EDITOR - Haemochromatosis is Ireland’s most common genetic condition. Often referred to as the “Celtic Gene,” Ireland has the highest prevalence of the condition in the world, with around one in five people carrying the gene linked to iron overload and approximately one in 83 genetically predisposed to developing haemochromatosis.

During World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week (1st–7th June), the Irish Haemochromatosis Association (IHA) is encouraging people to recognise the symptoms of iron overload and seek testing earlier. Left untreated, excess iron gradually builds up in vital organs including the liver, heart and pancreas, potentially leading to serious complications such as liver disease, diabetes, heart problems and irreversible joint damage.

One of the key challenges is that early symptoms are often vague and easily overlooked. Persistent fatigue, brain fog, abdominal discomfort and joint pain are frequently attributed to stress, ageing or a busy lifestyle. As a result, many people are only diagnosed once complications have already developed.

The good news is that haemochromatosis is highly treatable when identified early. A simple blood test can detect elevated iron levels, followed by genetic testing if necessary. Early diagnosis allows patients to manage the condition effectively and significantly reduces the risk of long-term organ damage.

The IHA continues to play a vital role in raising awareness, supporting patients and improving access to diagnosis and treatment across Ireland. Their work is helping more people recognise the importance of not ignoring persistent symptoms or a family history of the condition.

Despite this progress, too many cases are still missed or diagnosed late. Greater public awareness, earlier testing and more proactive conversations with GPs could make a meaningful difference, helping prevent unnecessary suffering and improving outcomes for thousands of people across Ireland.

Brian Keegan,

Patient and voluntary board member IHA

Teddy Eustace (8) and Emilia Eustace (5) pictured alongside Brian Keegan, voluntary board member of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association.

Israel has no business at Eurovision Song Contest

EDITOR – Should Israel be allowed to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest?

The answer is no, a firm no. Israeli ‘settlers’ are grabbing land and evicting Palestinians in the West Bank. They are being supported and aided by the Israeli government and army.

Palestinians are having their homes, land and businesses bulldozed to the ground. Israel is not a law-abiding state. It is a rogue state and should not be treated as a normal entry to the Eurovision Song Contest.

Michael Hallissey, Bandon

Forget FOMO and give me ROMO any day

EDITOR –I am bothered by how noisy and distracting the world has become. I am old enough to remember life pre-internet and pre-mobile phones, and I am increasingly nostalgic for those quieter days. We are bombarded with calls, messages, images, beeps, blips, notifications, reminders, updates, adverts, scams and more. It’s too much. It’s unnecessary and it’s downright intrusive.

The problem however, is that it’s become a social standard to have a smartphone, and I won’t deny, it is very hard to dispute their advantages. They really do make life so much easier in so many ways. But at what cost?

I can remember what it was like to have long, extended periods uninterrupted by digital randomness and it wasn’t all bad. I’m talking hours, days, weeks at times when you scarcely spoke to someone on the phone (landline) and even then, it was only if absolutely necessary, and you kept it brief because it was expensive. Text messages and emails didn’t exist.

I fear for the generations who have never experienced that ‘freedom’ to think. Moments waiting for a bus or standing in a shop queue, where you took time to ponder life, or just look around you to pass the time rather than filling it with digital distractions.

Phones perpetuate FOMO – the fear of missing out. I’m with Cillian Murphy who has referred to ROMO – the relief of missing out. Give me my quiet time, anytime.

Name and address with Editor

Slap on the sunscreen

EDITOR –I am amazed at how Irish people are still blasé in terms of protection from the sun. At the first glimpse of sunshine and a rise in temperature, we’re all out in shorts, short-sleeved tops and less. The problem is not the heat though, it’s exposure to damaging UV rays. Granted we have come a long way from only using SPF cream heading off on sun holidays, when using it at home in Ireland was considered altogether OTT. Oh, and I remember seeing friends lash on baby oil rather than sun screen so they’d burn and subsequently tan faster – madness, but it happened. We have copped on a good bit, but we still have a way to go. Slap on the ’screen, cover up and go enjoy the weather safely please.

Jim O’Reilly, Bandon