Around the Districts: Ballyhea, Freemount and Meelin
Mass Times – Thursday, August 7, 10 a.m.; Friday, August 8, 10 a.m.; Saturday the ninth 10 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.; Sunday, August 10, 8.30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on Thursday after 10 a.m. Mass.
Holy Communion – Only those receiving Holy Communion should approach the Altar and only on a seat-by-seat basis.
Anniversary Masses – Booked Anniversary Masses are accepted on the understanding that Funeral Masses and month's mind Masses take precedence.
Feastdays for the coming week – Thursday August 7, Ss. Sixtus and Companions; Friday August 8, St Dominic; Saturday August 9, St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edit Stein);Sunday August 10, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Collectors for August – 7.30 p.m. Vigil Mass: Tom Moloney. 11 a.m. Mass: Dave Ryan.
Readers – Saturday, August 9: Ger. O'Shea. Sunday, August 10: Mary Byrne. Tuesday, August 14: Elizabeth Ryan. Wednesday, August 15: Sarah Barrett.
Church Altar Flower Arrangers – Saturday, August 2, and Saturday, August 9: Gretta Donegan Kenny. Saturday, August 16, and Saturday, August 23: Bernie Leahy.
Irish Catholic Newspaper/Sacred Heart Messenger – The Irish Catholic newspaper and the Sacred Heart Messenger are available in the Porch for purchase. Irish Catholic €3, Sacred Heart Messenger €2.
GAA club news
Lotto – The numbers drawn on July 26 were 12, 35, 36. There was no winner of the jackpot of €1,600. Lucky dips winners were: €30 Denis Mortell c/o John Mortell, €30 John MacNamara c/o Denis MacNamara, €30 Tim Fennessy c/o Saturday Morning lotto.
Get your tickets before 5 p.m. on Saturday from Costcutters Ballyhea, Corbett Court, The Idle Hour or from any of the ticket sellers or they can be purchased online at play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=199#Anchor Thank you for your continued support.
The first three numbers of the National Lottery Main Draw will be the jackpot numbers. If a number higher than 42 is drawn in the first three, the draw will continue with the next number drawn under 42.
The club appreciates the support of lottery players and supporters during these difficult times and are very grateful for your continued support. Keep safe and the best of luck in draw.
Groundskeeper Position – A part-time position is available as Groundskeeper for 19.5 hours per week at Ballyhea GAA Must qualify for Community Employment. Please contact Kathleen at 086 836 97 64 for further details.
Ballyhea in Black and White – 'Ballyhea in Black and White' is a collection of memories from local photographer Michael McGrath and photos that have been collected. It features some great GAA and camogie memories from down through the years. Books can be purchased at Costcutters shop in Ballyhea for €20.
Online Shop – The club's online shop is proving to be very popular. All the latest club gear can be purchased from the O'Neill's website. Check it out at oneills.com/shop-by-team/GAA/ireland/ballyhea-GAA.html
Instagram – The club can now be followed on Instagram. To see the latest club pictures go to ballyheagaaclub.
Ballyhea Community Alert
Ballyhea Community Alert has successfully set up a Text Alert Network to immediately alert our community when an incident occurs. Prompt information to and from Gardaí deters criminal activity.
If you are interested in becoming a member of our Text Alert Network please phone any of the following people for information and sign up details – Phil Ryan 087 2937465, Pat Daly 086 1220114, James Horgan 087 2572271, Willie Meaney 087 1936842, Con Walsh 086 8570355. The fee for this service is €10. annually.
Freemount
Weekly 45 Drive
The weekly 45 Drive was well attended on Sunday night last. The following is a list of the lucky winners.
Top prize went to Richard O'Donoghue and Mike Ryan, Newcastle West. Ladies Prize was won by: 1 Eileen Scott and Delia Conroy, Churchtown; 2 Ellen Reilly, Newmarket and Julia Biggane, Meelin. The best Gents Team was Ben O'Sullivan and Michael O'Callaghan, Freemount. The winning mixed team was Mary Noonan, Freemount and Paddy O'Leary, Glash. Spot prizes were won by: 1 Nora Mai Deane, Glash and Con Foley, Freemount; 2 Ben and Hannah Cronin, Tullylease.
