Twenty-five years ago, I faced a life-threatening illness – a chapter that taught me about resilience, gratitude, and the fragility of health. I was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia and ended up in the ICU. There was talk at one stage of amputating my leg. On February 25, 1999, the then Evening Echo reported that the … Read more
When it comes to food and diets, fads and trends are no strangers to each other. In the age of wellness, there has been a collective obsession with protein in a trend called ‘proteinmaxxing’. In diet culture, it has its origins in the Atkins and Paleo diets, putting proteins (particularly lean meats, fish, and eggs) … Read more
Name: Avril Coleman Age: 45 Lives: Married to Kevin and mum to two girls, aged 13 and 11. I live in the countryside outside Ballyclough, near Mallow. Grew up in Ballincollig and spent 10 years living in Mallow. Job title: GP Liaison, Mater Private Network Cork Salary bracket: I’m paid well – but there’s always … Read more
March has always been my second chance at the new year, a restart. My birthday is the impetus to reflect and reset. I can hear my husband on the phone trying to source the best prices for diesel that he can. Fuel is a key component in his business, and he is conscientious and very … Read more
The frugal chic approach to fashion can introduce some useful cost-saving habits, writes SARA KEENAN. ‘Frugal chic’ is one of the newest online trends, coined by former model and finance content creator Mia McGrath. The term refers to having an intentional approach to dressing, which focuses on not overspending while looking polished and elevated. With … Read more
When my mum, Mary Hopkins, founded Hopkins Communications in Cork in 1990, she did so at a time when very few women were leading in Irish or Cork businesses, let alone in communications or with PR agencies. She became a trailblazer not by declaration, but by example, building one of Munster’s most respected independent agencies … Read more
Name: Flicky Howe Age: 47 Lives: Kilbrittain, Co.Cork Job title: Farmer Florist Salary bracket: €30-45k Education background: N.Dip (equivalent BA) Art & Design 2001, FETAC Fashion Tech. Certificate 2003, Microsoft Office & Photoshop Diploma 2015. Hobbies: film, live music, travel, anything to do with plants, flowers and gardening. Describe your job in five words: Artisan, … Read more
Growing up in rural Cork, Jane Mangan never imagined that some day she would “sew her threads into the fabric of Ascot” – but she did exactly that last summer. The horse racing pundit and former jockey was the keynote speaker at The Echo’s Women in Sport awards last week – a full circle moment … Read more
Hello, February! Well, I never heard so many people wish poor old January away so much as I did this year. It’s fair to say it always feels like a long and cold month. But spring is now upon us, and with it the season of renewal and hope. I truly believe that hope is … Read more
Emily Hayes is connecting with mums, not just in Cork, but in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and America. The Douglas woman, who runs Emily’s Elite, started a new online coaching programme for women last year, encouraging mums to rediscover the woman behind the ‘mum’ title. The response has exceeded her expectations. “I am overwhelmed at … Read more