December 2011 by Anglo Printers

Essential Drogheda’s FREE Social, Entertainment & Lifestyle Magazine

Vol 3. Issue 2. - December 2011

Drogheda

ISSN 2009-2733

“Are You In It?”

On tap of the world! Former Riverdance star David Moore

Christmas is served!

Neil Delamere

• Party on in style • Affordable gift ideas • Eat & drink - guilt-free! • The alternative no-stress dinner

Christmas Special

• • • •

talks Christmas, friends and ‘culchie freebies’

TOTAL TRIO EYECARE 2 WEEK NAIL POLISH TOE FILE & PAINT FULL BODY SPRAY TAN

Tel: 041 980 2600

Distributed Free to Over 19,000 Homes & Businesses

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This Month in Essential E Social

6, 8, 9 Drogheda’s nightlife in pictures

E Out & About

16-17 Not-to-be missed events

E Real Life

4 Can’t Get Through The Month Without… 10-11 Stocking Thrillers Affordable Christmas gifts, top 3 Christmas reads, Essential readers’ best presents

E Health & Fitness

13 Dodge the Podge How to eat, drink and still stay slim over the silly season

E Fashion

14 Frock Star Party in style in this season’s must-have dresses and accessories

E business

Drogheda

E feature

20 Home Grown Beautiful bespoke pieces from Louth Craftmark

E Weddings

21-22 Local couples say ‘I do’

E Tech

24 Who Needs a Pro? Terry Collins reviews the Canon EOS 6oD camera

E Food

26 Have Yourself a Yummy Little Christmas Boyne Valley Hotel chef Jason Daly serves up a succulent alternative to everyone’s favourite dinner 27 Competition Win Dinner for 2 in Season’s Restaurant and Terrace Bar

E interview

28 Getting up to Divilment E chats to comedian Neil Delamere

14 Shop of the Month E visits the newlook Fuschia in Scotch Hall

E Arts & Culture

E Beauty

E feature

18 Festive Frolics Winter make-up trends to take you through to the new year

28-29 Event Guide Dates for your diary 30 The Best of Everything with exRiverdance star David Moore

editor’s letter N

o matter how much we plan for it, Christmas always seems to have a way of creeping up on us! That’s why we’ve dedicated this issue to making this year as stress-free as possible. Take the strain out of Christmas shopping with our selection of affordable gifts and books on pages 10, 11 & 20; be a frock star in this season’s party dress on page 14; get on-trend seasonal makeup tips on page 16; make clever food choices to dodge the podge on page 13, and our favourite meal of the year gets a succulent makeover on page 26 by Boyne Valley Hotel chef, Jason Daly. For confirmation of Neil Delamere’s quick wit and banter (as if we needed it!) see page 28. And if you ever wondered what the life of a professional Irish dancer might be like, see page 30 where E talks to local dance teacher and former Riverdance star, David Moore about his experiences. Enjoy your Christmas!

Carmel Riggs Editor

Model Maeve Kavanagh wears a white jersey dress with leatherette

er: waistband priced at 2200, by Niamh Garry Designs. Shot on location On the Cov at the d Hotel, pictured by Boyne Valley Studios.

New

If it happens in Drogheda

the d hotel

Issue t x e Our N s s th i 5 M t y ’ n r o D nua a J t u O

it happens in the d Years eve

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Including: Mulled Wine Reception, 5 Course Gormet Meal, Entertainment by ‘The Enemies’ Glass of Bubbly at Midnight and DJ till the early hours.

RIVER BOYNE PACKAGES W E D D I N G S FROM JUST at the d hotel ��

Christmas Party Nights Christmas Party Nights with The Enemies

from €49pp

FRI 9TH, FRI 16TH & SAT 17TH DEC

Christmas Gift Vouchers Now Available From Reception

€35 PER PERSON

NEW EXCLUSIVE WEDDING PACKAGES AT THE d STARTING FROM JUST €35.00 PER PERSON For more information, contact our Wedding Executive on 041 9877700 or weddings@thedhotel.com

NEIL DELAMERE ATTH THE d HOTEL 8 DECEMBER 2011 23RD FEBRUARY 2012

Doors: 7.30pm, Show: 8.30pm, Tickets €18.50

W: www.thedhotel.com www.facebook.com/dhotel E: info@thedhotel.com T: 041 9877700

Essential Drogheda

Anglo House, Mell Industrial Estate, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Tel: 041 9830297. Fax: 041 9835485. e: info@essentialdrogheda.com w: www.essentialdrogheda.com Drogheda’s FREE Social, Entertainment, and Lifestyle Magazine Published Monthly and Distributed Free to over 19,000 Homes and Businesses in Drogheda Managing Director: Padraic Kierans e: padraic@essentialdrogheda.com Editor: Carmel Riggs Mob: 087-2248845 e: editor@essentialdrogheda.com Administration: Niamh Gardiner Tel: 041-9830297 e: info@essentialdrogheda.com Advertising Sales: John Doherty Mob: 085-1004001 e: ads@essentialdrogheda.com Design & Layout: Aisling Foley, Anglo Printers Photographer: Eric O’Neill Mob: 086-3462126 Photo Contributors: Shane Cowley, Jim McCormack, Bob Long, David Duignan, Boyne Valley Studios

Can’t get through the month without . . . Carmel Riggs selects the best of what December has to offer

Best Beauty Bar

Raising a toast to the Boston Beauty Bar in Scotch Hall, who celebrate receiving a Mystery Shopper Award recently. Of the 20 stores nationwide the Drogheda salon came out on top much to the delight of manager Danielle Kennedy. To mark the win Boston Beauty is running a ‘Buy 1 gift voucher, get 1 free’ promotion from Friday, December 2nd to Saturday, December 3rd. Whether it’s for a Christmas present or simply a special treat for yourself there’s no denying this is too good to resist!

