YESTERDAY I read a tweet from a man who I hugely admire as he has spoken candidly about his battle with depression and written some heartbreaking pieces about his own mental health and suicidal thoughts.

Conor tweeted a frightening statistic, that in a 16 day period in Cork, 16 people died by suicide.

This is an alarming figure and it is something that cannot be ignored.  I just can’t get my head around the fact that there are 16 families who are left with a hole in their lives that will never be healed.

Continued below…

There are 16 places at a table that will never be replaced. There are 16 graves where bodies are cold. There are 16 souls who lost all hope.

There are 16 communities who are grieving. These were 16 loved ones who felt that the only option that they had was to leave this earth.

Christ almighty when is going to stop?  When are our government ministers going to acknowledge that there is a crisis?

I am not taking from any other area but if, in a 16-day period there were 16 road deaths, there would be a national emergency declared. Why is it so bloody difficult to put a plan in place that will help those who are struggling right now?

Continued below…

Comprehension is beyond me at this very moment. All I can think about is the poor families. I have lost friends to suicide and it is one of the worst feelings that anyone can encounter.

There are so many questions left unanswered, so many whys, so many what if’s, so many if onlys.

Charitable organisations like Pieta House do stellar work and deserve to be supported. Recently I heard founder Joan Freeman speak at a fundraiser held here in Tralee and the figures she gave are alarming.

There are literally hundreds of people taking their own lives and our elected representatives are ignoring it.

Education is key, teaching our younger generation the coping skills that they may need in dark days. But what about now?

I don’t have the answers but what I do know that cutting the budgets assigned to mental health cannot be a good thing.

Comedian Al Porter gave a very open and honest on The Cutting Edge last week and received a lot of media attention (and rightly so) for helping to break the stigma.

It shouldn’t take a chat show to get people talking, it should be a topic that is raised every week in The Dáil and there should be a contingency plan put in place immediately.

It is too late for so many Irish people who have taken their own lives but it is not too late for the thousands who right now are battling with The Black Dog.

Get the finger out Simon Harris and take ownership of the deplorable state of our mental health service. Break the cycle!

Until next time,

Be kind to each other!

Orlagh xx

“ORLAGH Winters, get outside my door and don’t come back until you change your attitude!”

Over 25 years ago and I still remember the day that I was asked to leave religion class, because I dared to disagree with the nun who was giving a very one sided debate about abortion.

I argued that no two cases are the same and that at the end of the day the girl should have the choice on whether or not she wished to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.

Years later and my views have not changed and unfortunately neither has the law changed greatly. The law now states that abortion is legal only when a pregnant woman’s life is at risk. This includes the risk of suicide.

Continued below…

Abortion is not legal in cases of rape, incest or foetal anomaly. Women can however travel to another country and access termination; in fact an estimated 5,000 women make that journey every year.

On the 28th October, Savita Halappanavar, a 31 year old lady died due to a septic miscarriage while she was seventeen weeks pregnant at University Hospital Galway. She was told she would miscarry and requested a termination on a number of occasions.

This request was refused because there was a foetal heartbeat. Has Savita’s death been in vain? Are our government afraid to repeal the Eight Amendment to the constitution? If so, why?

The Eighth Amendment equates the right to the life of a pregnant woman with that of an embryo or foetus. In doing so it criminalises abortion in all cases except where to continue a pregnancy would result in death.

During her interview on stage during the Rose of Tralee festival, the Sydney Rose dared to raise her head above the parapet and voice an opinion about our archaic laws.

Continued below…

Kudos to her is what I say; she used the platform about women’s issues to a huge audience. We need to discuss it openly, we need to have a debate and at the end of the day, we need to stop exporting our problem. Women do not make the decision to terminate a pregnancy on a whim.

Last week there was a story on twitter “Two Women Travel” who live tweeted their journey to the UK to have an abortion.  They shared their story and it was compelling.

When are we going to stop exiling our problem and show compassion for those who for various reasons have chosen to terminate their pregnancies?

I know my views are not shared by everyone and I risk getting abuse for my opinion but you know what, I don’t care. What I do care about are the 5000 women who are shamed into secrecy and guilt.

We can continue to pretend that this doesn’t happen but the day is reckoning when Irish women will have a say and will have a choice and I for one hope that it won’t be another 25 years from now. #repealthe8th

NOT all superheroes wear capes or indeed have the wealth of Hollywood stars or the big houses of the mega rich musical artists. Some are just ordinary folk who are leading extraordinary lives.

