Whenever I’m dealing with someone else’s dog, I try to approach him very quietly and gently. This is deliberate. If I’m grounded and clear of my own mental clutter, I can more easily watch and determine what signals the dog is giving me. And, the dog can understand me more easily.

Put it this way: the manner in which we react to each other depends entirely on our own frame of mind. Walking up to someone in a belligerent fashion gets a different response to an open, friendly, or ready-to-do-business approach. The former usually ends with both sides having ‘their hackles up’; the latter generally entails a ‘meeting of minds’.

So by approaching a dog in this unobtrusive way, I’ve set the tone for how the session, or training should progress. It also allows me to notice little signals or adjustments in a dog’s behaviour. Is the dog looking relaxed, happy, nervous, or about to launch himself at me? Once I’ve analysed his first reaction to my appearance, I can decide how to continue with him. It’s called ‘Meeting the Dog where he’s at’, which is a phrase I’ve used before.

I learnt this application when I was studying the Tellington Touch method many years ago and have never forgotten it. Simply put, TTouch means having to use a hands-on approach to a dog in order to implement the touches. Firstly, it means reading the dog’s signals to know which touch could be more beneficial to him. And, more importantly, it means ascertaining whether the dog is amenable to being touched in the first place. Not taking that vital detail into account could mean putting one’s self at risk!

The above explanations describe first meetings with a strange dog. But, what of your day-to-day dealings with your own pet? Do you realise what sort of effect you might have on him? Your everyday manner could be having a great effect or conversely, causing him stress.

An illustration will explain a lot. A notoriously bad-tempered man owned two Dalmations. They were equally surly and tried to bully any other dog they met, running up in a confrontational manner to provoke a reaction. I met them on a regular basis where I used to live. One day, I noticed that a different man was in charge of them and those two dogs behaved impeccably. There was no aggression or confrontation! I could hardly believe my eyes at the difference in their behaviour. Then I realised what was happening: Dogs ‘copy’ everything we do. The owner was rude and aggressive – and so were his dogs. The second man was pretty laid back – and the dogs reacted favourably.

There’s such an onus on us to help our dogs enjoy their lives by monitoring our own actions. So, think about this: we act as role models for our children so why not do the same for our dogs?

It’s a fact that we get much further in a human setting if our approach is open and friendly. That applies to interactions with our dogs. Whenever I lose my cool with Saffron and shout rudely at her to make her do something, invariably she goes off in the opposite direction. Obviously, she’s not going to approach me when I’m out of control as it could end badly for her. But, if I call her gently to me, no matter whether she’s being bold or otherwise, she’ll return to me immediately. I also tend to thank her whenever she does as I’ve asked. That sets the tone for us both. Yes, I expect her to return when called but I’m also acknowledging that she has freedom of choice. That’s respectful to her but she deserves a positive comment for doing as I asked.

Having said that, I can also deliberately excite her if I’m going to play with her.

All I have to do is act in an animated manner and she’s up for it. In the same way, I will speak calmly to finish it. She understands that too despite any reluctance to stop playing.

For me, the most important time to help any dog is in a stressful situation such as being confronted by an aggressive dog. It’s vital not to panic. Once we panic, we set a precedent for every time there’s a fraught situation and we fail to maintain our self control. As I said earlier, the onus is on us to lead by example and to protect our dogs just as we would our children. Once we show fear of whatever faces us, our own dog reacts badly too, either panicking as well or worse still feeling the need to protect us from the perceived danger.

Remember, dogs always do better when we lead by example.

Many in our farming community will know Oisín Coakley well through his many years  of scientific and advisory work on the Water Catchments Programme. I was delighted to get an opportunity to interview him so our readers can hear about his role as Catchment Co-ordinator and the water quality improvement work that is happening on farms all over West Cork.

Tell us about your role and the Better Farming for Water campaign in the Bandon-Ilen catchment area? 

My role as Catchment Co-ordinator with Teagasc’s Better Farming for Water (BFFW) campaign allows me to work directly with farmers, advisors, industry representatives and local communities across the Lee and Bandon-Ilen catchments. Every week I meet people who are making genuine efforts to improve water quality while continuing to run productive and profitable farm businesses. 

The BFFW campaign was established to build on the huge amount of knowledge, expertise and good work that already exists within Irish agriculture. The objective is not to reinvent the farming wheel or tell farmers something they don’t already know. Instead, it is about bringing together advice, science and practical farming experience and presenting it in a way that makes sense on individual farms. In simple terms, it is about helping farmers identify practical actions that work to improve Water Quality.

The Bandon-Ilen catchment covers a large area of West Cork and contains some of the most productive farmland in the country. There are many farming enterprises such as dairy, beef, sheep, pigs, tillage and mixed farms throughout the catchment. The region benefits from a strong agricultural community and significant support from the wider industry. The Bandon-Ilen Catchment Implementation Group is chaired by retired Bandon farmer Roy Kingston and is supported by a broad range of stakeholders including Teagasc, DAFM, industry partners, local authorities and farming representatives from all sectors.