Food for Thought Being kind to your

tastebuds – while watching the calories too! To coincide with the launch of their new restaurant menu, the chefs at CityNorth Hotel have also created a new Slimming World friendly menu ensuring SW members can enjoy leisurely lazy lunches over the festive season – without the guilt! Plus, the E team has been informed that all new SW members of the CityNorth class (which takes place each Wednesday at 5.50pm and 7.30pm) will receive a discount voucher to be redeemed in the Tara Lounge.

Pint size

Contributors: Emma Woods, Terry Collins, Caroline McElroy, Caroline Conroy, Katie Kierans Published by: Essential Drogheda Publications Ltd. Printed by: Anglo Printers Ltd. Lo-Call 1890 624 624 The paper used in the production of Essential Drogheda comes from sustainable, managed sources and has been PEFC certified. Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to present all information accurately, however no liability is accepted for any articles or opinions offered, or advice given, or for omissions from the publication.

Are You In It?

If you would like to see your event or photographs featured in Essential Drogheda, email us at info@essentialdrogheda.com

Like us on 4

E Drogheda

Wedding bliss

Marvelling at the fact that Drogheda is the new wedding capital of Ireland! An RTE Local Heroes initiative, IrelandsWeddingMall.com promotes Drogheda as a onestop destination for weddings. The new website will be launched at a Bridal & Fashion Show extravaganza on Thursday, December 8th in Fusion Nite Club. Tickets €15, available at The Hub on West St.

Youth Café

Supporting the new Drogheda Youth Café, aptly given the name BoomerangCafe.ie by two local students, Katie Brodigan and Zoe Healy. It’s not due to open until next summer but all efforts are being made to raise funds between now and then. In the words of Mayor Cllr Kevin Callan: ‘We know that the new Youth Cafe is going to be brilliant and just like a Boomerang the kids will keep coming back. We can’t wait for it to open next summer.’ And neither can we!

Cheering on one of Drogheda’s oldest bars! Renowned for serving, perhaps, the best pint of Guinness in town, Clarke’s Bar on Peter St has much to thank Uncle Arthur for after winning first prize for their Arthur’s Day celebrations. Here’s bar staff Mary Ellen Darby and Ciaran Grennan with Ciaran Reilly of Diageo. Guess we’ll have to call in and sample a pint for ourselves!

C’est parfait!

Making a head-turning statement over the festive season in a Sophie Hunter creation. The Drogheda hat designer is currently putting the finishing touches to her new collection – all beautiful bespoke pieces sure to win over Off the Rails presenter Sonya Lennon, a judge of the Most Stylish Lady & Man Competition at Leopardstown Racing Festival on December 28th. Visit www. cestparfait.com for the latest looks. Quelle surprise!

d i a mon d s jewellers

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Social 2

The Party: Tesco Fashion Show The Place: The TLT The People: 1 Mark

Smith and Luke Brennan 2 Laura Campbell and Tracy Thornton 3 Niamh and Ciara Leddy

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2 2

The Party: Thomas Brezing Exhibition The Place: Highlanes Gallery The People: 1 Alannah Brennan and Brian

Harten 2 Rachel Kierans and Emma Brezing

The Party: St Mary’s Special School, Drumcar, Fashion Show The Place: Westcourt Hotel The People: 1 Katie Kierans and Sarah Rice 2 Lisa Murphy, Shauna Flanagan, Darren O’Brien and Gerald Keane

1 2 3 3

The Party: Alan Everard’s 21st The Place: McPhails The People: 1 Alan Everard and Caoimhe

Duffy 2 Ciara Smith and John Everard 3 Sarah and Kevin Everard

E Drogheda

Check out previous issues online @ www.essentialdrogheda.com

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E Drogheda

Social

“Are You In It?” 1

The Party: Karen Murray’s 30th The Place: McHugh’s The People: 1 Colin Rafferty and Tara Lynch 2 Ciara Murphy,

The Party: SOSAD Fashion Show The Place: The Westcourt Hotel The People: 1 Georgina Callow

Karen Murray and Damien Rafferty

with Bernie and Samantha Cafolla 2 Louise Rawlings and Therese Leonard 3 Alison Comyn and Shane Horgan

The Party: Maeve Howard’s 60th The Place: Scholars Townhouse Hotel The People: 1 Susan, Claire, Maeve, Brigid, Aine, Karen and Pamela Howard 2 Podge and Laurna Howard

2 3 1

The Party: Drogheda & District Chamber Business Excellence Awards The Place: CityNorth Hotel The People: 1 Andrea Smith and Mark McGowan 2 Emma Hughes,

2 8

E Drogheda

Melanie Farrell, Kate Coscoran and Nicole O’Keefe 3 Margaret, Amanda, Paula and Gillian Reilly

Check out previous issues online @ www.essentialdrogheda.com

The Party: Catherine Brady’s 30th The Place: The Star Bar The People:

1 Catherine and Joey Brady 2 Sarah-Jane Wall and Rachel Carey 3 Jenny, Dolores, Tracy and Gillian Brady

The Party: Margaret O’Malley’s 50th The Place: The d Hotel The People: 1 Susan Duffy

and Patrick Smith 2 Fidelma Feehan and Margaret O’Malley

1 2

The Party: Gavin Sullivan & Sarah Ward’s Engagement The Place: Black Bull The People: 1 Gavin Sullivan

and Sarah Ward 2 Samantha Healy, Jackie Durnin and Adrianna McGuinness

The Party: Sinead Breen’s 21st The Place: Bru The People: 1 Orla and Ronan

Breen 2 Laura Buckley, Sinead Breen and Grace Monaghan

E Drogheda

b es t Christmas present

For the festive touch 1 2 3

Martin Rafferty,

Mornington ‘My first baby, Hannah, was born on the 7th of December just in time for Christmas. She changed everything and brought a new meaning to Christmas. Both Hannah and my other daughter Laura are the best presents I’ve ever received.’

