Talbot Trekkers - Week 2

Talbot Trekkers Weekly Blog

Stillorgan Park Hotel raise funds for FASI

Six ladies from the Stillorgan Park Hotel took part in the Flora Womens Mini Marathon in aid of our clients and friend, the Friedreichs Ataxia Society of Ireland! We were delighted to present the cheque for €630 to the ladies from FASI last Friday.

What is Freidrechs Ataxia?
Friedreichs Ataxia is a genetic and progressive disorder of the central nervous system which usually manifests itself in children between the ages of six and sixteen years. However, in some instances the onset for Friedreichs and other Genetic Ataxias can be much later. Because of the genetic factor more than one person in a family may be affected.

The general symptoms are clumsiness, difficulties with balance, lack of co-ordination and, in time, a slurring of speech. Although there is no specific treatment for any of the known Ataxias, fundamental research into its pathogenesis is ongoing worldwide, and there are, in any case, various ways in which the burden on sufferers and their relatives can be lightened.

In recent years the defective genes which cause several of the Genetic Ataxias have been identified and, therefore, clinical tests can be undertaken to identify the particular Ataxia and/or to establish if other siblings are carriers of the defective gene.

Information and help in this regard can be obtained by contacting the Friedreichs Ataxia Society Ireland. http://www.ataxia.ie/

Enda's Seafood Chowder

Seafood Chowder

There is always one dish that our guests ask for the recipe and in the Purple Sage Restaurant that dish is Executive Chef Enda Dunnes Seafood Chowder! With this in mind, Enda is sharing his secret recipe with us and it well worth trying!! The secret ingredient he says...."plenty of fish"!!

Recipe serves 6 people



Ingredients



Executive Chef Enda Dunne



1 tablespoon butter

4oz streaky bacon diced (optional....but definitely worth it)

6oz chopped Onion, Carrot and Celery

1 heaped tablespoon flour

3/4 pint of fish stock

3/4 pint of milk

Bay leaf

1 1/2 pounds of white fish, smoked cod and salmon

6 diced medium potatoes

4oz shrimp

4oz mussels

Parsley, chive and dill

Glass of dry white wine

1/4 pint of cream



Method:



1. Brown Bacon and Onion in and lightly add onion, carrot and celery

2. Stir in flour and cook for few minutes

3. Add stock, white wine, milk, bay leaf and potatoes

4. Season with salt and pepper

5. When vegetables are nearly cooked, add the cream and fish

6. When cooked, correct seasoning to suit your taste

Sweetcorn, Peas, Curry Powder and Irish Whiskey are all optional ingredients which can be added. Let us know how your seafood chowder turns out and if you have any questions, please ask and Enda will be delighted to answers them for you!

Alternatively, try Enda's delicious Seafood Chowder in the Purple Sage Restaurant at lunch from from 12.30pm - 3.00pm Monday- Friday and from 12.30pm - 3.30pm on Sunday.  



Collee from UCD AFC visits the Stillorgan Park Hotel

On Friday we were delighted to welcome club mascot Collee and and two of his team members to the Stillorgan Park Hotel to promote the UCD AFC Summer Soccer camps.

For almost 10 years UCD AFC has successfully ran soccer camps catering for boys and girls of all abilities between the ages of 5 and 14. UCD AFC employs players from the League of Ireland first team squad as coaches. All coaches are FAI certified. These coaches have been trained to create a fun and safe environment in which children can learn the basic skills of the game in carefully controlled groups that ensure maximum attention.

Course Dates:Week 1: Mon 27th June - Fri 1st July
Week 2: Mon 4th July - Fri 8th July
Week 3: Mon 11th July - Fri 15th July
Week 4: Mon 18th July - Fri 22nd July
Week 5: Mon 25th July - Fri 29th July

How Does the Day Work?
Venue: UCD Sports Grounds, Sports Centre, Belfield, 10am - 3pm daily

10:00am - 12:00pm
Skills & Fun Games - There will be a specialised half day goalkeeping clinic for all goalkeepers.

12:00 - 1:00pm
Lunch
1:00 - 3:00pm
Tournaments & Penalty Competitions

3:00pm
End of the day

Each participant will receive a t-shirt, medal and certificate rewarding them for their hard work throughout the week. Parents are invited to come and watch the awards ceremony on Friday at 2.30pm. Each child will also receive a UCD AFC Junior Blues Season Ticket giving them free entry into UCD AFC Airtricity Premier Division games.

Tickets for both 1 day or 1 week summer camps are available to book as an add-on to our family fun special offer on our website http://www.stillorganpark.com/

Talbot Hotels Sponsor Horse Show

The Talbot Hotel Group are delighted to announce their three year sponsorship of the 2011 Discover Ireland Horse Show.

