Person: Helen O’Callaghan

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

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Cork's hairdressers on reopening: ready for the tress test

For three months, we’ve camouflaged our roots, given ourselves headaches with hair-bands, tried to coax unkempt locks into some semblance of style – and missed our hairdressers more than we ever expected. Helen O’Callaghan talks to salon-owners about how they, and their clients, fared during lockdown and about the relief – and challenges – of finally opening their doors again.

Rob Law Rob with sister Kate on a family holiday in Canada four months before she died from CF.

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Rob Law: How I defied the doctors - and Dragon's Den

Born with cystic fibrosis, Rob Law lost his sister to the disease, was told he’d die young and never have kids and had his business idea dismissed as worthless on Dragon’s Den. Having just launched his memoir, he tells Helen O’Callaghan about defying the odds, following his passion and keeping fighting when the experts were telling him to quit.

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Homeschooling: Learning on both sides of the kitchen table

Home-schooling since March has been a learning curve. And not just for the kids! As the school year officially comes to an end, three mums tell Helen O’Callaghan what they’ve learned from ‘doing’ school at the kitchen table.

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Parenting: The pros and cons of online resources

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ICA: Sew far, sew good for Ireland's largest women's group

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The Jewellery Edit: Time to recycle, reuse, and redesign

Teens coping with the Leaving Cert in the time of Covid-19

Three young people tell Helen O’Callaghan about the highs and lows of their lives during the current crisis.

Sun, 24 May, 2020

Cruinniú na nÓg gives children the chance to express themselves

A national day of creativity gives children the chance to express themselves, says Helen O’Callaghan

Thu, 21 May, 2020

Social-distancing with sight loss: living in the dark in a Covid-19 world

People living with sight loss navigate their lives through touch – Covid-19 realities have deprived them of that. Leaving Cert student Maeve Doyle tells Helen O’Callaghan what it’s like to have Stargardt disease, a condition affecting her central vision, in a world where social distancing is key to staying safe.

Sun, 10 May, 2020

Expecting a baby in the middle of a pandemic

Pregnancy always brings with it an element of uncertainty and in the Covid-19 era expectant mums are finding it hard. Muireann Davis, expecting her second baby in August, talks to Helen O’Callaghan about how Covid-19 has brought new worries and about how she battled and beat post-natal depression after her first baby.

Sun, 03 May, 2020

Children get to art of the matter

A new TV show charts a pilot project focused on creativity and the arts in primary and secondary schools across Ireland, writes Helen O’Callaghan

Wed, 29 Apr, 2020

Managing the skin condition, EB, can be hard, but worth it

Kathleena Clancy’s parents knew she had painful skin condition EB before they adopted her from Wuhan.

Sun, 26 Apr, 2020

How to timetable school at kitchen table

Many parents find themselves in the difficult position of having to home school their children while also holding down jobs, writes Helen O’Callaghan

Wed, 22 Apr, 2020

Covid-19: Film-maker Mary Moynihan on being struck down by the virus

When theatre and film-maker Mary Moynihan got Covid-19, she expected she’d be over it in two weeks. She tells Helen O’Callaghan about the setbacks she encountered, how it’s changed her perspective and how her arts background is helping her bounce back

Sun, 19 Apr, 2020

In the teeth of a crisis: Pandemic leaves dentists struggling to deliver a service

Measures taken to tackle Covid-19 have dramatically changed how dental care is provided, says Helen O'Callaghan.

Fri, 17 Apr, 2020

WITH a little help: Supporting children whose parents have mental illness

Helen O’Callaghan speaks to Dr Sharyn Byrne, a senior clinical psychologist and WITH project lead.

Wed, 15 Apr, 2020

How to celebrate birthdays when life is on hold

Helen O’Callaghan says a gesture is more important than a gift.

Wed, 15 Apr, 2020

How Covid-19 makes Fionnghula O'Reilly's Miss Universe duties and Nasa job trickier

Fionnghuala O’Reilly is the first biracial Miss Universe Ireland, and also does IT work for Nasa. She tells Helen O’Callaghan how the Covid-19 crisis has made both jobs that bit trickier

Sun, 05 Apr, 2020

Parenting during Coronavirus: How to get the balance right at home

A daily structure is essential when working from home during the coronavirus crisis. But watch you don’t put too much pressure on yourself or your children, experts tell Helen O’Callaghan

Wed, 01 Apr, 2020

Coping with Cystic Fibrosis during a crisis

Cystic Fibrosis is a difficult condition to manage at the best of times. Helen O’Callaghan talks to Jade Needham about managing it in lockdown

Mon, 30 Mar, 2020

Period pain: Living with poorly understood endometriosis

Endometriosis is often ignored with women expected to get on with their lives, a medical scientist, who suffers from the painful autoimmune condition, tells Helen O'Callaghan

Fri, 27 Mar, 2020

Period pain: Living with poorly understood endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when ‘the lining’ of the uterus grows beyond it. Though it affects one in 10 women, the painful condition is little known here, says Helen O’Callaghan

Fri, 27 Mar, 2020

Special delivery: Operation Transformation’s Jean Tierney on celebrating Mother's Day

Jean Tierney has every reason to celebrate this year's Mother's Day. Against the odds, her son Brayden was born six months ago. The former Operation Transformation leader talks to Helen O'Callaghan about the heartbreak of her previous pregnancies and the joy of finally becoming a mum

Fri, 20 Mar, 2020

Making sensory a success story in the Aviva Stadium

Sensory issues are no longer a barrier, says Helen O’Callaghan

Mon, 17 Feb, 2020

Make those Christmas car journeys easier with these useful tips

Helen O’Callaghan hears some useful tips to make trips easier.