Geraldine Simpson,

ents Monasterboice ‘All of my husband’s pres as istm Chr are the best! Although his first a present was a gorgeous gold watch and of both giant four foot teddy. I still have them; they’ll always be special to me.’

Phillip Kermode,

Glenmore Drive ‘One year my mam bought me a book about the history of Rock and Roll. I love music, I play and DJ so it was the perfect present to get for me. It was really thoughtful.’

1. Christmas heart decorations €14.90, The White Door, Dunleer 2. Christmas red & white wine glasses €17.50, Carraig Donn, Scotch Hall 3. Washing line garland €8, Heatons, M1 Retail Park 4.. Book tealight €4.98, Carraig Donn, Scotch Hall 5. Hanging Star €6, Penneys, West St

E StockinG

Everyone deserves a special something at Christmas,

For the man in your life 1

2 James Black,

Hardman’s Gardens ‘One Christmas my brother paid for me to get a tattoo, it was a class present. I choose a pirate ship because I thought it would make me more manly – it didn’t!’

ONLY

€10

Nicole Kierans, Castlemanor ‘I’m always on facebook and the internet so I suppose my laptop would be my best present. I love make-up so that would have to come second.’

Wrote pictured above striding on to a near 2l. victory in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf at Churchill Downs in the hands of Ryan Moore.

Joseph O’Brien and St. Nicholas Abbey receiving the plaudits following their victory in the Breeders Cup Turf.

St Nicholas Abbey, pictured running the race of his life in the 2011 Emirates Airlines Breeders Cup Turf at Churchill Downs on November 5th. Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by his 18 year old son Joseph, the Montjeu colt burst from the back of the pack and settled the issue in a matter of strides, clocking less than 23 seconds for the final quarter mile.

ALL Irish &sUK Fixture for 2012

E Drogheda

2012 IRISH RACING CALENDAR

FAMILY FORTUNES

St. Nicholas Abbey

1. Square cufflinks €17, Next, Scotch Hall 2. Firetrap officer jacket €167.50, McKenna Man, West St 3. Tissot Couturier watch €255, Owen Fox Jewellers, Shop St 4. Shawl collared knitted jumper €22, Heatons, M1 Retail Park 5. Wallet & belt gift set from €34.99, TK Maxx, Drogheda Retail Park, Donore Rd 6. Irish Racing Calendar 2012, €10 +P&P, www.irishracingcalendar.ie

Joseph O’Brien, the youngest Jockey in history to win a Breeders Cup Race, the Emirates Airlines Award receives for his success in the 2011 Churchill Downs. He is Breeders Cup Turf at pictured with his family in an immensely proud Tipperary based O’Brien’s moment for following his record breaking exploits.

For the girl of your dreams 2 1 3

1. Black patent & fur bag e115, The White Door, Dunleer 2. Love heart pendant e198, Owen Fox Jewellers, Shop St 3. Skincare gift sets from e15, Biofresh Skincare, West St 4. Red court shoe e89, Sophia’s, Laurence St 5. Guess bracelet e95, Diamond Jewellers, Drogheda Town Centre

thrillers

these gifts go straight to the top of our wish list!

For everyone

My top

festive reads

By Lisa Redmond Sponsored by

Wolves in Ireland by Kieran and IG Hickey Kieran Hickey lectures at NU s of study and

his latest book is the result of many year ographs of research. The text is accompanied by phot is beautifully the Dublin Zoo wolf pack and the book history of wolves produced. Kieran Hickey examines the l history and in Ireland and their impact on our socia place names and folklore. Wolves can be found in Irish data. Kieran also personal names and in archaeological Ireland in 1786 and the controversial examines the death of the last wolf in . This is a book which will appeal idea of re-introducing wolves in the wild and would make an exquisite gift. to fans of History, Folklore and Animals (€31.50, Four Courts Press)

Claire Allan If Only You Knewesby she has both the storytelling

Claire Allan’s fifth novel prov humour of gifts of Cathy Kelly and the wit and warm of cousins Ava story the is w Marian Keyes. If Only You Kne e Scott, Hop and er, teach Campbell, the sensible married when, ther toge wn thro are the flighty single journalist who est requ her ver disco they will ’s at the reading of their aunt to ce Fran of h Sout the in e that they must visit her hous used at first but pack up her belongings. The girls are bem ay if nothing else. Through a series they decide to go, for the chance of a holid e, Aunt Betty’s story is revealed. of letters left in various parts of the hous women learn to move their lives Through the discoveries they make both Allan’s story is a hilarious and life forward and to reconcile the past. Claire which you won’t be able to put affirming tale of families, secrets and love down. (€12.99, Poolbeg Press Ltd)

ic by Nicola Pierce Spirit of the Titanthe Titanic but this book is

1 2 3

5 1. iPad 2 16GB €479, Briscoe’s Expert Megastore, Newgrange Business Park 2. Jimmy’s People 2 €20, Laurence Town Centre 3. An Eric O’Neill mounted A4 print €30, www.ericoneill.ie 4. Max Benjamin Lemongrass & Ginger Natural Wax Candle €18, Carraig Donn, Scotch Hall 5. Canon IXUS 115 (includes 4GB memory card and case) €154, Mahers Chemist, West St

