COVERwest Summer 2012 by COVERwest magazine

SUMMER 2012 £2.95 / €3.75

WIN

A LUXURIOUS STAY AT THE LANDMARK HOTEL IN CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

OVER £5000

EXPLORE 8 GREAT NORTHWEST WALKS WHAT? THIS OLD THING?

When it pays to be modest ...and when it doesn’t

WORTH OF PRIZES TO BE WON PHOTOGRAPHING IRELAND’S WATERWAYS

BUSY WITH BUSINESS Celebrating some of the Northwest’s business women

Here comes the

SUMMER SUN

Photography by Alexandra Barfoot www.facebook.com/AlexandraBarfootPhotography alexandraphotography@hotmail.co.uk

23 Market Street, 15-17 Scotch Street, 29 James Street, Omagh Dungannon Cookstown 23 Market Street, 15-17 Scotch Street, 29 James Street, t: +44 (0)28 8225 1211 t: +44Dungannon (0)28 8772 7575 t: +44Cookstown (0)28 8678 0008 Omagh t: +44 (0)28 8225 1211 t: +44 (0)28 8772 7575 t: +44 (0)28 8678 0008

COVERwelcome

s we prepare for the summer issue, we are in the middle of a couple of days of excellent weather. It really showcases the region in a beautiful light. Let’s hope by the time you are reading this the weather has been kind to us and you can take advantage and help encourage the outdoor coffee culture everyone seems to be promoting these days. With our summer issue we bring together the best the Northwest has to offer. In addition to meeting eight business women, we bring you the latest fashion, an official guide to wedding season, highlight the arts and festivals coming near you as well as feature in-depth articles on how to best execute our modesty, deal with ‘the ex’ and better our well-being. Also, on page 77, find displayed some of the recent entries for our Capturing Ireland’s Waterways photography competition, which runs all summer long so get that camera out and get snapping. If all that wasn’t enough to whet you appetite, luckily Neven Maguire is on hand with a summer recipe special so there’s simply no excuse for burnt burgers these coming months! Until September, get outside, pour yourself a drink and enjoy the reading. Have a great summer. PATRICK CONLON Director April/May’s Radisson Blu Letterkenny Competition winner: Sadie McKeever from Killybegs, Co. Donegal via post

SUMMER 2012

COVER:

Model: Rozanna Purcell of Andrea Roche Model Agency wearing dress by Nissa; collection available at McElhinneys, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal Photographer: Barry McCall www.barrymccallphotographer.com west

THIS ISSUE’S COMPETITIONS LUXURIOUS STAY AT THE LANDMARK HOTEL

Win a luxury stay at the contemporary award-winning Landmark Hotel located in the picturesque riverside town of Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. Up for grabs are two nights bed and breakfast for two adults in a Shannonview Guest Room including an evening meal in the award-winning Aroma’s Café. The Landmark Hotel was awarded the highly acclaimed accolade as Connaught’s Wedding Venue of the Year, not once but twice in 2012. For your chance to win, answer the following question: How many times has The Landmark Hotel won the title of Wedding Venue of the Year 2012? A) Never B) Once or C) Twice Send your answers to COVERwest Magazine, The Landmark Hotel Competition, Unit 5-6 Lackaghboy Industrial Estate, Tempo Road, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 4RL or alternatively to info@coverwestmagazine.com (Please include a contact number)

CAPTURING IRELAND’S WATERWAYS COMPETITION

Enter our exciting photography competition in conjunction with Waterways Ireland. Capturing Ireland’s Waterways allows everyone from budding beginners to professionals to submit photos of Ireland’s lakelands and waterways according to the three following themes: 1) People 2) Action 3) Landscape and nature. Photos can be submitted by Facebook or by e-mail with great prizes to be won! See page 77 for more details.

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IS PUBLISHED BY:

UNIT 5-6 ENNISKILLEN BUSINESS CENTRE, LACKAGHBOY IND. ESTATE, TEMPO ROAD, ENNISKILLEN, CO. FERMANAGH BT74 4RL T: +44 (0)28 6632 8157

MANAGING DIRECTOR SALES & MARKETING: PATRICK CONLON info@coverwestmagazine.com EDITORIAL & DESIGN: GLENDA McCAULEY copy@coverwestmagazine.com CONTRIBUTORS: GORDON ANNAN, EVE BRANNON, JENNY BYERS, FIONA HOBAN, ADRIAN HENDROFF & LYNN McCOOL

Upscale Marketing will not be held responsible for, nor will it return unsolicited manuscripts. Transparencies or prints submitted for publication are sent at the owner’s risk and, while every care is taken, Upscale Marketing cannot accept any liability for loss or damage. The views expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily of Upscale Marketing. The entire contents of the magazine are the copyright of Upscale Marketing and may not be reproduced in any form without prior written consent of Upscale Marketing.

COVERwest ISSN 2045 - 3914

Escada Sport Luis Civit Luisa Cerano Marina Rinaldi Aldo Martin

Laurel Ispirato iBlues Nougat

Brunella Wolford Damo

33 - 35 Church Street, Cavan T: +353 (0)49 437 2641 www.vanilla.ie

features

41 Busy with Business we meet eight Northwest business women 47 What? This Old Thing? when modesty can hold us back 50 The Ex-Files can you be friends with an ex-beau? 52 Get What You Want Out Of Life by being pro-active and getting it done

74 fashion 60

15 The Lust List our must-haves this month 28 Figuratively Speaking how to dress for your body shape 30 Thirty-five Swimwear Essentials what to wear when you dare to bare 34 The Big Day it’s wedding season, get ready!

living

58 Gratuitous Tips Fiona Hoban investigates gratitude 60 Do Try These at Home summer recipes from Neven Maguire 66 Design Moves Outside Gordon Annan explores exterior design 70 Greenside Bunkers versus Fairway Bunkers tips on bunker play by Lynn McCool 74 Eight Northwest Walks some of the best walks in the area 77 Photographing Ireland’s Waterways a selection of entries submitted for our photography competition

regulars

6 What’s On & Where 12 Fashion Focus 54 Beauty News 85 Social Scene

Contents

new

COLLECTIONS

in-store

COVERwhat’son

SURFS up Get your sun and surf on for the Sea Sessions Surf Music Festival which returns to Donegal on the 29th June – 1st July. The Bundoran event, now in its fifth year, is once again gearing up to be one of the hottest festivals of the summer with a stellar line-up including the Happy Mondays, Kaiser Chiefs, The Coronas, Rev RUN and Beardyman all headlining. A beach party not to be missed! Tickets: Weekend tickets are €88.50 / Day tickets Fri/Sat/Sun are €50. For more details, visit www.seasessions.com

What’s On & Where Summer shows, festivals, drama and art... we’ve got it COVERed

Simply ACOUSTIC

As many musicians and fans alike will tell you, sometimes it’s all about the acoustics – the setting, the version; it’s often our favourite kind of music. With that in mind, enjoy seven nights of raw, spotlighted talent as singer/songwriters from all over the Northwest are invited to perform in the Alley Mic Nights at The Alley Theatre from the 19th July – 30th August. For more information on how to get involved contact The Alley Theatre, Railway Street, Strabane, Co. Tyrone T: +44 (0)28 7138 4444

COUNTRY Strong If you’re a fan of country music, this may very well be the perfect night for you. Promising to be an actionpacked evening, Country Music Showtime With The Stars which plays the Ardhowen Theatre on 23rd June will feature the ‘wee man from Strabane’; Hugo Duncan, Jenny Braniff, Lisa Stanley, the ‘Singing Brickie’; Conor McKay, country songbird; Carmel McKenna and Country Harmony who completes the star line-up along with compere Sean Wallace. Ardhowen Theatre, Dublin Road, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh T: +44 (0)28 6632 3233

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HEN Weekend

Quash all the rumours and dismiss the speculation. It’s official! Cavan Summer Festival and International Hen Weekend will return this June running from the 15th – 17th. Hens will once again flock to Cavan town to take part in the International Hen Weekend with a stunning €10,000 cash prize up for grabs for one lucky bride to be. Meanwhile, Ryan Sheridan will headline the festival on Friday 15th and set the tone for what’s expected to be a wonderful weekend. www.cavansummerfestival.ie

S UMME R S A LE UP TO 70% OFF DESIGNER LABELS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

14 High St, Enniskillen Tel. 66 322 317 graham-enniskillen.com

All that JAZZ Prepare for six days of superb jazz when the Sligo Jazz Project kicks of from the 24th – 28th July. The five day event will feature the 16 member faculty of Sligo International Jazz Summer School and several guest acts – including this year’s Guest of Honour, Canadian born UK trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, who has been one of the most respected and acclaimed composers and musicians in modern jazz for more than five decades. Acts such as Phronesis, Marshall Gilkes, Femi Temowo and Rufus Reid’s SJP International All Stars will perform also. Tickets: €18/€15 each, €65 for a festival ticket www.sligojazz.ie

S H G U A L f o l e A Barr

, then look no ing for a laugh eblayney ok lo re u’ yo If tl e Iontas in Cas further than th Ireland’s best-loved e of who hosts on the 16th of J Gallagher on P s, n comedia ess of his cc g the huge su others in June. Followin y an ens and m ev St ke Ja as role outrageous d sometimes an s u io ar il h the the Gaiety aked Camera, ises a N , ow sh V T hit om ing graduate pr Tickets School of Act . ow sh c ti energe , Conabury, fun, feel-good ey yn la eb tl as C s ta n Io €20/€18, n , Co. Monagha Castleblayney 5 3400 97 T: +353 (0)42

JOHNNIE’S BRITCHES As ever popular visitors to Ramor Theatre, Beezneez return from the 6th – 8th July with a lovely ‘ole’ Irish comedy, Johnnie’s Britches. The laughter-filled play tells the tale of Ned and Bridget who are anxious to be rid of their accident-prone servant girl, willing to allow her to be married to almost anybody including Johnny. However, an unexpected letter from American throws all plans into confusion and it is left to Johnny himself to untangle the web of conundrums that ensue. Another guaranteed good night out from Beezneez. The Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Co. Cavan T: +353 (0)49 854 7074

KNIGHT on the tiles Having consistently sold out theatres in the UK and Northern Ireland, leading comedy hypnotist Adrian Knight makes an eagerly awaited return to the Northwest when he plays the Millennium Forum from the 20th – 23rd June. Adding to what has been a busy year so far, Adrian is also filming a pilot for the BBC this summer which will take place in Belfast and Derry/ Londonderry where he believes he will find plenty of suitable subjects to appear – it could be you! Millennium Forum, Newmarket Street, Co. Derry/Londonderry T: +44 (0)28 7126 4455

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HAPPY DAYS This summer we welcome the world’s first annual festival dedicated to Nobel Prizewinning writer, Samuel Beckett. And as a past-pupil of Enniskillen’s Portora Royal School, it only seems fitting that the island town will host the five day event taking place from the 23rd – 27th August which will celebrate Beckett’s work and influences. In addition, the HAPPY DAYS Festival will present a diverse mix of international artists, writers, musicians and performers he has inspired. For more information visit www.happy-days-enniskillen.com

Dress: €125

Dress: €119

HOT likE A DiVA

Dress: €199

The Summer is officially here and we are introducing a sugar coated season which is bound to get those taste buds working, mouth watering dresses with both directional and classic capsule pieces, whether it be a wedding, the all important day at the races or that stylish garden party we’ve got it all. Great Sterling Exchange - £1 = €1.25. T: 00353 74 9131217 | E: info@mcelhinneys.com www.mcelhinneysbridalrooms.com Dress: €129

Dress: €169

Dress: €175 Dress: €115

Roadhouse DOORS Whether you’re a fan of The Doors or not, this gig is a must-see for anyone who appreciates great live music. The Roadhouse Doors creates the look, sound and feel of a live 1960s Doors concert and plays a jam-packed set spanning the very best of their repertoire of hits including Roadhouse Blues, Riders On The Storm, Light My Fire plus many more. Celebrating the songs, lyrics and sound that defined 1960s Los Angeles and California, the Roadhouse Doors uses the same equipment to achieve that authentic sound and plays an array of pre-show nostalgic audio montages from the Sixties LA scene. This tribute show plays the Waterside Theatre on the 21st July and is sure to light your fire! Tickets: £12.50, Waterside Theatre, Glendermott Road, Co. Derry/Londonderry T:+44 (0)28 7131 4000

GREEK wedding For any fan of Grease, this is a must-see! Catching up with the Rydell High School gang forty years later, Danny unexpectedly remeets Sandy at a wedding and has everyone wondering will their romance blossom once again. Moving away from the story’s synonymous high school setting, Greek Wedding takes place on a colourful Greek island where hits such as Macarena, Getting Married in the Morning, Black Hills of Dakota, All the Single Ladies as well as hits from Abba, set the mood for this hilarious and uplifting feel good show. Early booking advised. Strule Arts Centre, Townhall Square, Omagh, Co. Tyrone T: +44 (0)28 8224 7831

RIVERSIDE festival

r e g n i s DING

Carrick-on-Shannon’s Water Musical Festival is back. In its 8th year, the six day event taking place from the 3rd – 8th July promises to bring you another brilliant line-up of music, theatre, workshops and family entertainment, all within one of Ireland’s most popular riverside towns. Enjoy performances from Lakeland Gala Proms, O Emperor, Katie Kim, The Henry Girls, Charlie McGettigan, Donal Dineen and We Banjo 3 whilst divulging in the continental market around town. For more information, visit www.carrickonshannonwatermusic.com

D ased or E W ical is b 1985, s u e m h is h T which t must-see. Set in dding e film on

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ILLUSTRATION: Jeanette Dunne

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SHOP ONLINE at

16 Townhall St Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh T: +44 (0)28 6632 4870

Sally West SALLY WEST has two floors of shopping heaven and a new bargain basement catering for all ages

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss our

summer sale!