I write this having just watched the interview on the RTE Player of the Miriam O’Callaghan show on Saturday night. The final guest of the evening was a lady called Anne Herlihy from Charleville in Co Cork who is terminally ill with stage four ovarian cancer.

She fulfilled her wish of singing a song with huge meaning to her, a beautiful duet with singer Tommy Fleming.

Continued below…

I cried when I watched it, it was such a beautiful rendition of the classic Joni Mitchell song “Both Sides Now” Anne is ticking off all the wishes on her bucket list and is an inspirational lady.

Last Thursday night in my hometown of Loughrea, Co Galway the community rallied for another beautiful lady, Aine Morgan who is also battling cancer (stage 4 Cervical).

Aine is an immensely popular lady and a hugely talented singer and musician. Her illness, although incredibly serious does not define her.

Continued below…

Having already battled two brain aneurysms just a few years ago, you would have hoped that she would have had a clean bill of health for the rest of her life.

Unfortunately for this kind hearted Galway Girl, only four years later she was given the devastating news that she has stage four cervical cancer that has spread to her lymph nodes.

Her cancer is incurable. Did she take this news lying down? Not at all, this fighter is full of hope and is determined to keep fighting.

She has a wish to attend a clinic overseas, which offers alternative treatments, or to join a clinical trial. These are costly and there is a drive to raise funds of €25,000 to help Aine fulfill this wish.

The absolute determination that Aine is showing is remarkable and she deserves a fighting chance, Lord knows she has been through more than enough in her lifetime.

By today’s standards €25,000 is not a lot of money when you think of the millions that have been squandered by some charities and government bodies.

She has set up a GoFundMe page (the amount on the GoFundme page should read €25,000 and not €2,500) so if you can at all it would be lovely to see her receive donations from any of our TraleeToday readers.

Aine is a beautiful girl with a wonderful musical talent and the voice of an angel. She took to the stage with her family members and over one hundred musicians at The Loughrea Hotel last Thursday and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

As I said at the beginning, not all superheroes wear capes but this amazing lady is one of life’s superheroes who really does deserve the chance to continue spreading the joy her music brings to so many.

Check out her page and as I said if you can spare a few euros that would be just fantastic.

Until next week,

Take care…

Orlagh xx

SO I met an acquaintance over the weekend and I asked her how did her friend’s recent wedding go?  (I know the bride and she is one of the most beautiful girls in Kerry)

“Alright, I expected more from her to be honest Orlagh.”

“In what way?” I quizzed

“Her dress, her hair, her make up, it was just normal enough like.”

“I am sure she expected more from you too than to bitch about her,” was my reply and I walked away. I did this, as I was afraid that I would get into a heated argument about friendship and loyalty. I am still cross!

Continued below…

What has happened to the ladies of today? Why do some find it so hard to give a compliment and say something nice?

I write this in light of the horrendous trolling that the winner of the best dressed at Ladies Day in Galway received online. Her physique, her make up, her tan and winning outfit were all the subjects for the keyboard warriors.

I was delighted that Lisa McGowan hit back at the trolls and warned them of the effects that online abuse can have on a person.

Remember the days when we were taught that if we didn’t have anything nice to say then you should remain silent. I get that Ladies Days outings – just like the Rose of Tralee – is not everyone’s cup of tea but live and let live.

Continued below…

There is nothing attractive about a girl who insults other girl-folk; it is bitchy, horrible and completely unnecessary.

Unfortunately, with the age of social media, there is an abundance of people who sit at their devices waiting to spin a web of hatred.

Commenting on people’s appearance has become a pastime for some. We need to put a stop to it! This can only be done by taking a stance and pointing out how wrong it is. Let us build each other up and not tear each other down.

There is enough hatred in the world so be the person who makes that difference. When you hear someone throw a few bitchy comments from so called friends, call them out on it.

Don’t accept this vitriol. Remember that it could just as easily be you that the acidic comments will be about next time.

Continued below…

There is a great quote that I really love; “Girls compete with one another. Women empower each other.”

Look around you and look at the females in your life, your mother, your grandmother, your sister, your best friend and now imagine someone posting horrible comments online about them.

It would make you mad, wouldn’t it? Now imagine how the friends and relations of those girls who have been trolled feel. It is not nice, it doesn’t do anything to empower women and it has the potential to be very harmful if the person is affected mentally.

Let’s build each other up and help each other out and quit this bitchiness that has entered society. Compliment people, magnify their strengths not their weaknesses.