There are many books about t not 14th April, 1912 unique in that it takes as it’s starting poin n Titanic claimed whe was that but 20th April, 1910 because ear-old boy who 15-y a – t Scot ph its first victim, Samuel Jose ff shipyard. Wol and land Har worked on the ship at the the glamour of to ess witn t, ghos a as Samuel roams the ship s. The book features first class and the hard work below deck s including Frederick Fleet, the a cast of both real and imagined character Harold Bride, the radio operator, young lookout who spotted the iceberg; tain Edward John Smith. I admit I the brave band leader and, of course, Cap and I wondered how a writer would approached this book with trepidation such a tragic event and make it not be able to create a novel which deals with the 10+ age group. In this her first only suitable but an enjoyable read for just that. I laughed, I cried and novel for children, Nicola Pierce has done r to finish this poignant and orde in I stayed up way past my usual bedtime to be missed. (€8.99, O’Brien Press) beautifully written book. This is one not

Kieran Hickey will be speaking about his book, Wolves in Ireland, at the Droichead Arts Centre on January 25th at 7.30pm, all welcome; while local author Nicola Pierce will be talking about Spirit of the Titanic at Waterstone’s, Drogheda on December 11th at 1pm. 11 Drogheda

Health & Fitness

e h t e g d o D

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Clever choices this Christmas mean you can eat, drink, be merry – and still stay trim! By System 10 weight loss consultant Caroline Conroy

hristmas is just around the corner. This year you swear it will be different. You won’t gain the usual 10lbs! You definitely don’t want the hangovers! You absolutely don’t want that bloated toxic feeling! Well, don’t worry, you can still have a great time but avoid all the excesses. It is easier than you think: it’s all about making clever choices and having some great strategies in your mind. Let me help you head into this Christmas with some new thoughts and ideas…

Winning strategies It all begins with shopping. Make a special effort to buy mostly healthy foods. Don’t bring home a lot of junk food and expect to have that amazing

self control to be able to say ‘no’ to it. Remember you are sure to get enough biscuits, chocolates and drinks as gifts anyway, so cut down on buying these yourself. Think about balance, if you have a bad day then try to make the following day a ‘perfect’ day. If you have a bad morning, then try to have a ‘perfect’ afternoon! Weigh yourself going into Christmas. There is no point in sticking your head in the sand and getting a big shock just before the New Year. You will need a reference point to judge how well you are doing.

Think differently this year Take a step back and learn to recognise and acknowledge true hunger and appetite. Eat only with good reason. Ask yourself if all that cake, pudding and mince pies are really necessary for enjoyment. Try to identify non food and non drink aspects of Christmas that can really bring you enjoyment such as the opportunity to phone old friends, listen to music, the opportunity to read more and even more time for exercise and building up your health! Don’t feel you have to go to every event. Learn to politely say ‘no’ and take a little bit of time for yourself.

Better food habits Having breakfast becomes even more important at Christmas time because if you skip it you are most likely to crave the chocolates, crisps and mince pies that are all too readily available. • Put a special emphasis on fruit at this time of year. It is a handy pleasant snack and the secret is to have plenty of it readily available. • Sugar free jelly is amazing for helping you reduce cravings, so at the start of the week make up several bowls of it. • Drinking water between meals helps minimise over-eating and avoids confusing thirst sensations for hunger which can happen easily. Remember you should drink at least 1litre for every 100lbs you weigh! Call Caroline today at System 10 on 089-4364149.

E Drogheda

Frock Fashion

Star

Work dos, family gatherings and girly get-togethers… the Christmas party season’s officially here! Caroline McElroy handpicks her favourite party dresses this winter 2

6 1. Velvet dress €300, Niamh Garry Designs, www.niamhgarry.com 2. Sequin dress €250, Monsoon, Scotch Hall 3. One shoulder dress €79, Next, Scotch Hall 4. Jacquard dress €55, Dunnes Stores, Scotch Hall 5. Beige cotton and black lace cap sleeved dress €229, Fran & Jane, Laurence Town Centre 6. Chiffon dress €65, Awear, Scotch Hall

Style watch Get your style fix at

Drogheda Women’s Refuge gorgeous new charity shop Butterfly, which opens on Stockwell Street on December 3rd. The local community is being urged to support the shop not only by shopping there but by making good quality donations of adults and children’s clothing.

Business

Shop of the month

All that glitters… 2

1. Roberto Botella sandal €95, Sophia’s, Laurence St. 2. Box bag €34, Next, Scotch Hall 3. Chandelier earring €23.50,

E Drogheda

Accessorize, Scotch Hall 4. Shoes €45, Next, Scotch Hall

colleges all over Ireland. What was the reason behind the opening of the new shop? The brand has expanded and we needed bigger premises to cater for all our clients. We now have a state of the art store and make-up school as well as a skin bar, nail bar, lash bar, brow bar and an airbrushing service.