The following won raffle prizes: 1 Ben O'Sullivan, Freemount; 2 Jack O'Keeffe, Glash; 3 Esther Hayes, Kilbrin; 4 Eileen O'Sullivan, Kanturk; 5 Con Foley, Freemount; 6 Bridie Farrissey, Freemount; 7 Theresa O'Regan, Kilmeedy; 8 Jack O'Keeffe, Glash.
The 45 Drive continues every Sunday night at 8pm sharp. See you all then.
Social Dancing
Afternoon dancing continues every Sunday in Freemount Community Centre from 3pm to 5.30pm. All top bands are booked for the year ahead, so set your satnav (P56 P893) and head for Freemount and enjoy a great afternoon's dancing this Sunday August 10th with music supplied by Dermot Lyons. Coming on Sunday August 17th is Michael Sexton.
Comhaltas
This year our weekly Seisiún commenced on Wednesday July 23rd in The Heritage Centre, and will run each week until Wednesday August 27th. We look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday night next at 8pm. We have a host of musicians, singers and entertainers lined up for the next 6 weeks, This week (August 6th) we have Billy O'Brien and John Murphy and our special guests will be the Castlemagner Singers. We will have all our musicians singers and bands and our juvenile group each night. Admission is €10, this includes the usual refreshments at half-time.
Fleadh Cheoil - We wish all our members who are on their way to Wexford for Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann a very successful and safe week-end.We hope to see you all back at the Seisiún next week.!!
Tidy Towns
The Tidy Towns Committee meet weekly on Wednesday evenings at 7pm at the Garden of Remembrance. All volunteers are welcome and would be greatly appreciated.
Parish Website
The parish website is up on the computer and you can get into this page by clicking freemountvillage.com and spend some time reminiscing.
Community Centre 50th Anniversary
To mark the 50th year of our Community Centre being built back in 1975 Celebrations will take place on September 12th, 13th and 14th.
On Friday 12th we will have our Official Opening Ceremony, with Mass of thanksgiving and remembrance. Footage of the building of the hall as well as some other events will be shown and there will also be a photo display. A plaque will be unveiled to acknowledge the work of all the volunteers involved and there will be entertainment provided by Comhaltas, Freemount Music and Drama Group and Macra.
On Saturday 13th there is Live music in our Community Centre with a full bar provided by the Haggart Bar Freemount. Music by Éabha O Carroll & Kelly Feehan 9pm followed by the main event The Gallivanters at 10pm. This is a ticketed event and tickets will be available from local shops and committee members. This event is strictly over 18's–tickets €15
On Sunday 14th we have a Family fun day & Fancy Dress Parade. The family fun day will begin at 12pm–4pm. Entertainment, various games, coffee, food & ice cream truck.. The Fancy Dress Parade will start at 6pm from the creamery and afterwords we will have a presentation of prizes.. If you are taking part in the parade please contact Cassie O Connor on 0876775533 by September 1st.
Community Food Services
Duhallow Community Food Services provide a home delivery meal service for the elderly or housebound. Meals can be booked on a long or short term basis. Dinner and desert €9.50 per day delivered to your door, Monday to Friday. Menu changes daily and special diets are catered for. Chilled meals are also available for you to heat up at home when required. For further details contact Orlaith/Olive at 029-76375.
St Michael's Church
Weekend Mass in Freemount will be at 6pm every Saturday evening. Mass on Thursday August 14th (Vigil Mass) at 7.30pm.
You can now tune into all Masses in St Michael's Church by tuning into Freemount Church on your phone, computer or tablet, as new equipment has been installed. This is great news for all those unable to attend Mass in Church.
Mass on TV - Did you know that R.T.E. broadcast Holy Mass every morning on the News Channel (21) at 10.30 am, Monday to Friday.
G.A.A. club news
Lotto - Results for weekend August 3rd. Numbers drawn were 1-13-20-26. There was no Jackpot winner. Lucky Dip winners were: 1. Bernadette Keane, Freemount. 2. Ben Carroll, Kilberrihert, Freemount. 3. Tim O'Callaghan, Knockough, Freemount. 4. Jim O'Regan, Glounicommane, Freemount. 5. Richard O'Sullivan, Knockanglasse, Freemount. Jackpot this weekend is €2,150. If you are not in you can't win!