The Talbot Group are the proud sponsors of the Speed Derby International Competition. This prestigious event takes place on Ladies Day, August 4 in the RDS Main Arena and offers a prize of €21,000.
Taking place from the 3rd - 7th August, the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show is one of the world’s largest international show jumping events in the world and this year, the Show poses to be even bigger and better than ever before. Not only is the Show a top international equestrian event it is also a wonderful day out with kids’ entertainment, live music every day, champagne bars, great food, trade stands from all over the world and don’t forget the style of Blossom Hill Ladies’ day on August 4.

Over 100 years ago the Talbot Hotel Group originated in Wexford, the sunny southeast of Ireland. Today, along with Talbot Wexford, the Talbot Trinity comprises the Stillorgan Park Hotel and Talbot Carlow. Each of the 4 star Talbot Hotels offer luxurious accommodation, contemporary bars and restaurants, health and leisure facilities, exceptional wedding venues and excellent business facilities.

Located within 10 minutes from the RDS, the Stillorgan Park Hotel are offering exceptional value accommodation packages from €65 per person sharing during the Horse Show including ticket to the show and complimentary transfers to the RDS. For reservations contact the hotel on 01 2001800, email reservations@stillorganpark.com or book online at http://www.stillorganpark.com/

With so much on offer it’s a good idea to book early to avoid disappointment!
For further information on Talbot Hotel Group visit http://www.talbothotels.ie/

Boosting your metabolism

Boosting ones metabolism.......

...... is something many people try to achieve everyday. Having a high metabolic rate increases the amount of calories, or energy, the body burns on a daily basis. Without optimal metabolism the body will store excess calories as fat for future use. The problem for many people is they don't ever use these excess calories and as a result struggle with weight issues.

1. Build lean body mass. As we age our bodies metabolism or ability to burn calories decreases. One way to offset this problem is by exercising. Lean muscle burns calories and the more you have the more calories you burn, even while resting. You can build muscle through resistance or weight training at least twice a week. You can also boost your metabolism by doing cardio exercises. You can choose to do this between or in conjunction with weight training. Simply going for a walk or using the stairs instead of the elevator are good ways to get in an aerobic workout.

2. Eat Breakfast. Many people ignore eating breakfast. What they don't realize is that it's the most important meal of the day. Breakfast gives your metabolism a boost and provides a consistent energy supply throughout the day. The majority of people who eat a healthy breakfast have fewer weight and health issues than those who don't.

3. Sugar is bad. Processed and refined sugar such as found in sweets and soft drinks overload the body with sugar causing many serious health issues including obesity and diabetes. Complex carbohydrates are a better energy source because they supply an even level of blood sugar. The human body just isn't built to deal with the large amounts of refined sugar most people include in their diet.

4. Spicy foods that make you sweat can help boost your metabolism.

5. Get a good night's sleep. There is research that shows that people who do not get sufficient sleep tend to gain weight. This may be because the body uses sleep to heal and regenerate itself, including its muscular system.

6. Drink more water. Water is the lubricant of the body. It also flushes toxins out of the body and keeps the kidneys operating at maximum efficiency. This allows the liver more time to do what it does best, metabolize fat stores.

7. Eat small meals. Eat 5 to 6 small meals per day spaced 0 to 3 hours apart. This gives the body a steady supply of energy and prevents binge eating.

8. Don't miss meals. Skipping meals in order to loose weight is counter productive because it actually slows metabolism and can lead to over eating.

9. Plan your meals. If you have a daily or weekly menu you are much more likely to stick to your plan.

10. Drink green tea. Green tea has been shown to boost metabolism and unlike coffee does not stress the body with caffeine.

11. Include more high energy foods in your diet including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These provide a more balanced energy source and will not cause blood sugar spikes.

Boosting your metabolism can be done if you are dedicated to doing it. This does not mean you need to stress over each little thing but if you eat right and exercise you should see a decrease in body fat and a much more energetic and happy you…

The whole world is Irish on St Patrick's Day!

The whole world is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! And Dublin is the stage for the biggest and best St. Patrick’s celebrations in the world. From March 17th – 20th thousands of Irish people and visitors alike will paint the town green for four fantastic, fun-filled days.

And the fun does not end after the Parade!! The St Patrick’s Day festivities continue in our Turf Club Bar from 6.30pm in the Turf Club Bar where our very own Bar Team will be showing you how to pull the perfect pint of Guinness…. with shamrocks and all! The Hoolie will continue with Traditional Irish Music from 8pm by “Rambling Paddy” . . . perfect for a jig or two!!


5 key phrases to know for St Patrick’s Day in Ireland:

• Dia Dhuit = “Hello” in Gaeilge

• Conas ata Tu? = “How are you?” in Gaeilge

• Hoolie = Traditional phrase meaning “Party”

• Jig = Expression meaning “to dance”

• Sláinte = is commonly used as a drinking toast literally translating as "health"


Here are some clips of St Patrick’s Day Celebrations from around the world!

Dublin


 
New York
 

 
Chicago



For events details and more information on the 2011 St Patrick’s Festival, click the link below:


http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/index.php/events

Pancakes - What is the Tastiest Topping?

With Pancake Tuesday only around the corner, a good Pancake Recipe is a must have! The topping is your choice & we have suggested some of our favourites!

