FIRST PERSON crawled up into my cheeks. My legs felt weak. It was the effect of the chemotherapy. I went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. I was going to throw up, so I slid down onto my knees and waited. My medication was in the fridge. It would settle my stomach and relieve my pain, and so I went downstairs and took some, but realised as soon as I did that it was nothing but water. I picked up the packet of small bottles, holding onto the counter, and inspected them to see the difference in colour. But there was no difference. They all had water in them. Paul? I called in to where he was sitting on the couch with his feet up. Jack was playing on the floor. I made my voice light-hearted and amused, Did you do something with my medication? Which one? he said and sat up. These, I held up the bag. He stared at me and then he shrugged the way a clown would, with a big downward mouth and raised eyebrows. As if in a trance, I left the room, went upstairs and began to pack my bags. I realised that he must have done this when I left the previous week, in his tantrum, just like the time he had destroyed my apartment. Paul followed me up. Oh here we fucking go, he said, and she starts. He looked around, his eyes traced the entire room. He opened and closed the wardrobe door. Did you do that? He pointed. I looked and saw a tiny chip in the mirror on the wardrobe. Did you fucking break my wardrobe, Nicola? I shook my head. How dare you damage my property? he said and pushed me, so I sat down. I stood back up straight away and tried to leave the room, but he swatted at me and I fell back onto the bed. I was so weak, stones underweight and really sick. He caught me by the shoulders and pushed me down. My face was in the duvet, I turned it to the side and breathed in gasps. Paul, dont, Im not well, I said. He straddled me, and his hands pincered my throat, so his fingertips pressed into my oesophagus and he started to choke me. I tried to beg. Everything went black. I tried to kick and turn. I started to lose everything I had ever prayed for. The darkness came in around the sides. I was swallowed by it. Then air flooded into my lungs in a whoop; his hands were off me. He sat back on his heels. Youre fucking riddled, he said, cancer is eating you, youre a fucking goner. He spoke my fears into the room. Im going to bury you and that child wont even know your fucking name Hanney, do you hear me? he grunted as he held me down, do you hear that Hanney? He wont even know your fucking name. I sobbed. You leave me again and you can die in that apartment, do what you like, but you mark my words, your family wont see Jack again. His own weight unbalanced him and he suddenly fell forward. There was a loud snap, and I was jolted under his chest as the bed gave way and broke. He slid further forward, slimy with sweat and I think he felt humiliated. Here he was, the powerful Paul, killing a weak, sick woman and physics got in the way. He clambered out of the bed, the mattress was on the floor with the frame still standing, cracked, and he bent over to look. Okay, so you hoover under the bed, he pulled his hoody on and spoke really civilly, and Im going to get yer man from the village up here to fix that crack. You better hope he can fix it cause that fucking bed cost me a grand. He left the room. I could hear him moving around getting his coat on, he was humming a tune. I went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror, but my eyes were swimming with tears and I couldnt see. I felt my teeth with my tongue and rinsed my mouth with warm water. Sonia rang my phone by chance and I answered it in the heat of my panic, sobbing down the phone telling her what was happening in real time. It was the first she knew of it. Nicola, her voice was calm and collected, get out of that house. Im too scared he will kill me if I go, I said. He is going to kill you if you stay, she