Health Directory publishes list of essential Christmas contacts

Health Directory.ie, Ireland’s newest dedicated on-line health directory, has published a list of essential Christmas contact numbers for a host of organistations that can assist those who are lonely, feel the pressure of Christmas, are under financial strain or just need to talk to someone about their concerns.

Health Directory.ie is the brainchild of Catherine Breen, a practicing beauty, body and complementary therapist with almost 13 years experience. The premise of Health Directory.ie is to give users comprehensive and up to date information about professionals working in the health and well being sectors in Ireland.

Ms. Breen commented “For those who find Christmas a particularly stressful time, Health Directory.ie has published the contact details for organisations such as Aware, Alone, Childline, Mental Health Ireland, Focus Ireland, Body Whys and a whole host of organisations that can help us at what can be a very trying time.”

“We would like to think that Health Directory.ie can alleviate some of the uncertainty about what help is out there, particularly at Christmas. By simply logging onto the site, the user will be able to get details about the group that can help them and all the details to contact that organisation.”

One such health professional who welcomes this development is Dr. Ravi Kumar of Clonard Surgery, Wexford Town. Dr. Kumar commented “Easy access to a host of crucial health services and their contact details is to be welcomed at what is traditionally a very busy period for all health services and professionals.”

For further information or contact details of national help lines, health services or health organisations in your area, visit http://www.healthdirectory.ie/ or call 086 8801070.

Carlow's Dinn Ri Group to open the Woodman Bar

The Woodman Bar, which is regarded as one of Waterford’s most respected and loved traditional bars, will reopen its doors on Friday, 17th December.

While it has kept all of its unique features, the Woodman Bar on John Street has undergone a subtle facelift in order to increase the comfort and service provided to its customers.

David Fitzpatrick, who has managed the Woodman for the past fourteen years explains, ‘It was important to us to ensure that The Woodman preserved that special atmosphere that has made it so popular. The Woodman of old had a great reputation as a place to go for a late pint, good company, a catch up on all things Waterford; hurling, racing, business and politics. More importantly it was all done in a relaxed, comfortable setting and that is exactly how we plan to keep it. I can not wait for the 17th to come, and I will be delighted to welcome back the Woodman’s loyal customer base and hope to see some new faces too!’, comments Fitzpatrick.

The Woodman will be operated by Carlow based Dinn Ri Group, which also now controls the former Ruby's Nightclub and what were Muldoon’s and Oxygen Nightclub. The Dinn Ri Group includes award winning Dinn Ri bar, the legendary Foundry nightclub and Tower Live venue. They also run the Barracks Bar in Carlow, Ireland first interactive bar.

Eugene McGovern, General Manager of Dinn Ri Group, explains, ‘We are very excited to have the opportunity to come to Waterford and become involved in these venues. We will be working hard to breathe new life into the Waterford entertainment sector by offering new and exciting venues in the heart of the city.”

“This is a very big investment for us. We will be creating 12 new jobs immediately at the Woodman Bar. In March, we will create an additional 50 jobs with the opening of our nightclub at the former Ruby’s site. By the end of 2011, we expect to be employing 140 people in Waterford city.”

Dinn Ri Group’s success is based on strong local experience and knowledge. Extensive market research has been commissioned in order to discern what the general public looks for in entertainment in Waterford.

Eugene McGovern adds, ‘Dinn Ri Group has huge respect for the heritage of these Waterford’s venues and appreciates the ownership that the people of Waterford hold for them. We look forward to creating dynamic and unique venues that will reinvigorate nightlife in Waterford.’
So, come and enjoy a new chapter for the Woodman Bar, John Street, at its reopening on Friday 17th December. You can also get some updates on its new Facebook page ‘WoodmanBar Waterford’.

Further news on developments at the former Ruby’s Nightclub, Muldoon’s and Oxygen Nightclub will feature in the local press in early 2011.

Home Instead offers Christmas Gift Tips for Grandparents!

As Christmas approaches, many people struggle to find the perfect gift for grandparents and elderly loved ones. To help make gift-giving for grandparents easier, Home Instead Senior Care, Ireland's trusted source of home care for seniors, has studied over 12,000 senior requests for presents and compiled a list of the most popular items:
· Gift certificates to restaurants, grocery stores or gas cards for people who drive
· Personal items such as hand and body lotions and creams, shower gels and
· Scented candles
· Blankets, robes and slippers
· Books and magazine subscriptions
· Crossword and puzzle books, pencils
· Hats, mittens and gloves
· Towels and washcloths
· Boxed chocolates, chocolate-covered cherries and hard sweets
· Stamps and stationery
· Gift certificate for companionship services

Wishing Ireland's seniors a happy Christmas, Michael and Danette Connolly of Home Instead Senior Care in Waterford said: "At Home Instead Senior Care we encourage younger people in the community to remember their elderly loved ones during this festive season. Giving a small gift like a box of chocolates or comfortable slippers is a simple gesture can really make senior feel loved and remembered. Of course the best gift you can give a senior is your love and time so remember to spend some time with elderly loved ones during the holiday season".