One of the real strengths of the catchment approach is that it brings people together. Everyone has an important role to play. Water quality is not something that can be solved by one group working in isolation.

Water quality can mean different things to different people – how is the quality of water assessed?

When people hear the term ‘water quality’, they often think about drinking water supplies. In reality, water quality means much more than that.

When agencies such as the EPA assess water quality, they are examining the overall health of rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries and groundwater. One of the key things they look at is water ecology. Put simply, water ecology refers to the life that exists within a river or stream. Tiny aquatic insects and invertebrates such as mayflies, stoneflies and freshwater shrimp are often used as indicators of river health. These small creatures are surprisingly sensitive to environmental change and can tell us a great deal about how healthy a river is. People are often surprised to learn that agriculture is not the only factor that influences water quality.

Across West Cork, water quality can also be affected by wastewater treatment systems, septic tanks, road runoff, urban development, forestry operations and physical alterations (hydro-morphology) to rivers and streams. Agriculture is one part of a much bigger picture.

Farmers have the added challenge of dealing with weather extremes – what effect does weather have on water quality?

Weather is probably one of the most influential factors affecting water quality. A prolonged period of heavy rainfall can mobilise nutrients and sediment and transport them across the landscape and into our waters very quickly. Flood events can move material that may have been sitting quietly for months or even years.

At the opposite extreme, dry periods and low river flows can create their own environmental pressures. This is one reason why water quality can appear to improve in one year and deteriorate the next, even when farmers are consistently implementing positive measures. 

Farmers have been making the changes to farm practices to improve water quality – why are they not seeing much of this reflected in recent water quality reports?

One of the most common questions I hear from farmers is: “We’ve done the work, so why aren’t we seeing more improvement?”

It is a fair question. Many farmers have heeded the advice; they’ve invested significant time and money over recent years. They have upgraded farmyards, improved slurry storage, planted riparian margins, improved nutrient management planning and implemented countless practical measures designed to reduce losses to water.

The science tells us that improvements can take time. Nutrients that entered the environment years ago can continue moving slowly through soils and groundwater before eventually reaching rivers and streams. In some cases, improvements implemented today may not be fully reflected in monitoring results for several years. That can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean the actions being taken are not working. 

Are you optimistic about improving water quality given all the challenges facing agriculture? 

Water quality is one of the most important challenges facing Irish agriculture, but it is also one of the greatest opportunities. Every improvement made on a farm contributes to something much bigger. The encouraging thing is that I continue to meet farmers across West Cork who are willing to engage, learn and take practical actions where improvements can be made. The conversation around water quality can sometimes become negative. My experience on the ground with farmers is often quite different. I see farmers who genuinely care, communities that want healthy eco-systems and advisors working hard to support practical solutions to water quality. If we continue building on that foundation and working together, there is every reason to be optimistic about the future of both farming and our water quality in West Cork

Can you give farmers some practical tips to do in October?

As we move further into autumn, I’d encourage farmers to focus on three simple actions:

• Walk the farmyard during or after rainfall. Follow the water and identify any potential risks of nutrients or sediment moving to waters 

• Check gutters, downpipes and drains. Separating clean and soiled water remains one of the most effective actions available.

• Keep clean roadways and concrete yards. Getting cows out to grass can present its own challenges in October, regular scraping and cleaning of roadways and concrete yards will minimise soiled water areas.

There is a practical guide on preventing farmyard pollution recently published by Teagasc’s BFFW and is available online or if farmers would like some specific advice related to their farm they should contact their local Teagasc or industry ASSAP or Sustainability adviser. 

A date for your diary

A Catchment Water Quality event will take place near Timoleague on the morning of Wednesday, October 7. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from 18 years of research from the agricultural catchments programme and see practical measures on water quality. 

When I held dog obedience classes, I always started with getting dogs to approach each other in a safe manner. The first rule of law is never to imagine that any two dogs will be best buddies initially, if at all. I asked owners and their dogs to form a circle. Then each owner slowly and separately walked an inner circle stopping in front of each dog but a short distance from him. If the dog was relaxed at doing this, I suggested that he move slightly closer to the one opposite him. And both owners needed to stay alert to any reactions. It was amazing to see how clearly each dog communicated his feelings. Some started jumping up wanting to make contact and play. Others backed away, growled or generally showed misgivings at being brought closer into the other dog’s personal space. If the reactions were in any way hostile or could be misinterpreted, the owner and dog in the inner circle took a step back and kept doing so until both dogs resumed a relaxed demeanour. That meant that either or both dogs no longer felt intimidated by a perceived invasion of his personal space.

I have taught this passive interaction for home visits too using my own dog, Saffron. She would sit in the car at a fully open window while the dog with ‘meeting and greeting’ issues slowly advanced literally one step at a time. He’d be continually rewarded when relaxed and, if bothered at approaching the car and Saffron, he would be withdrawn to a position that was comfortable before being asked to resume his approach.