34 Main Street, Cavan t: +353 (0)49 437 3022

SERENGETI Summer

Be bang on trend in safari and tribal prints. This hooded dress is simply a summer must-have! Cuba Clothing, Dungannon, Cookstown and Omagh, Co. Tyrone T: +44 (0)28 8772 7575

Dress with ELEGANCE With wedding season well and truly upon us, find your perfect Mother of the Bride/ Groom outfit at Elegant Lady, 94 Main Street, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh T: +44 (0)28 6772 1399

fashion FOCUS

Fashion is well and truly on our doorstep. Check out our top local picks and where you can get them!

BOATY Beautiful

Now that summer is here, nautical-wear is simply a necessity. Get your hands on these beautiful Tommy Hilfiger Deck shoes available from GRAHAM Womenswear, High Street, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh T: +44 (0)28 6632 2317

DRESS to Impress Ooze style and sophistication in this stunning yellow and grey evening dress available from McElhinneys Department Store, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal T: +353 (0)74 913 1217

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Retro CHIC Boasting retro pleats along with fashionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite florals, this Nougat dress available from Vanilla Boutique is perfect for all occasions; making it this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-rounder. Vanilla Boutique, Unit 2, 33-35 Church Street, Cavan T: +353 (0)49 437 2641

LINEA RAFFAELLI

MATCHING ACCESSORIES

94 Main Street, Lisnaskea T: +44 (0)28 6772 1399

Renowned for its style and sophistication, Vanilla Boutique caters for the most special moments in your life. See in store now for exclusive spring and summer Mother of the Bride/Groom outfits in a range of sizes. 33-35 Church Street, Cavan | T: +353 (0)49 437 2641 www.vanilla.ie

PRINTS Charming

From prints to florals, anything goes this season. Don’t be afraid to mix and match for maximum effect. Make these stylish ankle-grazer trousers from NEXT (£38/€51) your summer staple - perfect for casual and dress-wear, what’s not to love?

COVERstyle

All in the CASING

We love our iPad as much as our fashion, so why not combine them with this dreamy embossed Marc by Marc Jacobs’ cool parrot-green neoprene iPad case. Faux fur lining ensures this piece is as functional as it is fabulous. £45, net-a-porter.com

the LUST

list

We want, we need, we must have it! Just a few of our favourite things...

Snappy DRESSER

With an abundance of summer weddings and events to go to, we’re lusting after this stylish coral and nude number (£60) by Julien Macdonald @ Debenhams.

Linda.I.Love.You

Aside from launching her own Olympics-inspired sportswear for Adidas, Stella McCartney has also treated us to a second perfume L.I.L.Y. - as inspired by her childhood and her mother. (From £44 - £77)

4 west

COVERstyle

FASHIONABLE Reading

Illustrated by the celebrated cordwainer himself, Manolo Blahník, the Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker is a beautiful re-imagining of the much-loved children’s story. A fabulous gift for a fellow fashionista... or for yourself! £12.99, net-a-porter.com

Summer LACE

With lace remaining a dominant trend for the season, we are totally in love with this retro lace and satin shirt from River Island.

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SUNNY Side up!

With the sun on the horizon, staple sunglasses are a necessity. Grab these hot-in-demand mint Ray-bans from Urban Outfitters for £98 while you still can!

New SHOE COLLECTION

Inspired by her love of illustrated butterflies, hearts and charms as well as darker roses, skulls and animal motifs, innocence is set against a mystical backdrop in Chloe Green’s beautiful debut shoe collection. The Topshop owner’s daughter has named each shoe after a special person in her life, which each featuring her signature green sole. We are already lusting after these orange stud back peeptoe court shoes (£115) from Topshop.

Cool CARDHOLDER

Add a hint of colour to your handbag with Alexander McQueen’s purple snakeskin cardholder (£95) from net-a-porter.com. Toughened with a Swarovski crystalstudded skull, this accessory is as fashionable as it is functional.

SHOP ONLINE

16 Townhall St Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh T: +44 (0)28 6632 4870

See all our stock and buy online at our eBay shop via www.shuphoric.com No need to have eBay or PayPal accounts, simply check out as a guest

DRESSING FOR

SUMMER From social gatherings to summer weddings, summertime is jam-packed. And so are our wardrobes! Whatever the event or occasion, Vanilla Boutique of Cavan has the seasonal look to suit you...

ummer is here and fashion focuses on many different trends such as pastels, lace, prints, tailoring, metallics, florals and sports luxe to name a few. Here, Vanilla Boutique explores dresswear and casualwear channelling pastels, prints and the hottest colour for summer; red - with looks by Laurel and iBlues. See in-store for more styles, collections and brands catering to individual taste.

33-35 Church Street, Cavan, Co. Cavan T: +353 (0)49 437 2641 www.vanilla.ie

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Nautical but Nice

PERFECT PEEP-TOES

7 9

feet first

When tackling the trends of the season, make sure you put your best food forward. From pumps to peep-toes, Shuphoric of Enniskillen can complete your top-to-toe look. Check out some of our favourite current summer styles in-store at 16 Townhall Street T: + 44 (0)28 6632 4870 or shop online at www.shuphoric.com

STAPLE STRIPES

ES: PERFECT PEEP-TO

£99.95 1 - £84 2 - £73.50 3 4 - £94 5 - £64.95

NAUTICAL BUT NIC 6 - £62.50 7 - £69.75 8 - £67.50

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12 £27.50 9 - Shoes £49.95, Bag g £27.50 10 - Shoes £52.95, Ba

STAPLE STRIPES: 11 - £145 12 - £145 13 - £145 14 - £150

13 14

COVERwest

FASHION

Look from NEXT

Showcasing the latest looks and summer trends... guiding you on how and where to get the look!

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Unique @ Topshop

ASOS

Clara ticking sleevless demin shirt, £35, River Island

New Look

Cascade stud sandals, £40/€55, Office

We LOVE

Nadia distressed jeans, £40, River Island

MAGIC

Military

Chinos, £28, Topshop

From camouflage, studs and faded blues, fashion combines delicate details and embellishments with army style. Get ready to join the fashion corps!

Taupe aviators, £10, Dorothy Perkins

Bar collar, £18.50, Topshop

£15, M&S

Alice bag, £70, Paul’s Boutique

Gabiano wedges, £85/€115, Bertie

Mesh stitched jumper, £28, Dorothy Perkins

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Margaret Howell S/S ‘12

Studded cuff, £8, Accessorize

16 Townhall St Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh T: +44 (0)28 6632 4870

SHOP ONLINE at

Exclusive Guest and Occasional Outfits 61 Main Street, CavanT: +353 (0)49 436 1788

Lipsy

Burberry

Prorsum

2 S/S ‘1 Marni

TRENDY Kate Benjamin necklace, £50

We LOVE

SHOP ONLINE at

Ziggy tribal skirt, £20, River Island

Tribes

Fashion has diverted their attention from the great plains of America to the sun soaked Serengeti for summer. Be bold, be ethnic, be exotic! Embellished bag, £33, Littlewoods

16 Townhall St Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh T: +44 (0)28 6632 4870

ASOS

Knitted fringe wrap, £36, Laura Ashley

Jumper, £19.99, Internacionale

£9.50, M&S

Skirt, £28, Topshop

Bangle, M&S Tribal maxi dress, £55, M&Co Woven print purse, £6.99/€8.99, New Look Lana bead sandals, £40/€51, Schuh

RESTAURANT ANd TAKEAWAY SERVICE DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE 29 Belmore Street, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 6AA

OPENING HOURS: Monday - Thursday: 5pm to 11.30pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 12 midnight Sunday: 2pm to 11.30pm

BANQUET STYLE TASTING MENU

Sunday - Thursday: £12.95 Friday & Saturday: £15.50

CATERING FOR: Birthday Parties Wedding Parties Special Functions LUNCH TIME BUFFET: Lunch buffet menu available Monday - Saturday: 12pm to 2pm

For reservations call +44 (0)28 6632 9989 www.rubypalace.co.uk

TAKE TWO

TAKE ONE

23 Market Street, 15-17 Scotch Street, 29 James Street, Omagh Dungannon Cookstown t: +44 (0)28 8225 1211 t: +44 (0)28 8772 7575 t: +44 (0)28 8678 0008

PETITE

COVERfashion

Small in height and proportions

y l e v i t a r u g fi g n i k a e sp

Celebrity Influence: Rachel Bilson Creating height is key here and it’s all about the fit! Vertical lines or print will add length, whilst headto-toe nude will offer the illusion of legs that go on forever. Flawless fit is essential – opt for neat pieces and hemlines that hit you above the hip such as a cropped jacket or high-waisted shorts. Balmain

re is a e h t e ap m ery sh v e f o ips fro t n a y s m a o ee ery w w thes o on to l l For ev n o f n a – r u B suit yo st Eve i o n t e m l u y st col mer... d m n a u s t s s hi n styli gure t fi r u fashio o y flaunt d n a r body e r ut you flatter

High-waisted shorts, £20, boohoo.com

figu ng o worki to suit your tion or p l e h ulta like ing a cons shopp would If you r advice on rannon for B o shape contact Eve intment: m , o e p l p y ling.co t a s or ling ionsty y t h s s l a f a n person evebranno 7 6 @ 0 o 7 f .com n 9 i E: 8 175 ionstyling 7 ) 0 ( 4 h s 4 a + f T: on brann W: eve

TALL

Long legs, equal proportioned shoulders and hips Celebrity Influence: Nicole Kidman Embrace your statuesque physique, don’t try to hide your height – emphasise it! Don’t be afraid to wear killer heels and amp-up your femininity. You are lucky in that you can carry off bold prints and colour. Make sure to show off your perfect pins with skimming hemlines or leggy slim, ankle grazing trousers. Kiss Me Quick heels, £75, Office

Erdem west

Cropped waterfall jacket, £55, Topshop

COVERfashion

HOURGLASS

Shapely bust and hips, small waist Celebrity Influence: Scarlett Johansson

Peter Pilotto

What defines an hourglass gal is the proportion of her tiny waist to hips and bust. Wear clothes to define this narrowest point of the torso, with form-fitting styles. Opt for waisted belts, seams or embellishment details to draw you eye to this point. To balance shoulders to curvy hips, wear a sculptured, strong shoulder jacket or blazer.

FULL-FIGURED

Voluptuous with a rounded tummy Celebrity Influence: Adele

m b Kim

Jaco

Sculpted maxi dress, £45, NEXT

Moschino

Make the most of voluptuous curves with sculpted, structured fabrics to create a shapely silhouette. Draw the eye upwards with beautiful embellished details at the neck or bust line. A fan of ever-safe black? Try touches of black lace or sheer fabric (such as a sleeve) to reveal a seductive hint of skin.

SPORTY

Broad shoulders, small bust and slim hips Celebrity Influence: Cameron Diaz An athletic, boyish figure can be sexy – look at Cameron Diaz! There is nothing to hide, it’s all about adding volume where possible with horizontal stripes or curvaceous styles such as bodices and dresses with boning. Feminine ruffles at the bust create curves for the illusion of a fuller figure. Choose elegant, mid to short-length styles to soften your frame and reveal your sporty physique, upping the glam factor. west

From swimwear and beach bags to sandals and sunglasses... we’ve got your holiday gear COVERed - and with styles to suit everyone!

beach

ESSENTIALS Floral swimsuit, £29.50, M&S

Striped to p, bottoms £ £22 and 18, NEXT

Purple bikini, £28/€37, Urban Outfitters

b front Gingham ta p, £16 ini to bandeau bik 16, ASOS £ s, m o tt and bo

Candy stripe triangle bikini, £19.50 and bottoms, £12.50, M&S

Red flora l swimsuit , £28, Acce ssorize

‘50s rose print top, £16 and bottoms £12, M&Co

west

Colourblo ck Bikini top , £22/€29 a nd bottoms, £18/€24, Geri Hall iw @ NEXT ell

Sea green bandeau top, £14 and bottoms, £12, Topshop

Retro swimsuit, River Island

4 Favourite Bags Straw beach bag, £150, Biba @ House of Fraser

Spot print shopper, £16, Topshop

£75, Crew Clothing

Look from River Island

Coral beach bag, Ted Baker

west

6 Favourite Cover-ups Paisley print kaftan, €35, Coleen Rooney @ Littlewoods

Tye-dye kimono, £30, Topshop £32, Accessorize

£20/€26.90, Accessorize

4 Favourite Sandals Gold sandals, £35/€54, Monsoon

£29.50, M&S

Cartwheel sandals, £38/€55, Office

Federico sandals, £48, ASOS

ASOS Stripe maxi dress, £45, A|Wear

Espadrilles, £55/€74, Dune

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COVERfashion Fedorah, €22, Littlewoods

Spiral hat, £22/€34, Accessorize

Bead trim cowboy hat, £6, Matalan

Straw stripe hat, £16, Jasper Conran @ Debenhams

INTO the

SHADE

4 Favourite Sun Hats

7 Favourite Sunglasses Oversized smoke round glasses, £15, M&S

Rive

r Isl

and

£12/€18.90, Accessorize Black cat eye sunglasses, £18, very.co.uk

Nude tortoise sunglasses, £12.50, NEXT

Ray-Ban icon sunglasses, €154, Littlewoods Butterfly cat eye sunglasses, £15, ASOS

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THE

BIG DAY It’s the day most little girls dream about, so from the dream dress to the first dance, make your big day stand out with 2012 top trends OOD GET IN THE M

ld eme you wou hat style or th the lead of w e id ec d p To hel follow ding to have, od like your wed bulous and compile a mo fa lours, fashion’s most u like. From co or yo s g in th e th ws, déc board of all to ideas for vo s n ig es d d are endless. textures an e inspirations th rs u vo fa and table

FIRST DANCE

Choosing the song for your first dance as a married couple can often be the trickiest part of the wedding prep, or so that was until the trend of learning a dance kicked up a gear! Whatever you go for, make it lovey-dovey but equally light-hearted.

CREATIVE CAKES

Out with traditional fruit cake and in with confectionery that matches your personality. It’s all in the humour! west

COVERweddings

BE BESPOKE

Bespoke bridal dresses are becoming more popular by the year, with 2012 no exception. With the ability to create something unique and timeless, brides can get ‘The Dress’ designed exactly to suit to their taste and style.

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Fashion-forw ard flowers making an a appearance re on the runways fo r AW ‘12. Fro m lovely lilies to wild flowers, fee l free to mix and match, the re are absolutely no limits.