Who would you recommend the Fuschia make-up courses to? Our make-up courses are proving a big hit as we cater for all age groups, teaching the secrets to achieving The store: Fuschia, Scotch Hall, Drogheda. flawless looking skin. We make make-up The proprietor: Gillian and Aidan Brady simple! We show you how to achieve that The manager: Leona Wogan ‘Smoky Look’ and how to perfect that When did it all start? It all started on the ‘Natural Look’. Our most popular course 10th of November 2005 when we launched takes the client through a ‘Natural our make-up brand in Scotch Hall. Since Look’, ‘Smoky Look’, ‘Glammed Up then the brand has gone from Look’ and how to master strength to strength! We strip lashes! This are now stocked in over 150 course makes salons throughout Ireland, an excellent and are the brand of choice for Christmas hundreds of beauty students in present.

Sum up Fuschia’s products in five words? Professional products at affordable prices! This season’s must-have product? Brushes! Christmas is the season of Brush Sets…and every year we sell out! Every girl wants their own set of brushes and this year our brush set prices start at €40. Best beauty advice you could share? Using a primer on the skin before applying liquid foundation will leave the skin looking effortlessly flawless, and it will ensure that the foundation stays on all day. Use a stippled foundation brush for easy application.

Guide Ta

Mer ry Chr istm to a as ll!

to Drogheda’s Best Health & Beauty Services

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Tan & Shellac €35 Myscara, Tan & Shellac €60

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Back Massage & Dr Lauranne Facial, EyeTreatment, File & Polish €60 dy

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24/25 West Street, 041 9871715 Drogheda 087 2882176

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visit: www.divinebeautyclinic.com

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Treat someone special with a Gift Voucher

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We would like to wish all our clients a Merry Christmas and thank them for their continuous support through the year.

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Phone: 086 8098429 fabulousfaces.jenny@gmail.com

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Make up, spray tan, file & paint (hands & feet) & false lashes.

December Offers

• FREE spray tan with every full set of gel/acrylic nails. • Callus peel pedicure (as featured on celebrity salon) €40 • Shellac 2 week manicure on hands and toes €40 • Spend €50 or more on Gosh Cosmetics & receive a FREE make over. • FREE underarm wax with every full leg & bikini wax. • Eye combo €20. • File & paint on hands and toes €20. • Make up, spray tan & blow dry €50. • Make up & up style €40. • FREE eye combo with every gift voucher purchased for €100 or more. • Add a spa detox to any manicure for JUST €15. • 15%off all threading. • 10%off all colour (Mon-Wed only) Pa

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Why not check out our BLOG & sign up for our FREE Newsletter?

Are You In It?

A gift token from Estique

Dermalift Tummy Tuck

Skincare products for men and women Outstanding value in quality salon-grade products that really work!!

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Christmas gift,

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Eyelash Extensions, Make-up & Tan €70

Christmas week opening hours:

Mon 19th, Tues 20th, & Wed 21st, 9.30-8pm Thurs 22nd & Fri 23rd, 9-8pm Sat (Xmas eve) 7-2pm (blow-dries only) Closed Sun 25th - Tues 27th Re-open Wed 28th, 930-8pm Thurs 29th & Fri 30th, 9-8pm Sat (new years eve) 7-2pm (blow-dries only)

E Drogheda

Out & about 1

Barroco

1 Annmarie Lynch, Denise Kane and Avril Dunne 2 Karl Daly, Darren and David Kavanagh with Danny Sutherland 3 Lisa McDonagh with Michelle and Lorraine Woods

Bru 2

1 Kim Woods, Edel Kavanagh, Denise Sutton and Sarah McLoughlin 2 Sarah-Jane Byrne and Helena McTiernan 3 Sarah Carolan, Charleen Lynham and Grainne Sheridan

Christmas Opening Hours Dec 23rd: 9:30 - 2:30 Re-opening Dec 29th: 10:30 - 4:00 Dec 30th: 10:30 - 4:00 New Year Opening Jan 3rd: 9:30 - 6:00

Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year Haymarket Bridge, Drogheda, Co. Louth Tel: 04 1 9 8 00 8 8 0 e-mail: info@nest.ie

www.nest.ie

E Drogheda

Shooters 1 Aine Floyd and Tara Kelly 2 Catherine Byrne with Shane and Danielle Murphy 3 Jamie Mahon, Ketia McCash, Becky Gaughran and Zoe Kelly

“Are You In It?”

McPhails 1 Stevie Tiernan, Sarah Hartesty, Caroline Murphy and Josef Mikkolain 2 Ruth Fullam and Natalie Duff 3 Eileen Rush and Richard Walsh

1 2

Boyne Samhain Festival 1 Eamli Mai with Mary O’Donaghue 2 Siofra and Karen Devine 3 Kelly Kierans and Tony Brothwood

JB’s Bar

1 Maurice and Veronica Keegan 2 Tom and Siobhan Tallon 3 Yolanda and Derek Burke

3 2 3

Drogheda’s Smallest Bar with a Large Warm Welcome! Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas!

Over 23’s Music & Sports

Fabulous Salon Customer Evening

1 Lorraine Kelly and Elaine Lawless 2 Olivia and Mary Fagan 3 Angela Fitzpatrick and Patricia McQuillan

79a West St, Drogheda (formerly Wards)

ials SpecLarge Sauvignon

Prosecco e20

also

/Pinot Grigio e15

Check out our Christmas Specials. Find us on

E Drogheda

Festive frolics

Beauty

Emma Woods on the trends that will take you through the party season

DAY-TO-NIGHT LOOK Smokey eyes can quickly change your look from day to night. Start with a dark, smokey charcoal colour such as, (1) Barry M Glitter Eye Crayon (€6.95, Boots, Laurence Town Centre or MAC Sharkskin Shadestick (€19, MAC Cosmetics, Brown Thomas, Grafton St, Dublin).

