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'Stay safe, make smart decisions': Here's how to look after yourself during the warm weather

Met Éireann has said that this weekend will see temperatures hit as high as 25 degrees.

TEMPERATURES ARE SET to soar as high as 29 degrees over the next week and people are being warned to stay safe in the sun and the water as conditions heat up.

Met Éireann has said that while this weekend will see temperatures hit as high as 25 degrees, that could just be the start of it.

In fact, it may mean an official heatwave – five consecutive days of max temperatures over 25 degrees – may have begun. The hottest temperatures will be seen on Tuesday and Wednesday as the mercury rises to 28 and 29 degrees, respectively.

And so, what that, the warmer weather and brighter evenings will see more people spending time outdoors and around water – but people are being advised to look after their skin, be mindful of fire dangers and to be careful in the water.

Look after your skin

The Irish Cancer Society has urged the public to take measures to protect their skin and following their SunSmart code.

“With the onset of increasing temperatures, it is vital that people take precautions to reduce their risk of sun damage,” Kevin O’Hagan, cancer prevention manager with the Irish Cancer Society said.

O’Hagan said it is especially important to protect babies and children, as much of the UV damage that leads to skin cancer takes place in the early years of life.

“By protecting children and young people’s skin when they are outdoors, you can reduce their risk of developing skin cancer in years to come. But, using sunscreen alone is not enough, so make sure to follow the full SunSmart code to ensure maximum protection,” he said.

The SunSmart code is:

Seek shade – when UV rays on at their strongest, generally between 11am and 3pm.

Cover up – by wearing a shirt with a collar and long shorts. Also, wear a hat that gives shade to your face, neck and ears.

Wear wraparound sunglasses – make sure they give UV protection.

Slop on sunscreen – use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and UVA protection 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply it every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating.

Babies – keep babies under six months old out of the sun.

Be mindful of fire dangers

As the temperatures rise and the blue skies appear, households around the country will be opening up the barbeque for dinner.

Dublin Fire Brigade has issued some tips to keep everyone safe while cooking outdoors.

  • Place your barbeque on ground level and keep it away from anything that can catch fire.
  • Never use a barbeque indoors or on a balcony.
  • Have a bucket of water or sand nearby.
  • Only use barbeque-approved starter fuel, and never use petrol or paraffin.
  • Never leave a barbeque unattended.
  • Keep children and pets away.
  • After cooking, make sure the barbeque is cool before moving it.
  • Never empty the ashes into a wheelie bin.
  • Don’t drink too much alcohol while using a barbeque.
  • If you are using a gas device, ensure all controls are off after use.
  • If you are using a disposable device, do not place it on a wooden table or decking. Place it only on concrete ground.

Be careful in the water

Ahead of the forecasted hot weather, Irish Water Safety has issued advice to the public on how to stay safe near water.

  • Swim within your depth and stay within your depth.
  • Supervise children closely and do not use inflatable toys in open water.
  • Swim at Designated Bathing Areas where lifeguards are on duty. if there is no Designated Bathing Area near you, then swim in areas that are known locally as safe and where there are ring buoys to effect a safe rescue.
  • Make sure that the water’s edge is shallow shelving so that you can safely enter and exit.
  • Wear a wetsuit if you are not used to cooler water.
  • Wear a lifejacket when on or near water.
  • Alcohol is a factor in one-third of drownings. Do not mix it with water activities.

Finally, Irish Water Safety said that if you see someone in difficulty, these simple steps may save a life:

  • Shout to the casualty and encourage them to shore. This may orientate them just enough.
  • Reach out with a long object such as a branch or piece of clothing, but do not enter the water yourself.
  • Throw a ring buoy or any floating object and call 112 for the Coast Guard.

This week is National Water Safety Awareness Week and An Garda Síochána has issued the following statement: “As we enter a spell of sunny weather, make sure to take care when swimming or spending time around water. Always mind children around water and don’t drink alcohol before swimming. Too many lives are lost every year in drowning-related incidents.