warned me, and her voice got strong and authoritative, you get yourself out of that house now. I hesitated. She shouted, Please, Nicola, run, RUN! It was the word run that sparked me into action and I pulled on clothes and took the stairs down two at a time to the baby, who was playing on the floor. I grabbed him up into my arms and looked around for his shoes but couldnt find them. I stepped out over the threshold. Run, Nicola, please, please, Sonia shouted, and stay on the phone! I cant, I said as I began to move, Ive to carry Jack. I ran up across a green and onto the back road and kept running, my lungs aching and my son screaming, and I didnt stop. I ran all the way down the back road to Celbridge. I wanted a taxi. Paul started ringing, clearly home and realising we were gone. Jack was slipping through my arms and I hung on to him with everything I had, but that 30 November 2024 THE GLOSS MAGAZINE Nicola with her son. Everything went black. Then air flooded into my lungs in a whoop; his hands were off me. wasnt a lot against the weight of a baby. I heard a car coming and it passed. It wasnt Paul, but I knew it would be soon. The road ahead was so long and had a wall on either side. I crossed the road so I could see better. I knew where I was headed the police station. Hearing another car coming, I summoned my very last strength and ran for it. The police station was closed. There was a sign on the door saying to contact the police in Maynooth and a number. Jack slipped out of my arms onto his feet and I held him there by the hands, standing on the steps of the station, while I caught my breath. His feet were bare on the cold stone, so I picked him back up again. I ran back down towards the village heading for the steeple of a church I could see over the rooftops. I crossed the road, hooshing Jack up in my worn-out grasp, and as I did I looked back up the road and saw Paul in his car. And he saw me. The church was empty, with cold tiled floors and soft pine pews set in lines. It smelled like all churches do, that faint smell of incense and wax. A woman had her head bent in prayer at the front of the church. Jack was crying, so I hushed him and kissed him and tried to make him warm in my arms by stretching my top around his little body too. I sat into a pew at the back, facing the side aisle and cuddled him. Youre okay, I told Jack, but he wouldnt stop crying. I couldnt blame him; he was cold and scared and upset. He could sense my adrenalin as I tried to comfort him, and his response was to cry louder. He needed warmth and he needed a bottle. The woman looked back with a flash of impatience. I bowed my head and said to God, Please help me, and left the church. Paul was parked outside. Just sitting there in the car when I came out. There were people around and I knew he wouldnt drag me into the car in front of them. I walked by him and kept walking, and then his car drew alongside, window down. Right, Nicola, he said, get in the car. Im not going to do that again. No, I said. Get in, he said, stop making a scene. No. Nicola, look at my neck, he said, you done that too. I looked at him. There was a faint scratch. Do you want me to make a police report? he said. Ill be going for custody of Jack either way if you leave. You havent long left, Nic, do you really want to spend it in court? He changed tack. Look, we both are stressed with this constant cancer business, he said, get in the car, lets get the baby warm. I mean what would Tusla say if they saw you out with him with no shoes? What was the point? I knew what was going to happen anyway. Paul would win. Paul always won. Paul always knew the corners to back me into. I could run and run and run, but there was nowhere to run to. Paul would be standing in every path. Stronger by Nicola Hanney (Merrion Press) is out now. COMFORT FOOD & COSY PUBS / WEARING IRISH / SIPPING REDS / NEW SHOPS ON THE BLOCK / SOLO TRAVEL / BOOKS OF THE MONTH MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2024 with THE IRISH TIMES ww w. t ss.ie o l g he Rock steady in an unstable world Fashion at work + BE MORE INTERESTING Designers & their desks CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE THE GLOSS MONTHLY REMINDER SIGN UP to receive a monthly reminder by email when THE GLOSS is out so that you never miss an issue. Simply register your details on WWW.THEGLOSS.IE. PU B LI S H E R JANE M C D ONNE LL EDITOR SARAH MC DONNEL L D EP UT Y ED IT OR S Í O MHA CO N GLOSSIP Gloss~ip! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Counting candles Celebrate yourself this month ... KHAN Deryn Mackay founded her Blackrock boutique 30 years ago. Stop by for Paul Smith, Dorothee Schumacher and Róisín Linnane. PLAYING OUTDOORS: In Kindred of Irelands wool coat with golden beetled leather flow The Spencer Twins wear Over The Moon FASHION Spot The Trend 2 1 Start layering with different textures, says Aislinn Coffey @BLAZE_MILANO 3 6 4 5 7 8 9 ADDED INTEREST This season, texture and layering are the twin styling tools to tap into to modernise your look. If you have hang-ups about how textures dont go together, drop Photos by Flavien Carlod and Baptiste Le Quiniou, for advertising purposes only. Éditions Zulma. French Ar t de Vivre Love. Curved sofas, designed by Sacha Lakic. Myrtéa & Yin Yang. Armchair and ottomans, designed by Sacha Lakic. Nonette. Floor lamps, designed by Cédric Ragot. DUBLIN 18 Beacon So MOODBOARD 7 November Mood Rocksteady by Susan Zelouf 3 8 1. IM ROCKING a scorpion brooch in rock crystal, coral, diamond-tipped stinger & claws. www.vhernier.it. Santa? 2. IM CHANNELING my inner Blondie in a Rockstar cashmere sweater. www.sphereone.ie. 4 3. IM COLLECTING poetic pieces by Iris A N Y W H E RE, A N Y TIM E . F O PE PH OTO GR A PH E D BY TH O M A S LO H R F O PE .CO M Two Turtle Doves Swans a-Swimming Gifts a Gifting at Fashion Notes MICHAEL KORS TIBI FASHION ZIMMERMANN MISSONI Jeans can be office-worthy, says Aislinn Coffey 1 STYLING TIPS Desk to dinner in denim FEDERICA TOSI IMAXTREE VICT ORIA BECK HAM Transform your look for the evening by swapping out a shirt or knit for a silk blouse or sleek bod ADVERTORIAL Q&A At Close Range Y Interview with Amanda Bone, Architect our favourite virtue I find it difficult to pinpoint just one my three favourites are kindness, fairness, and thoughtfulness. Your favourite qualities in a man/woman I feel uncomfortable making a distinction between men an CONQUEST BARBARA PALVIN WORKING LIFE Marilyn Neckes, a stockbroker for LF Rothschild in New York City in 1984. Glass Ceilings and Beige Suits They broke down the doors of Wall Streets old boys club, finding a foothold in small brokerage houses before making their way into investment banks and exchange floors. But first, WORKING LIFE arm themselves with degrees and training. They must learn the manners and mores of the inner circle. And the inner circle is most emphatically upper middle class. Molloys plan for rescuing working women by showing them the right and wrong ways to dress was to create for them a business 25 Rockhill, Blackrock, Co Dublin 01 9631383 info@rockhillinteriors.com www.rockhillinteriors.com ADVERTORIAL LANE 7 CHRISTMAS STARTS HERE JAMIES ITALIAN THE FLYING DUCK A visit to Dundrum Town Centre for shopping and fun should be at the top of your Christmas List ... A ll of us have things we love to do in the run-up to Christmas every year, traditions without which we would feel a littl SINEAD KEARY ADVERTORIAL 3 2 HOBBS 1 4 V MINT VEL ISABEL MARANT AT BROWN THOMAS ET 7 5 CULT GAIA AT BROWN THOMAS THE GIFTS WED LIKE TO GET! LO VIS A 6 8 9 10 11 DUNNES STORES RIVER ISLAND KENNETH JAY LANE AT HARVEY NICHOLS Ask a group of glossy magazine editors what theyd like to r LIOSA MC NAMARA FIRST PERSON RUNNING for HER life Nicola Hanney recounts the traumatic years she spent suffering