This technique instils trust between owner and dog. The dog learns his owner will always listen to him and take action to reduce any stress that could exacerbate any given situation. Once your dog knows you’re listening, he begins to reciprocate, listening to you at all times. But once stress sets in, there’s no longer a meeting of minds.

There are a few obvious pointers to make introductions a less stressful event. You need to know your dog and to understand what motivates him. Many dogs are territorial. Therefore, to present another dog, especially on home ground without due care, is like lighting a tinder box. Once lit, it’s very hard to put out.

Any dog, no matter his character, needs to be introduced on neutral ground but especially if you are trying to bring a new dog into your home. If your dog is a dominant type, introducing another dog with the same characteristic will be a disaster. Choosing a dog of the opposite sex is a good place to start.

Both dogs arrive at a neutral venue. You need to be calm around your own dog, studiously ignoring the newcomer’s arrival. A brisk walk together with both dogs on the outside and the two of you in the middle is advised. Don’t allow any advance into the other’s personal space. Keep observing the signals, and you’ll know if the dogs begin to relax when they start sniffing, taking stock of their surroundings, or pee and poop without feeling vulnerable at the other’s proximity.

If you sit down, ensure that you keep the distance. Watch carefully. Does one dog turn away completely from the other? Or does one keep eyeing the other suspiciously? Can they relax enough to lie down and close their eyes? Or does every slight movement produce an over-alert reaction from the other dog?

You’ll need to repeat the walk a few times to allow them to be comfortable in the other’s company. Even if your dog isn’t confrontational or territorial, you must still be careful. Any adverse reaction will have a negative effect on your dog for future introductions.

Never allow dogs to sniff each other for too long. Dogs get the full picture of each other with just a couple of sniffs. Staying close can produce an adverse reaction. Stand back and allow the dogs to process the information. Then see if THEY want to pursue the possibility of friendship. If not, respect their wishes.

Some dogs dislike hyperactive ones. Having had Boxers all my life and knowing their excitability, I fully understand this. And I will introduce Saffron to other dogs very carefully for her sake. However, I also know that she’s friendly. She will offer play bows to some dogs if they reciprocate. But, more importantly, she will lie down to others, giving a firm signal that she’s no threat.

However, it’s up to us owners to protect our own pets. So while I’m watching Saffron, I’m concentrating fully on the other dog. If I read a threat, I always call Saffron in close to me and stand quietly beside her in case she needs help. That way we work as a team and the mutual trust remains in place.

Fatigue and reduced stamina is normal and can persist long after the initial stroke making everyday tasks more challenging. Other symptoms include paralysis (often on one side of the body), spasticity or muscle weakness that affect balance, ability to walk, stand and swallow. Sensory deficits can cause visual issues, speech and language challenges and numbness or tingling. Cognitive functions may be affected too, leading to memory loss, problems with concentration, impaired judgment, confusion, or generally slowed thinking.

Understandably survivors describe the aftermath as a profound process of grief and loss. Emotionally many struggle with depression, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, or a loss of motivation. Each of these impairments can deeply affect a person’s quality of life, underscoring the importance of timely intervention and comprehensive rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation should include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy psychological support and scalp acupuncture. Scalp acupuncture is a specialised form of acupuncture that involves stimulating specific areas of the scalp that correspond to different brain regions. It is used for stroke rehabilitation in Chinese hospitals, as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and, is becoming more common in the West, as part of an integrative medical approach.

Scalp acupuncture aids stroke recovery by targeting areas that map the autonomic, motor, sensory and speech areas of the brain. For example motor area stimulation can reduce spasticity, improve limb movement, co-ordination, balance, fine motor skills of the fingers and the swallow reflex. Stimulating the autonomic areas of the brain will support the systems of the body that work without conscious control ie. the organs that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and digestion.

Speech-related areas in the scalp can improve a person’s ability to comprehend, retrieve the correct words and articulate, helping both Broca and Wernicke’s aphasia. Scalp acupuncture activates neural pathways and promotes neuroplasticity helping the brain to reorganise and form new connections after injury. It can also influence neurotransmitters that regulate emotional wellbeing and improve blood flow, which may increase cerebral blood flow to regions of the brain

that were deprived of blood supply during the stroke and help to nourish brain tissue and support the repair process.

While the journey of stroke recovery is unique, and rehabilitation should ideally start soon after the event, research is confirming that patients can still experience functional improvements and reduced neurological symptoms years after the event with scalp acupuncture.

Amanda Roe is an Acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life and Health Coach specialising in Women’s Health. She offers a range of services including scalp acupuncture for stroke and wishes you and or your loved one strength and healing on your journey of stroke recovery. For more information or to book a consultation visit www.roehealth.ie or call/text Amanda on: 087 6331898.

For me, fashion has always been a playground for experimentation. Perhaps this feels especially natural when you are young, when curiosity is still stronger than habit and personal style has not yet settled into a fixed formula. That was one of the reasons I wanted Caoimhe Teeling to be part of this project.