“Stay safe, make smart decisions and enjoy the good weather.”

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13 Comments
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    Mute Ebeneezer Goode
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    Dec 28th 2019, 9:04 AM

    Pat was murdered by British proxies. Let’s never forget that.

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    Mute Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh
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    Dec 28th 2019, 10:07 AM

    @Ebeneezer Goode:
    The killing of Pat Finucane was one of many horrific and unjustifiable killings. Pat Finucane, Patrick Gillespie, Patrick Kelly, Garry Sheehan, Rosemary Nelson, Columba McVeigh, Jean McConville, these are just some of the more than 3600 people who were killed in Northern Ireland during the 30 years of conflict.
    There are many people on both sides of the conflict who have never taken proper responsibility for those killings. If we want to ever have peaceful forward looking societies on this island, we need to move on. Google Kathleen Gillespie.

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    Mute Ebeneezer Goode
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    Dec 28th 2019, 10:24 AM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: I’m well aware who Kathleen Gillespie is and the crime carried out against her husband by the IRA. Everyone knows the truth of what happened that day. But the truth about how and why Pat Finucane was murdered is being kept from the public. The cover up by the British continues. Don’t you think we have a right to know how high up collusion went and whether members of Thatcher’s government knew beforehand that Pat was going to be murdered?

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    Mute Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh
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    Dec 28th 2019, 10:53 AM

    @Ebeneezer Goode:
    We know the truth of why Pat Finucane & Rosemary Nelson were killed. What we don’t know, and probably will never know is who gave the order.

    Just as we don’t know who gave the order to have Patrick Gillespie chained to a car to be blown to smithereens, or who gave the order to have Colomba McVeigh or Jean McConville murdered and disappeared.

    As hard as it is for everyone. We need to forgive and forget, on both sides.

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    Mute seamus toomey
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    Dec 28th 2019, 11:02 AM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: take it you are not related to any of the fore mentioned
    Forgive and forget???
    Get the truth

    26
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    Mute Ebeneezer Goode
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    Dec 28th 2019, 11:05 AM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: Why the need to go off topic? The story about is related to Pat Finucanes’ murder, not the disappeared.

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    Mute Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh
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    Dec 28th 2019, 11:18 AM

    @Ebeneezer Goode:
    I was replying to your glib comment that asked people not to forget a particular one sided viewpoint. Intelligent people look at things in a wider context. Pat Finucane was not killed in isolation. Over 3600 people were killed during the troubles, the vast majority by the IRA. We will never know the full truth behind many of those killings.

    We need to move on if we are ever to have lasting peace on this island.

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    Mute Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh
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    Dec 28th 2019, 11:21 AM

    @seamus toomey: We will never get the truth. All we will do is dig up old enmities and hatred. Yes. Forgive and forget. from all sides.It’s not easy but that is what has to happen. Google Kathleen Gillespie.

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    Mute Ben
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    Dec 28th 2019, 11:37 AM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: And remember too It was a completely pointless conflict. What concession was achieved that would not have come by peaceful means? Answer Not a thing!!!!

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    Mute Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh
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    Dec 28th 2019, 11:44 AM

    @Ben: But in the end of the day, what happened happened. Digging it up again won’t change it
    If there is one thing to be learned from the conflict in Northern Ireland it is listen to the voices of peace and integrity. Do not heed to the voices of hatred and violence.
    That is something we should never forget.

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    Mute Fachtna Roe
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    Dec 28th 2019, 12:49 PM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: Respectfully, you devalue the loss of Mr Finucane with your “one of many” comment. At first reading that comment seems balanced, referencing “both sides”.

    But that seeming balance is just a false nicey-nice. Only 1 of those on your list of others murdered is understood to have been targeted by loyalists. So the devaluation is by listing of those that make the same “side” as Mr Finucane look bad.

    Is it your position that he had it coming?