abuse at the hands of disgraced Garda Paul Moody, all the while battling recurring cancer and caring for her young son W hen he opened the door back into his home that night, Paul ki Give the gift of luxury The perfect gift for theatre lovers. Members enjoy the finest pre-show dining followed by world-class performances in the elegance and comfort of Circle Club. Email membership@bgetheatre.ie for more information. FIRST PERSON crawled up into my cheeks. My legs felt weak. It was the effect of the chemotherapy. I went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. I was going to throw up, so I slid down onto my knees and waited. My medication was in the fridge. It would settle my stomach and relieve my p NEPAPERY ODHIANG AWAR ODHIANG DRESS 49.99 AVAILABLE AT HM.COM TRENDS FASHION Softly, softly SPHERE ONEs knitwear is spun from the finest four-ply cashmere from Italian master Loro Piana, ensuring pieces like this Drama Series oversized polo-neck sweater, 910, will feel incredibly luxurious and last for years. www.sphereone.ie. Isle Style Black Wexford wool N OTH IN G BU T A DOT, A S U R FACE, A K N O B. Introducing the Essential Induction. Less for a life of more. The dif ference is Gaggenau. gaggenau.com/ie TRENDS FASHION HOT STRIPES Colourful, effortless and edgy are three words that describe LAURA CHAMBERS eponymous Irish knitwear label, which launched in 2016. Designed using the finest four-ply cashmere from Scottish spinners Todd and Duncan, hand-loomed in Dublin by a team of expert knitters, each What makes a design last generations? Is it exceptional craftsmanship? Is it honest materials? Is it timeless design? For us, its all of these. Thats what makes a Neptune home. Kitchens Furniture Accessories Lighting Paint Design services Dublin Kildare Kilkenny Limerick Mayo Meath Wicklow neptune.c Love every room Castlebellingham, Co. Louth sales@oconnorsofdrumleck.ie +353 (0) 42 937 2625 oconnorsofdrumleck.ie BEAUTY Beauty Notes CHANEL SS25 News & views, by Sarah Halliwell A TRIED & TESTED: AQUA, STILLORGAN, CO DUBLIN With age, we tend to use our muscles less frequently, causing the skin to lose its tone and contours to slacken, says Michelle Casey who founded Aqua salon in 1999. Michelle is a firm b CHRISTMAS BY festive FAVOURITE STAY SPA DINE GOLF galgorm.com WELLNESS FOOD Escapada, Mallorca. Dearbhla Glynn. Restful escapes If you are weary, a winter wellbeing reset might be just what the doctor orders, says Sarah Halliwell W ere looking beyond the dark days of November, and planning something to look forward to, post-hibernation. A few days away, INTERVIEW WITH A MAN Lasting Luxury Premium, Eco-friendly, Elegant Our candle tins: Luxury for you, sustainability for the earth. Designed for both beauty and sustainability, our tins are the perfect blend of eco-conscious luxury. Tin, one of the most recyclable and non-toxic materials on Earth, e 25 Rockhill, Blackrock, Co Dublin 01 9631383 info@rockhillinteriors.com www.rockhillinteriors.com N G I E S A of THS E M I T N MA ST U FA LL IKA NDE N O O ER EC Y V ERIN B D TH HE AP BY CA R D OG OT TYLE PH S N ork w t ty a l good, i l a rson you fee g e p ur ake o nin y e s v m s e e r o at Exp thes th rning t o o in cl from m Commuter style Brown check wool mix trench coat, 155; camel knit Suitable attire Chocolate brown houndstooth check blazer, 190.95; matching mini skirt, 97.15; both Reiss; chocolate brown polo-neck sweater, from a selection, at Johnstons of Elgin; burgundy patent bag, 77, at Dune London; burgundy tights, from a selection, at Wolford; all at KILDARE VILLAGE, Nurney Creative type Multicoloured patchwork knit tank top, Gant, 140; mustard pinstripe blouse, 187; mustard trousers, 150; both LK Bennett; burgundy patent slingback shoes, Dune London, 77; all at KILDARE VILLAGE. Tortoiseshell spectacles, Tom Ford, at The Optical Shop, 10 Rockhill, Blackrock, Co Dublin. Polished professional Camel double-face