Apply directly onto the eyelids, using a small smudge brush or your finger. Use a lighter shade on the crease. Grey matte works well for brown eyes, (3) L’oreal ‘Colour Infallible’, (€10.79, Boots, Laurence Town Centre), or warm brown matte for blue eyes, (4) Maybelline’s ‘Little Round Pot’, (€8.99, Boots). With a clean blender brush blend softly just slightly above the crease.

3 4.

in season Designers certainly embraced their inner darkness this season! Catwalks were swarming with black lace, lacquered leggings, wild romance – and make-up artists followed suit with muted metallic for the eyes and rich berry tones for the lips. To ensure your look is more glamorous than gothic, use new loose metallic powders in seasonal must-have colours: burgundy, sage green and muted gold and silver. The iridescent glitter reflects light, and makes even the richest colours wearable on the face and eyes. Try GOSH Holographic Silver Eyeshadow, €12.49, Hickey’s Pharmacy, West Street

Highlight the brow bone with a nude skin tone shimmer eye-shadow and complete the look with black kohl pencil or liquid liner along your lash line. (2) Glide & Define Liquid Liner Pen in Black from Max Factor, €10.09 and Rimmel Soft Kohl Pencil, €4.59, both available from Hickey’s Pharmacy, West St

Pucker up

Vibrant scarlet, sultry brown and chocolate red lips is a must this festive season, with lip liner giving a precise pout. Use the liner to give a soft curved effect to the upper lip and prevent the finish from looking too angular. Estee Lauder’s Signature Lipstick in ‘Ruby’ (€23 at Town Centre Pharmacy, West St), or MAC’s ‘Soft Pause’ (€18, MAC Cosmetics, Brown Thomas) are ideal. Colour palettes are filled with deep tones in contrast to glossy nude tones of the late summer, so be as sexy as you can be with this look!

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E Drogheda

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La Spa Therapie Christmas Specials Gift voucher Offers Spend €50 on La Spa Therapie Gift Vouchers & receive a FREE VOUCHER for a Mud Steam Chamber This treatment relaxes the Muscles and naturally detoxifies the body while the Moor Mud will exfoliate and hydrate the skin

Spend €100 on La Spa Therapie Gift Vouchers & receive a FREE VOUCHER for a for a Luxurious Essential Oil Bath This treatment will relax the body and mind as well as working out any tension held in the muscles. The essential oils hydrate the body and calm the mind

Spend €150 on La Spa Therapie Gift Vouchers & receive a FREE VOUCHER for a Luxurious De-Stress 30 minute Back Massage This back massage is deeply soothing and relaxing and will help to relieve knots and tension built up in the back, neck and shoulder area.

Malahide & Drogheda Sugar & Spice €100 (usually €145)

Treat yourself to all things nice!! Your journey will begin with a Sugar Scrub, to invigorate and rejuvenate your skin. This is followed by a treat for the senses....a Full Body aromatherapy massage using hot Frankincense and orange oils, finished off with relaxing scalp massage, which will relax you from head to toe. Then relax in our tranquillity suite with refreshments before you have to face the world again

Winter Warmer €55

Come in from the cold and treat yourself to a Hydrating Refresher Facial, which includes a relaxing hand, arm and scalp massage, and is then concluded with a hot oil foot and leg massage.

Party Time €60

Be the Belle of any ball with a make up application, set of false eyelashes (individual or strip) and a Shellac 2 week polish on the hands OR feet

Christmas candle light €70 (usually €95)

Treat yourself to cosy candle light massage and sinus relief when the hustle and bustle of the festive season gets too much... Included in your treatment will be a half hour back, neck and shoulder massage, with spiced aromas and Christmas scents. Your therapist will relieve tension, knots, and general muscular aches. Follow your massage with a Hopi Ear candle treatment which can help to open the sinuses, relieves any headaches and give a sense of wellbeing. You will leave feeling like a new you!

Twas the night before Christmas €65 Get yourself party ready with a full Body Spray Tan, Shellac Mani and File & paint on the Toes

Merry Christmas from all staff

Free Parking

Drogheda 041-9803000 www.laspatherapie.ie info@laspatherapie.ie Malahide 01-8548000 www.laspatherapie.ie info@laspatherapiemalahide.ie

Feature

Home

grown

Look no further than Louth Craftmark for the perfect bespoke gift this Christmas

Pompom arm warmers e24.50, Circle pompom hat e37.75, Ladder wrap e59.75 by Sinead Clarke, Essenc Design

Pendants e17.75 each by Lynda B Wooden bowl e132.75 by Paddy Quigley, Leyden Woodcraft. Marble salad servers e54.25 by Hennessy & Byrne

Silver earrings e22.25 by Lotus de Wit

outh Craftmark is the quintessential style. The designer-makers dedicate years of craft outlet hosting the unique work of their lives to their craft – and it shows! local designers and producers. A must-see The Louth Craftmark outlet is unusual for anyone who has a passion for fashion, in that it is a not-for-profit network-led interiors or design, many of the items on operation. It was set up to support the 65 sale are one-off pieces without the ‘haute designers and makers of jewellery, fashion couture’ price tag. Situated in the Highlanes accessories, wall art, woodcraft and ceramics Gallery on Laurence Street, the entire outlet that form the Louth Craftmark Designers is the essence of bespoke – whether bohoNetwork. For small design businesses it is chic or contemporary classic is 21/11/2011 your thing, 10:26:41 increasingly difficult to get craft and design 2556(final-aw).pdf Louth Craftmark exudes individuality and products into department stores and shops.