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    Mute Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh
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    Dec 28th 2019, 1:14 PM

    @Fachtna Roe: The loss of Pat Finucane is not devalued by the loss of the other 3600 plus victims of the conflict in Northern Ireland. Their loss are of equal value.

    “Respectfully”, having read some of your previous comments I understand that truth and fairness are an anathema to your viewpoint on the conflict in Northern Ireland..

    The fact that you would try to assign a completely false narrative to my comments just shows that your comment is not made in good faith and further confirms your lack of integrity and balance.

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    Mute Fachtna Roe
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    Dec 28th 2019, 3:41 PM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: Assessments of integrity and balance are best carried out by those who grasp subtlety. Do not now blame 3600+ other persons for your statement; for it is _your_ statement that offers the devaluation.

    I offer a practical example: attend the funeral of any one who dies in a motor accident and comment loudly on 6 of the others you’ve heard of similarly deceased, either as a means of comfort, or of display of your better right to opinine about “know[ing] the full truth”. Try that.

    Separately, the contradiction of “forgive and forget” followed so quickly by “Google Kathleen Gillespie” is illustrative. You suggest others “dig up old enmities and hatred” moments after decrying just that.

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    Mute Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh
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    Dec 28th 2019, 5:20 PM

    @Fachtna Roe:
    Your example is nonsense, your are deliberately ignoring context. We are not at a funeral, we are on the comments section of a media website commenting on notes from Irish diplomats recently released under the 30 year rule.

    I have not said anything that any reasonable person could in good faith could take as “devaluing” the loss of Pat Finucane. But you are not commenting in good faith. You are pushing a specific agenda. You are being disingenuous in attempting to twist the meaning of my comments to devalue my point.

    If you have a valid coherent point then make it. Otherwise you are just a pathetic troll with an agenda.

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    Mute Ebeneezer Goode
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    Dec 28th 2019, 6:20 PM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: Sweeping collusion under the carpet is not moving on. Your attempt to water down Pats murder is insulting. You shouldn’t be so obtuse.

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    Mute Martin O'Reilly
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    Dec 28th 2019, 10:05 PM

    @Fachtna Roe: Correct and to the point.

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    Mute Martin O'Reilly
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    Dec 28th 2019, 10:08 PM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: Perhaps people who live in glass houses………………!

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    Mute Fachtna Roe
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    Dec 28th 2019, 11:40 PM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: I think that at this point you’re just trying to wriggle away from your words by claiming those words now are being “twisted”. But the words and context are wholly yours. What you don’t like is how the innuendo behind your words is called out; that you’re being asked to clarify your meaning. However, rather than clarify you instead wilfully misunderstand. It is a reasonable conclusion that your responses indicate discomfort at your own agenda being challenged.

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    Mute Patrick Ó'Máille
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    Dec 31st 2019, 2:16 PM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: Getting on with this long protracted peace process is the right thing to do. But it’s not going to work unless we have some basic facts cleared up. Like did the British officialy sanction the killing of Pat Finucane. And also why does a government who profess to be looking after the interests of all the citizens of NI persistently cover up and drag out, hold up and delay inquiries like Ballymurphy and a string of others involving the guardians of law and order. After all the other side are the terrorists aren’t they?

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    Mute William Kelly
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    Dec 28th 2019, 7:27 AM

    Let’s not forget the civilian victims of this terrorism by all those who were engaged, whether legitimately uniformed or not.
    When the dogs of war are loosed, there are always more innocent lives destroyed, not alone the dead & injured, but their close family, friends & neighbors, who carry the scars of trauma & loss for life.
    The Nationalist agenda was never worth the cost in human misery, equal rights were gradually being achieved by civil campaigning, & 30 + years of “troubles” just re-imposed oppression & distrust.
    A bloodstained tricolour over Stormont is nothing to be proud of, we are not living in 1789, as some flag wavers appear to believe.