From detailed weaves to loose and tousled braids - plaits have become the statement hair of SS ‘12. A pretty style for a soft look or particularly complementary to Grecian bridal gowns.

Be bang-on-trend with summer bridalwear with super-sized drop-down or chandelier earrings to add that extra bit of sparkle to your day.

FLOWER PO WER

PRETTY PLAITS

ELEGANT EARS

FEELING BLUE Add that something blue by stitching the date of your big day into the lining of your wedding dress. Cute or what?

Our

timeless tailOring

Tel: 00353 74 913 1217 • Email: Info@mcelhinneys.com • www.mcelhinneysbridalrooms.com

Rules of

engagement

at MERCERS Jewellers

hopping for the perfect engagement ring can be challenging for couples who plan to marry. But it doesn’t have to be a dreaded experience. Besides, it has become increasingly common for the future bride and groom to go ring shopping together. With the right amount of knowledge about what to look for in a ring, coupled with your excitement, this should be an enjoyable experience as you embark on committing to a life together. No matter how you go about choosing a ring, Mercers Jewellers of Enniskillen can offer you advice to help you find that perfect ring for your beloved. Over the course of a couple’s lifetime, there are at least three rings they will have to choose – from the engagement ring to wedding and anniversary rings when they wed and go on to celebrate an important milestone in their marriage. Before looking at possible rings, it is important to be aware of the settings. These include traditional Classic Solitaire, Setting with Sidestones, Pave setting, Tension setting, Three Stone setting to designer or custom settings. To help determine your choice, consider your budget if you have one as well as your personal tastes and preferences. However if you are unsure, the team at Mercers can advise you in choosing a suitable setting and then assist you in finding an attractive certified diamond. The ring you choose will fall into many categories. You should consider your preference in diamond – known as the ‘Four Cs’: Clarity, Carat, Cut and Colour, as well as the shape (e.g. round, pear, square, oval, heart etc.), cleaning, quality or grade. Ultimately, deciding which one to go for will once again come down to taste and budget. Take the time to consider all possibilities and trying on any potential gems! Once you have chosen your setting and diamond, it is pretty plain sailing from there. Mercers Jewellers will prepare your ring and have it ready for you to present to your partner.

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MERCERS Jewellers, 5 High Street, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh T: +44 (0)28 6632 2119 | www.mercersjewellers.com info@mercersjewellers.com

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(1) 1.20 carats platinum D Colour £7995.00 (2) 0.55 carats platinum D Colour £3999.00 (3) 2.86 carats platinum D Colour £13,750.00 (4) 1.52 carats platinum D Colour £10,995.00 (5) 0.54 carats platinum D Colour flawless £2995.00 (6) 1.04 carats platinum D Colour £3995.00 (7) 1.55 carats platinum D Colour £8995.00

raphael

THE

COLLECTION

The wedding collection

5 HIGH STREET, ENNISKILLEN CO. FERMANAGH T: +44 (0)28 6632 2119 WWW.MERCERSJEWELLERS.COM INFO@MERCERSJEWELLERS.COM

HERE COME THE GUESTS With summer being the most popular season for weddings, needless to say we’re going to need an outfit or few...

Country wedding:

Be pretty in playful pastels

Pleat dress, £60, NEXT

Sundae printed dress, £60, River Island

Wedge shoes, New Look

Lemon blazer, French Connection Floral necklace, River Island

ASOS

City wedding:

Tailored trousers, House of Fraser

Looks sharp and edgy in structured tailoring

Gold clutch, £38, Accessorize Vintage court shoes, River Island

Co-ord tropical floral blazer, £65, Topshop

Woven trilby, £20, A|Wear

ASOS Purple dress, £160, Phase Eight

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Enough with the doom and gloom already - get motivated, be positive. Meet eight Northwest business women who are doing just that...

BUSY

with

BUSINESS Shauna McCarney HEAVENLY TASTY ORGANICS Fintona, Co. Tyrone

hen weaning her first child onto solids, Shauna, who resides in Fintona, couldn’t find anything in the shops that was close to the fresh organic food she was making at home. “All I could find were products in jars on the shelf which looked and tasted disgusting,” she recalls. After the arrival of her second baby, the 32-year-old mum quickly realised that she didn’t have the time to constantly prepare fresh baby food, proving there was an even greater need for exactly that. In the years that followed when her kids started school, Shauna then learnt her children had serious food allergies, the discovery which acted as the final push to set up her own company; Heavenly Tasty Organics. Providing freshly frozen organic baby food, Heavenly Tasty Organics supplies an array of products that are 100% pure, and also free from dairy and gluten. Stage one products consist of fruit and vegetable purees which are frozen into little heart shaped ice-cube sized portions that are created for stage one weaning. Priding themselves on providing convenience without the guilt, such products are designed to allow mothers to pop out what is needed and placing the rest back into the freezer.

Having picked up some prestigious business and industry awards, Heavenly Tasty Organics is proving to be a great success – a business that is of much enjoyment to Shauna who appreciates the freedom that running your own company creates. “I am my own boss, and if I need to leave work early for something then I don’t have to ask anyone,” she explains. “My hours can be flexible and I can work from home if one of the children are sick. It allows me to be a mum as well as a business woman.” As Heavenly Tasty Organics continues to soar, Shauna has six new products ready to launch later in the year consisting of stage 2 and 3 weaning meals. In the meantime Shauna plans to continue changing the traditional offering for mums and babies in terms of food by giving them choice to buy a product which resembles what they’re doing at home. And the ultimate dream? “To become the number one frozen baby food company in the UK and Ireland and possibly Europe.” www.heavenlytastyorganics.com What tip would you give to anyone thinking of starting their own business? Research, research, research! You MUST know your market, and your product as it is you who will have to ‘sell’ that idea to others including buyers, bankers and the general public. Research everything to do with setting up a company. Take advice when it’s needed and surround yourself with positive thinkers. west

Georgina Kelly

CHERVILLE BED & BREAKFAST Drumalee, Cavan, Co. Cavan

etting up her own Bed & Breakfast is something Georgina Kelly has wanted to do for a long time. So when Cavan was granted the popular Fleadh Cheoil for the first time in 2010, the 52-year-old decided it was the perfect time to open her home to guests and hasn’t looked back since. Regarded as one of the best Bed and Breakfasts in the Northwest, Cherville boasts a very stylish interior and exterior as well as a prime location in Cavan town. Constantly in demand, Georgina, being her own boss, admittedly finds it difficult to know when to stop working. “There is a constantly things to be done to prepare for the next set of guests, but the compliments I receive about my B&B and feeling of accomplishment is in its self very rewarding,” she explains. “When somebody takes the time to give me a review on Trip Advisor, I get the feeling of a job well done. The accommodation can either make or

Business tip:

break someone’s holiday, so I do my best to make every guest’s stay memorable and enjoyable.” As an artist with a love for design and interiors, attention to detail is extremely important to the Dublin native. “I find having the B&B motivates me to keep the house looking the best it can be, and I also love getting to know new people every week,” she tells us. “I have made some very good friends since we’ve opened up here, and when guests are here on holidays having a good time, I feel like I’m on holidays myself, with the added bonus of getting paid for it!” www.cherville-bedandbreakfast.com

It is very important to re-invest in your business. It’s like a seed at the beginning, the more love and attention you give it, the more it grows and blossoms. I’m still watching my business grow, and I sincerely hope it will continue to flower for a long time to come.

COVERfeature

Helen McDonnell INDIGO I COACHING Derry City, Co. Londonderry

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? I’ve received a few pieces of advice that I hold onto. First, to be yourself and be genuine about what you believe and offer to people. That your passion can communicate at a whole different level and can be contagious. Secondly, step by step. Sometimes things can become overwhelming but breaking it down and doing things step by step can keep you mobilized into action.

aving studied Psychology at the University of Ulster in Jordanstown, Helen was always intrigued with human behaviour and emotions. She set out on a path working in Mental Health but during maternity leave with her third son, she was made redundant. It was at this point, the 45-year-old became more aware of life coaching; an idea which caught Helen’s attention as a way of collating all her experience with enabling people to help themselves. As a result, she retrained and set up her own business; Indigo I Coaching as she turned forty. “Though, initially people were very unaware of what coaching was and I frequently received calls to price a coach (bus) for hen weekends,” she laughs. Now up-and-running five years, Helen works with individuals, businesses and organisations who all want the same thing… change. She offers one-to-one, team and group coaching on how individuals can take responsibility for their own well-being, achieve less stress, become more effective with a greater focus and gain a healthy work life balance. “People want to discover alternative ways to get more out of life, work or play and coaching affords a way to do this,” she explains. “The coaching process allows people to change the way they look at things and in doing so, the things they look at change. It’s amazing how solutions become abundant when perspective changes.” From the coaching process to the interaction with a client, Helen loves her job. “The biggest kick is seeing how people become self-responsible in making positive changes in their lives,” she says. “I always feel so privileged to get an insight into the way someone thinks, I guess coaching has enabled me to satisfy that intrigue in human nature and of course I’m learning all the time, coaching is a two way process!” As a wife and mother of three, Helen also enjoys the flexibility of running her own business. It too means she has to practice what she preaches. “Though, as a very good friend of mine said once being a life coach doesn’t mean you’re Mary Poppins! We all have ups and downs in life but it’s knowing what you need to do to deal with them and put these things in place,” she tells us. Currently, Helen is involved with a movement known as L.e.s.s where she delivers workshops to people to explore how less can and could be liberating for them and how they can achieve a balance between having too much and not enough. “Less of the bad stuff and more of the good stuff,” she tells us. Looking ahead, Helen hopes to continue to grow her personal coaching clients and develop her coaching more in the business field. She’s also updating her website and getting to grips with social media to increase awareness and engagement with people. www.indigoicoaching.com west

Joanne Sweeney-Burke MEDIA BOX Churchhill, Co. Donegal

What’s the best advice you’ve received? In business learn how to say no. This has been a valuable lesson for me and we now consider who we do business with based on their values and business proposition. So saying no has allowed me meet new clients who can have a yes attitude just like the Media Box team.

espite having made the final of the The Apprentice on TV3 last year, it was just three years earlier that Joanne found herself out of a job and her husband unemployed. As a result, the Downings of Donegal native decided to apply her skills and success from all her previous roles to set up her own business; Media Box. “I guess I was entrepreneurial by necessity,” she says. “I believed I had the capacity and the stamina to be self-employed.” Using her kitchen for an office, the 34-year-old officially launched her multi-media company specialising in Public Relations, Digital Marketing, Design, Websites, Event Management and Communications Training which develops campaigns to help promote a product, business, organisation or message. Having gone from strength to strength since, Joanne and her team of eight others pride themselves in their ability to generate creative campaigns with a return on investments, all the while keeping up to date with training and changes in social media technologies. Speaking about her motivations, the self-confessed self-starter thrives on a challenge and enjoys being part of successful events and campaigns. In addition, she particularly enjoys that Media Box is a family business; with her husband Tom as the financial manager and her 16-year-old daughter planning to undertake work with the company this summer. “My two year old Bobby will no doubt have a future with us as well,” she laughs! As her business continues to grow, Joanne plans to implement the systems to facilitate that growth. “I want to employ more people and give security to my existing team members,” she says. “My ultimate ambition is to grow Media Box to a level where we have multiple outlets nationwide employing highly qualified and highly skilled individuals who are looking for a career and not a job.” www.mediabox.ie | www.joannesweenyburke.ie

Mandy Muldoon

HI-MAINTENANCE BEAUTY & PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan

ow Mandy got into the beauty business is not your average story. While the creativity was always there, it was interior and furniture design that the 33-year-old initially explored following her studies of Art & Design at the University of Ulster. With her safe pass, steel toe caps and hi-vis jacket in tow, Mandy worked on various building sites, “rain, hail or snow,” conducting site surveys from Dublin to Cork. Having lost her job after three years, Mandy then thought it was best to consider other options. “With the economy going into recession, the building and design industry where on hold and I had no interest on waiting about,” she explains. And so, when pricing a makeover shoot for her younger sister’s birthday, the idea of HiMaintenance was born. Discovering that the makeover would cost an extortionate amount, Mandy then realised that with her knowledge of photography gained at university, along with a keen interest in make-up, that this was something she could possibly do herself. Attending various

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courses and workshops to further enhance her skills, Mandy then launched Hi-Maintenance; a fun and funky studio offering a new beauty and photography combined experience. Boasting a range of beauty treatments, guests to Hi-Maintenance are sure to be polished and pampered head to toe. In addition to catering for special events such as hen parties, birthdays and weddings, Mandy provides an ultimate photography experience whereby clients can receive VIP makeover photoshoots. Since launching her own successful beauty and photography studio, Mandy’s business has gone from strength to strength. The secret? “You can’t take your eye of the ball,” she tells us. “You have to be there 24/7 and always try to do that little bit extra to stand out from the crowd.” www.himaintenance.ie

COVERfeature Greatest life lesson:

One of the biggest lessons in life for me was about how much you can achieve through BOLD action. It can be really scary but for me, it’s all about feeling the fear and doing it anyway - (to borrow a phrase from Susan Jeffers!). Life can be scary but if we commit to being bold in our business, where will it take us? I know if you are bold in your business, it will trip in to your personal life and then the sky is the limit. Exciting times!

Yasmin Vorajee

IRRESISTIBLE WOMEN IN BUSINESS Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

After 12 years working as VP of Leadership Development, Yasmin found herself with a great opportunity to start her own business; something she had always dreaming of doing. With a background in HR, the Training and Leadership Development professional who hails from Lancashire decided she would specialise to provide huge value to her target market. With this, Yasmin set up Irresistible Women in Business at the start of this year to provide training, coaching and mentoring to female entrepreneurs on how to become irresistible through bold action and execution. With a philosophy of ‘Big Business Thinking for Big Thinking Businesses’, the 34-year-old’s business focuses on equipping and empowering women through individually tailored mentoring packages, tailored consultancy, virtual coaching programmes and group coaching. “When I begin working with a client, I get a sense of their current business challenges and what they want to achieve in the short and medium term,” she explains. “I want them to have a sense of what they want to achieve in the long term but I like to focus on the here and now so it’s about decisive action!”