wool belted coat, Aspesi, 895; black cashmere polo-neck sweater, 495; black brocade skirt, Róisín Linnane, 595; all at KHAN, Rockhill, Blackrock, Co Dublin. Tortoiseshell spectacles, Celine, at The Optical Shop, as before. Black leather handbag, Coccinelle, 32 Work from home Turquoise herringbone tweed wool coat, Avoca Mill Collection, 495; multicoloured stripe mohair cardigan, Pieces, 49.95; blue denim jumpsuit, Atelier Reve, 189.95; all at AVOCA. Brown suede loafers, 70, at Marks & Spencer. BEAUTY NOTE: Light up the skin using a golden bronze powder suc Earn your stripes Cornflower blue stripe shirt, 47.50; navy pinstripe waistcoat, 49; matching pinstripe trousers, 55; burgundy patent slingback loafers, 77; all at MARKS & SPENCER. HAIR NOTE: Use Redken Wax Blast to create a healthy sheen on smoothed-back hair, and to lock the style into place. Easy elegance Black and white houndstooth tweed coat, 975; teal V-neck wool sweater, 125; both at MAGEE 1866, 21-26 South Anne Street, Dublin 2. White cotton T-shirt, 42; black wide-leg trousers, 65; black patent brogues, 49; all at Marks & Spencer. Black sunglasses, Celine, at The Optical Shop, as Print version Camel Adriana wool coat 1,895; leopard-print Amanda double georgette silk blouse, 995; black cigarette-leg trousers, 795; black The Louise croc-embossed leather crossbody handbag, 1,495; all at LOUISE KENNEDY, 56 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Black patent slingback shoes, Dune London, 77, Party ready Duck egg blue pleated bow balloon top, 1,475; matching lace-trim slip skirt, 500; matching organza overskirt, 820; silver leather shoes, from a selection; all Simone Rocha at HAVANA, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. After hours Black halter-neck top with ostrich feathers, 1,695; black chiffon wide-leg trousers, 1,695; both at LOUISE KENNEDY, 56 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Black patent slingback shoes, Dune London, 77, as before. BEAUTY NOTE: Define brows with a tint and reshape at Brown Sugar, South William Stree Black tie affair Black crepe evening gown, 975; black floral corsage, 80; both ANDTATE BY SHARON HOEY, at 6 Merrion Street Lower, Dublin 2. Black slingback shoes, Dune London, 77, as before. BEAUTY NOTE: Eyes are the focus here. Colour lashes in the shade of the season, with Maybelline Sky High mas THE GLOSS GALA In association with NOVEMBER 27 2024 RDS, DUBLIN 4 UT O D L SO On November 27, THE GLOSS GALA, in association with Goodbody, the most fun, inspiring and elegant evening networking event in Ireland, will be attended by more than 1,600 women from all walks of business life. The theme BOOKS Reading Notes Edel Coffey selects books for winter reading A s the nights draw in, my reading habits tend to get a little darker too. A new novel from superb mystery writer Jane Casey is just the thing for the encroaching winter chill. While fans of Caseys brilliant Detective Maeve Kerriga BOOKS ROYALLY GOOD READS As Jilly Coopers Rivals gets a long-overdue modern-day adaptation courtesy of Disney+, we are in the mood for some aristocratic reads. Charlotte Cootes interior design book The Flower Room is a beautiful guide to creating interiors inspired by nature. It covers colour, patt TRAVEL Travel Notes Penny McCormick on solo sojourns The Lobby. The Residents Bar. A Garden Wing suite. The indoor-outdoor pool in the spa. CHECKING IN: CASHEL PALACE HOTEL, CO TIPPERARY Table for one at Cliff at Lyons, Co Kildare. A recent survey conducted by Hastings Hotels revealed that TRAVEL Culloden Estate & Spa. ON MY RADAR: GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL, BELFAST: For catching up on some shuteye, the Perfect Nights Sleep package is a soporific combo of the Grand Centrals famous cloud beds, wool pillows, gorgeous bedlinen from Vision Linens, pillow spray (a collaboration with Irish well FOOD [Lochmuller], however, have their names all