Until next week.

Be Kind!!

Orlagh xx

SO for this week’s column I posed the question on both my personal page and my blog page (Winters Tales); “What advice would you give your sixteen year old self?”

Why did I ask this question? Well I wonder if – at the age of sixteen – I knew what would happen in the future, would I do things differently?  Would I have regrets? Would I have fears? Would I be happy with the decisions that I made?

I got a lot of responses from people (thanks folks) and there was an overwhelming common theme to not be so hard on ourselves and that nothing is as bad as it seems at the  time.

Continued below…

A lot of you advised to live in the moment and enjoy the present as the years pass by quickly.

Indivduality was also a big topic, always be yourself , think for yourself and not try to be a crowd pleaser. Do what makes you happy and treat people with respect while also maintaining self respect. Don’t worry what others think of you and learn to love yourself.

It was a lovely exercise and it made people think. It certainly made me think.  As someone who is a bit of a worrier at times, it was comforting to know that I am not alone, one friend gave a lovely sentiment; “You are braver and stronger than you think you are”.

Continued below…

I loved this as there has been times that I have worried that I am not brave and that I am not strong.  But you know what? I am!

No one has the perfect life, we will all encounter heartache at some stage and to use the old cliche, WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER.

I know this is true. I have faced illness, uncertainty, heartache, infertility and lots more besides but I am still here. I am still breathing. I am alive. I am strong.
Don’t let anyone rain on your parade.

There will be haters and there will be people who will inflict pain on you. Walk away, hold your head high and remember that nothing lasts forever. Always stay true to yourself, this is not a dress rehersal and the only person in the driving seat of your life is YOU.

Take the time to appreciate your parents and family. Keep your true friends close to you and do your best to not hurt anyone along the way.

So today, take a look around you, appreciate what you have, if there is something that is making you unhappy, change it, if there is something that you have been putting off, do it.

Tell your sixteen year old self to slow down and enjoy the moments. Life can change in the blink of an eye.  Look after yourself!

Until next week,

You are unique so enjoy it!
Orlagh xx

SOCIAL media was a little crazy this week when Radio Kerry announced that there were no deaths to report.

It made me laugh as one of the things I hate when I go home to Loughrea is the silence that has to be observed after the one o’clock news bulletin on Galway Bay FM to listen to the death notices.

Never mind that there may be some major news in the headlines, the mere fact that there may be a funeral to attend is far more important. I often joke that if you listen long enough, you may hear your own death announced.

Continued below…

We Irish are great funeralgoers and it is often the case that an Irish funeral is as good as a wedding, particularly if the deceased had a long life and is more a celebration of their life rather than mourning their death.

Hatched, matched and dispatched is often used to describe the births, marriages and deaths in the daily newspapers and that in itself is quite humorous.

It’s amazing how, as a nation we turn up in our droves to show solidarity to our friends and neighbours. It gives huge comfort to the bereaved as the funeral home has a line of people offering their condolences.

A few years ago in Cork, my friend’s mum passed away and before I left Cork to return to Kerry I went to the funeral home in Glanmire to pay my respects.

I signed the book of condolences on the way in and shuffled my way up to shake hands with the family. It was only when I was half way through the line of relatives that I looked at the remains in the coffin.

Continued below…

The penny dropped when I saw an elderly man lying there that I was at the wrong funeral. I continued along shaking the hands of complete strangers and eventually headed towards the exit as fast as my legs could carry me.

I asked the undertaker on the way out where the funeral of Mrs. X was and he told me that it would be immediately after the one I had just gatecrashed. Cheeks red with embarrassment I joined friends of mine who were just joining the queue.

The cheeky devil in me was going to let them make the same mistake as me but the little angel in me confessed to them what had just happened. When later on that evening, well on the way back to Kerry (after eventually attending the correct removal), my friends regaled my misfortune to the family who needless to say got a good kick out of it.

Death and funerals are by their nature a very sad affair but it is amazing how there is always a little bit of black humour. At a funeral mass I once attended, right at the silent part of mass an altar boy let the incense burner crash to the floor nearly causing a multitude of funerals with the congregation having heart attacks.

What made it funnier was the loud expletive that his fellow altar boy shouted in shock.

Until next week,

Tune in to see if your name is read out…!

Orlagh xx

AT some stage of our lives we will all meet someone who will strike a chord in some way with us, be it romantically, platonically, intellectually, or indeed spiritually and we will connect with them on some level.