In running a relatively new business, Yasmin wishes for Irresistible Women in Business to grow into a successful company and to act as a vehicle for a community of women committed to business excellence and fulfillment. “I see this community being different to other organizations in that I emphasise who we need to become to create the businesses we aspire to have rather than simply just the skills you need to run a business.” Inspired to empower women, it is from her own husband, Colm and baby son, Fionn Hamza where Yasmin draws her motivation. “They are the reason why I do what I do,” she tells us. “I also love being surrounded by inspiring and motivating people and every day, I aim to immerse myself in all that’s out there in this field.” After years of corporate life where she had to adhere to rules and regulations, needless to say Yasmin loves the freedom entrepreneurship has provided. “I also love the flexibility of my business as it allows me to spend time with my husband and son and also continue the business if I am abroad. Flexibility is queen!” “Looking forward, I want my family life and business life to be truly compatible so I can be a great mum and wife and fulfill my personal ambitions and aspirations.” www.yasminvorajee.com

Paula McManus

PAULA MCMANUS PHOTOGRAPHY Macken, Co. Fermanagh

ith art as her passion from a young age, it seemed inevitable that Paula would take up a creative profession. Having admittedly spent most of her Art & Design foundation in the dark room, it was here where photography struck an interest and thereby led Paula to study Visual Communications and work as a photographer across the water in New York. But starting her own business wasn’t something Paula took lightly. After returning to Northern Ireland after several years of travelling, she took to temporary jobs. “But after a year or so something doing mundane work I realised I had to get creative again and start taking pictures,” she explains. “Making the jump from a guaranteed wage to virtually no income was a big move but I always felt that I would rather regret doing something than doing nothing.” Specialising in weddings, family and newborn portraits, Paula who now lives in Belfast feels extremely lucky to be making a living from something she thoroughly enjoys, noting that the best part is knowing that your pictures have captured special moments in a person’s life. “The freedom and independence that comes from being your own boss is always a plus but I do find myself to be the worst boss I have ever had,” she laughs. “I rarely allow myself time to just switch off and find myself always thinking about my business.” Reflecting on her career thus far, Paula regards her time in New York as a particular highlight as it put her on the path to setting up her own business. Now an established photographer, Paula hopes to continue building and growing her business, and to keep developing her creativity and own unique

shooting style. “I really hope to have a very successful business on my hands in the near future,” she says. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that someone has booked me because they like my style, it makes me work harder to capture that perfect shot for my clients to look back on in twenty years time with a smile on their face.” www.paulamcmanusphotography.com

Máire Garvey

DIP IN THE NIP FOUNDATION Sligo town, Co. Sligo

aving run her first Dip in the Nip event in Sligo in 2009 in aid of Irish Cancer Society, Máire intended for it to be a one-off believing that it would be few in numbers and funds. But to her dismay, 180 turned up to brave the chilly waters (and the blushes) to raise a whopping €56,000! Following its success, the 52-year-old started to realise that the event had real potential to grow, and so went about its development. “I was unemployed at this stage and decided now was the time to become self-employed, a long cherished dream of mine, and to grow the Dip in the Nip to its full potential,” she says.

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Working a very inspiring job, the Donegal native draws her motivation from the very women who participate in her events. “So many of them have been through cancer themselves, or have lost somebody to cancer, and yet they can still smile and do something crazy like run naked into the North Atlantic,” she laughs. “What I enjoy most is the look on their faces when they go into the water. Most of them have never skinny-dipped before, and quite likely won’t do so again unless they do another Dip - so that moment when they slip down into the water, and suddenly ‘get’ the joy that is skinny-dipping, it’s a moment I always get a kick out of.” Having always dreamed of being self-employed, but been too scared to do it, Máire feels lucky that Dip in the Nip came her way. “All I have ever needed to make it work just seems to happen when I need it, and it feels like I have

finally found my life purpose,” she explains. “There’s a lot of slog that goes into making events like this happen but it’s all worth it when I’m surrounded by hundreds of women, all on a high, and all because I had an idea.” Ultimately however, Máire hopes that the Dip in the Nip Foundation will make a real difference to people’s lives in that it is more than a challenge, but rather one that provides a sense of liberation and joy. While the first mixed Dip in the Nip took place in Galway in February, there are four Midsummer Dips on June 24th around the country, and the second Blue September Men’s Dip in the Nip taking place on the 30th September. In addition, Máire has also been asked to run an event for Arc Cancer Support Centre in Dublin for who she will launch the first Moonlight Dip in the Nip happening at the end of August. www.dipinthenip.eu

COVERfeature

What? This Old Thing? As a country and culture, we are notoriously known for our laid-back attitude and unassuming qualities. But there are times when our modesty doesn’t do us any favours explains Glenda McCauley

cross the world, we are a country considered with high regard. A nationality respected and one whose accent has even been known to woo people’s souls. Our land is green, our weather is cold and wet, hell – our nearest town might even be a 15 minute drive away, but despite such shortcomings, we are a country, a nationality, a life admired nonetheless. So much so, our wee land is appreciated by many different countries and cultures, with America demonstrating a particular fancy and fondness for our heritage with almost every citizen claiming Irish roots

(no matter how far removed they might be!) whilst celebrating our culture in the form of Irish bars on almost every street corner! (Stereotypical perhaps but who are we kidding?) And let’s not forget, national holiday parades that are usually bigger than our own. But why all the fuss? What is it about our wee country (besides Guinness and Tayto), our nationality, our culture that is so appealing to the masses? west

You look really good today :-) g n i o d e r A u o Y ! b o j t a grea p the Keep u ork good w With a love for the States having worked there for six months, I was particularly stricken how being Irish meant a few things: One: How being Irish can not only get you served quicker at the bar but that it too can raise suspicion that you might indeed be working undercover for the F.B.I. Two: How the courteous Irish habit of flashing an uncoming car to warn of police can consequently get you pulled over and nearly imprisoned. And three: How being Irish can see you offering up your seat at the State rodeo because someone else was going to miss out, only to learn that that person definitely would not have done the same. Not because they were selfish, simply because they weren’t Irish and didn’t acquire our ‘putting everyone before ourselves’ attitude. (Probably just as well though, I heard the rodeo was traumatising!) Over the years it’s become so very clear to me, it is for such very reasons why we are known as one of the ‘nicest nationalities in the world’. We are unassuming, modest and quick to put others before ourselves. Happy to help, offer advice and even lose out to see someone else gain. A country masterful of not taking credit where credit’s due but instead one that encompasses a knack to boomerang any compliment back to its giver. Sound familiar? But while this is all so very ‘nice’ and commendable, we are however doing ourselves no favours on an individual level. What is there to gain if we sit back and let others take the stand, the credit, OUR SEAT AT THE RODEO? Absolutely nothing. Absolutely nothing at all other than a swollen heart and a bunch of brownie points – whatever they can even get you, I’ll never know.

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Perhaps we should take a leaf out of America’s book and learn to strive for opportunity and credit, with little to no guilt or worry about self-promotion. After all, why shouldn’t we? We all want to succeed in life right? Luckily for us, showing off has become far more socially acceptable in recent years thanks to the explosion of social media where sites such as Facebook and Twitter act as portals to share our experiences and ultimately raise our profiles. It is here we share our achievements and highlights, and whether we’re fully aware of it or not, where we inadvertently selfpromote. Hey, perhaps we’re not as self-deprecating as I first thought! But if being humble doesn’t get us anywhere, why is showing off considered so unattractive? Why indeed, as the old saying goes, does “no one like a show-off ”? According to studies, we love to shoot people down when they’re successful. So the majority of us prefer to self-deprecate and play the underdog as it is considered easier to build a rapport with someone this way. In the workplace, we tend to down-play ideas, cushioning them with prefixes such as “This is probably a stupid idea...” or “This might sound silly...” should they be dismissed. In addition, it is thought we play into the belief that if you do the work well enough and wait long enough, someone will ‘rescue you’ with a promotion or pay rise. But for now, we casually drift along with our modesty in tow simply waiting for someone to sit up and take notice. But then again, modesty needn’t always be a defect. In some cases, it can pay to be just that. During my time in the States, I was only too aware, and truthfully in awe of so many wonderful American colleagues who could assert themselves so brazenly, who sought acknowledgement and basked in the praise that followed. Colleagues who were more assertive, but no more hard-working. Until one day, my boss casually slipped me a note, a beautiful hand-made note thanking me for my hard work without so much of a want or will of help or approval, but rather admiring my kind of work ethic. Needless to say, it meant more than any amount of public praise could. But is this good enough? Will this kind of work see you to the top? Whichever way you look at it, whether you’re seen as someone who merely floats along or more so of a silent assassin, you can be sure to find yourself offering to assist with any errand or issue presented, no matter how much of an inconvenience it might be. Hey, it’s just in our nature right? And so, to manage upwards. Unfortunately for us, the answer is not as straightforward as simply being more assertive. While a 2009 study from George Mason University in Virginia showed that pushier people were more likely to get paid more, a 2011 report from the same institute found that when women are too assertive, they were criticised for acting like men and the promotions fell to their more feminine colleagues. There’s just no winning. The key is simple. The key is to strike a balance. If we sit back and let others leap in, we will never get anywhere. Combat this by taking opportunities that are rightfully yours and thriving on the compliments and successes that come your way. With that said, it is also important to maintain our culture’s humility – the kind of persona we’re all so fondly known for. And who knows, perhaps a perfect balance of the two might see us letting fewer cars out and eventually getting to that rodeo!

COVERwest

Love | Life | Leisure

LIVING

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the

EX FILES

John Mayer once sang: “Friends, lovers or nothing, there can only be one.” But just how accurate is the American singer, if at all? Can you ever be friends with an ex-beau? Jenny Byers opens the Ex-Files... 50

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nce a relationship ends, no matter how long it lasted, it’s difficult to know where an ex fits into your life – is he your new best-man-friend that genuinely understands you? Or is he simply a black hole concealed in the past that personifies ‘mistake’ every time it rears its (his!) ugly head? Relationships rarely end well but if it’s all amicable maybe you can afford to keep your ex in your life and share those memories that made you laugh, those that made you cry and even treasure the experiences that got you to where you are today. But, this is 2012 and nothing is simple; Facebook and Twitter give us 24/7 access to our old flames so we can see exactly what we’re meant to be missing, daring text messages are a mere button-pressing exercise that seem wiser after a bottle of wine and being friends with ‘the ex’ is far from black and white. Suddenly becoming best buddies with an ex probably won’t happen overnight but if the romance between you both has lost its spark and there is a mutual agreement on your parting, you might find that being friends works a whole lot better. Some relationships that don’t succeed in the romance-world can actually work on a platonic level instead. Maintaining a platonic relationship with your ex will save you both from those negative emotions that surround a break-up and it’s more than likely that your mutual friends will be eternally grateful for your efforts. Honestly, who wants to be wedged between an arguing couple who have ‘moved on’ with their lives but still haven’t quite got over the need to rant at every opportunity?

COVERfeature The biggest risk in remaining friends with an ex though is the most obvious of issues; someone always wants more. If the end of a relationship was wholly one-sided, forming a friendship can be dangerous when romantic feelings are still lingering around. Being friends with someone who harbours feelings that aren’t returned will always be tricky and can’t end well because eventually someone gets hurt and the situation becomes a whole lot more awkward. Unrequited love doesn’t bode well for any kind of relationship, especially one where there is a circle of mistrust created by the break-up. Having one half of a friendship clinging onto the hope that there may be a romantic relationship rekindled isn’t healthy for either side. We have all had that experience with someone who is a little too keen and let’s be honest; it doesn’t get any more appealing! Sometimes the easiest way to deal with this situation is to make a clean break and move on. And this is the key – moving on. For any kind of friendship with an ex to succeed, both you and he need to have buried all previous feelings; the passion, sexual chemistry and romance have to be dissolved so you can lead individual lives. Moving on is more than simply erasing the sentimental photos and those soppy messages from your phone, it means being able to have a civil conversation rather than one through gritted teeth, being able to see his name appear on your Facebook newsfeed without half an hour of stalking afterwards and worst of all, being able to stand the sight of him with someone else. The old story goes that time is a healer and more often than not this stands true; if both you and an ex have managed to move on with separate lives, even if it has taken weeks or months, there is no reason for you not to be friends. Beginning a friendship on mutual ground after a break-up means that yes you can enjoy each other’s company again. Letting go of previous relationship qualms also means that future romances for you both are free to flourish as new and exciting relationships without old baggage. Having fun with your ex as your new man-friend is great but what if that new ‘staying friends’ agreement turns out to be way more exciting than either of you anticipated? Becoming friends with an ex means seeing them in a new kind of light; he changes from being someone that can wind you up just by looking at you to becoming a friend that already knows how you tick and has lots in common with you. Cue friends with benefits... As a friend, your ex is no longer linked with heartache and a new friendship takes away the old stresses and pressures of a full on relationship. You’re no longer involved in each other’s lives around the clock and the inconsistency of an exciting new friendship can create a subtle anticipation that your romantic relationship might have once lacked. Igniting an old spark might have great results for you and your ex but there’s always the underlying risk of nothing actually changing and once the fun has settled again, the relationship comes full circle and you are both back in the previous place that you wanted to leave behind. Whatever the situation and however chaotic the parting might have been, we have spent time with an ex that cannot be got back, no matter how much we might resent some of the bad memories or times, they were still times and should count for something. The end of a romantic relationship with someone doesn’t have to mean the sudden removal of an integral part of your life; break-up can slowly evolve into an amicable understanding of each other. It just takes two.

FIVE STEPS TO STAYING FRIENDS WITH ‘THE EX’... 1. Allow some time to mourn the split: Both you and your ex need time to deal with the end of relationship before trying to spark a new friendship. Time apart in the midst of such an emotionally-charged situation will enable hearts to heal and provide closure on the relationship. 2. Keep things purely platonic: Friends means friends; no holding hands, no flirting and no kissing – even after a night’s drinking! Anything more will only complicate the situation further. 3. Don’t dwell on the old relationship: Over analyzing where the relationships went wrong will halt any progress in moving forward and can affect future relationships. Keep the focus on your new friendship. 4. Stay open to new love interests: People argue that this is the best way to get over a break-up. Having another person in your life can help the moving on process and curb any urge to fall back into routine with an ex partner. 5. More than friendly feelings: If either side of the relationship starts want more, tread carefully. Some couples figure it out but it takes space and evaluation to avoid any impulse decisions.