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    Mute Ben
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    Dec 28th 2019, 8:23 AM

    @DaMoons: How about Robert McCarthy? Did he get what he had coming? Do the police of any state not have the right to search a property if they thing their in criminal acts happening there?

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    Mute DaMoons
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    Dec 28th 2019, 8:38 AM

    @Ben: I dont know the guy.

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    Mute Derek Baldy Head Baldrick
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    Dec 28th 2019, 8:43 AM

    @William Kelly: Well said about the Dogs of War, but as a Devil’s advocate. I recently read Max Hastings’ “Belfast 1969″. He might disagree with you regarding equal rights being gradually achieved. Burntollet Bridge, as hostile and dreadful as it was, was like a walk in the park compared to what came next in Belfast the same month at the hands of the B Specials, The RUC and loyalist thugs. This was not a ‘nationalist agenda’ – they were marching for the right to vote, and to the same housing right as their Protestant neighbours!

    He confesses to being a conservative minded journalist, but was shocked at the brutal oppression of Catholics and those seeking civil rightd, many who were not politically minded nationalists, vividly describing what took place in Belfast after Derry’s Bogside riots. Children being machine gunned with armour piercing bullets in their houses and beds by policemen running amok in hijacked military armoured cars. Those children were too young to have formed a ‘nationalist agenda’.

    I’m not justifying what happened afterwards – not for a second, but treat people like the way Catholics were treated and that’s what happens. It is also an undeniable fact that Northern Ireland is a vastly different place today from the time Catholics were not allowed to vote in municipal elections and couldn’t get jobs or decent houses. The words chalk and cheese spring to mind, and it could be argued, given the entrenched Unionist mindset that manifested itself in such explosive hatred in 1969, was not going to be budged by people simply singing ‘We shall overcome’.

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    Mute The Gerry
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    Dec 28th 2019, 10:02 AM

    @William Kelly: That you Hogg??

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    Mute Ebeneezer Goode
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    Dec 28th 2019, 10:11 AM

    @William Kelly: I’ve read some tripe here but this takes the biscuit. Straight out of the Jamie Bryson book of bitterness.

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    Mute Seán Marlow
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    Dec 28th 2019, 4:28 PM

    @William Kelly: Republicans didn’t start the conflict. The 1st 9 innocent victims were murdered by the RUC in 1969 when the IRA was virtually non-existent. Irish governments not only failed to protect fellow Irish citizens, but actively collaborated with British Forces when the perpetrated deliberate mass murder of unarmed Irish civilians in Ballymurphy, Derry, Springhill, New Lodge, Newry and colluded in the murder of hundreds more via the Glenanne Gang, MRF, FRU, etc, etc.

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    Mute Martin O'Reilly
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    Dec 28th 2019, 10:13 PM

    @William Kelly: was it not the end product of Williamite and latter 1798 that culminated in the latter conflict. Do you remember the bloody handkerchief of 1972 in Derry?

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    Mute Fionnbarra O Nuallain
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    Dec 28th 2019, 10:05 AM

    FF/FG never had lirodi for dealing with the British government

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    Mute Kate H
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    Dec 28th 2019, 12:57 PM

    @williamkelly What do you mean by legitimately uniformed?

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    Mute Patrick Ó'Máille
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    Dec 31st 2019, 2:05 PM

    What does lirodi mean?

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    Mute Fachtna Roe
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    Dec 31st 2019, 2:47 PM

    @Patrick Ó’Máille: Liathróidí. Old Irish, meaning “I don’t know what a tracker mortgage is”. ;)

    https://translate.google.com/#view=home&op=translate&sl=ga&tl=en&text=Liathr%C3%B3id%C3%AD.

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    Mute Patrick Ó'Máille
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    Dec 31st 2019, 10:28 PM

    @Fachtna Roe: Ah balls!!, well he’s dead right about that

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    Mute Patrick Ó'Máille
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    Dec 31st 2019, 10:26 PM

    Ah balls!!, well he’s dead right about that.

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