Club app - Freemount GAA are delighted to announce the launch of our new app. This app is a one-stop-shop for all things Freemount GAA. Stay up to date with all local news, fixtures and results. Our GAA Lotto is now also available online through the app. To download the app, simply search 'Freemount GAA' in the app store or play store. Your support of the app would be greatly appreciated.
Notes
Items for these notes should be with the correspondent each Monday night before 8pm. Email osullivanpj38@gmail.com
Meelin
Declan Nerney & Band will play in Quinlan's Beer Garden on Sunday 31st August. Eabha & Kelly 4pm-6pm, Declan Nerney 6pm-8pm. Tickets €20. Tel 087 7670755.
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Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Ballyhea, Freemount and Meelin
Church Notes Mass Times – Thursday, August 7, 10 a.m.; Friday, August 8, 10 a.m.; Saturday the ninth 10 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.; Sunday, August 10, 8.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on Thursday after 10 a.m. Mass. Holy Communion – Only those receiving Holy Communion should approach the Altar and only on a seat-by-seat basis. Anniversary Masses – Booked Anniversary Masses are accepted on the understanding that Funeral Masses and month's mind Masses take precedence. Feastdays for the coming week – Thursday August 7, Ss. Sixtus and Companions; Friday August 8, St Dominic; Saturday August 9, St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edit Stein);Sunday August 10, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Collectors for August – 7.30 p.m. Vigil Mass: Tom Moloney. 11 a.m. Mass: Dave Ryan. Readers – Saturday, August 9: Ger. O'Shea. Sunday, August 10: Mary Byrne. Tuesday, August 14: Elizabeth Ryan. Wednesday, August 15: Sarah Barrett. Church Altar Flower Arrangers – Saturday, August 2, and Saturday, August 9: Gretta Donegan Kenny. Saturday, August 16, and Saturday, August 23: Bernie Leahy. Irish Catholic Newspaper/Sacred Heart Messenger – The Irish Catholic newspaper and the Sacred Heart Messenger are available in the Porch for purchase. Irish Catholic €3, Sacred Heart Messenger €2. GAA club news Lotto – The numbers drawn on July 26 were 12, 35, 36. There was no winner of the jackpot of €1,600. Lucky dips winners were: €30 Denis Mortell c/o John Mortell, €30 John MacNamara c/o Denis MacNamara, €30 Tim Fennessy c/o Saturday Morning lotto. Get your tickets before 5 p.m. on Saturday from Costcutters Ballyhea, Corbett Court, The Idle Hour or from any of the ticket sellers or they can be purchased online at Thank you for your continued support. The first three numbers of the National Lottery Main Draw will be the jackpot numbers. If a number higher than 42 is drawn in the first three, the draw will continue with the next number drawn under 42. The club appreciates the support of lottery players and supporters during these difficult times and are very grateful for your continued support. Keep safe and the best of luck in draw. Groundskeeper Position – A part-time position is available as Groundskeeper for 19.5 hours per week at Ballyhea GAA Must qualify for Community Employment. Please contact Kathleen at 086 836 97 64 for further details. Ballyhea in Black and White – 'Ballyhea in Black and White' is a collection of memories from local photographer Michael McGrath and photos that have been collected. It features some great GAA and camogie memories from down through the years. Books can be purchased at Costcutters shop in Ballyhea for €20. Online Shop – The club's online shop is proving to be very popular. All the latest club gear can be purchased from the O'Neill's website. Check it out at Instagram – The club can now be followed on Instagram. To see the latest club pictures go to ballyheagaaclub. Ballyhea Community Alert Ballyhea Community Alert has successfully set up a Text Alert Network to immediately alert our community when an incident occurs. Prompt information to and from Gardaí deters criminal activity. If you are interested in becoming a member of our Text Alert Network please phone any of the following people for information and sign up details – Phil Ryan 087 2937465, Pat Daly 086 1220114, James Horgan 087 2572271, Willie Meaney 087 1936842, Con Walsh 086 8570355. The fee for this service is €10. annually. Freemount Weekly 45 Drive The weekly 45 Drive was well attended on Sunday night last. The following is a list of the lucky winners. Top prize went to Richard O'Donoghue and Mike Ryan, Newcastle West. Ladies Prize was won by: 1 Eileen Scott and Delia Conroy, Churchtown; 2 Ellen Reilly, Newmarket and Julia Biggane, Meelin. The best Gents Team was Ben O'Sullivan and Michael O'Callaghan, Freemount. The winning mixed team was Mary Noonan, Freemount and Paddy O'Leary, Glash. Spot prizes were won by: 1 Nora Mai Deane, Glash and Con Foley, Freemount; 2 Ben and Hannah Cronin, Tullylease. The following won raffle prizes: 1 Ben O'Sullivan, Freemount; 2 Jack