Last weekend in John B Keane’s bar in Listowel I was introduced to a young man who I was immediately intrigued by. I had just had a very long day of fashion, good food, fun and frolics and was almost ready to return to my hotel and get some much-needed rest.

As I had acted as MC and a judge that day, I had met hundreds of people throughout the day. Listowel is a great town and the people I met were amongst the most welcoming and friendly I have ever met in my years of racing and acting as MC.

So here I was, ready to say my goodbyes to everyone, when suddenly I was shaking hands with Gerard Mulvhill, a 21 year old author who has just published a book entitled “Play the Cards You’re Dealt”.

The book is a compilation of personal accounts by public faces who have had to face obstacles in their lives and overcome them.

Gerard is a beguiling young man; he has the biggest smile and the most enchanting manner. I chatted to him about his book and about his own adversity.  Ger has cerebral palsy, but this does not define him.

As Billy Keane puts it in the foreword of the book; “There’s an innate decency in this young lad that shines through. The book is part motivational and part thank you. The contributors are full of thanks for what we have and above all there’s thanks for the force we have found within us to face life’s challenges”.

There are some faces in the book that you will recognize and some stories that you have heard before.

Brent Pope talks of his battle with mental health and the parents of Donal Walsh, Fionnbar and Elma speak of their dedication  in spreading Donal’s message to #LiveLife and also the wonderful Jane McKenna who set up the LauraLynn foundation having lost both her daughters at a young age.

There are some truly illuminating stories and I would encourage everyone to read the book, as it is the type of book that you will pick up time and time again and read one story from the many remarkable stories included and by reading it you will feel better and hopefully able to face whatever difficult situation you may be encountering.

The title is very clever as it is what the person in each story in the book had to do. They played the cards that they were dealt.

If you are currently going through a hard time, read this book or if you know someone who is finding things tough, buy them the book and encourage them to read it.

I will always remember my first encounter with Gerard Mulvihill and I know that our paths will cross again.

Until next week.

Play the cards…

Orlagh xx

COMMUNITY spirit is so vital in rural Ireland to ensure that we are not forgotten about by the urban folk.

Lately I have been privy to just how great community spirit works.

As you all know, I am an avid fashion follower and regularly act as MC for fashion events and as a judge at race meetings.

While it is very disappointing that there is no longer National Hunt racing in Tralee, this weekend there is racing in Listowel.

For all you ladies who love fashion, Sunday is the day that you should don the finery and get yourself to Listowel.

Continued below…

The fact that the sun will be shining (Evelyn Cusack promised us) is a good enough reason in itself to go watch the racing and the style.

I am acting as MC and also assisting the stunning Lorraine Keane in judging the best dressed of the day.

As I said, community spirit is so important in making things happen in any town and Listowel Races are truly blessed that they have a woman like Eilish Stack, who due to her love and both fashion and her Lovely Listowel, has made the dream of Ladies Day a reality.

Eilish has got the backing of local businesses and publicans in securing a €5,000 prize fund. This is one of the largest prize funds in the country and I’ve no doubt that it will attract lots of interest both locally and beyond.

Continued below…

So what will judges be looking for? As it is a summer meeting, colour is going to be important, even I will have to forget my love of black for the day.

Plunging necklines and bum-skimming skirts are not appropriate wear for racing and will never make a winning podium.

A falling over Bambi-like look is never a good one, so make sure that you wear shoes that you do not need a degree in tightrope walking to master.

Think about it as a wedding outfit without the benefit of sitting down for three hours to eat a meal and to rest your feet.

Those of you who follow my blogpage, Winters Tales will know that I featured some Kerry milliners recently; headwear for a race meeting is essential.

Nothing finishes off an outfit like a beautiful headpiece; it can transform an ensemble completely.  A plain dress can be changed to part of an award-winning look with the right accessories.

The secret is to wear a piece that is classy, age appropriate and comfortable. If you fall under the age bracket that you can wear a boho, whimsical look then there are some beautiful flower headbands at very reasonable prices.

Dress also for your size and shape, invest in good shape under garments if you need a helping hand in that department.

One of the most unattractive things that a lady can do on ladies day is to drink to excess, tumbling around or using your handbag, as a sick bag is never a good look.

Aintree racecourse is doing their best to counteract the image that they have obtained in the press for this behaviour.

Enjoy the sunshine,

Stay classy!

Orlagh xx

THERE are many wonderful things about living in Kerry and none more so than the spectacular scenery.

