on a fine day. It is situated to the north of Ceann Trá, off the small roads between it and the Bóthar Fada from Dingle towards Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, on the lower east slopes of Leataoibh Mór.

Published in Features

Walking Brandon Mountain. - Declan Sherry

Written by Lorcan

Any visit to Dingle would not be complete without engaging in some outdoor activity. Offering magnificent views of the Dingle Peninsula, walking Brandon Mountain is an outdoor experience you will never forget.
At 952m, it is Ireland’s highest peak, outside of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks on the Iveragh Peninsula. Although demanding at times, this 11km walk should take you approx 6 hours and is visible on OSI Map number 70. The weather on the mountain can change very quickly, so like any outdoor activity, it is important you walk prepared.

Published in Features

Panic in the Streets of Dingle - An Dr. Peadar Ó Fionnáin

Written by Lorcan

Bíonn daoine imníoch faoi ‘panic attack’ – cheapfá uaireanta gur rud éigin ar nós Taom Croí é, rud éigin dainséarach… an bhfuil sé seo fíor..?

You can feel your heart beating in your chest…… thumping now! It feels really fast – like it could explode... Your hands are sweaty, your mouth dry…. And you need to get out of here. You try to relax: “calm down,” you say “it’s just a panic attack” but your heart is still beating fast, and your mind is frantic. Is this a heart attack?? The symptoms and the terror continue for a few minutes that feels like hours. Then ebb away, leaving you distraught and vulnerable….
Panic attacks are not nothing – and they’re not ‘just in the head’. Panic attacks are extremely unpleasant surges of fear that often seem to come out of nowhere. People usually fear they will die, or something awful will happen. About 1 WKL reader in 20 will experience a panic attack. And they can cause massive disruption in people’s lives.

So what are they?
They are the body’s natural “Fight or Flight’ response

Published in Features

100 Years On, Titanic Still Amazes. - John O’ Connor

Written by Mossy

Much has been written about the Titanic disaster over the past one hundred years and I certainly don’t have anything new to add to the bank of knowkedge which is out there.
As the one hundredth anniversary of the sinking approached I found myself trawling through websites which held facts and figures concerning every aspect of the big ship and its short exixtence above water. For its time, the ship was a huge accomplishment in engineering and it embodied over 18 million man-hours of toil but it stayed a mere two weeks in existence as a completed ship before it vanished for seventy three years. (Re-discovery came in 1985)
What follows are some of the well known dimensional and other facts, as well as some that are lesser known, which I found during my search.

Published in Features

Burnham Woods And Lagoon

Written by Mossy

Margaret Heavey, B.Sc, M.Sc.
Burnham woods and lagoon, located within the grounds of Coláiste Íde, is quite striking in its uniqueness. The site is one of the only areas of mature woodland located on the Dingle peninsula and the diversity of species therein is also quite unusual. The lagoon formation occurred as a result of the alteration of the natural inlet via the construction (and later partial demolition) of a causeway bridge by Lord Ventry in the early nineteenth century to provide quicker access from one side of the inlet to the other.
The lagoon and woodland were once a major local amenity, providing recreational boating and walking facilities for the local residents, however, this has declined somewhat in recent times, although it is still quite a popular site especially for bird watching, walking, collecting plants on the shoreline and for the densely populated mussel beds on the nearby shorefront.

Published in Features

Greta’s Herbs- Your Questions Answered

Written by Lorcan

Please continue to submit questions on Herbs or Vegetables to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or text to the below number.

How do I grow Coriander? - Cheryl McLeod, Annascaul
Coriander is a much loved herb which can be grown successfully from seed or else purchased as plants from April to June. It does like a sunny location but is a lot hardier than Basil. I suggest you plant some outside and retain 1 or 2 for a sunny windowsill inside. The varieties ‘Cliantro’ or ‘Slowbolt’ are an ideal choice as they are slower to go to seed than other varieties, especially in dry, hot weather. Sowing seed a little every 2 weeks should provide ample cutting throughout the season. Keep it well watered and liquid feed weekly to encourage plenty of foliage. The seeds of Coriander may also be collected and crushed to make a spice at the end of summer.