There is an ease about her that immediately makes you want to experiment. She is energetic, cheerful, open and, most importantly, genuinely curious. She does not seem interested in fashion as a set of instructions. For her, it is much closer to play.

“I see fashion as a way of expressing yourself and showing a bit of your personality,” she says. “I love feminine pieces, colour and anything that feels a little different, but I also like mixing things up and not taking fashion too seriously.”

Caoimhe works in the pharmacy in Schull, where she especially enjoys the human side of the job. That warmth comes through very quickly when you meet her.

Outside work, beauty and makeup are a big part of her world. She has always enjoyed experimenting with different looks and styles, not in a particularly serious or perfectionist way, but as something fun and creative.

She talks about spending time with friends, getting ready together, trying something different just because you feel like it.

When I asked Caoimhe whether she was willing to experiment with her style, the answer was immediate. “Definitely.” And she meant it.

“I love experimenting, whether that’s with clothes, makeup, hair or trying a style that I wouldn’t normally go for. I think that’s one of the most fun things about fashion and beauty because you can change it depending on your mood and discover new sides of yourself.”

That attitude became the starting point for the styling. I wanted the clothes to feel playful rather than polished in a predictable way.

There is something wonderfully disarming about fashion in a rural setting. Clothes immediately lose some of their seriousness. 

The three looks in this shoot are not choosing one fixed version of femininity, but allowing softness, humour, colour, toughness and a little contradiction to exist side by side.

Look 1

The first look begins with something familiar and romantic: a red gingham dress.

But instead of wearing it in the expected way, I layered it over wide-leg jeans and added a chunky textured cardigan. That simple shift immediately changes the mood. The dress is still feminine, still slightly nostalgic, but it no longer belongs to one particular style story.

A red ribbon with a flower at the neck echoes the red shoes, creating a strong colour rhythm through the outfit. Then the yellow checked bag and hat are thrown in almost like an interruption.

The statement earrings pick up the warm yellow accents and give the upper part of the look more presence.

There is a lot going on, deliberately so.

For me, this look is where cottagecore meets contemporary eclecticism. It has the romance of the countryside, but without being overly sweet or predictable. The jeans toughen it slightly, the colour combinations make it more playful, and the different checks don’t match too perfectly.

Stylist’s tip: Don’t be afraid to combine several prints or strong colours in one outfit. One of the easiest ways to make an eclectic mix feel intentional is to repeat a colour in more than one place. It creates a visual thread and helps even unexpected combinations feel connected.

Look 2

The second look is more mischievous.

Stripes become the visual thread running through the whole outfit. They appear on the micro shorts, return on the high socks and, unexpectedly, continue onto the teddy bear attached to the bag – who is also wearing a striped shirt.

It is a tiny detail, but those are often the details I enjoy most.

The romantic white top brings softness, while the oversized leather jacket and heavy boots pull the look in a grungier direction. Neither side wins completely. That is what keeps it interesting.

The large earrings add another point of focus around the face, while the little bag and teddy bear introduce a sweet, almost naive element.

I like clothes that contain a slight contradiction.

Something feminine with something rough. Something polished with something silly. Something that looks serious from a distance and makes you smile when you notice the details.

Stylist’s tip: Accessories do not have to be the final, practical addition to an outfit. Sometimes they can be the starting point. An unusual bag, a pair of bold earrings or one repeated pattern can give an entire look its personality.

Look 3

The third outfit is quieter at first glance, but the contrast is still there.

A soft white knitted top and a flowing skirt create a light, romantic base. Over that, I added an oversized leather jacket and cinched it at the waist with a wide brown belt.

The belt is the detail that changes the entire silhouette.

Without it, the jacket would remain loose, oversized and slightly detached from the softness underneath. With it, the proportions shift. The waist becomes visible, the jacket becomes almost sculptural, and the whole outfit feels more deliberate.

Black slingback flats with metallic details add a sharper note, while the small black bag connects back to them. Large earrings once again bring attention towards the face.

The romance is still there, but it has some resistance now. Leather, metal and the strong line of the belt stop the outfit from becoming too delicate.

Stylist’s tip: Try wearing a belt over an oversized jacket or blazer. It is such a small adjustment, but it can completely alter the proportions and make a familiar piece feel new again.

A special thank you to Mary and Gerry for so generously allowing us to photograph on their farm and for making us feel so welcome.

Makeup, styling and photography by Galyna Zaitseva.

Hey everyone! My name is Zainah Syed, and I’m an aspiring romance author and lover of all things literature! As a writer living in one of the biggest cities in the world, I’m often exploring the city. Thankfully, I also live near an F train station, which, in my opinion, is one of New York’s most iconic trains. We just had a few major sporting events here, with the New York Knicks winning the National Basketball Association championship and the World Cup Final, so we’re all super festive this summer. I love seeing the specially wrapped World Cup trains roll through the stations even though it’s been a few weeks since the final. Now, exploring the city wouldn’t be complete without me going to some bookstores to see which new Penguin Random House classic or romance novel will be appearing on my TBR list. There’s nothing I love more than love because, after all, who are we without it? I have spent much of my teen years trying to recreate the same love I’ve spent my whole life fantasising about and, as an avid reader and writer of romance novels, I was absolutely relentless in my pursuit. I wanted something akin to Lara Jean from ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ or a love story straight out of a Lynn Painter book. Life imitates art after all, right?