Last night I got what can only be described as a “catch your breath” moment when I attended the Irish premiere of a fascinating film called The Uncountable Laughter Of The Sea.

The film highlights and exposes Kerry in all her glory and has a magical story to tell. Ballyheigue native Patrick Brendan O’Neill is the master behind the film and was justifiably treated to a standing ovation last night when we all had time to compose ourselves and catch our breath.

I think everyone in attendance came away with something different from the haunting story, as it is such a spiritual journey for the audience.

Continued below…

I think that I often take what is on our doorstep for granted and sometimes it takes seeing something as wonderful as this movie to make me appreciate just how beautiful Kerry is.

I won’t give too much away but I would certainly recommend that everyone goes to see The Uncountable Laughter Of The Sea to truly experience the magical and mystical voyage. It is showing in the Cineplex from next Friday for one week.

Patrick O’Neill spoke so eloquently and with such passion last night about how difficult it was to realise his dream as there was no funding made available. This touched a chord with me as it is quite sad that too often dreams are crushed due to no finance being made available.

Continued below…

There are so many poets, writers, artists, musicians and dancers who never get to reach their full potential and produce masterpieces, as there is no funding made available to them.

Ireland has always had an abundance of talent and still has, but we as a nation are in danger of losing them to countries where they are appreciated.

Millions of euros have been squandered on pointless projects while struggling artists are constantly facing rejection. As always I advocate for supporting Irish fashion and after last night I will definitely be an advocate for Irish film.

It was so lovely to see our loyal and gifted President D Higgins in attendance at the premiere and as a poet I am sure he will promote the film.

Kerry has many amazing features but for me the most amazing is the scenery and if you feel the same as me you will certainly not want to miss this film.

Until next week,

Appreciate what you have!

Orlagh xx

ANY of you who read the Sunday Independent last week could not have been anything but touched by the poignant piece Sarah Molloy wrote about her late sister, Cathriona White who sadly had taken her own life a short few months ago.

Due to the fact that she was the ex-girlfriend of Hollywood actor Jim Carrey, her family suffered unimaginable intrusion from the press.

Journalists and photographers hounded them in their time of grief. It is a disgusting by-product of today’s society that certain papers will sell more copies if they have the all-exclusive photograph of a grieving mother walking behind the coffin of her child.

When has this become acceptable and why are we as consumers allowing it to happen? Personally, I never buy tabloids as, let’s face it, they are known to exaggerate a few facts and sensationalize a story.

Continued below…

But what about the human beings that these gutter press publications harass and persecute? We NEVER need to see a photo of a mother or father burying their child with the pain etched on their faces with grief. We NEVER need to see or read about the family taking their loved one to their final resting place.

Recently after the Buncrana tragedy where a family were almost wiped out, a reporter posed as a mourner and wrote about personal details that she had obtained from the grieving lady who had lost her husband, children, mother and sister.

When is this despicable journalism going to end?

Continued below…

We can only help to eradicate this by refusing to buy these trashy publications. Next time that you are in a shop buying your newspaper, think before you feed into this deplorable intrusion of grieving families. Don’t buy a paper that claims to have the “pics you have been waiting to see”.

No we haven’t been waiting to see them, we have a conscience and we still have decency in our being. We can only hope that if the audience is not there then they may stop.

Wouldn’t it be wondeful if the governing body raised the standards and made it illegal for funeral pictures to be printed or better still to put a ban on all aspects of families lives being printed.

So many times we have read a statement from a representative of a family pleading for privacy during  their difficult time. In an ideal world this plea would be heeded.

Until next week, if you feel the need to see someone’s grief, stick to the soaps!

Orlagh x

RECENTLY I have seen an awful lot of pages advertising they are selling fake designer bags, belts, watches etc and it got me thinking.

Do you realise where these products are made? They are made in sweatshops and almost always include child labour.

Don’t get me wrong I, like everyone, love to get a bargain, but at all times I try to buy Irish goods and support Irish shops and designers. There are enough shops and businesses selling genuine goods and who support and create jobs and industry in Ireland.

Continued below…

Counterfeit goods are a huge problem internationally and create a huge loss of revenue for the governing bodies. In Italy if you are caught buying fake goods you incur a fine of €10,000.

Very steep, but certainly a deterrent. It would make you think twice before you hand over the €50-100 for a bag that is on sale in stores for €500 plus for the genuine article.