Louth Craftmark offers craftspeople a window to the world, allowing the maker to continue to do what they do best and allowing the shoppers in Drogheda to find a wealth of talent under one roof. Louth Craftmark is open until 7.30pm every Friday throughout December. An extra special Christmas evening is planned for Friday, 2nd December – drop in from 5pm for a gallery talk, local choirs carolling and enjoy a glass of mulled wine.

this christmas shop clever, shop local, hand crafted gifts for every budget at louth craftmark C

brigitte girl rabbit €27.50 benjamin boy rabbit €33.25

CMY

swarovski crystal ring €50

jug €28.25 cup & saucer €20.75

open from 10.30am to 5.30pm monday - saturday (open till 7.30pm each friday in december) st laurence street, drogheda www.louthcraftmark.com phone: 041 980 3283 20

E Drogheda

gold heart pendant €243.25

Weddings

Adam Bohill weds Lorraine Milne

Wearing a stunning dress by Ophelia Bridal, Drogheda, Lorraine Milne oozed radiance when she married her partner of seven years Adam Bohill in sunny Spain. They were brought together by mutual friends so it was only fitting that they would be surrounded by them too when they tied the knot in the beautiful church, Iglesia de Nuestra Sra. de las Maravillas, Maro on May 26th, 2011. The wedding party consisted of chief bridesmaid Christine Milne, bridesmaids Sarah Jane Mulvany and Orla Hartnett, bestman Gareth Bohill and groomsmen Eoghan Judge and Anthony Jein. The reception was held outdoors in Casa De los Bates in Salobrena where the guests enjoyed the fantastic weather by day and then danced the night away to The Mighty Pimps. After the celebrations the couple honeymooned for just over two weeks, staying in Fort Lauderdale for two nights, followed by a Royal Caribbean Cruise for seven nights and then Las Vegas for six nights. Photos by Bob Long Photography, Spain

Range

re. o t s n of Christm i as gifts & hampers available. Check Specialising in Natural Cosmetics and Mineral Make-up

• • • •

Health Foods Health Supplements Natural Cosmetics Naturopathic Clinic 40 Laurence St, Drogheda

E Drogheda

Weddings

Alan Caul weds Donna Kirk

Donna Kirk was flying on the wings of love when she married her pilot fiancé Alan Caul on October 8th, 2011. The Ryanair captain had bumped into long lost friend Donna by chance eight years ago – and the pair had been inseparable since. They finally tied the knot in St Patrick’s Church, Stamullen, and by their sides were bridesmaids Catherine Troy, Donna’s lifelong friend, Alan’s sister Lilia Corrigan, the bestman Dara Geran, and the groomsman Dillon Byrne, Alan’s son. The couple’s two children Rebecca and Kayleigh were flowergirls while Donna’s nephew Eoin Kirk was pageboy. The celebrations continued at the City North Hotel, Gormanston with Drogheda band The Sopranos playing at the reception. Donna’s wedding gown was by local designer Edel Tuite and flowers were by Rush florist, Bird of Paradise. The couple honeymooned in the Algarve for a week. Photos by David Duignan

Guide C’est Parfait

Bespoke handmade fascinators by Sophie Hunter

to Drogheda’s Best Wedding Services

Boyne Jewellers Specialists in fitted wedding bands. Scotch hall Shopping centre, DrogheDa

d d 041 98 47 507 or 086 390 6896 sophie@cestparfait.com www.cestparfait.com www.facebook.com/cestparfait

Eugene Lane Photography

Karen Kierans Professional Make-uP artist

Abbey Shopping Centre West Street, Drogheda T: 041 9873669 / +353 863828727 E: info@eugenelanephotography.com W: www.eugenelanephotography.com

for weddings, Parties & sPecial occasions

Mobile: 087 86 88 593 eMail: karen.kierans@gmail.com

Mary Brennan is a craft jeweller based in Co. Louth. She designs and handcrafts jewellery in silver, inset with 9ct and 18ct gold and semi-precious gemstones. Mary completed her skills training with Cormac Cuffe, the award winning Irish Designer in Dublin and draws her inspiration from nature, contemporary design, abstract celtic design and animation. She also works on commissions where she create any designs you may have!

Contact Mary on 086 221 3411 or mbrennan62@ymail.com

visit www.marybrennandesigns.com

Sean Freeman A Timeless Range of Quality for Your Special Occasion Menswear Accessories Carriage

info@seanfreeman.ie www.seanfreeman.ie Sean Freeman 45, John Street, Drogheda Tel: 041 9837050

Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas & Prosperous New Year!

tech

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S3100 range e99.99 inc 4gB Card & Case

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ife is full of difficult decisions, especially for photography enthusiasts who decide to upgrade their cameras. The choices available in today’s camera market do not make it easy with new cameras and technology being launched on the

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range, it certainly contains pro technology and pro like features in its armory. At a recent press conference

Who needs

A PRO?