Since their “entirely amicable” split in 2010, Dawn French and Lenny Henry have remained very close friends.

Since splitting in 2000, Bruce Willis has remained on good terms with Demi Moore with both supporting each other’s relationships since.

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Get what you want

OUT OF LIFE...by getting it done! From compiling that presentation at work to tackling that stack of ironing at home, ever feel like you’ve got so much to do and so little time to do it in?

ctively achieving what we want on a daily basis is often easier said than done - there just never seems to be enough hours in the day! Whether it’s the work we have to do so we can get on with what we need to do, we more often find ourselves having time for nothing, and so... that to-do list expands, and with it, our anxiety. Not to fear however, find enlisted 20 tips and tricks that will not only help keep things under control but that will also enhance your productivity and subsequently help you achieve what you want out of life.

wake up earlier

Add a productive hour to your day by getting up an hour earlier, before others start to impose on your time.

most important tasks

It is important to highlight the three or four most important things you have to do that day and to do them first. If you get nothing else done, at least you’ll have accomplished the big guns.

empty your inbox

Decide what to do with every email and text message the moment you read it. Either file it, add it to your to-do list or delete it. Deal with it then and there so you don’t dwell on having to deal with it later.

one in, one out

Avoid clutter by adopting a replacement-only rule. Every time you buy something new, throw out or donate something old. This not only manages your possessions but also makes you feel good.

get more sleep Sleep is essential to health, learning and awareness – and we require at least 8 hours of it a night. Research shows the body goes through a complete sleep cycle in about 90 minutes, so napping for less than that doesn’t have the same effect that real sleep does.

look good, feel good

Try to maintain a balanced diet and to exercise when and where you can. Exercise will not only benefit the way you look and feel, but it also helps to clear your mind.

slow down

Make time for yourself. Relax and unwind. Enjoy a lazy weekend. Take the time to do things right and keep a balance between the busy world of work and the rest of your life.

take notes

It is important to take notes, whether it be down on paper or in your phone. Capture every thought that comes into your mind, whether it’s an idea for a project you’d like to do, an appointment you need to make, something you need to pick up in town, whatever. Review it regularly and transfer everything to where it belongs: a to-do list, a filing system, a journal etc.

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say no!

Learn to say no to new commitments, to interruptions, to anything else that might impact your productivity. It is one of the most valuable skills you can develop to keep you focused on your own commitments and give you time to work on them.

don’t break the chain

Use a calendar to track your goals. Every day you do something you set out to do, such as exercise or writing 1,000 words, mark that day with an ‘X’. With every productive day achieved, the chain will grow longer.

triggers

Place meaningful reminders around your home or workplace to help you remember tasks, as well as to help create better habits. For example, place the rental DVDs by your front door, so you can’t leave the house without seeing them and remembering they need to go back.

monotasking

Although we women are great multitaskers, research suggests we might be better monotasking. According to studies, it has been found that it takes up to 20 minutes to really get stuck into a task while multitasking merely devotes tiny slices of time to several tasks in rapid succession. With this, we end up working worse and more slowly than if we devoted longer blocks of time to each task.

pick u p Jeff

bite the bullet

Do your most unpleasant task first - your day can only get better from then on.

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birthday present

book fri off

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walk pepper

hoover!

do it now!

Fight procrastination by adopting a ‘do it now’ approach and learn to make decisions quickly. Keep moving forward.

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Picture yourself having accomplished your goals. What is your life like? Are you who you want to be? If not, rethink your goals. If so, then visualize yourself taking the steps you need to take to get there. You’ve got yourself a plan; write it down and do it.

Schedule a time with yourself every week to look over what you’ve done that week and what you want to do the next week. Ask yourself if there are any new projects you should be starting, and if what you’re working on is moving you closer to your goals for your life.

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flow freely

By minimizing distractions and allowing yourself a block of uninterrupted time, you can create the conditions whereby you’re so absorbed in whatever you’re doing that you have no awareness of the passing of time and the work just happens automatically.

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pay bills

utilise free time

Sometimes the little blocks of time we have during the day can achieve so much. When waiting for the bus, standing in line or waiting for a meeting to start, have a list of quick tasks that you can do in these moments such as making that appointment, booking those flights, deciding on tonight’s dinner etc.

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make checklists

When planning any big task (i.e. birthday party), make a checklist so you don’t forget the steps while in the busy middle part of doing it. Keep your checklists so you can use them next time you have to do the same task.

go to gym!!!

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visualise

remember roles

Everyone fills several different roles in their life. For instance: teacher, mother, wife, sister, daughter and so on. Understanding your different roles and learning to keep them distinct when necessary can help you keep some sense of balance between them. Make goals around the various roles you fill, and make sure that your goals fit with your goals in other roles. west

COVERbeauty LUSCIOUS LASHES FOR LONGER

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Max Factor’s latest mascara; 24 FROM FALSE LASH EFFECT contains a built in primer, which surrounds your lashes and attracts volumising particles to each individual lash, creating an intimate bond. So the mascara particles stick to your lashes, not to each other, creating dramatic looking, smudge-resistant lashes that keep on fluttering. £8.99, Boots

For ladies Chanel’s their lippy, antes till Levres Scin ld quite cou Glossimer e ultimate easily be th lip-gloss. g with an Long-lastin ok, the y lo ultra-gloss tense f in o n o selecti ich are h w , rs u colo d, create a e easily appli ven finish. perfectly e £20, Boots

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Y T U BEA ’s beauty The season best buys news and

buys

WAKE ME UP!

Finally. Your new beauty partner that keeps up with your fast-paced lifestyle. Introducing Wake Me Up Foundation - Rimmel London’s first liquid foundation that instantly reawakens skin with a healthy, radiant glow. What more could a tired girl want? £8.99, Boots and Superdrug

Top CATS

ENT the latest SummerlaSstCmonth, Plum Blossotemanisd subtle, Delica Launched Jo Malone. nt punching with m o fr e c n er sce fragra rfect summ e p e th is this uity notes. fresh and fr le is pretty fabulous! 00ml) ott Plus, the b n, £36 (30ml) - £72 (1 io it Limited ed

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Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Paul and Joe have created a purrfectly feline collection of cosmetics. Officialy the cutest make-up ever! Blusher stick, £21

FRANCO’S RESTAURANT HIGH CUISINE

VIPER Eyes

Forever pushing boundaries, Rodial have gone one step further with their Glamoxy Snake Serum. Dubbed as “Botox in a bottle”, this serum contains Syn-ake, which freezes muscles by mimicking the reaction caused by the bite of a Temple Viper. Minimising the appearance of expression lines, this hydrating serum will lift and plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; instantly leaving your skin glowing and radiant. £127, www.rodial.co.uk

FIRM Favourite

This face and body blockbuster by Decléor is an anti-aging cream set to reveal your youth. Consisting of a cocktail of essential oils, plant oils along with firming and nourishing properties, Excellence de L’Age features manikara tree extract, proven to protect elastin from deterioration. Offering triple effectiveness in anti-sagging, protection and high nutrition, it is with repeated application that the youthfulness of the body is maintained and revealed. £65, www.decleor.co.uk

One of Enniskillen’s first contemporary restaurants boasting an atmospheric, stylish and informal experience. The emphasis here is on local produce. Some favourites from our large menu: Fresh Crab, Mussels Oysters & Lobster Seared Scallops on Risotto Medley of Beef Flambé Fresh Pasta & Pizza

Full à la carte Menu From 12 noon, 7 days a week

Early Bird Menus smell of SUMMER

This immaculate fragrance evokes the beginnings of summer, with extracts of toning elderflower and antioxidant-charged gooseberry with clean notes of orange blossom, moss and cut grass. Scentually summer! £20, www.nobleisle.com

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Oh SO

tired?

Jenny Byers shares seven reasons why...

e all have those days when doing the smallest thing is a chore; getting out of bed is a challenge in itself and climbing the stairs feels like taking on Mount Everest. More often than not, we brush the feeling of fatigue aside and blame it on our hectic lifestyles. But if you’re tired all the time, don’t ignore it; tiredness can be caused by a number of factors, many of which we can easily take control of ourselves.

Thyroid When your thyroid hormones are out of balance, even everyday activities will make you feel wiped out. The thyroid gland found at the front of the neck produces hormones that control your metabolism. Too much thyroid hormone speeds up the metabolism and too little slows it down. Thyroid disorders causes weakness, fatigue, an inability to concentrate and in some instances, muscle soreness but can be investigated and treated with a thyroid test carried out by your doctor.

Too much caffeine It seems contradictory that caffeine, a stimulant to the nervous systems can make you tired, but too much of it saps your energy and creates a sluggish feeling. One daily dose of caffeine per day is fine, but being over caffeinated forms a vicious cycle that encourages us to consume more in order to counteract the exhaustion we feel again once the previous intake has worn off. Too much caffeine also adds to increased heart rate and a rise in blood pressure – both of which can interrupt a good night’s sleep. Try replacing your tea or coffee with a cup of Green Tea.

Dehydration Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue. Over half of our body consists of water which ultimately enables it to perform life-sustaining functions and even a small change in fluid balance in the body can affect our everyday lives. Staying hydrated will not only improve your physical energy but also encourages brain activity, reduces headaches and skin problems, as well as joint and muscle pain. There is no mystery in staying hydrated, simply ensure you drink plenty of fresh clean water – if it’s a struggle, start slowly and aim to drink up to 5 pints per day.

COVERbeauty

Iron Deficiency

Women who feel tired all the time often suffer from anaemia, a deficiency in iron. Although men can also suffer from it, it tends to affect women who endure heavy periods, are pregnant or whose bodies simply cannot absorb iron efficiently. The fatigue caused by anaemia is the result of a lack of red blood cells, which bring oxygen from your lungs to your tissues and cells. Increasing red meat in your diet will increase your iron intake, as will iron supplements, helping to combat any signs of anaemia.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

B12 is a nutrient which is an energy booster that maintains healthy nerve cells and oxygen-transporting red blood cells. If you’re low on it, you may feel lethargic and weary. B12 comes mainly from animal sources, so a diet plentiful in dairy products, eggs, meat and fish will ensure ample intake. It is also available in supplement form but is much harder to absorb.

Stress One of the most common reasons for tiredness is stress which contributes to an inability to sleep as well as anxiety and irritability. Whilst a certain amount of stress can be good for body stimulation, stress as an everyday life companion isn’t healthy and long-term, can have damaging effects. Pinpointing stress isn’t always straightforward but the fight against it is all about you; you need to find your own ways of de-stressing, whether it means going for a long walk, reading or simply keeping your daily routine in-tact.

The Blues

Tiredness and feeling down often come hand in hand and can affect the way we eat, sleep and feel about ourselves. Feeling unhappy when you ought to be happy leads to anxiety, short-temper and gloominess that only encourages a spell of inactivity within our lifestyle and knocks our bodies out of balance. When you’re suffering from the blues, the temptation is to slouch into a lax routine but it’s more important than ever to kick-start your hobbies and interests by meeting friends, exercising and keeping on top of work and bills. west

Gratuitous TIPS

Too often we get hung up on what’s wrong or what’s bothering us, but if we really took the time to think what we’re grateful for, we’d be thankful too says Fiona Hoban

an you remember the last time you had a really bad toothache? How long ago was that? What tooth was it – top, bottom, left or right side? How was it resolved in the end? Can you remember the relief when the pain eased? Relief from physical pain really is bliss. Buddhist monk, Thich Naht Hahn says we should daily enjoy our “non toothache”. I smiled when I heard that first. I totally forget (or refuse to remember) that I don’t have a toothache. How many times do I wake up and almost immediately start doing a mental list of what the day ahead will entail - often with a sense of tense anticipation. What a difference it would make if I woke up and took even twenty seconds to relish in the bliss of my non toothache! Imagine what your day would be like if you did everything, went everywhere and met everyone with a real sense of non toothache. Stuck in traffic? Enjoy your non toothache. Caught out in the rain? Enjoy your non toothache. Bored to tears at work? Enjoy your non toothache. Another bill in the door? Enjoy your non toothache. Mother-in-law (or monster-inlaw) due to call? Enjoy your non toothache. We so often race through our days – busy, busy, busy. Eager to get through this in order to get onto that. Totally oblivious to the joy of our non toothache. But, boy oh boy, things are very different when the toothache arrives. We take our non toothache for granted and then grumble ungraciously when we get one. It’s like a child who has no interest in any of its toys, but screams and sulks if anyone dares take one away.

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE… To develop an attitude of gratitude means making a habit out of being thankful, of counting your blessings, of noticing simple pleasures (like a non toothache), and acknowledging everything that you receive. It means being aware on a continuous basis of how much you’ve been given. Getting into the habit of experiencing and expressing gratitude activates positive emotion centers in the brain. The positive emotions evoked can soothe distress and increase our sense of well-being. Gratitude shifts our focus from what our life lacks to the abundance that is already present. Epictetus a stoic philosopher said almost two thousand years ago: “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

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Fiona Hoban runs a private counselling practice in Westport, Co. Mayo. She also delivers well-being talks throughout Ireland. For more details go to www.fionahoban.ie

COVERwell-being RESEARCH SHOWS GRATITUDE HEIGHTENS QUALITY OF LIFE: Whilst gratitude is often associated with spiritual or religious practices, it has in more modern times been scrutinised by scientific research and experiments. Two psychologists, Michael McCollough of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas wrote an article about an experiment they conducted on gratitude and its impact on well-being. The study split several hundred people into three different groups and all of the participants were asked to keep daily diaries. The first group kept a diary of the events that occurred during the day without being told specifically to write about either good or bad things. The second group was told to record their unpleasant experiences while the last group was instructed to make a daily list of things for which they were grateful. The results of the study indicated that daily gratitude exercises resulted in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism, and energy. In addition, those in the gratitude group experienced less depression and stress, were more likely to help others, exercised more regularly, and made greater progress toward achieving personal goals.