Quite simply, if your budget is €50-€100 there are shops that sell quality goods to suit all budgets. They may not have the all-important designer logo but they are of far superior quality than the fake ones on offer.

Think about the Michael Kors watch that is on sale for €20 on a buy/sell site, now think about a five year old child that you know.

Continued below…

Imagine that child working for 14 hours a day to make that watch with its tiny hands, inhaling the fumes from the chemicals used and the cramps and pains that the child gets from sitting in the one position for hours on end. Is that €20 “designer-inspired” watch now so appealing?

We all have a part to play in stamping out counterfeit goods; just don’t buy them. If the market isn’t there, then the peddlers won’t have a business.

Shops also have a part to play in not importing these goods. The Hermes belts that are awash in the country are “knock offs”. They are not good quality and they are made in Asia in sweatshops. Do not buy them, be a little compassionate and think of those poor factory workers who make them.

It would be great to see our government use the same principles as their Italian counterparts and enforce large fines on those caught buying counterfeit goods.

It happens across the board from soccer kits to perfumes and sunglasses. There is also the dangers of counterfeit makeup and beauty products which have been proven in some cases to include rat poison in the formulas that they use.

Some food for thought…

Until next week,

Think before you buy!

Orlagh xx

AS it’s Paddy’s week I decided to have a look at what we miss when we are away from our little green isle.

As there are so many of our friends and relations who live abroad, I am sure that we are all familiar with the excitement of sending or receiving a “care package”.

Taytos

I don’t care where you are in the world, there are no crisps that compare with our own national treasure, Taytos. Whether it is cheese and onion or salt and vinegar that takes your fancy, nothing beats the taste of a fresh packet of crisps. Tayto sandwiches are possibly the best hangover cure known to mankind.

Barrys Tea

Households have been divided for years on deciding if Barrys or Lyons are the creators of the best cup of tea. For me there is no contest and hands down Barrys is my ultimate favourite.  This may have something to do with living in Munster for over 20 years.

Some folks can’t function in the morning until they have a morning coffee, but I am a tea girl and I can resemble a she devil until I have that all important cuppa (milk and two sugars).

Full Irish Breakfast

This is a strange one for me to include as I am a vegetarian, but I do recognize the deep-rooted love that the Irish have for a decent fry-up.

When friends and family return to the motherland on holidays there is no meal as important as the full Irish.

The Pub

Often copied but never mastered, there really is nothing in the world that competes with a good session in your local. The ceol agus craic that ensues when you meet up with friends in your hometown is just magic.

Christmas is one of the best times of the year to experience the Irish pub, as you are sure to bump in to some familiar faces.  For Guinness lovers that first sip of a pint of the black stuff is pure heaven. Late night singsongs are also a crucial part of the local pub. There will be many pints and chats had for Paddy’s Day so enjoy!

GAA matches

It doesn’t have to be an All Ireland final or indeed your county team playing, what is missed the most is the local matches particularly when there is huge rivalry between two neighbouring parishes.

War can break out on the field, sometimes between friends or workmates, but more often than not that is forgotten once the final whistle goes. Many smaller clubs across the country have been depleted of their players due to emigration and we can only hope that they will return in the coming years and clubs will prosper once again.

The Scenery

Nowhere on earth comes close to the scenery in Ireland. The Wild Atlantic Way holds some of the most breathtaking views in the world.

This week, when the sun was shining, there was an abundance of photos on social media of Kerry and its spectacular offerings. I drove to Ventry on Sunday and soaked up the Conor Pass views on the way. It never tires and is just magnificent, if you haven’t seen it I strongly recommend it.

For the week that is in it, celebrate being Irish as we really are the best nation!

Until next week,

Have some fun!

Orlagh xx

SO yesterday was International Women’s Day and I finally took the plunge and started a personal blog called Winters Tales on Facebook.

It is amazing that I have no problem getting up and speaking in front of hundreds of people and writing for TraleeToday, but I am terrified of putting myself out there.

Writing here I have the security of an editor, but now everything I write is just thoughts, my ideas and me.

Continued below…

It got me thinking about why I am like this. Why do I feel that I may be ridiculed for my personal opinions yet whenever I MC an event or act as a guest speaker I could not give a hoot what people think of me?

I have always encouraged people to realise their full potential and achieve their goals.

Blogging is always something that I have wanted to try and with the heartbreaking week I have experienced I believed that now was the time.

After last week’s column about living your life to the fullest, I guess it was time for me to practice what I preach. Life is not a dress rehearsal and you only have one shot at it.