On rainy days, I love to walk through Central Park with a friend, watching the streams, climbing the rocks uphill, and watching the cardinals fly by. I’m also a major history geek, so the Metropolitan Museum of Art is honestly a second home. I’m really drawn to Byzantine and Medieval European art, and there’s always something new to discover at the Met. Of course, when I’m not lost in fairytale-land, I love exploring the concrete jungle. In Manhattan, I love walking through Rockefeller Center or Fifth Avenue, all while pretending I’m Andrea Sachs from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (I aspire to be just like Miranda Priestly when I grow up). Or perhaps like Empress Theodora, who found her perfect match with Emperor Justinian.

My quest to find my own Justinian has certainly been…eventful, but I’d never call it unsuccessful. I’ve had a few crushes, as we all have had, I’m sure. I was once met with what I certainly thought was the love of my life, when a cute boy who I was friendly with started flirting with me. He claimed we were just friends, but the flirting meant something to me and I felt a pang whenever I remembered it was fake. Alas, I pushed on, trying to be as close as possible to him, even when he didn’t reply to messages. In the end, he was definitely not a fan of me clinging to him! (Not the first time, you guys should’ve seen the disaster of a crush I had just a couple of years ago. I tend to cling when I think I like a boy.) Whew, I don’t think I’ll be making that mistake again. I definitely jumped the gun too early and while I think the great love I’ve been searching for does exist, perhaps now is not the best time. Now is the time for teenage crushes and experiencing who I become when someone else enters the labyrinth that is my heart. We grow as people as we live, and right now, we are still in the early stages of who we will become in life. I am still only the first version of myself, after all. I’ll never stop believing that love exists, and for us teens, it’s a bit hard to navigate. I myself am still stuck in the stage where it’s ‘bad’ to have your crush know that you like them! I’ve learned, though, from some of my crushes, and I’d be more than happy to help you all too!

After six years living abroad in Australia, New Zealand and Spain, Mia Connolly returned home to West Cork expecting the move home to be easier than emigrating alone to the other side of the world. Instead, settling back into life at home proved far more challenging than anticipated.

People often talk about how difficult it can be to leave home and build a life abroad, but far less is said about how difficult it can be to come home again. Having started from scratch several times around the world, Mia was surprised to find there was something uniquely challenging about doing it where she had grown up. Coming home meant finding her feet again and working out where she fitted in, as life had moved on in her familiar surroundings.

That period ultimately became the starting point for several new ventures.

With a background in IT, systems and business operations, Mia launched SEOL Consulting, helping local businesses make their systems simpler and more effective. The name SEOL, Irish for ‘set in motion’ and ‘to sail’ is a nod to Mia’s connection with sailing at home and abroad.

The idea came from recognising that many small businesses are excellent at what they do, but often lack the time or resources to keep pace with the rapidly changing digital world. SEOL focuses on practical improvements rather than technology for technology’s sake, helping businesses to work more efficiently and reducing unnecessary hassle behind the scenes.

At the same time, Mia was experiencing another challenge personally: how difficult it can be as a single adult to meet new people naturally, in a dating culture increasingly dominated by apps.

This is what led to Plus None, a new singles social community for West Cork. Unlike speed dating, Plus None is not built around timed conversations, formal matchmaking or any expectation of a particular outcome. The idea is simply to create relaxed opportunities for single people to meet in real life, without pressure.

Someone might meet a potential partner, but they might equally meet a new friend, running buddy or future wingman or wingwoman.

The first Plus None social took place in Clonakilty in August, with around 30 people attending,  a strong indication that people locally want more natural ways to meet and connect. Attendees thanked Mia for being “the brave one” to organise it.

“There can be so much pressure around dating now,” she says. “I wanted to strip all of that back. Come along, meet new people and enjoy yourself. If something romantic comes from it, brilliant, but that isn’t the only measure of whether the night was worthwhile.”

Future Plus None socials will take place around West Cork and can be followed on Instagram @plus_n_one.

Although SEOL Consulting and Plus None may appear very different, Mia sees a common thread between them: both came from recognising something that could work better and deciding to do something about it.

“This is my home, these are my people, and it feels like the beginning of a completely new chapter.”

This month Natalie Webb is showing us how to make a jellyfish bookmark.

Materials: 

•  A small wooden spoon – can be purchased in craft shops but I got mine from a local cafe.

•  Paint – two colours of your choosing, I used purple and blue.

•  Small piece of card, I used pink.

•  Black marker pen

•  Two different colour wools – I used dark pink and light pink.