GRATITUDE INCREASES YOUR HAPPINESS SET POINT:

ADVANTAGES OF PRACTISING GRATITUDE: * Increased creativity * Stronger immune system * Stronger social relationships * Bounce back from adversity * Increases your happiness set-point * Greater emotional resilience * Reduces stress and depression * More likely to achieve goals * More likely to exercise * Improved well-being

Dr. Robert Emmons is considered by many to be the world’s leading authority on gratitude and is author of the book, Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier. His book is based on research involving thousands of people conducted by a number of different researchers around the world. One of the things these studies show is that practicing gratitude can increase happiness levels by around 25%. This is significant, among other things, because just as there’s a certain weight that feels natural to your body and which your body strives to maintain, your basic level of happiness is also set at a predetermined point. If something bad happens to you during the day, your happiness can drop momentarily, but then it returns to its natural setpoint. Likewise, if something positive happens to you, your level of happiness rises, and then it returns once again to your ‘happiness set-point’. Regular practice of gratitude can change the way our brain neurons fire into more positive automatic patterns. This raises your ‘happiness set-point’ so you can remain at a higher level of happiness regardless of outside circumstances. Practicing gratitude isn’t about putting a positive spin on things, it’s about putting a perspective on things. Dr Emmons says: “To say we feel grateful is not to say that everything in our lives is necessarily great. It just means we are aware of our blessings.”

DEVELOP AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE: 1 - Make a list of 10 things you are grateful for. Pick one item from the list and reflect on it for a minute to help deepen your sense of gratitude. 2 - Before you go to sleep at night ask yourself: “What was the best thing that happened to me today?” 3 - Ask yourself: “What’s going right?” (as opposed to what’s going wrong) and “What do I have?” (as opposed to what I feel is missing). west

DO try these at HOME: A SUMMER SPECIAL

Recipes by award-winning chef Neven Maguire taken from his new recipe book, ‘Neven’s Country Living’ available now in all good book stores or through www.nevenmaguire.com

Smoked Chicken Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing and Crispy Vegetables

Seasonal Salads

“I love to serve this as a starter with lots of crusty bread and wonderful Irish butter. A great supplier of smoked chicken is Ummera smoked products from Timoleague in West Cork. Smoked chicken is also excellent in sandwiches or with pasta so it’s well worth seeking out.”

• Sunflower oil, for deep frying • 1 large carrot, peeled • 1 courgette • 2 smoked chicken breasts • 25g (1oz) baby salad leaves

Ingredients:

For the dressing: • 1 tsp finely grated root ginger • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce • 2 tbsp rapeseed oil • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil • Maldon sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

Serves 4

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• Heat a deep-fat fryer filled with sunflower oil to 170°C (340°F). • Shave the carrot and courgette into thin strips or ribbons, using a potato peeler or mandolin. • Blanch the strips in a large pan of boiling salted water for 1 minute until just tender but still with a little bite. • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well on kitchen paper.    • Working in batches, deep-fry the vegetable strips for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until crisp and golden brown. Drain well on kitchen paper. • Meanwhile, make the dressing. Place the ginger in a small bowl with the white wine vinegar and soy sauce. • Stir until well combined and then slowly whisk in the oil and sesame oils to emulsify and thicken. Season to taste. • Thinly slice the smoked chicken breasts, discarding the skin and arrange in the centre of each serving plate. • Pile a small amount of the salad leaves in the centre of the chicken, then arrange the crisp vegetable ribbons around the outside of the plate. • Spoon over the dressing to serve.

COVERfood Roast Vegetables Salad with Feta and Olives

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 aubergines, cut into 1cm thick lengthways slices • 2 red peppers, halved and deseeded • 6 unpeeled garlic cloves • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 4 scallions, finely sliced • 8-10 black olives • Large handful basil leaves, shredded • 200g feta cheese • Salt and black pepper

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 200C. • Toss the aubergine slices, red pepper pieces, garlic cloves and 2 tbsp of the oil together on a baking sheet. Season well. • Roast for 20- 25 minutes until tender. • Meanwhile, whisk the balsamic vinegar with the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large bowl. • Remove the skin from the pepper, cut into strips and roughly chop the aubergine and squeeze the garlic from their skins. • Toss into the dressing with any roasting juices, the scallions, olives and basil. Season to taste. • Arrange on a large platter or individual serving plates. • Crumble the feta over and serve at once with crusty bread.

Lamb Burgers with Yoghurt and Mint Dip

Serves 4

Summer Mains

Ingredients:

• 450g lean lamb mince • 1 small onion, peeled and diced • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 3 tbsp chopped mint • 1 tbsp chopped oregano • 1 teaspoon ground coriander • 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce • ½ small cucumber • 5oz natural yoghurt • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 1 lemon, cut into wedges • 4 burger buns or small rolls • Salt and pepper • Salad leaves, like rocket

Method:

• Mix together the lamb, onion, garlic, two tablespoons of mint, the oregano, ground coriander, sweet chilli sauce and season. • Divide the mixture into four portions and squeeze and shape into about 1.5cm thick burgers. • BBQ the lamb burgers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until well browned and cooked through. • For the dip, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid with your hands, mix in the yoghurt, garlic and the rest of the mint. Add some salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. • Warm the burger buns under the grill, turning once. • Serve the lamb burgers in the warm bread rolls with salad, mint leaves and yoghurt and mint dip. Serve with lemon wedges, olives and basil. Season to taste. • Arrange on a large platter or individual serving plates. • Crumble the feta over and serve at once with crusty bread. west

COVERfood Chicken Satay with Pickled Cucumber Salad

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp dark soy sauce • 2 tsp clear honey • 2 tsp medium curry powder • 450g (1lb) skinless chicken fillets, cut into long strips • 4 tbsp rice wine vinegar • 2 tbsp caster sugar • ½ small cucumber, peeled, halved, seeded and thinly sliced For the dipping sauce: • 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter • 2 tsp dark soy sauce • 1 tsp light muscovado sugar • Juice of ½ lime • 160ml of coconut milk • ½ red chilli, seeded and finely diced • 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

• Preheat a griddle pan until smoking hot. • Whisk together the soy sauce, honey and curry powder. • Season with pepper and stir in the chicken pieces. Leave to marinate for two minutes. • Thread the chicken pieces on to eight 15cm (6in) bamboo skewers and arrange on the griddle pan. • Cook for four to six minutes until completely tender and cooked through, turning once or twice.

• Meanwhile, prepare the pickled cucumber salad. • Place the vinegar in a bowl and stir in the sugar and a good pinch of salt until dissolved. • Tip in the cucumber, stirring to combine and set aside to allow the flavours to develop. • To make the dipping sauce place the peanut butter in a small pan and stir in the soy sauce, light muscovado sugar and lime juice.

Beef Kebabs & Lemon Couscous Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 450g (1lb) sirloin steak, cut into 2.5cm (1in) cubes • 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (Thai Gold) • 1 tbsp honey • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 tsp freshly grated root ginger • 1 tbsp chilli oil • 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges • 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus extra to garnish For the couscous: • 350g (12oz) couscous • 6 tbsp rapeseed oil • Finely grated rind and juice of 2 lemons • 600ml (1 pint) vegetable stock • Maldon sea salt and freshly ground black pepper cucumber raita to serve

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Method:

• Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and heat gently until you have achieved a smooth sauce. • Stir in the chilli and coriander, then leave to cool. Arrange two chicken satay skewers on each warmed serving plate. • Divide the dipping sauce among individual dipping bowls and place to the side of the skewers. • Add the pickled cucumber salad, leaving behind any excess liquid and serve at once.

• To marinade the beef, mix the sweet chilli sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and chilli oil in a shallow non-metallic dish. • Add the beef, stirring to coat and then cover with clingfilm and leave at room temperature for 2 hours to allow the flavours to develop. You can also leave this to marinate overnight for an even better flavour. • Preheat a heavy-based griddle or large frying pan. • Thread the marinated beef and tomato wedges onto 8 x 15cm (6in) metal or bamboo skewers. • Add to the heated pan and cook over a medium heat for 12-15 minutes until cooked through, turning frequently. • To make the couscous, place it in a large bowl and add four tablespoons of the oil and the lemon juice. Mix well, ensuring that all the grains are completely coated. • Heat the stock in a small pan and season generously. Pour over the couscous and allow to sit in a warm place for 6-8 minutes, until all the liquid has absorbed, stirring occasionally. • Stir the remaining oil with the lemon rind into the couscous and place over a low heat for a couple of minutes to warm through, fluffing up the grains with a fork. Season to taste. • Divide the couscous among warmed serving plates and arrange two of the kebabs on top of each one. Add a dollop of the cucumber raita and garnish with a little parsley.

Homemade Apple Tart

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 225g (8oz) plain flour, plus extra for dusting • 2 tbsp icing sugar • 100g (4oz) butter • 2 large egg yolks • 900g (2lb) Bramley cooking apples • 100g (4oz) golden caster sugar • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • Good pinch ground cloves • 1 tbsp milk

Method:

Delicious Desserts Summer Berry Pavlova Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites at room temperature • Pinch of salt • 225g/8oz caster sugar • 2 teaspoons corn flour • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar • 4 drops of natural vanilla essence For the filling: • 1 punnet strawberries • 1 punnet of raspberries • 250ml cream • Rind of 1 orange • 1 vanilla pod • 1oz icing sugar • Other seasonal berries to decorate

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 150°C/Gas 2/Fan Oven 130°C. • Line a baking sheet with non-stick baking parchment and draw on a nine-inch circle. • Make the meringue in a large clean bowl. Whisk the egg whites and salt into stiff peaks. Slowly add the sugar, a third at a time, whisking well between each addition until the mixture is stiffened and shiny. • Sprinkle in the corn flour, vinegar and vanilla, fold in gently with a metal spoon. • Pile the meringue onto the paper circle and make a deep hallow in the centre.

• Sift the flour and icing sugar into a bowl. Using a round-bladed knife, work in the butter and then mix in the egg yolks with two to three tablespoons of ice-cold water until the dough just comes together. • Wrap in clingfilm and chill for at least 30 minutes. • Preheat the oven to 190ºC (375ºF), gas mark 5. • Lightly dust the work surface with flour. Divide the pastry into two portions, one slightly larger than the other, then roll out the larger piece until it’s about 30cm (12in) in diameter. • Use to line a 20cm (8in) pie dish or 23cm (9in) flat plate, gently pressing into the corners. • Knock the sides with a round-bladed knife to give a decorative finish and place back in the fridge to chill while you prepare the apples. • Peel, core and slice the apples. Place in a large bowl with all but one tablespoon of the caster sugar and the cinnamon and cloves. Brush the edge of the pastry with a little milk. Mix together, then pile into the lined pie dish. • Roll out the second piece of pastry into a circle slightly larger than the pie dish and use to cover the apples. Press the edges together to seal, then use a sharp knife to cut away any excess. • Crimp the edges of the tart with a round-bladed knife and using your fingers as a guide, roll out the pastry scraps and cut into leaf shapes. Brush with milk and stick on top of the pie. Brush with milk and sprinkle with the rest of the sugar. • Bake for 25-30 minutes, then reduce the oven to 180ºC (350ºF), gas mark 4 and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cut into slices and put on plates to serve.

• Put it in the oven and reduce heat to 120°C/Gas ½/Fan Oven 100°C. Cook for 1½ to 2 hours, until pale brown but a little soft in the centre. Turn off the oven, leave the door ajar and cool completely. • To make the filling, whip the cream with vanilla seeds, icing sugar and orange rind until thick. Slice the fruit if necessary. • Peel the paper off the pavlova and transfer to a plate. Pile on the cream mixture, put the fruit on top, garnish with mint and serve.

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SUPERIOR INTERIORS at Dowlers Homestore

GREEN Fingers

Check out a full range of garden supplies available from Dowlers’ Lisnaskea store only.

HEALTHY Eating

This multi-function Halogen oven from Judge, could bring an end to traditional cooking! The process is energy efficient and offers a healthier way to cook. It typically cooks 60% faster than traditional methods but unlike microwaves, food naturally browns.

Easy COOKING

Circulon® Premier Professional heavy gauge hard anodized aluminum cookware offers excellent heat control with extraordinary performance and durability. Clean up is a breeze due to the extremely durable non-stick exterior, and it is also one of the few hard anodized lines that is also dishwasher safe.

TEA Party

Creative Tops Redoutè Meadow collection features drawings of honeysuckle, jasmine and clematis in beautiful pastel colours inspired by the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Perfect for summer!

Kiddies APRONS

Shreds aprons are the perfect aprons to keep little ones clean in those creative but messy moments. Suitable for children from 1+ years.

Mr. POSTY

The Brabantia Postbox is made of top quality hardwearing stainless steel and has a corrosion resistant polyester coating.

SWEET Baking

Cook up a storm with Kitchen Craft’s super cute Sweetly Does It baking range.

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SIZZLING Summer

If you’re searching for a compact gas grill that you can use to barbecue anywhere, then look no further than Marco Pierre White’s range.

1. Marco O 1000: WAS £134, SPECIAL OFFER £99 2. Marco O 3000: WAS £159, SPECIAL OFFER £119

Get a GRIP! Oxo Good Grips by name, Oxo Good Grips by nature! See range in-store.

All products available from Dowlers Homestore, East Bridge Street, Enniskillen T: +44 (0)28 6632 5415 and Main Street, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh T: +44 (0)28 6772 1308

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Interesting cook shop stocked with top brands and many unusual gadgets. Fine selection of tabletop, glassware and small electrical appliances. Also stocking general household, fireside and cake decorating equipment. Enniskillen's newest and finest homestore. Also visit our shop at Main Street, Lisnaskea St

Everything you need for...