O'Keeffe, Glash; 3 Esther Hayes, Kilbrin; 4 Eileen O'Sullivan, Kanturk; 5 Con Foley, Freemount; 6 Bridie Farrissey, Freemount; 7 Theresa O'Regan, Kilmeedy; 8 Jack O'Keeffe, Glash. The 45 Drive continues every Sunday night at 8pm sharp. See you all then. Social Dancing Afternoon dancing continues every Sunday in Freemount Community Centre from 3pm to 5.30pm. All top bands are booked for the year ahead, so set your satnav (P56 P893) and head for Freemount and enjoy a great afternoon's dancing this Sunday August 10th with music supplied by Dermot Lyons. Coming on Sunday August 17th is Michael Sexton. Comhaltas This year our weekly Seisiún commenced on Wednesday July 23rd in The Heritage Centre, and will run each week until Wednesday August 27th. We look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday night next at 8pm. We have a host of musicians, singers and entertainers lined up for the next 6 weeks, This week (August 6th) we have Billy O'Brien and John Murphy and our special guests will be the Castlemagner Singers. We will have all our musicians singers and bands and our juvenile group each night. Admission is €10, this includes the usual refreshments at half-time. Fleadh Cheoil - We wish all our members who are on their way to Wexford for Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann a very successful and safe hope to see you all back at the Seisiún next week.!! Tidy Towns The Tidy Towns Committee meet weekly on Wednesday evenings at 7pm at the Garden of Remembrance. All volunteers are welcome and would be greatly appreciated. Parish Website The parish website is up on the computer and you can get into this page by clicking and spend some time reminiscing. Community Centre 50th Anniversary To mark the 50th year of our Community Centre being built back in 1975 Celebrations will take place on September 12th, 13th and 14th. On Friday 12th we will have our Official Opening Ceremony, with Mass of thanksgiving and remembrance. Footage of the building of the hall as well as some other events will be shown and there will also be a photo display. A plaque will be unveiled to acknowledge the work of all the volunteers involved and there will be entertainment provided by Comhaltas, Freemount Music and Drama Group and Macra. On Saturday 13th there is Live music in our Community Centre with a full bar provided by the Haggart Bar Freemount. Music by Éabha O Carroll & Kelly Feehan 9pm followed by the main event The Gallivanters at 10pm. This is a ticketed event and tickets will be available from local shops and committee members. This event is strictly over 18's–tickets €15 On Sunday 14th we have a Family fun day & Fancy Dress Parade. The family fun day will begin at 12pm–4pm. Entertainment, various games, coffee, food & ice cream truck.. The Fancy Dress Parade will start at 6pm from the creamery and afterwords we will have a presentation of prizes.. If you are taking part in the parade please contact Cassie O Connor on 0876775533 by September 1st. Community Food Services Duhallow Community Food Services provide a home delivery meal service for the elderly or housebound. Meals can be booked on a long or short term basis. Dinner and desert €9.50 per day delivered to your door, Monday to Friday. Menu changes daily and special diets are catered for. Chilled meals are also available for you to heat up at home when required. For further details contact Orlaith/Olive at 029-76375. St Michael's Church Weekend Mass in Freemount will be at 6pm every Saturday evening. Mass on Thursday August 14th (Vigil Mass) at 7.30pm. You can now tune into all Masses in St Michael's Church by tuning into Freemount Church on your phone, computer or tablet, as new equipment has been installed. This is great news for all those unable to attend Mass in Church. Mass on TV - Did you know that R.T.E. broadcast Holy Mass every morning on the News Channel (21) at 10.30 am, Monday to Friday. G.A.A. club news Lotto - Results for weekend August 3rd. Numbers drawn were 1-13-20-26. There was no Jackpot winner. Lucky Dip winners were: 1. Bernadette Keane, Freemount. 2. Ben Carroll, Kilberrihert, Freemount. 3. Tim O'Callaghan, Knockough, Freemount. 4. Jim O'Regan, Glounicommane, Freemount. 5. Richard O'Sullivan, Knockanglasse, Freemount. Jackpot this weekend is €2,150. If you are not in you can't win! Club app - Freemount GAA are delighted to announce the launch of our new app. This app is a one-stop-shop for all things Freemount GAA. Stay up to date with all local news, fixtures and results. Our GAA Lotto is now also available online through the app. To download the app, simply search 'Freemount GAA' in the app store or play store. Your support of the app would be greatly appreciated. Notes Items for these notes should be with the correspondent each Monday night before 8pm. Email osullivanpj38@ Meelin Declan Nerney & Band will play in Quinlan's Beer Garden on Sunday 31st August. Eabha & Kelly 4pm-6pm, Declan Nerney 6pm-8pm. Tickets €20. Tel 087 7670755.