Continued below…

As you all know last week was Kerry Fashion Week and it was a resounding success. I met so many empowered women who are doing exactly what they love and living their dreams.

At the gala awards on Friday night I took stock of my own dreams and toyed with the idea of setting up the blog.

I am constantly asked about my outfits, my hair, my make up and all other aspects of fashion so I made the decision to start writing about them.

Why then I am so scared? Am I afraid that I will fail? Have the knocks that I experienced in life chipped away at my confidence?

Is it something that is instilled in Irish women that we feel that we are never good enough?

I have no idea what the answers to these questions are but what I do know is that I will never know whether or not I will succeed unless I try.

Sure, there are going to be days that I will question myself and worry what people think of me, but I have no doubt that there will be lots of days that I was glad that I took the step and put myself out there.

I would be a hypocrite to tell all of you to follow your dreams and not do the same myself. So there you have it I am taking control of my life and I am going to be fine…

Until next week,

Make it happen for you!

Orlagh xx  (for Orlagh’s new blog click here)

SO this week wasn’t a very nice one for my family as my young cousin aged only 29 was tragically killed in a car accident last Saturday in County Galway.

Laura was a wonderful person and really epitomized living life to the full. She packed an awful lot into her short life and documented her nights out and her adventures abroad on her Facebook page.

The many love-filled posts on her page is testament to how well she was liked and how much she will be missed by those who were lucky enough to have known her.

Continued below…

I have written in the past about how lucky I was to not have experienced tragedy, but that has changed now forever. Laura regularly contacted me about my articles and was a great supporter of my views. We also shared a great love of fashion and she loved her style.

Life can change for a family in the blink of an eye and it really does cement my belief that you should never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Each day is a blessing and should be treated that way.

How many times have you heard people tell of their regrets of not living their dreams? This is particularly true for the older people who know that the time to take that trip or go on that adventure has now passed.

Continued below…

This week I urge you that if you have a wish or a dream, then do something about realizing it. If your goal is to get fit, start today, if your goal is to climb a mountain, start training, if your goal is to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, do it.

If it is something as trivial as pondering over a pair of shoes, buy them.  Anything that is in the grasp of achieving and that you think of on a regular basis is yours for the taking.

No one but yourself is in charge of your happiness. If tomorrow you were given six months to live, what would be contained in your bucket list? How many of these do you think are possible? Granted I know that winning the lotto is probably outside the realms of achieving but there are many things that you can do and the hardest part is taking the first step.

Continued below…

It may take you a few years to get there but don’t let that deter you, look how long it took Leo to win an Oscar.

Never take things for granted and make each day of your life count. Start your day with a positive thought and end it with the same. Cut the negative aspects out of your life and concentrate on the positives. Download an app like The Secret and read it out loud to yourself.

You only have one life so live it!

Until next week,

Make a difference for yourself!

Orlagh xx

WHAT a beautiful  day it was here in the kingdom yesterday.

The sun was shining all day long and there was a beautiful stretch to the evening. Finally we can start thinking about our spring/summer wardrobe.

Here in Tralee we are lucky enough to see what are going to be the winners for the season with Kerry Fashion Week starting next week.

Continued below…

Ballygarry House Hotel is where all you fashionistas need to be on Wednesday March 2nd where we will be treated to some wonderful designs from previous KFW award winners Delphine Grandjoun, I am lucky enough to be wearing one of her creations on the night as I act as MC.

Carol Kennelly whose designs we regularly see grace fashion pages worldwide, Tina Griffin who as we know has dressed just about every fashion conscious lady in the country and win best dressed on many occasions, Aoife Hannon, the darling of the millinery world whose signature style graces racetracks all over the globe.

Continued below…

Clodagh Irwin Owens, who has the most amazing girly style designs and who is guaranteed to have a show stopping collection to feast our eyes on, Karyn Moriarity who has been showing a lot lately on RTE and who has a true sense of her style.

As well as all of these exciting designers, there will be pieces showing from amazing fashion houses, MacBees Killarney, Hannnons of Castleisland, Carraig Donn, Jasmine, Iota, Annburys, Paco, Friendtex, Ryles Menswear, Suits Select and for the children there will be the always cute styles from Divas and Dudes who will also be showing their ladies wear collections.

Continued below…

A guest boutique on the night will be Phoenix V from Cork. Each year there is huge anticipation to see who walks away with the title of Kerry’s Most Stylish Lady and this year the prize is generously sponsored by Kellihers Toyota.