LAZY SUMMER DAYS | PICNICS | BBQs

Open 9am to 6pm

Main Street, Lisnaskea | T: +44 (0)28 6772 1308 East Bridge Street, Enniskillen | T: +44 (0)28 6632 5415

Jewellery Department

Gordon Annan takes us outdoors as he focuses on exterior design

DESIGN

moves

Outside We’re not in Tuscany but...

t’s not exactly al-fresco climate most of the time about these parts, but quite often aspiring to something is half the fun and if we set about doing something about the exterior of our homes in terms of design then we can truly savour the few days of outdoor lifestyle when the weather permits. Additionally, a living room based outlook onto our achievements is no harm in that we can enjoy it all year round! The elements of what I am referring to are; garden design, furniture and lighting. In that, dining outside and usually the bigger part of our garden with more scope is at the rear, we are thereby able to personalise these spaces without upsetting the neighbours, planners or destroying the uniformity if we live

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in a development. Design is about integrating function with aesthetics so what we are talking about here then is achievable from the balcony of a flat through to the exterior of a one-off architect designed house if it successfully reflects our lifestyle and aspirations. It doesn’t have to be a big brief, big design, big budget operation as work and purchases could be in stages and if you don’t consider yourself as ‘handy’, then there’s bound to be somebody in the family or friends circle who is. Think outside the box – I always remember my tutor in my art college days who used the wood from a packing crate as partial wall cladding. Car-boot sales and junk shops can be sources for that occasional rustic item which becomes a focal point when set in a modern design – such as a barrel, large urn or carefully chosen small piece of old farm machinery. Gnomes and cartwheels are a probably not.

COVERinteriors

‘Oasis of Calm’ garden by Maurice Maxwell Garden Design

Enniskillen garden by Maurice Maxwell Garden Design

and other products which keep variety in texture and colour to patios, walls and planting surrounds. The skill in all this is not just what we use, but how we combine them. For example, an easily cleaned non-porous material would best suit under a BBQ, and as it is not always in use therefore should not dominate the whole scene. Clearly there are several books available on garden design and numerous internet sources but sometimes taking a few photos and a survey sketch to a landscaper, garden designer or an A&G display might expedite your thought process on what is reasonably possible on your area and budget. Just like mainstream building construction, anything curved is more difficult and usually more expensive to create. But walls, flowerbeds or paths which are curved will be a dynamic addition to any home’s exterior area.

Acheson & Glover country cobble with riven flags, setts and aggregates

GARDEN DESIGNS Have a look at the handy work of Diarmuid Gavin or the award-winning schemes at the Chelsea Flower Show if you want to see just how far the garden design boundaries are getting pushed. Of course, what’s in a show just might not be something we could live with every day – so caution on sculptural statements created on a whim. We could all learn from garden designers who use their horticultural knowledge combined with experience in the use of materials to create the most inspiring designs. Water features are not as difficult to construct as you might think as a small collection pond, pump and a few large stones could be the basis of bringing a design to life. Local manufacturers such as Tobermore and Acheson & Glover are part of the big industry which supply paving, sets

A&G rumbled slate with country cobble west

Extremis Romeo & Juliet

Extremis Extempore

FURNITURE The traditional material here has been Teak from the Far East since it weathers well outdoors. It requires a definite decision to keep it maintained or let it weather into a silvery grey â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which some people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like. In the last few years there has been an increased use of stainless steel, aluminium and various types of perforated tensioned nylon mesh as seating fabric - at times combined with less wood, all of which ensures a consistent look with less maintenance. Leading the field in terms of design is undoubtedly Extremis from Belgium. Have a look here at the very clever Gargantua which can be quickly changed from an eight seater with circular bench seats to a much bigger table for use with separate chairs. The Extremis Romeo & Juliet is an interesting way of sitting amongst plants. If you are tight for space, the Extremis Picnik is funky, practical and durable (powder coated) and with the others referred to here, proof that bland department store garden furniture is no match for quality, innovative yet simple designs. Aside from being visually different, the Kartell Pop sofa shown here on the right is upholstered in outdoor fabric and shows that comfort can be retained outdoors.

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Extremis Gargantua

COVERinteriors

Deltalight Monostep

LIGHTING The classic mistake of domestic outdoor lighting has been indecisiveness at times - whether it’s for security or ambience with a practical basis. In my everyday surveys for lighting I still call at homes that have censor activated aggressive floods which apart from being out-dated juice-drivers, don’t highlight anything in a pleasing way. Criteria for exterior lighting should come from what a visitor would need in terms of turning their car, identifying the front door and of course admiring our shrubs and plants. You can avoid it looking like a garage forecourt by not having hi-level bollards, instead by critically placing low energy spots in amongst shrubs and under trees and denoting of turning areas, steps and paths all from light fittings no higher than say 40cm. Of course all of these need properly planned out which is tricky in a new build when the garden is not evolved never mind matured but in an existing dwelling it’s more obvious to a designer how it should be planned. To make certain types of light fittings fully waterproof (for more than a couple of seasons) whilst not making it run too hot is a big ask unless you invest in quality such as Deltalight. Photos here show some of their fittings in situ – such as the Monostep (above) and Tournesol (left) which even emulates a flower. Outdoor dining and relaxing can be very uplifting in our own personal version of Tuscany.

Deltalight Genie 90

GORDON ANNAN – Annan Interiors Ltd As Principal of Annan Interiors Ltd, Gordon Annan has several years experience working as an interior designer since graduating from Belfast College of Art & Design. His flair for a very purist design attracts clients from all over Ireland and the Annan Interiors showroom in Enniskillen is a real appetite wetter for those inspired by good design. The clarity and strength of his work is at its best in the modern home, punctuated with his very established contacts with Europe’s top designer brands. Annan Interiors Ltd, 6 Portland Business Park, Tempo Road, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, BT74 4RH www.annaninteriors.com T: +44 (0)28 6634 0055

Deltalight Tournesol west

COVERgolf

etter scoring comes from the ability to be able to execute every shot required on the the golf course. One of the main features of any golf course are their bunkers. Sir Nick Faldo who designed The Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort in Co. Fermanagh has strategically placed bunkers to capture either wayward approach shots as many of the greens are guarded by shamrock shaped sandtraps and then drives off the tee. Good or bad shots can find themselves drifting like a magnet to a feature placed with the intention to catch you out. In this edition of COVERwest’s ‘Better ways to score at golf ’, my focus is on bunker play. As the title tells us there are two types of bunkers, greenside and fairway. Greenside are positioned right next to the green and fairway bunkers are located anything from 200 to 80 yards from the green. Within each set of clubs there is a club named the sand iron, and many believe this is the only club to use in a bunker. This is not the case. Before deciding on which club to use, one must ask the questions: How far does the ball need to travel to reach the green? What elevation does the ball need to carry the bank? What type of sand is in the bunker as every course has different textures?

by Lynn McCool Lynn is the Director of Golf and Head Professional at the Faldo Academy, Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. www.lougherneresort.com T: +44 (0)28 6634 5766

vs.

GREENSIDE BUNKERS FAIRWAY BUNKERS Let’s begin with Greenside Bunkers Tips for these include:

1 2

Select your most lofted club. In this case it is my 58 degee wedge.

Most bunker shots require you to take a 3/4 to a fulllength backswing as the sand will absorb most of the power of the strike.

Wriggle your feet into the sand. This helps you secure your stance but most of all it lowers the arc of the swing to guarantee you capture hitting the sand before the ball. By striking the sand before the ball, you can be confident that the sand will act as a cushion between the clubface and the ball and it is therefore important to put acceleration into your downswing.

* 70

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Wriggle feet into the sand

Tip when practicing: Draw a line 2 inches behind the ball to mark the position where you first want the club to make contact with the sand. This will improve your accuracy. (See photos directly above)

Leading edge

If you are using a traditional sandwedge from your set or a 54 or 60 degree wedge then remember that todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s models have got extreme loft on them and if you are facing a reasonable lift over a grass mound in front of you, then the loft will most likely suffice and so there is no need to open the club face. Square clubface

Many golfers believe there is a need to open the clubface. This will add more loft so remember if you decide to do this, you must bring the leading edge back to face the target by rotating your body to the left. Avoid at all times the clubface pointing to the right of the target as this will send the ball off in the wrong direction. Open clubface

Hold down handle

Fairway Bunkers

Tips for these include:

Most fairway bunkers are long enough and shallow enough to give you the option to select a club which can carry further distance than a normal sandwedge.

Assess the amount of trajectory required to get the ball travelling out of the bunker and then select the appropriate iron. This can be any club you carry in your bag. (Excluding the driver)

Here, I am using a 7 iron

Stand on top of the sand, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wriggle feet in

When playing a fairway bunker shot, make sure to hold down the handle. This will reduce the arc the clubhead makes during the swing and will allow you to make contact with the ball cleanly without catching any sand before the ball.

When taking your stance in a fairway bunker, stand on top of the sand and avoid wriggling your feet into the sand.

Top of backswing

Full follow through

Clean pure strike with a fairway iron to maximise distance west

The Urris Hills, Inishowen Peninsula

8 great

The Urris Hills on the Inishowen Peninsula are a range of hills that rise as a rugged, switchback ridge from Crummie’s Bay to the Gap of Mamore. The Gap, referred to as ‘The Great Pass’ or An Mám Mór in Irish, is flanked by steep hillside. The road through the Gap was once the only means of reaching Urris from Buncrana. There are old tales of smugglers hurling rocks from the hillside overlooking the gap to deny the passage of soldiers sent to infiltrate their illegal stills. The ridge may be accessed from the Gap and offers excellent views of the sea and Lough Swilly. This image is taken from high on the ridge, looking down on Lenan Head and Dunaff Head.

NORTHWEST walks

The northwest of Ireland provides a diverse selection of walks ranging from the wild, untamed landscape of Donegal, with its mountains, sea-cliffs, glens and moors; to the gentler hills, green valleys and picturesque escarpments of Sligo and Leitrim. Here are just 8 of the best walks in the area... Words and photos by Adrian Hendroff

This image shows a hiker ascending the slopes of Aghla Mountain with Lough Finn below and the Derryveagh Mountains in the distance. The looming bulk of Aghla rises from the shores of Lough Finn and is somewhat cast adrift from the main Blue Stack range to its southeast. However, the long-distance views from its summit are perhaps the finest in South Donegal. Its lower slopes by the lough are covered in trees and the area is rich with birdlife. You will almost definitely hear the cascading trills of willow warblers, ‘chacks’ of wheatears and jangling of chaffinches in the late spring and summer.

Aghla Mountain, Co. Dongeal

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Horn Head Coast, Co. Donegal The Horn Head coastal route offers some of the most spectacular scenery of North Donegal consisting of sea-cliffs, headlands, sea-inlets and natural rock wonders. There are also stunning views of the Derryveagh Mountains several miles southward such as Muckish and Errigal, as well of Tory Island out to sea. The route is named after the lofty promontory at its northern tip - Corrán Binne, the ‘Curve/hook of a Horn’, and may be approached from the car-park near Coastguard Hill or Horn Head Bridge. This photo is of the golden sands of Tramore Strand, taken along the route, with Muckish in the distance.

COVERguide

Knocknarea, Strandhill, Co. Sligo Knocknarea is the prominent hill that rises as a solitary pudding-shaped mass from the plains of Strandhill in County Sligo. Its distinctive shape catches the eye as one approaches Sligo from the Ballysadare or Drumcliff direction. The Irish for it, Cnoc na Riabh translates to ‘Hill of the Stripes’, although P.W. Joyce refers to it as Cnoc na Righadh or ‘Hill of the Executions’. The hill is also known by locals simply as Cnoc na Ri or ‘Hill of the King’. However, it is not a King, but an ancient Queen that would forever be remembered on its large, rocky summit mound which offers sensational views in all directions. Knocknarea may be approached from a large car-park at the end of a lane in the town-land of Grange North, on its southeast side.

From the depths of Dunlewy, or when viewed from the road east of Gweedore, Errigal rises dramatically to the sky as a solitary white pyramid of quartzite. This magnificent mountain may be climbed from the southeast, via the heather and steep scree slopes of the ‘tourist route’, to gain a narrow ridge leading to its twin summits. At 751m, Errigal is the highest mountain in County Donegal and rewards the hiker with majestic views, perhaps the best in all of Ireland, in every direction. The original name of the mountain, Airecal Adhamhnain or ‘The Oratory of St.Adamnán’, was named after a local seventh century Saint who went on to become the Abbot of Iona.

Cloonty Pruglish, Co. Leitrim

Mount Errigal, Co. Donegal A fascinating area in Leitrim is the area around the pinnacle known locally as ‘Eagles Rock’, at Cloonty Pruglish, near the Glenade valley. This rock pinnacle is precariously perched on top of a steep slope of grass and scree, high above the valley floor. These shattered limestone cliffs are disjoined from the main escarpment as the result of glaciations during the Ice Age in Ireland over 10,000 years ago. Walk southward along the cliff-top for ever-changing and spectacular views of Eagles Rock below. From here, there are also impressive vistas toward Glenade - of its escarpment, valley and lake to the southeast.

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COVERguide Benbulbin and Benwiskin, Co. Sligo This image shows hillwalkers on the broad Benbulbin ridge, with the Benwiskin plateau as the backdrop. Benbulbin and Benwiskin are ‘Sligo’s royal peaks’. These impressive limestone escarpments are geological wonders that make one look up and take notice when approaching Sligo from Ballysadare, Bundoran or Manorhamilton. The northern cliffs of Benbulbin is adorned with deep gullies and fluted buttresses, and is most dramatic when evening light illuminates its sheer walls. It is also a place of legend: for the mountain was a hunting ground for the mythical leader, Fionn mac Cumhaill and his warrior-tribe the Fianna.

Slieve League, Co. Donegal The late Joss Lynam describes Slieve League as the ‘pièce de résistance of the Irish coast’ in Best Irish Walks. And it truly is, for only the sea-cliffs at Croaghaun on Achill Island can claim to rival it in terms of height. However, for continuous grandeur, Slieve League is probably the finest stretch of sea-cliffs on mainland Ireland. Its Irish form, Sliabh Liag, means ‘Mountain of the Flagstones’. The mountain gets its name from the flaggy nature of its quartzite bedrock, which is exposed over time as a result of its darker soil being washed away by the elements. A route up this fascinating peak begins at the cul-de-sac at Amharc Mór and wanders along cliff-tops before an airy traverse along the famous One Man’s Pass before finally reaching its summit.