The Irish Sun
05-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Zoo asks for unwanted pets to be used as meat to feed captive predators so ‘nothing goes to waste'
The controversy follows similar a incident in Germany where 12 healthy baboons were killed ZOO WHAT? Zoo asks for unwanted pets to be used as meat to feed captive predators so 'nothing goes to waste' A ZOO has ruffled more than a few feathers after asking the public to hand over their unwanted pets to feed its captive predators. Aalborg Zoo, in Denmark, asked for healthy small animals such as rabbits, chickens and guinea pigs to be used as meat for feeding time. 4 Aalborg Zoo has asked the public to hand over their unwanted pets to be used as meat for its predators Credit: Alamy 4 Keepers said the healthy animals such as rabbits, chickens and guinea pigs will be used to feed its carnivore beasts Credit: Getty 4 The Danish zoo said the move was as a way to ensure 'nothing goes to waste' Credit: Alamy Keepers said each donor could donate up to four animals which could then be euthanised before being fed to the carnivore creatures. In a social media appeal, the northern Jutland zoo said: "Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs form an important part of the diet of our predators. "Especially the European lynx, which needs whole prey that resembles what it would naturally hunt in the wild." The zoo also announced it is open to taking horses, provided the proper paperwork is in order – with Danish law even allowing for tax deductions under certain circumstances for horse donations. Read more on zoos LEOPARD ATTACK Zoo worker critical after being mauled in neck by a leopard in horror attack The move was defended by the zoo as a way to ensure "nothing goes to waste". But the internet wasn't having it. One user fumed on Instagram: "Shame on you." Another said: "Asking people to send healthy animals that they don't want any more to you, so they can be slaughtered and fed to the zoo animals is one of the weirdest things I ever read." Punctuating their comment with a green vomit emoji, a third wrote: "Go vegan and stop supporting zoos." The controversy comes hot on the heels of a gruesome incident in Germany, where Nuremberg Zoo killed 12 healthy baboons due to overcrowding. Keepers then fed their carcasses to lions, tigers, and wolves. Another Chinese zoo scandal as hugely obese PANTHER leaves fans shocked The baboons reportedly had their hands and feet removed before being served up in front of horrified visitors. German zoo officials defended the culling as a last resort, but the backlash was swift. This isn't Denmark's first incident with zoo-related fury. In 2014, Copenhagen Zoo sparked massive outrage after it killed a healthy young giraffe named Marius over genetic concerns. His body was publicly dissected as part of an "educational demonstration". Meanwhile, in China, distressing footage of a shockingly obese panther sparked fury among animal lovers. The video captured the moment a large black panther waddled around its enclosure, struggling to walk as its huge belly visibly hung out. The big cat seemingly tried to hide behind a tree, but its bloated stomach made the usually svelte and streamlined animal easy to spot. The shocking footage was filmed at the Chengdu Zoo in Chengdu, Sichuan Province in China and images were shared online on March 9. The next day, the zoo told local media that the black panther was very old and a female aged 16-years-old. The zoo also said the panther's body functions and metabolism were not in a good condition. However, the panther's condition sparked backlash with comments saying many of the zoo's animals are too fat due to being overfed.