Tue, 10 Dec, 2019

The World’s Big Sleep Out is awakening the world to plight of rough sleepers

The World’s Big Sleep Out, at Trinity College on December 7, will be held in solidarity with people who live on the streets and to raise awareness, Dame Louise Casey tells Helen O’Callaghan

Wed, 27 Nov, 2019

Michael Rosen on why we should go on playing in whatever way we do

In his latest book, Michael Rosen aims to encourage all of us to go on playing in whatever way we do, writes Helen O’Callaghan.

Wed, 27 Nov, 2019

GOAL Changemakers Award: Primary schools asked for views

Helen O’Callaghan hears about awards for global change

Mon, 18 Nov, 2019

Energy drinks not fit for kids

Avoid products high in sugar and caffeine, says Helen O’Callaghan

Wed, 13 Nov, 2019

A new way of seeing the world: Peter Ryan talks about losing 90% of his sight in his early 20s

When Peter Ryan lost 90% of his vision in his early 20s, his readjustment was emotionally painful, but maturing, says Helen O’Callaghan

Mon, 11 Nov, 2019

Autism assistance dogs make profound life-changing differences to children on the spectrum

Meet Dougal.

Thu, 07 Nov, 2019

Feline Better: The Irish cat hospital tailored exactly around their needs

Clare Meade knows all about cats — so much so that she’s founded a hospital that tailored exactly around their needs. It’s the subject of a new RTÉ series, writes Helen O’Callaghan.

Wed, 06 Nov, 2019

The depths of love: Ballet Ireland founder talks 21 years in business and touring Swan Lake

Ballet Ireland founder Anne Maher tells Helen O’Callaghan why it is marking its 21st year with a tour of a classic: ‘Swan Lake’

Sun, 03 Nov, 2019

Made in Munster: Art helps to soothe Limerick hospital stress

The Arts Council loan initiative, which sees works put on display across the country, is proving particularly therapeutic in hospitals — for staff, patients and their families, discovers Helen O’Callaghan.

Thu, 24 Oct, 2019

The soaring cost of child dyslexia

Helen O’Callaghan on financial pressure parents experience when supporting a child with dyslexia.

Wed, 23 Oct, 2019

The bald facts: Shedding the stigma of hair loss

Female hair loss at a young age can be a shock for those who find their locks coming out in their fingers. Helen O’Callaghan investigates.

Mon, 14 Oct, 2019

Examine Yourself: ‘Men service their cars, but ignore their bodies’

Every year over 3,400 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Two survivors want to break the silence about side effects such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence, says Helen O’Callaghan.

Thu, 26 Sep, 2019

Examine Yourself: Does doctor always know best?

Once upon a time, we put our unquestioning trust in our doctors, in our healthcare service. But a revolution has been happening, quietly, unstoppable.

Tue, 24 Sep, 2019

Examine Yourself: 'I thought I was too young to have cancer'

Marian Duggan was in her 20s and could not imagine that her symptoms could be so serious, not even when a tennis-ball-size cyst was removed from her left ovary, says Helen O’Callaghan.

Mon, 23 Sep, 2019

Doctor on call: GP Phil Kieran's no-nonsense guide to dealing with childhood ailments

Though he’s had to bring one of his own children to A&E due to a virus, Dr Phil Kieran believes kids for the most part are resilient and bounce back quickly after an illness. He talks to Helen O’Callaghan

Fri, 13 Sep, 2019

Jack & Jill: Angels in your darkest hour

Jack & Jill help normalise family life for those caring for children with serious health issues, says Helen O’Callaghan.

Mon, 09 Sep, 2019

By the book: Smart bites to fuel their day

Helen O’Callaghan says a healthy lunch is vital brain food.

Mon, 26 Aug, 2019

Inside out: Children learn what it's like to live with dementia.

A care home builds links with kids, writes Helen O’Callaghan.

Tue, 20 Aug, 2019

College accommodation: Secure, affordable housing proving a real challenge

Helen O’Callaghan on the difficulties students face in living away from home.

Tue, 13 Aug, 2019

Quick fix: 25% of all meals include food and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar

Avoid snacks high in fat, sugar and salt, says Helen O’Callaghan.

Mon, 12 Aug, 2019

Microdosing is seemingly on the increase. What is it and is it safe?

Microdosing — taking a tiny amount of mood-altering LSD or magic mushrooms — is seemingly on the increase. Should we be worried, asks Helen O’Callaghan.

Fri, 09 Aug, 2019

Parenting resource is a real one-stop shop

This resource is for every stage of parenting, says Helen O’Callaghan.

Mon, 29 Jul, 2019

New policy set to transform dental health for children

A new policy is set to transform dental health for children, says Helen O’Callaghan.

Mon, 22 Jul, 2019

Burning issue: Children's skin needs added protection from the sun

Apply sunscreen throughout the day, says Helen O’Callaghan

Tue, 16 Jul, 2019

Snow laughing matter as 17 women trek the Arctic in aid of DEBRA Ireland

Hayfield Collection sales director Karen Fleming was among 17 women who undertook an epic five-day Arctic trek to fundraise for DEBRA Ireland, she tells Helen O’Callaghan.

Mon, 08 Jul, 2019

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