A new guidebook, Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim: Mountain & Coastal Hillwalks by Adrian Hendroff and published by The Collins Press, is now available for sale in most bookshops across Ireland and online. For more information, visit www.adrianhendroff.com or www.collinspress.ie

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introducing...

‘CAPTURING IRELAND’S WATERWAYS’ AN EXCLUSIVE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION IN CONJUNCTION WITH COVERwest MAGAZINE AND WATERWAYS IRELAND As a country bound by water, we are subsequently surrounded by the immeasurable joy and beauty it creates. To celebrate, COVERwest magazine and Waterways Ireland are proud to present a photography competition recognising the beauty of Ireland’s Inland Waterways.

hether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply an enthusiastic beginner, Capturing Ireland’s Waterways competition is open to absolutely everyone – and will be categorized by adult and junior (Under-18s) entrants. It will be based solely on photo entries capturing Ireland’s waterways which will be classified within a two-mile radius of The Barrow Navigation, The Erne System, The Lower Bann Navigation, The Royal Canal, The Shannon Navigation, The Shannon-Erne Waterway and The Grand Canal. Direct locations can be found by visiting www.waterwaysireland.org and downloading the ‘Guide to Ireland’s Inland Waterways’. To inspire photographers and to document different aspects of the Waterways, the competition will feature the following three themes:

alternatively, by emailing it to info@coverwestmagazine.com in low-res format. Please be sure to include the photograph’s details such as the time and date taken, location and description.

Prizes include:

* Bog oak ‘Natural Form’ pieces valued at €465 each. * Bog oak ‘Herron’ pieces valued at €720 each. * ‘Heads of Nauchtain’ Tyrone Crystal pieces valued at €310. * ‘14 inch Inspiration’ Galway Crystal trophies valued at €120.

1. PEOPLE*

For all the details on Capturing Ireland’s Waterways Photography Competition, please visit www.facebook.com/coverwestmagazine or by typing Cover [space] West [space] Magazine into the Facebook search bar. To contact us, email info@coverwestmagazine.com or call +44 (0)28 6632 8157.

2. ACTION*

TIME TO GET SNAP HAPPY!

(Deadline for entries closes 31st July 2012) (Deadline for entries closes 31st July 2012)

3. LANDSCAPE & NATURE*

(Deadline for entries closes 31st September 2012) *Themes are open to individual interpretation* The competition allows for up to five photos, per photographer, per theme and entrants should submit their photograph(s) by uploading it to COVERwest Magazine’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/coverwestmagazine) or

Competition Sponsored by

Some of the ENTRIES so far... The Royal Canal

Co. Dublin, The Grand Canal

Lough Erne, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, The Erne System

The Royal Canal

Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Lough Key, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, The Shannon Navigation

Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Carrybridge Marina, Co. Fermanagh, The Erne System

Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Castle Archdale, Co. Fermanagh, The Erne System

The Grand Canal, Co. Dublin

The Royal Canal Corradillar, The Erne System

The Royal Canal

Carrybridge Marina, Co. Fermanagh, The Erne System

The Royal Canal

Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, The Erne System

COMPETITION running all summer enter now!

COVERmotoring FORD’S ECOBOOST TURBO ENGINE DEBUTS IN THE ALL-NEW FOCUS

ord’s high tech, ultra-efficient, turbocharged, direct injection 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has been introduced to the Ford Focus range. This unique, industryfirst EcoBoost engine delivers performance to rival a traditional 1.6-litre engine with significantly improved fuel efficiency and class-leading ultra-low CO2 emissions. The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is available with two power levels – in the five-door Focus at 125PS it delivers a combined fuel economy of 56.5mpg and low petrol CO2 emissions of 114g/km (a level unmatched by Focus competitors with similar power outputs), while the 100PS version delivers a combined fuel economy of 58.9mpg and outright best-in-class petrol CO2 emissions of 109g/km. Around 200 UK engineers based at Dunton and Dagenham successfully developed a powertrain which not only leads on fuel economy but also delivers the refined and spirited driving performance that customers have come to expect from Ford. Though the 1.0-litre EcoBoost cylinder block can fit onto a sheet of A4 paper it delivers up to 125PS and 170Nm peak torque

(200Nm with overboost) between 1,400 and 4,500rpm, giving it the highest power density of any Ford production engine to date. In addition to the customer benefits resulting from improved fuel consumption and petrol being up to 10p per litre cheaper than diesel, the lower CO2 emissions translate into direct customer savings. The 100PS and 125PS version will both qualify for zero vehicle excise duty in the first year and then £20 (100PS) and £30 (125PS) per annum thereafter. Compared with the current 1.6-litre 105PS and 125PS engines, this represents savings of £115 in year one and £95 and £85 respectively in subsequent years. The New Ford Focus range is priced from £13,995 on the road while this engine is priced £250 (on the road) above the 1.6-litre 125PS engine and will subsequently feature in Ford C-MAX, Grand C-MAX and the all-new Ford B-MAX. Monaghan Brothers, Drunhaw, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh T: +44 (0)28 6772 1354

One Car, Multiple Senses

yundai has introduced their New i20 model with a slick exterior makeover that features new wheel designs, a hexagonal front grille, new rounded front wings, reshaped bonnet and headlights along with new fog light clusters and daytime running lights. While at the rear, the New i20 gets a redesigned rear bumper and taillights, which helps to add to the i20’s fresh approach. The New i20 is available in three main trim levels beginning with Classic, moving up to Active and followed by Style. Starting with Classic, each model comes with a generous list of standard specification including remote central locking, six air bags, air conditioning, ESP and, for the first time on i20, Vehicle Stability Management. Hyundai has added in even more value to the i20 package with the Active trim, which adds 15-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth with voice recognition, electric/heated door mirrors, front fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob and electric rear windows (five door bodystyle) when compared with Classic. The range-topping Style model is equipped with16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rain sensing front wipers, climate control along with an automatic dimming rear view mirror with an integrated reversing camera – the first standard application of this technology in the segment. Hyundai has improved upon the popular 1.2-litre petrol engine, which is now cleaner, more efficient and more powerful than the model it replaces. Maximum output is now 85ps (79ps for the outgoing variant) while improvements in fuel consumption from 55.4mpg to 57.7mpg on the combined cycle,

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plus emissions reductions from 119g/km CO2 to 114g/km CO2 make the 1.2 petrol engine one of the most efficient around. Furthermore, the 1.2-litre petrol i20 is now available in Style trim and for just an additional £750 above the Active trim. This represents fantastic value for buyers looking for luxury features at an affordable price. KEY POINTS: • The New Hyundai i20 starts at £9,995 on-the-road for the three-door 1.2 petrol Classic model, while the rangetopping 90ps 1.4 CRDi Style model costs £14,295. • Lower emissions across the engine line up plus new 1.1-litre diesel engine emitting just 84g/km CO2. • Improved standard specification means even greater value for money. Monaghan Brothers, Drunhaw, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh T: +44 (0)28 6772 1354

With the power of a large engine, and the e ciency of a small one, the new EcoBoost engine in the Ford Focus is a triumph of contradiction. Available from

ÂŁ14,995

FORD FOCUS

Monaghan Brothers Limited Drumhaw, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, BT92 0JB

028 6772 1354

ford.co.uk/focus

SCAN ME

WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE

O cial fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost engine range (125PS & 100PS): urban 44.8-47.9 (6.3-5.9), extra urban 67.3-68.9 (4.2-4.1), combined 56.5-58.9 (5.0-4.8). O cial CO2 emission 114-109g/km. Promotion applies to vehicles contracted between 01/06/2012 and 30/09/2012 and registered between 01/06/2012 and 30/09/2012. Optional 18Ë? Alloy Wheels shown, available on selected Focus models.

www.monaghanbros.co.uk

COVERwest

SOCIAL Michelle Gildernew MLA, Sir Anthony Hamilton and Tourism Minister Arlene Foster

Out & About | See who ‘Tied the Knot’ recently

Liz Moore

NICFC Chief Executive Gillian Creevy, Dawn Hirst, Gail Boyd, Michelle Gildernew MLA, Sir Anthony Hamilton, Lynn Heffron, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster and Catherine Finegan

Summer Entertaining with Liz Moore

Liz Moore of ‘Liz Moore Cooks’ and Michelle Gildernew

Renowned chef Liz Moore demonstrated the art of summer cooking to an audience of amateur chefs and local foodies at a masterclass held at Corick House Hotel, Clogher in aid of the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. The fantastic event, which was attended by Tourism Minister Arlene Foster and Michelle Gildernew MLA was a great success and raised over £7,000 for the charity.

Lynn Heffron, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster and Gail Boyd

Lynn Heffron, Radio Ulster chef Paula McIntyre and NICFC Chief Executive, Gillian Creevy

Liz Moore of ‘Liz Moore Cooks’ and Gail Boyd (centre) with guests in attendance west

A Fashionable Cause Vintage hit Tyrone recently with a retro fashion show held at the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh sponsored by Completely Covered in aid of Aware Defeat Depression. The event featured a variety of high-end vintage fashions from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;50s through to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s from Bedlam of Derry, Glad Rags Vintage of Dungannon, Oma Fair Lady and Oxfam Vintage, accompanied by exclusive items by Irish designers. Photos by Jude Browne Photography and Davy Ralston www.judebrownephotography.com www.dtrphotography.com

International Rose of Tralee, Tara Talbot

Nuala McGroary sponsored by National Hairdressing Academy

Fionnuala Nic Giolla Bháin sponsored by Ballylar Shop and Post Office

Elaine McIntyre and MC John Breslin pictured with this year’s Roses

Tara McDaid sponsored by Dunnes Stores

Donegal Rose 2012, Fionnuala Nic Giolla Bhain

Stephanie Sweeney sponsored by Ardara Tourism

Fermanagh Rose Edel McBarron and Fionnuala Nic Giolla Bhain

Donegal’s Rose

Escorts at the Donegal Rose 2012 Selection Night

Fionnuala Nic Giolla Bhain pictured with her proud family as she is crowned Donegal Rose 2012

The County Final of the Rose of Tralee took place recently in the Radisson Blu Hotel Letterkenny, where Fionnuala Nic Giolla Bhain from Fanad was crowed Donegal’s Rose. The evening created much excitement as the stunning International Rose of Tralee, Tara Talbot, welcomed everyone to the event which was then judged by Lynn McLaughlin, Don Sheridan and former Rose, Evelyn Cronly. Fionnuala will now attend the Regional Finals in Portlaoise in the hope to compete in Tralee.

Elaine McIntyre, Maria McCole, Fionnula Nic Giolla Bhain and Tara Talbot

Liam McIntyre and Nuala McGroary

Grainne McKeon, Silke Thum and Julie Dick

The Coronas

Louise Heraghty and Neil McGowan

Oisin O’Mahon, Dee Reddy and Matt Farrell

Martin Gaughan, Lilly and Nicola Ronahghan

Sea Sessions Launch Party Launching what is sure to be one of the hottest festivals of the summer, the Workman’s Club in Dublin hosted the launch party of Bundoran’s Sea Sessions Surf Music Festival 2012. With an attendance of 200 people, the line-up was officially announced to include acts such as The Happy Mondays, Kaiser Chiefs, The Coronas, This Club and Neon Wolf to name a few. Guests were treated with drinks by the festival’s sponsors and enjoyed Sea Sessions line-up tunes to set the vibe. The Sea Sessions Surf Music Festival takes place from the 29th June to 1st July. www.seasessions.com Nadine O’Regan, Emer McLysaghy and Pearl (Phantom)

Myles McDermot, Nigel Cleary and Lorna Fox

Brendan Farren, Amelia Troy, Joanna Barry and Michelle Martin

Cillian Stuart and Gillian Verrecchia

Karl Geraghty and Sarah Lochner

Jeremy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Muruchu and Louise Johnston

Ashlene and Sean tie the knot The wedding of Ashlene McGoldrick and Sean Doherty took place recently at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel, Strabane, Co. Tyrone followed by a reception at the Mill Park Hotel in Donegal. Photography by Jude Browne Photography www.judebrownephotography.com

MULTI AWARD WINNING WEDDING VENUE

Spring 2013 dates where some fabulous

Wedding Venue of the Year 2012 are available…

CONNAUGHT

overlooking the River Shannon in picturesque Carrick-on-Shannon

The Landmark has been awarded Wedding Venue of the Year 2012 Connaught Best Wedding Venue Connaught 2012 Wedding Co-ordinator of The Year 2011 Wedding Co-ordinator of The Year 2010 Shortlisted for

Wedding Venue of the Year 2010 & 2011

Why not schedule a private meeting with our Award Winning Wedding Team and see for yourself why the Landmark is Connaught’s Wedding Venue of the Year 2012! Please call 071 96 22 222 or email us on weddings@thelandmarkhotel.com

Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim t. 071 9622 222 f. 071 9622 233 w. www.thelandmarkhotel.com

We look forward to meeting you!

Andria and Paul tie the knot Many congratulations to Andria McCooey and Paul Patterson who were recently married at the beautiful Radisson Blu Farnham Estate in Cavan. Photography by Zanni Photographic www.zanni.ie T: +353 (0)47 71144

Joanne and Deryl tie the knot Joanne Eland and Deryl McCauley were recently married at Knockninny Country House and Marina, Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh where they celebrated their nuptials with friends and family. Photography by Campbell Photography www.campbellphotography.co.uk

Upon arriving as a youngster in the U.S. with just a few dollars in his pocket, Thom Richard had just one dream: to fly aircraft. A seasoned pilot who has clocked up more than 9,000 flight hours, he now lives his passion to the full – in particular by taking part in the famous Reno competitions at the controls of Precious Metal, the most legendary of all race planes. His next challenge is to set the world speed record and to win Reno. On his wrist is the Chronomat, an ultra-sturdy and ultrareliable instrument powered by a high-performance "engine", a 100% Breitling movement. For Thom Richard, it is quite simply the world’s best chronograph. 5-YEAR BREITLING WARRANTY £ 6580*

5 High Street, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, BT74 7DQ, Tel 0286 632 2119

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