over the book and are doing the press for it. Clever, really, as there are four of them to share the load instead of just one. Two (or four) heads are better than one, after all. Yotam, Helen, Verena, and Tara (the Four Hungries), each bring their ow FOOD HELENS BOLOGNESE Serves 4 75ml peanut oil 1 onion, finely diced (180g) 1 large carrot, peeled and finely diced (125g) 1 celery stick, finely diced (75g) 2 star anise 1 cinnamon stick 2 bay leaves 1 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, roughly crushed in a pestle and mortar 1 tsp fennel seeds, DINING Restaurant Notes Ciara McQuillan finds cosy pubs to hide out in VAUGHANS ANCHOR INN, LISCANNOR, CO CLARE: THE AMBIANCE Dont be fooled, a visit to Clare should not just be a summer expedition. I can think of nowhere better to spend a rainy afternoon than perched fireside at Vaughans in Lisc WINE Rich Rhônes Julie Dupouy sips from the Southern Rhône Valley I love all wine styles but my decision on what to drink is highly influenced by the time of the year. As the weather gets colder, typically into November, my goo for rich, smooth, comforting and savoury reds powers back into the l ADVERTORIAL NOVEMBER NOTE Remember to treat yourself at Butlers SEASONS TREATINGS This November, at Butlers Chocolate Cafés, enjoy seasonal hot chocolates in two delicious new flavours (Crème Brûlée and Winter Spiced) in addition to a festive Gingerbread Latte. ADVENT CALENDAR Bespoke Gifting, On INTERVIEW WITH A MAN A lot of people go around screaming their beliefs to the world these days, expecting everyone around them to contort themselves to their template ... DONAL RYAN From the Heart Donal Ryan was born in Co Tipperary and worked as a civil servant before committing to writing. His ADVERTORIAL INTERVIEW WITH A MAN INTERVIEW WITH A MAN YOU LECTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK IN ENGLISH & CREATIVE WRITING. DOES IT MATTER TO YOU TO ALSO HAVE A PROPER JOB? On the menu at The Coach House: hearty dishes, fine wines and local cider, soft beds upstairs and a warm and convivial at BEST SHOPS BEST SHOPS 2024 The Garden New Mill, Mill Street, Dublin 8. Following the success of his gorgeous flower shop in the Powerscourt Centre, Connemara man Mark Grehan opened a second location earlier this year. Creating wild and sculptural hand-tied bouquets and arrangements, the new store THIS GLOSSY LIFE PRINCESS MARIE-CHANTAL OF GREECE Designer ON WORK: I started my childrenswear brand, MarieChantal, in 2000 while I was pregnant with my third child. It was a juggle at the beginning, balancing work and raising my children one of them was undoubtedly late for drop-off but I have a THIS GLOSSY LIFE This Glossy Life AT YOUR DESK An inspiring work space ignites creativity. We asked five designers what they surround themselves with while working ANYA HINDMARCH Accessories Designer SYSTEMS JUST MAKE ME FEEL IN CONTROL WHEN LIFE FEELS OUT OF CONTROL. ON WORK: Our office is in THIS GLOSSY LIFE ON WORK: I work in a studio in North London with my small, brilliant team. I enjoy working with other people. Each person brings a particular point of view when shaping our collections. [Bella Freud recently had a sell-out collaboration with M&S]. The studio is full of things in va THIS GLOSSY LIFE Desk ESSENTIALS 1 3 2 4 I FIND INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE, I AM IN RECEIVE MODE ALL THE TIME. 5 1. Black gel ink pen, 3.50; www.muji.ie. 2. Black mechanical pencil, Bic, 6.50; www.penstore.ie. 3. 1970 candle, Bella Freud, 56.50; www.cultbeauty.com. 4. Postalco notepad, 25; www.mi ENVIRONMENT A Drop in The Ocean Holly Hughes on the silent victim of armed conflict T his year, we have witnessed unspeakable conflict ravage the world, from the ongoing invasion of Ukraine to the genocide in Gaza, the ensuing conflict in Lebanon and Iran, and Sudans brutal civil war. 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