•  Glue.

Paint the “head” of the spoon on both sides with one of your colours and, once that has dried, paint on spots with your other colour. Leave to dry.

Cut out 12 strips of wool in different colours, approx 8cm long.

Glue on your wool about 3/4 of the way down the spoon head, so that it dangles down over the spoon handle.

Cut out two small rectangle shapes with a wavy edge on one side. Glue these on to the front and back of your spoon, to cover the top of your wool strips.

To finish off draw on the face of your jellyfish with your marker.

Now the best part.. find your favourite book and settle down for a good read!

After a scorching summer, Clonakilty Film Club invites us to cosy autumn nights indoors with a carefully chosen selection from the best that world cinema offers. The club opens its autumn season on Tuesday September 22 with ‘Primavera’, an astounding feature debut by acclaimed opera director Damiano Michieletto. ‘Primavera’ is a fictionalised account of Antonio Vivaldi’s time as resident composer and violin teacher at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, where he composed most of his major works, told from the perspective of one of his most talented female students.

18th Century, Venice: The Ospedale della Pietà is a refuge for orphaned and abandoned children. Here, girls study music, and the most talented among them are placed in a special orchestra renowned as one of the best in the world. This orchestra performs for Venetian high society and wealthy patrons of the orphanage. While their showcases raise money for the orphanage, they also help secure marriage proposals for the women.

Among this orchestra is 20-year-old Cecilia, an extraordinary violinist betrothed to a wealthy soldier upon his return from battle abroad. Though music has opened her mind, the doors of the orphanage remain closed until she is married. Her world is disrupted when a wind of spring awakens something within her: the arrival of a new teacher, composer, and maestro di violino, Antonio Vivaldi. His mentorship forever changes her, allowing her to envision a different future and embrace her art.

Michieletto’s film is an exceptional example of centreing a woman’s story in a historically patriarchal society, modernising a tale never previously told.

All are welcome. The film starts at 8.30pm (doors open at 8.20pm). Admission €10, cash at the door.

Clonakilty Film Club will screen its second film of the season on October 6. The full Autumn line-up will appear in the October issue of West Cork People. You can also follow Clonakilty Film Club on Facebook for updates.

I receive a regular online blog from a dog trainer. It’s a great way of giving me food for thought by reading other trainer’s topics or opinions. Even if I question her point of view, I feel that’s good because it makes me look at my own beliefs about dog training. Can I do better? Do I need to have a re-think?

So I was really interested when her blog came in entitled ‘Let Dogs be Dogs’. Her argument was that we bring dogs into our lives and then proceed to coach them out of all their innate canine traits. These include chewing, chasing, jumping up, digging, sniffing, stealing food. I could feel my hackles rising as I imagined all the difficulties that would occur if we allowed our dogs to do as they pleased without putting in any boundaries.

If you translate this into human terms, it would mean that we would allow our children to be ‘free spirits’, able to do as they pleased on a whim with no moral code or behavioural responsibility towards others.

Many years ago, I was called out to a man who had a number of Cocker Spaniels. All of them, bar one, were reasonably well-behaved. But, that particular one was becoming a liability in that she was aggressive to other dogs and people. She was beginning to even be confrontational towards her owner. She looked rather unhappy too. I began to talk to him about training and boundaries and watched as the man’s eyes glazed over. His counter-argument was that dogs should be allowed to do as they pleased. Shortly after this conversation, I made my excuses to him.

After all, our views were so far apart that there was no point in continuing it. But, I knew she was an accident waiting to happen.

And sure enough, about a week later, he called me again in a bit of a panic.

The dog had attacked one of the other dogs in a determined fashion. I called out again and we had another long chat. This time, he was listening. I don’t recall this with any sense of satisfaction. It was just sad that it had taken a disaster for him to be open to the fact that there might be another way.

As she had attacked one of his other dogs, it was highly unlikely that there would be a perfect solution and they’d all live happily ever after. Fortunately, he was able to give her away to someone who could look after her and was experienced in that breed. And the owner went on to do a bit of training with the other dogs too.

But back to the blog and dogs being allowed to be dogs. As you read this, you will probably believe that I’d be totally against this premise. That’s not true. However, I do believe that first of all, it’s important to teach your dog to live happily with you and to be able to be relaxed and well-behaved in company. A lack of training leaves you at odds with your dog if he doesn’t know about your ‘House Rules’. And, from experience, I see dogs without training who keep pushing boundaries looking for them and to understand what you expect of them.

I also believe that knowing what’s needed or expected allows your dog to develop its character. In other words, you allow him to make choices. He can choose to do as you ask or otherwise. The rewards for conforming to your way of life are

huge. He gets to be a trusted member of the family that you can take anywhere and any time. That fulfils the need to socialise and encounter all sorts of different people, dogs and situations.

However, I’m fully in agreement that there are times when dogs just have to be dogs. Therefore, all my dogs have been allowed to have big, ‘growly’, play fights with me. If anyone heard me ‘growling’ with them at those times, they would have me committed! But, the important point to mention is that I can end the game at any time before it gets out of control.

