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.

In the first of a six-part series on the nine principles of interior design, Mairead Collier looks at balance, and scale and proportion.

Have you ever walked into a room and felt completely at ease, without knowing why? Or stood in a beautifully furnished space that somehow felt cold and disconnected? The difference, almost always, comes down to design principles.

These are not rigid rules. They are guidelines that professional interior designers use to create spaces that feel intentional, balanced, and genuinely lovely to be in. And the good news is that you do not need a design degree to understand them. Once you know what to look for, you will start seeing these principles everywhere, and applying them in your own home becomes much more instinctive.

Over the coming six months, I will break down each principle and expand on how to apply them in your home. For this first article I will discuss the first two principles; Balance, and Scale and Proportion.

Balance is one of the most fundamental principles of interior design. It refers to how visual weight is distributed across a room. A balanced room is one where its various elements have similar visual weight and aesthetic importance. When balance is right, a space feels stable and calm. The scale, colour and texture of all elements in the room will have an influence on balance. Each object within a room will carry a different visual weight. Large objects carry more visual weight than small objects. Bright and bold colours carry more weight than say pale or cool colours. Likewise, shiny objects versus dull or flat objects. The former has more visual weight than the latter. A busy pattern will carry more visual weight than a simple pattern. The goal is to balance all these elements within the room. When it is off, something nags, even if you cannot quite name it. There are three types of balance. Symmetrical balance is achieved when two identical items are placed on two opposite sides of an imaginary line. For example, two matching bedside tables, a pair of lamps flanking a fireplace. It is formal and reassuring. Asymmetrical balance uses objects of different sizes or types that carry equal visual weight, a tall floor lamp balanced by a low, wide credenza. It feels more relaxed and contemporary. Radial balance arranges elements around a central point, a round dining table with chairs, and a circular rug.In practice, most well-designed rooms use a combination of all three. The key is to step back and ask: does one side of this room feel heavier than the other? If so, something needs to shift. The easiest way to start is to place a focal point centrally, like a bed in a bedroom or a dining table and chairs in a dining room, and work out from this. When deciding where to place an item ask yourself a series of questions. What is the visual weight of the item? Where will it look best within the room? What will need to be placed around the item to give it balance?

Scale refers to how objects relate to the size of the room. Proportion is how objects relate to each other. Both matter enormously, and both are frequently the cause of rooms that feel off without anyone being able to say exactly why.The relationship between scale and proportion is in part a matter of function but also of aesthetics, perspective and how we use the space. An oversized sofa in a small room makes the space feel cramped and hard to move through. To counteract this, designers may often upholster the sofa in a neutral colour, then use a bolder colour on things such as cushions or throws. This stops the sofa from dominating the room but also introduces colour and interest. Tiny artwork hung on a large wall looks lost and apologetic. However this too can be rectified if it provides a subtle visual link to other items in the room through shape, colour or texture. The secret lies in being intentional about adding in an under-scale object and not randomly introducing it to a room. Similarly furniture that is too low for a high-ceilinged room can feel awkward and weightless. Getting scale and proportion right is not complicated. But it does require measuring, and resisting the temptation to buy something simply because you love it, without checking how it will actually relate to its surroundings.The golden ratio and the rule of thirds are both useful frameworks here. But honestly, the simplest test is to stand in the room, look at what you are considering, and ask: does it belong here? Does it feel right in relation to everything else? If you are still unsure or not confident then you could use chalk or painter’s tape and mark out the size of your furniture on the floor. Over-scaling is one of the tools designers use a lot and it is an extremely effective way of improving the overall ambience of a room. It also has the added bonus of requiring only one or two elements to make a big impact e.g. a double height headboard or an oversized antique mirror or pendant. 

Mastering balance, scale, and proportion is just the beginning of transforming a space into a thoughtful, harmonious home. Over the next five months, we will explore the remaining principles that bring rooms to life, giving you the tools to trust your own eye. Interior design is an ongoing conversation, and I would love to hear about your projects, whether you are refreshing a single room, planning a full home renovation, or embarking on a complete new build. If you have a tricky layout, a burning design question, or a topic you would like covered in an upcoming column, please get in touch at info@maireadcollierinteriors.com or connect with me online at www.maireadcollierinteriors.com.

Until next month, happy decorating!

by John Hosford

We have had some really hot weather, with record temperatures, and near-drought conditions have put a lot of pressure on many plants and lawns. With hose pipe bans in place, gardeners now need to consider both the storage and careful use of water.

Autumn and early winter are ideal times for planting trees, shrubs and bare-root fruit trees. Late spring and summer plantings may not have had enough time to establish before the onset of hot, dry weather. Hydrangeas, which are planted extensively throughout West Cork, have suffered particularly during the recent hot, dry spell.

Heavy mulching with bark mulch, composted stable manure or farmyard manure is well worthwhile for conserving moisture. Make sure any compost used is free of weeds. Mulching can be carried out in late winter or early spring, or immediately after planting. Roses and perennials can also be mulched in late winter or early spring with composted manure. If this is not available, Gee-up, made in Blarney, Co. Cork, is an excellent alternative.