Published in Features

Ted Creedon's "Excerpts From A Dingle Diary" - 1982

Written by Lorcan

Saturday, May 8, 1982.
Took the kids up to the main road to see the multi-coloured cars screaming by in today's rally. The road was not closed to ordinary traffic which must have been a bit hair-raising for many motorists.
Canadian racing driver Gilles Villeneuve was killed in Belgium today while practicing for tomorrow's Grand Prix. He crashed at 170mph and died later in hospital.
Watford FC were promoted to the First Division in England, only four years since they were in the 4th Division. The club chairman is superstar Elton John.

Sunday, May 9.
There's an article in the Sunday Tribune about Dingle restaurants which are expecting grant aid from Údarás na Gaeltachta with some opposition from other local restaurants which are not receiving grants.

Monday, May 10.
President Hillery will be coming to Dingle soon to present the Glór na nGael Prize to the town.
Nobody has been appointed to replace the late Professor O'Kelly at the Dept. of Archaeology in U.C.C. but the following are shortlisted; Seamus Caulfield,U.C.D., Michael Ryan, National Museum, Peter Woodman, Ulster Museum and John Wadell, U.C.G.

Tuesday, May 11.
Interviews were held in the Hillgrove Hotel today for a secretary for the local tourism organisation and about 15 people applied for the position. John Ashe, the local engineer, told me that the big 'fake' cross, used in the film Ryan's Daughter, was painted by a man named Mike Clannister who was killed in a road accident shortly after making the film.
Argentina declares that any British ships or planes heading for the Falklands will be regarded as hostile.
The kids got a lift to Siamsa tonight from Jimmy Smith who is one of the best Irish dancers in the country.

Wednesday, May 12.
Heard the first cuckoo of the year. The call came from the hill behind the church in Ballyferriter. A new car park is being planned for the church grounds.
The British claim to have shot down two enemy jets near the Falklands and some British TV reporters were kidnapped in Buenos Aires.

Thursday, May 13.
The Pope is on a visit to Portugal. There are reports this morning that a priest tried to kill him with a knife in Fatima last night.
It now seems likely that the Pope will cancel his planned visit to Britain later this month because of the Falklands trouble.

Saturday, May 15.
Reports that Tomás Garvey has bought the Faraway Haven on Holy Ground. Liverpool win the League title again and Hurricane Higgins will play Ray Riordan in the World Snooker Championships.

Monday, May 17.
Britain and Argentina are still rattling their sabres while their U.N. envoys are supposedly 'negotiating peace'. Meanwhile, the British are marshalling all their forces in the area - getting ready for the big one!

Tuesday, May 18.
Ireland and Italy fail to support trade sanctions against Argentina - the Brits will not be pleased - and seven of the E.E.C.
countries over-ruled Britain's objections to raising farm produce prices.
A souterrain was discovered on the farm of Thomas Flahive, Kinard, today while a bulldozer was working on the land.
Members of the archaeological survey team went to the site which is behind the new graveyard. They found a chamber measuring 11' x 4' x 5' and a short passage. The neighbours gathered around and were asking about the 'gold'!

Wednesday, May 19.
British newspapers accuse Ireland of stabbing the U.K. in the back because of our position on the Falklands issue and advise the British public not to buy Irish goods or take holidays here. War is imminent in the dispute.

Thursday, May 20.
Met Canon Jack McKenna. He's recovering from an operation but will be attending Sunday's Glór na nGael events.
All TV programmes off the air in Munster today because of a problem with the Mullaghanish transmitter.
Britain and Argentina have given up on the peace talks so it's just a matter of time now.

Friday, May 21
News flash at 12.30pm said full scale war has erupted in the Falklands. Reports that 21 British soldiers have died in a helicopter accident in the area.

Published in Features

Gáirdín Mhuire

Written by Lorcan

Joe Kennedy of Annagap, Annascaul models one of the fine hats made at Ghairdín Mhuire recently.

Lonnaithe ar Shráid an Doirín, sa Daingean, freastalaíonn Ionad Lae Gairdín Mhuire ar phobal Chorca Dhuibhne agus na cheantair máguaird. Cuireann siad móran seirbhís ar fáil do phobal aosach an cheantair.
Gairdín Mhuire Day Care Centre in Green Street Dingle is a Centre specifically designed with older people's needs in mind. The Centre's primary function is to serve the older population of Corca Dhuibhne by providing services and a support centre for those who wish to avail of it.
Activities/Imeachtaí

Published in Features