At other times, I’ve always encouraged all my dogs to just run free for as long as they want – the effort flapping their ears, jumping in and out of long grass or performing zoomies; sniffing for as long as they want and following scents; the chance to run and play with other dogs until they drop! Develop their scenting potential by affording them opportunities to find treats you’ve dropped along the path or find hidden toys. That special sigh of satisfaction when they return and flop down in perfect relaxation is something special and to be appreciated! You know you’ve given them exactly what they want. But, it’s all done within certain boundaries. In my opinion, that’s allowing a dog to be truly a dog.

Bantry was at the heart of Irish coastal rowing last month, as more than 730 crews representing 35 clubs from across the country gathered for the 2026 All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships.

Across three days of racing, crews from Under-12 level through to senior, veteran, masters and traditional boat categories competed for national honours on Bantry Bay, bringing competitors, families and supporters from communities around Ireland to West Cork.

The scale of the championships was reflected in some remarkable race starts, none more so than the Under-16 Boys competition, where 17 boats lined up together, putting 85 people on the water at the same time in what was a spectacular race. It was the largest number of boats to race against one another in a single race at the All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships to date. A number of other races also saw 16 boats on the start line, resulting in exceptionally competitive racing throughout the weekend.

The huge entries, particularly among the younger crews, provided a striking indication of the strength and continued growth of coastal rowing across Ireland.

The championships got underway with an opening ceremony in Bantry attended by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who presented the medals to the winners on Friday as part of the opening events.

The ceremony brought together representatives from national, local and sporting life. Among those present were Minister for Heritage Christopher O’Sullivan, Senator Margaret Murphy O’Mahony, and Deputy Mayor of Cork County Finbarr Harrington.

Also taking a prominent role in the ceremony were Bill Deasy, President of the organisation, and Mary B. Teahan, Chairperson of the ICRF reflecting the contribution of both the current leadership of coastal rowing and those who have played an important role in the sport over many years.

The presence of the Taoiseach, together with the large gathering of public representatives, gave the opening of the championships a special significance as Bantry welcomed one of the biggest gatherings of coastal rowers in the country.

Away from the official proceedings, the town itself embraced the championships wholeheartedly.

For all three days, Bantry was buzzing as rowers, coaches, families and supporters filled the town. Local businesses got firmly behind the event, helping wherever they could and welcoming visitors who travelled from all over Ireland.

The waterfront and surrounding areas were alive with club colours and supporters, while the large number of visitors brought a distinctive championship atmosphere to Bantry throughout the weekend.

The weather added another dimension to the racing. Friday and Saturday provided beautiful conditions, with the crews able to enjoy Bantry Bay in favourable weather. By Sunday afternoon, rain and stronger winds had arrived, creating more challenging conditions on the water. The weather, however, did not stop the rowing. Crews continued to launch and race as the wind increased, producing exciting contests in rougher seas and demonstrating the determination and resilience that are such a feature of coastal rowing.

There was also plenty for the home county to celebrate, with Cork clubs enjoying an outstanding championship among the strong performances from clubs nationwide.

Rushbrooke, Whitegate and Myross each recorded seven championship victories, while Kerry club Sive claimed five titles. Kilmacsimon Quay and Kilmacabea also secured multiple wins, with Cork crews successful across a broad range of ages and boat categories.

The results were a reflection not only of the strength of Cork coastal rowing but of the national depth on display in Bantry, with clubs from all over  Ireland sharing the podium throughout the weekend. 

The championships also celebrated the heritage of the sport alongside its modern competitive side. Timber Yawls, Heritage boats and the Men’s Seine Boat championship featured in the programme, connecting today’s competitors with the traditional boats and maritime communities that have shaped Irish coastal rowing over generations.

Behind the racing was a huge volunteer effort, with a large team working across water safety, race organisation, stewarding, shore operations and club support to deliver a championship programme of such scale.

The final day brought the championships to a close in difficult conditions, but the challenging weather could not diminish the atmosphere that had built throughout the weekend.

The sight of 17 Under-16 Boys boats racing together on the water, alongside a number of 16-boat starts, provided a memorable symbol of the future of Irish Coastal Rowing.

The nights are getting shorter and slowly the world is returning to normal after the summer break.

That means school and sport, with training often taking place in the evenings or at weekends in grounds across the county.

One club that is settling into the autumn after a seismic summer is Clonakilty RFC. Helen O’Hea looks after their senior women’s team and she knows exactly what goes into running the show at Shannonvale, writes Dylan O’Connell.

Clonakilty saw a number of players represent Munster in this year’s edition of the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship.

Their names are well known around West Cork; Caoimhe Murphy and Lani O’Donovan were on the first team, and the development squad featured Clodagh McCarthy, Jo McCaughey, Julie Finn, and Rachel Twomey.

Lani, Clodagh, Jo, and Julie also played on the Ireland Under-18 Six Nations team earlier this year. 