Water can be stored from the winter rains in water butts or tanks, and gardeners should enquire locally about stockists. Carbery Plastics in Clonakilty manufacture water butts and accessories. Rainwater or grey water can be used when watering new plantings.

Fruit garden: Apples should be picked as they ripen. Earlier varieties such as ‘Beauty of Bath’ and ‘Discovery’ can be picked as soon as they are ripe. Test the fruit by gently clasping it; if it is ripe, it should detach easily without much pressure. Early varieties will not store for long and should be used within seven to ten days of picking.

Autumn-fruiting raspberries should also be picked, while recently planted strawberries need to be kept well watered. Ripening fruit should be protected from birds and wasps with well-secured netting. Gardeners should also be wary of wasps when collecting windfall fruit.

Prune off mildew-infected shoots on apples and pears. Finish pruning summer-fruiting raspberries by cutting out the fruited canes and tying in the new canes securely.

Container-grown peaches and nectarines can be planted in a sheltered spot. Prepare the soil by digging it over and incorporating plenty of well-composted farmyard manure or garden compost. Dig a hole large and deep enough to plant the tree at the same depth as it was in the container, making sure the point where it is grafted remains above ground level.

Greenhouse and under cover:
September is a good time to attend to greenhouse repairs and replace any broken panes of glass. Remove shading before October arrives and reduce watering during the month. Watering early in the day will help reduce fungal infection.

Ventilators should now be closed at night but opened during warm and mild days. Good air circulation will help reduce the risk of disease. Tender plants should be brought indoors in late September or early October, including pelargoniums, tender fuchsias, cannas and lantanas.

Continue picking tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, peppers and aubergines as they ripen. Keep the greenhouse well ventilated on warm days and continue feeding with a liquid seaweed-based fertiliser. Avoid creating damp conditions in the evening.

Lawns: September is a good time to sow grass seed or lay turf, with sowing completed by the end of the month while there is still warmth in the soil. Established lawns can be fed with an autumn lawn feed now.

Thatch, the layer of dead grass and other debris that builds up on a lawn, should be removed. Thatch can cause problems with surface drainage and encourage moss and other weeds to colonise the lawn. On a small lawn, it can be pulled out with a spring-tined rake. For a larger lawn, it is worth considering hiring a powered scarifier from a local tool hire company. The lawn will look a mess immediately after scarifying, but it will do it the world of good and it will soon recover.

After removing the thatch, the next job is aeration. This can be done by pushing a fork 15cm into the ground at 15-18cm intervals. A machine can be hired for larger lawns. Worn patches should be reseeded and broad-leaved weeds dealt with.

Bulbs: Spring-flowering bulbs will now be available in garden centres and shops. Bulbs can also be planted or potted up now for Christmas flowering. Hyacinths, early narcissi such as Paperwhite and Grand Soleil d’Or, and freesias are suitable choices.

Dwarf bulbs are ideal for providing early colour in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, or outdoors. Dwarf iris, crocus, scilla, dwarf tulips, dwarf narcissi, tulips and Anemone blanda can all be grown in pots, provided there is good drainage.

Outdoor bulbs for spring flowering can now be planted, although tulips are usually planted in November. Tall varieties of tulips and narcissi can be underplanted with pansies, violas, polyanthus, dwarf wallflowers or forget-me-nots. Combinations could include tall red tulips with blue forget-me-nots, tall yellow trumpet daffodils with blue pansies, or Narcissi Tete a Tete with blue crocus and blue or purple aubretia trailing at the edges or front of a container.

When buying bulbs, check that they are firm, sound and free of mould or fungal infection. Check the heights and colours on the packet and choose lower varieties if you are gardening in an exposed place. It is also worth choosing a selection of varieties that will provide a succession of colour from December to May. Snowdrops will be among the first to flower, with some early varieties flowering even before Christmas. These can be followed by early narcissi such as January Gold, dwarf iris, dwarf tulips, hyacinths, late narcissi and tulips, followed by Dutch iris.

Vegetable garden: In the vegetable garden, harvest potatoes and control slugs on potatoes remaining in the ground. Runner beans, French beans and peas should be picked, while brassicas need protection from caterpillars. These should be dealt with immediately as they can cause considerable damage in a very short period.

Pumpkins, squashes and vegetable marrows should be harvested and brought indoors to a cool, dry and frost-free place. Handle the fruit carefully to avoid damage or blemishes, which will shorten its storage life. Until harvesting at the end of the month, protect the fruit by placing a slab or slate underneath each one to keep it clean.

I am seeing more and more patients who have been given a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). It is given to those presenting with neurological symptoms like gait and balance issues, new speech problems, occasional paralysis of limbs, dysautonomia (problems with sympathetic /parasympathetic tone) and other neurological symptoms, which can be debilitating, causing fatigue, anxiety and an inability to concentrate. This is particularly significant for younger sufferers, as it can make school difficult and many are unable to attend.

From a medical point of view these symptoms are considered serious but often patients given this diagnosis have normal MRI findings and a reason for developing these symptoms is unclear.