Dunnes Stores who are a new associate sponsor of KFW will also be showing their new Spring16 collections on the night. Tickets for the night are priced at €45 and can be purchased online at kerryfashionweek.com or at reception of Ballygarry House Hotel.

Don’t forget to dress to impress, as there is a wonderful prize for the Lancôme Best Dressed Lady. The evening includes bubbles (forget about Lent for the night), canapés (what diet?) and lots of super spot prizes. There is also a gift for everyone who attends.

Tickets are limited to 100 people so you have been warned. Looking forward to seeing you all there and if you are a reader of the column, come say hello.

Until next week,

Stay stylish!

Orlagh xx

YESTERDAY I came across a truly inspirational video by a fellow Galway person, Pat Divilly.

He delivered a very powerful message about how every conversation can change a life. Watch the video (at the bottom of this column), as it really will make your day.

The crux of the message is that you never know how your words may affect someone. This goes for both kind and cruel words.

Continued below…

Historically, the Irish as a nation are known as a nation of begrudgers, but thankfully I think that there is a positive message getting through to people through the powers of social media.

Nobody knows the battle that someone is facing internally and therefore wouldn’t it be nice if your kind words helped those who are struggling?

A message instilled in me growing up, is that what anyone else thinks of you is none of your business. How true it is but I would be lying if I said I lived by this message all through my life.

Continued below…

Certainly now I understand this message more and once upon a time I used to walk into a room and wonder if people would like me. Today I walk in and wonder if I will like them? This wisdom has come from lots of knockbacks in life and the realization that as long as I am happy with my own behaviour and actions, then nothing else matters.

I try to never hurt people with words or actions and I ignore negative people.

It is amazing when you write an opinion column that you become fair game for criticism and on more than one occasion, I have had strangers tell me face to face or via Facebook that they don’t agree with me.

That is perfectly okay as my opinion is subjective and I don’t expect everyone to have the same views as me. I do however have a major problem when the conversation or messages get personal or abusive.

Continued below…

I have more than once been tempted in the past, to take a screenshot of some of the vile messages and post them on my page. I wonder if naming and shaming these people would put a stop to it?

Then I stop and think about the internal struggle that they may be battling so I never do. I also remember how well I was brought up by my parents so I never sink to the level of abusing someone.

Life is tough enough for everyone and we all have a part to play in ensuring that we help one another. Instead of criticizing, compliment, instead of being jealous, be grateful and most importantly instead of uttering a cruel word, shout a kind word.

Every conversation can change a life!

Until next week,

Be kind to everyone!

Orlagh xx

VERY little at this stage of my life surprises me but I was horrified to read about the alleged behaviour of a few UCD male students.

They are said to have set up a group on What’s App and shared pictures of naked girls that they had slept with and then these perfect gentleman rated the girls.

So this is the future male population? God help us all.

Continued below…

There were lots of comments from people who felt that it was the fault of the girls for allowing their photos to be taken. Some of the girls did not know that the photos were taken and others did.

This, however is not the point. The point is that this – if proved to be the case – is a total invasion of privacy and is abuse of these girls.

All types of social media can be dangerous as when a photo is posted it is then the property of Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Continued below…

What’s App operates like a phone service and the photo is private to those you send it to unless they share it.

It is reported that the girls had no idea that their naked bodies were the subject of such amusement to these half-wits. I am sure their parents must be very proud and one wonders if it were their sister’s photo that was being passed around, would the enjoyment be so great.

Porn revenge is a real problem in today’s world and I really do feel for young girls who are trying to find their way in such a cruel society.

There is a portion of the young males in this country who really do see women as only sex objects and are there solely for their gratification. The “Jock” element is alive and well it would seem.

Continued below…

I took some solace in the fact that the powers that be in the college have taken the step to investigate the matter and to expel all those who are found guilty of this disgusting behaviour. I really do hope that the girls take it further and that the boys are in front of a judge in the not too distant future.

Like everything in the world, education is key to helping young people make the right decisions.

Schools should, I believe, educate students of the dangers of allowing your photo to be taken and more importantly should educate them on how wrong it is to share these photos with friends.

There have been many times that I have been grateful that social media was not around when I was a student as I certainly did things that I wouldn’t want to be shown. (Not naked pics mind)

I hope these girls can put this behind them and that these boys get what they deserve.

Until next week,

Look out for the young in your life!

Orlagh xx