They follow in the footsteps of other Clonakilty graduates that wore the green jersey, a group that includes John Hodnett and Conor Ryan.

There’s also strong representation at underage level in Munster. Finn O’Donovan, Ewan Knowles, and Cillian Sturdy are with the Under-18 boys. Elsa Quirke, Julie Cunningham, and Keelin McCarthy are with the Under-18 girls.  Padraig Coffey, Tristan O’Driscoll, Tony O’Keeffe, and Olan White represent the Under-17 boys.  The Under-17 girls have Caoimhe McCarthy, Emer O’Connor, Jenny O’Donnell, Lara Twomey, Lucy McCarthy, Matila O’Donovan, and Molly Deegan in their ranks.  Liam Ben Khaled, Michael Collins,  and Ollie Hunt complete the set with the Under-16 boys.

All of this is being placed into a wider conversation about rugby in West Cork, with many wanting to know how the region became such fertile ground for Irish internationals, both male and female. Bandon’s Jack Crowley is usually the first name mentioned, and the fly half is just the start of a very long list.

Clonakilty are one part of the conveyer belt, and all their good work goes back to what is happening on the ground on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

“The rugby season started back proper for the minis on September 6,” explains Helen O’Hea.

“They introduced Sundays for the month of September, because of the clash with GAA training on Saturdays. So for October, we switch back to Saturdays. It will be all systems go then for everyone.”

Clonakilty will go into this period as a growing club that is fast approaching their 50th anniversary.

“So we’ve got 850 members, and that is growing,” she explains.

“We have our 50th anniversary next spring, so it’ll be a big occasion in the club. Like that, it just doesn’t happen without the hours of volunteer work. It kicked off in 1977 in the Kilty Stone, it was a famous drinking/meeting establishment back in the day in Clonakilty.  Our big emphasis is that we are a community club.  We strive to work together because teamwork makes the dream work.

“What keeps the club going and growing is the tremendous work done by our various committees, managers, coaches, and referees. There’s those that keep the club grounds maintained and the shop and bar going.  Fundraising also plays a big part at the club, as you can imagine, for providing equipment, gear and facilities for all the teams.  We are very grateful to all our sponsors and Clonakilty are always looking for novel ways to get new people involved while raising their profile.

“We have a lotto that is sold on the streets every Friday – Jimmy O’Regan is at the helm there and he is super with that,” adds O’Hea.

“And then we have a new initiative called ‘Split the Bucket’, a Willie Wilcox’s initiative. So that’s up and running, and it’s a guaranteed winner every week. They sell tickets during the week, and then half goes to the club and half goes to the ticket that’s picked out. It’s great and it builds awareness. Thanks to the local pubs that are participating, it all helps.”

All of this is to support Clonakilty RFC, a community within the community that is made up of a number of teams going from the underage ranks to senior men and women.

“We have Tigers for our mixed ability teams. Cubs for the four- and five-year-olds,” she explained.

“We cater for all abilities and ages: six, eight, 10, and 12, for the minis, 14, 16, and 18 for the youths in both boys and girls. Then the adult men and the adult women.

“The adult men have two teams, and the ladies have one at the moment, but are working hard to build a foundation for a second team that will greatly benefit the different levels of players. We only started out three years ago, thanks to Mervyn Buttimer who stepped up and coached the team and Micheal O’Sullivan our S&C coach.  Since then we have consistently improved our game, grown our coaching team and we hope to do well again this season.”

It is often stated that the problem in women’s sport is keeping players invested after they turn 16. Clonakilty are working on that but in the meantime the club is happy that there is a regular stream of new recruits coming to the ground. One thing that has massively helped with this is the sheer number of Munster players around, as they show that something is working at The Vale.

“[Seeing Munster players] is encouraging, especially for ladies rugby,” explains O’Hea.

“If Mom has played it, or big sister has played it, it takes that fear factor out of it I think, because obviously we try and coach to prevent injury, but nothing is foolproof.

“We have a schools programme as well, where Finny O’Regan and Ian Rae go into local schools in September and October, (ably assisted with the TY students of Clonakilty Community College).  They coach the classes, give them taster sessions and encourage them to come out and give it a try at the club where someday they will get to wear the red and green for Clonakilty.

“It has paid off, and we are very grateful to the Committee and to the schools for encouraging this initiative.” 

The schools programme is paying off, in the form of silverware for Clonakilty at provincial level.

2026 saw Sacred Heart Clonakilty claim the Pinergy Munster Schools Girls Senior Cup for the third year in a row, while their junior team reach their final. It shows something is working when there is a steady stream of success for the schools. All of it leads back to the sport, and the simple love of playing rugby.

Some might take it up recreationally, others will join and go all the way to the top. They might wear the famous red jersey or the green one. Others will line out with their friends with the simple goal of having fun in the sport that they love.

Clonakilty offers something for everyone, boys and girls, from the cubs having fun right up to adults of all abilities.