One area that I focus on is the possibility that neuroinflammation is causing these symptoms, as neuroinflammation is hugely problematic but does not show up on blood tests, MRI or other commercially available scans.

What is neuroinflammation? When people think about the brain and what makes it work, the first thought is usually about neurons, which send electrical signals from the brain to instruct the body to function. There are also a number of specialist immune cells in the brain, which are incredibly important to this process. I would like to focus on one type of specialist immune cell called a microglial cell. These are dendritic cells, meaning they have arms and can move around the brain and their job is to clear debris from neurons and support how they function.  When microglial cells become activated, either by an injury like concussion or after an infection in the upper respiratory tract of the inner ear, they switch from their normal role, and some become inflammatory and others anti-inflammatory.  After this transformation they are unable to switch back to their normal resting state. When these cells become inflammatory they have a negative effect on how neurons work.

The mechanisms of neuroinflammation are influenced by diet, nutrition, lifestyle and combined with specific neurological exercises an important part of recovering from FND.

There are two reasons why diet might be important. The first is to do with energy and the other the triggering of the immune system. The brain needs a steady supply of glucose and an abundance of oxygen – without these it struggles to function well, even when we are in good health. So a steady glucose supply and abundance of oxygen becomes very, very important for those with FND. Neurons require a large amount of energy to function and it gets this from stable blood glucose – what this means in practice is that skipping meals and eating a diet that is high in processed foods and sugars makes blood sugar unstable, making it very hard to recover.

The second reason is to do with immune responses. The immune system throughout the body uses signalling molecules. When you get an infection, these signalling molecules will start to circulate in your system and prime or up-regulate certain responses and, if the microglial cells in your brain are in a primed state, this can switch them into an inflammatory mode and make the symptoms of FND worse. Infections are not the only trigger for the immune system – certain chemicals, airborne toxins and even certain foods can trigger responses in the immune system.

Specific exercises may also help. The human body is an amazing self healing organism.  I am sure many of you have had a broken bone or had stitches after an operation or injury.  If you have broken a bone, part of your recovery will include exercises to get the joint moving properly to help return to full range of motion and function. The same is true of the brain. It is possible to use functional neurology testing to get an idea of which parts of the brain are affected and rehab with focused exercises that support these areas, improving blood flow and strengthening neurons. It is important when working with someone who has FND to get this right, as if you over-stimulate a particular area you can make symptoms worse, so a very measured approach, increasing exercises over time, has the best result.

Eoin Roe is a chiropractor and functional neurology specialist working is Skibbereen. Get in touch through the website www.roehealth.ie or call and leave a message on 028 62081.

by Niamh Cooper, Melissa Byrne & Gillian Hegarty

West Cork’s hedgerows are full of blackberries at the moment, ripening away in that seemingly endless sunshine we’ve just had. If you haven’t been out yet to pick them, grab your nearest bowl or bucket and head down the quiet country lanes. You should still find loads!

Blackberry-picking has been a rite of late summer for generations, and it inspired one of Ireland’s most famous poems, Seamus Heaney’s ‘Blackberry-Picking’. The poem captures that particular thrill of filling a container with fruit, and the small disappointment days later when the haul doesn’t keep as well as you’d hoped. It’s well worth reading if you haven’t come across it, especially when you’re out blackberry-picking yourself.

Turning your pickings into jam or compôte is how people have solved the problem Heaney wrote about – and that way, you’ll be able to eat blackberries well into the winter months. A great way to prepare for this is to pick small container-fulls at a time, and freeze the berries that day. Before you know it, you’ll have enough for a batch of jam or compôte.

You can make either compôte or jam with your haul of blackberries. But what is the difference?

Compote is chunkier, less sweet, and is cooked for less time, so the fruit holds more of its shape and flavour. 

Jam is cooked longer with a lot more sugar, often close to equal weight to fruit, until it sets and is firm enough to spread on toast. It keeps for months. 

Blackberry and apple compôte 

You will need an adult to help with the hot pan, the oven, and pouring the finished compôte into jars.

Ingredients

• 900g blackberries

• 450g cooking apples (Bramley apples work well)

• 450g granulated sugar

Method

Put a small plate in the fridge to chill. Sterilise your jam jars in the oven at 100ºC/gas mark 1/4.

Peel, core and slice the apples.

Stew the apples in a saucepan with two tablespoons of water until soft.

In a separate saucepan, cook the blackberries with 50ml of water until soft. Skip the water if using frozen berries.

Crush the blackberries with a potato masher if you’d like a smoother compôte. Add the sugar and cooked apple, and stir until the sugar has fully dissolved.

Bring the compôte to the boil and let it bubble for about 15 minutes.

Now it’s time to test it: spoon a little compôte onto your chilled plate and pop it back in the fridge for a minute. Push the compôte gently with your finger. If the surface wrinkles, your compôte is ready.

Stir in a small knob of butter to help clear any scum from the fruit.

Carefully ladle your compôte into the sterilised jars and seal with lids that have been boiled and dried.

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