Irish Examiner
01-08-2025
- Irish Examiner
Jennifer Sheahan: Build, repair and maintain your dream home
There are many great reasons to learn how to build, design, or maintain your home. Not least of which is the abysmal state of the Irish housing market and the associated difficulty finding reliable tradespeople, but necessity aside, there is a huge sense of satisfaction and accomplishment with building, designing, or repairing something all by yourself. It's good for our brains to learn how to do something new, and with a long, lovely bank holiday stretching out ahead of us and a new school year quickly approaching, now is a good time to think about doing just that. There are plenty of excellent courses across the country that will take you all the way from building your own home from scratch, through designing your dream home, and finally to maintaining that home with DIY skills. I am highlighting three that I have heard first-hand rave reviews about from trusted friends who have taken these courses, and which I therefore feel confident recommending to you. Build it yourself I've written about Common Knowledge in County Clare in the past, and I'm sure I'll write about it again — it's a fantastic organisation and anyone I know who has done a course there has had nothing but excellent things to say. Common Knowledge is a non-profit group based near Ennistymon that runs a huge range of courses from furniture making to lime plastering, with a massive variety in between. Build School offers a five-day hands-on course in Co Clare. Here, I want to talk about their Build School — a five-day hands-on course aimed at providing a deep understanding of foundations, timber framing, insulation, roofing, finishes, plumbing, and electrics. A dear cousin of mine, who literally could not put up a shelf until recently, is now tackling much of the renovation work in his own home in Sligo, including plastering the walls himself — he said the course was hugely empowering. Anyone dreaming of a self-build, extension, or serious renovation and wanting real-world skills and confidence, this is for you. The right course choice can give you confidence in everything from putting up your own shelves to roofing and plastering. File picture Build School costs €850, including food, with affordable options available for those who need it — find out more at under the Courses & Events section. There is also an option to stay onsite during the course in camping facilities or shared accommodation, with prices ranging from €20-€35 per night. Design it yourself If you've ever browsed Instagram for interior design inspiration, you will very likely have been stopped in your tracks by the sophisticated luxury of Geri O'Toole (@geri_designs). Geri is an award-winning interior designer based in Limerick with over 15 years of experience, and her stunning work has appeared in countless top-tier interior design magazines. Her services are in high demand, but luckily for you, Geri launched her online Interior Design Academy last year. Interior designer Geri O'Toole created the Interior Design Academy course. The Interior Design Academy is packed with practical and inspiring content, taking you through everything you will need to know to design your own dream home. Geri takes students through design principles, colours, layouts, lighting, materials, and more through a series of video lectures, plus you will be able to discuss your learnings and questions with your fellow students and with Geri during the course. The course is online and can be followed at your own pace. The total cost is €680, and there is currently a waiting list, which you can join at (yes, co — not dot com!). Friends of mine who loved this course found it surprisingly practical — one said: 'Geri has a way of explaining things very clearly, and I finished feeling so much more confident.' Once purchased, you will maintain access to all the course materials so you can go back and reference topics as needed. If you've ever struggled to bring your vision to life, or you want to elevate your style, this is the course for you. Maintain it yourself Frankly, I think this course should be mandatory for everyone. Why we don't learn DIY in school is beyond me, but until we get it on the curriculum, the DIY Evening Course at Cabinteely Adult Education in Dublin will plug the gap. I'm lucky I had a dad who was a DIY fanatic and loved passing on his knowledge, plus I have an over-inflated sense of confidence in my ability to try new things, so I'm fairly competent with home maintenance. Still, this course is essential, especially if you're a beginner. There are plenty of courses that will take you all the way from building your own home from scratch, through designing your dream home, and finally to maintaining that home with DIY skills. File picture The sense of empowerment that comes with being able to fix leaks, install shelves, do woodwork, tile a bathroom, and repair basic electrics is intoxicating — and that's exactly what this course will teach you. If you don't want to have to rely on calling a tradesperson for minor repairs — if you can get a hold of one that is — or if you want the confidence to tackle jobs around the house yourself, then this is for you. The course runs for eight weeks in-person on Tuesday or Wednesday nights from 7.30pm–9.45pm and costs €120. You can sign up or find out more at look for DIY under night classes. Building, maintenance, DIY and interior design courses are empowering. File picture Friends who have done this course rave about the teacher, Andrew, and say that not only did they learn valuable DIY skills, but that the course was full of brilliant tips for saving money around the house with clever repairs and maintenance. I will recommend accompanying reading here too — Gaff Goddess by the fabulous Laura de Barra is my personal favourite DIY handbook and every house should have a copy.