Ingredients:

125g / 4oz Plain Flour 

Pinch of Salt

1 Egg

300ml / 1/2 pint Milk

Oil for frying

Method:

• Sieve flour and salt into a bowl.
• Make a well in the centre of the flour, break in the egg and add about a third of the milk. Beat well, gradually pouring in the rest of the milk and drawing in the flour to make a smooth batter.
• Pour batter into a jug and allow to stand for about 30 minutes.
• Brush a pancake pan or frying pan with oil. When the pan is hot, give the batter a stir before pouring a thin layer onto the pan.
• Fry until golden brown. Turn and fry the other side until brown also.
• Stack pancakes on a large plate, as they are cooked.
• Add your topping of choice!

Tasty Topping Suggestions

Sweet

• Dust with caster sugar, add a squeeze of lemon juice, roll up pancake and serve.
• Drizzled with Maple Syrup
• Fresh Strawberries & Warm Chocolate Sauce
• Freshly Sliced Banana & Warm Chocolate Sauce
• Fruit served with whipped cream
• Stewed apples, flavoured with cinnamon and a dollop of fresh cream

 Savoury

• Diced chicken with salsa sauce
• Cottage cheese and sliced pineapple
• Poached egg and Hollandaise sauce

The above are just some of our suggested Pancake Toppings but we want to know what you will be putting on your Pancakes this year?

Ireland. . . . 12 Points!!

Ireland, we have made up our mind - it's Jedward to represent us with Lipstick in Düsseldorf, at the Eurovision Song Contest in May.

They were the most talked about participant in the Irish selection, just like on the X-factor. Despite finishing only sixth in the X-Factor Show, they've managed to become hugely popular in Ireland, releasing three singles, debut album & a 75 date sold out tour…we think they must be doing something right!!

This year will be 46th time the Ireland will be taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest. Our first every entry was in 1965 in Naples where Butch Moore sang “I’m walking the streets in the rain”. Previous Winners include Niamh Kavanagh’s “In your Eyes”, Linda Martin’s “Why Me” & let’s not forget Jonny Logan’s “Hold Me Now” which you will also remember from the recent McDonalds television ad’s!!

So the big question is… will “Lipstick” bring Ireland our eighth Eurovision victory in May? Have a look at their performance from the Late Late Show and tell us what you think!!

20 things you didn't know about Valentines Day

20 things you didn’t know about Valentine's Day

1. In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a prospective suitor. If the gift is kept, then it means she has accepted his proposal of marriage
2. The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine's Day
3. Women purchase 85% of all valentines
4. In order of popularity, Valentine's Day cards are given to teachers, children, mothers, wives, sweethearts and pets
5. Parents receive 1 out of every 5 valentines
6. Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are the biggest holidays for giving flowers
7. Men buy most of the millions of boxes of chocolates and bouquets of flowers given on Valentine's Day
8. Valentine's Day Superstitions - It is said that the kind bird a girl watches on Valentine's Day predicts her future husband. For instance:
1. Sparrow: a poor man
2. Owl: remain spinster
3. Bluebird: a happy man
4. Blackbird: a religious man
5. Crossbill: an argumentative man
6. About 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged in US each year. That's the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas
7. Worldwide, over 50 million roses are given for Valentine's Day each year.
8. The oldest surviving love poem till date is written in a clay tablet from the times of the Sumerians, inventors of writing, around 3500 B.C.
9. If an individual thinks of five or six names considered to be suitable marriage partners and twists the stem of an apple while the names are being recited, then it is believed the eventual spouse will be the one whose name was recited at the moment the stem broke
10. In Medieval times, girls ate unusual foods on St Valentine's Day to make them dream of their future husband
11. In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling
12. If an apple is cut in half, the number of seeds found inside the fruit will indicate the number of children that individual will have
13. To be awoken by a kiss on Valentine's Day is considered lucky
14. Cupid, another symbol of Valentines Day, became associated with it because he was the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. Cupid often appears on Valentine cards holding a bow and arrows because he is believed to use magical arrows to inspire feelings of love
15. Only the U.S., Canada, Mexico, France, Australia and the U.K. celebrate Valentine's Day
16. The oldest known Valentines were sent in 1415 A.D. by the Duke of Orleans to his French wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. It is still on display in a museum in England
17. In Wales the trend is of gifting love spoons on the Valentines Day with splendid carvings on it  
    

    
    

    
    

    Check out our Valentines special offers @ http://www.talbothotels.ie/

    
    

    

    
    

    
    
    

Stillorgan Park Hotel Sponsors UCD Mens Hockey Team

We are delighted to annouce that the Stillorgan Park Hotel are the Offical 2011 Sponsor of the UCD Mens Hockey Team. The team has a great mix of players from all over Ireland & has improved consistently, season after season.

The Stillorgan Park Hotel would like to wish the UCD Mens Hockey Team the best of luck in 2011 and look forward to them winning the league this year!!

For more pictures click here