The EOS 60D might not belong in Canon’s professional range but it certainly performs like one, says Terry Collins market every other week. Looking back on the cameras that have come to market in 2011, there is one camera that in my opinion stands out from the rest. The Canon EOS 60D became available in Europe in the springtime and immediately received decent reviews from the photography, technology and consumer media. The famed ‘Which Magazine’ was especially kind to the EOS 60D which would have warmed the hearts of the big wigs at Canon. Although the EOS 60D does not belong in Canon’s professional

I attended, I watched a UK photographer using a 60D to film part of the event for his newspaper’s website. Chatting to him he explained that he preferred using the 60D for filming rather than one of his EOS1n’s because of its unique swivel LCD Screen which is one of the stand-out features of this camera. With prolonged and gentle persuading I got my hands on the kit version of this camera. It included a 17-55mm 2.8 zoom lens which By: Ian McGuirk, would set you back da: Five Oaks, Droghe €2,100 – and what was ‘This action image it better way to put vis a g rin captured du ce this camera through to the Silverstone Ra ng Track in England usi its paces than an 70my Canon 450d and autumn walk along s.’

Photo of the Month

300mm len

the Rampart at Drogheda on the Boyne! I was especially interested in capturing an image using the Swivel LCD display and this low shot of the River Boyne at Oldbridge certainly ticks all the boxes for me. It was so simple and quick to position the camera on a flat stone at the water’s edge and compose the picture using the LCD. Info: 400ASA – 1/12 Sec at F22. The swivel LCD display was also ideal for close-up or Macro Photography, making it much easier to compose a photograph in difficult or tight situations. This was the case in photographing the autumn leaf at the Drogheda ramparts. Info: 400ASA – 1/100 Sec at F2.8. Canon fans will like the new layout of the controls and the addition of the Q-Button allows you make quick adjustments to the most common settings. This picture of the Boyne River at Mell and the Q-Button allowed me to make quick changes to the white balance so as not to lose the effects of the late afternoon sun. Info: 400ASA – 1/500 Sec at F5. Overall, I would be very happy to own the Canon 60D and if you are one of the many people who are looking to upgrade their DSLR then you would be right to consider this great addition to the Canon family.

Mahers chemist 105 West St, Drogheda

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Food Ingredients: 1 egg 1 cup of chilled sparkling water 1 cup of plain sifted flour Large peeled raw tiger prawns, Dublin bay prawns or langoustines (5 per portion depending on the size of the prawns) Fresh coriander 1 pinch chilli powder Zest of half lime

Prawn Tempura Method: 1. To make a tempura batter, beat the egg in a bowl, add the ice cold water and sifted flour and mix lightly. Do not over mix the batter. 2. Add chopped fresh coriander, a pinch of chilli powder and the zest of half a lime. 3. Dip the prawns into this mixture and deep fry. 4. Dry in kitchen paper and serve with a baby leaf salad.

Have yourself a

Yummy little Christmas Boyne Valley Hotel & Country Club head chef Jason Daly dishes up a succulent alternative to our favourite meal of the year

Jason’s top serving tips: ple • Keep the menu sim on as ati ar ep pr h uc • Do as m fore as you can the night be e time or m this will give you s on est gu ur yo to relax with the day ture • Invest in a tempera od go y an probe available in supermarket

For a sweet version of this you could also use the tempura batter to make

Christmas Pudding Doughnuts

Method: 1. Using the same tempura batter as above add a pinch of mixed spice. 2. Cut Christmas pudding into fingers or roll into balls and dip in the batter. 3. Deep fry and dry in kitchen paper. 4. Roll the doughnuts in castor sugar with a good pinch of

cinnamon powder. 5. Serve with mulled wine or brandy.

Roast Goose or Duck

Method: 1. Remove the giblets from the cavity, the wishbone, season all over with sea salt and lightly pierce the skin. 2. Place on a roasting tray with a roasting rack and cook in a pre-heated oven (190C/375F/gas mark 5) for 18-20 minutes per pound. 3. Keep basting it with its own juices, drawing off the fat from time to time. 4. Turn the bird on its side after one third of the cooking time and then turn breast side up for the final third of the cooking time. 5. Remove from the oven, cover with

tin foil and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help with ease of carving. To test if the bird is fully cooked, pierce the thigh with a pointed knife, if the juices run clear then the bird is fully cooked. 6. Serve with any fruit sauce.

Cranberry Orange & White Chocolate Muffin

E Drogheda

Ingredients: 1 ½ cups of flour 1 cup of milk ½ cup of sugar ¼ cup of melted butter 1 cup of dried or fresh cranberries 1 whole egg Pinch of salt Zest of 1 orange ¼ cup of frozen white chocolate mini buttons

Method: 1. Mix all of the dry ingredients in a bowl. 2. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry mixture. 3. Fold in cranberries, orange zest and frozen chocolate buttons. 4. Fill the mixture into buttered muffin cases. 5. Cook in a pre-heated oven for 25 minutes at 190°C/375F/gas mark 5. 6. Serve with fresh sweetened cranberries and a white chocolate sauce.

Guide

to Drogheda’s Best Restaurants

Scholars Townhouse Hotel

forge gallery restaurant Set Dinner 2 Courses e23.95 3 Courses e29.95 Church Street, Collon, County Louth. Tel: 041-9826272 E-mail: info@forgegallery.ie www.forgegallery.ie Opening hours: wed-sat 6-9.30, sun 12-4

Christmas at Scholars, 3 Courses: e35 Available Every Day from 6pm - 9.30pm including Saturdays

Live music every Saturday night

M-Sat 5-Late, Closed Tue, Sun 5-Late Mell, Drogheda 041-9845444 / 45381

Early Bird Menu �23.95 3 course meal & free glass of wine

Kids Menu �7.50

Book early for New Years Eve,

SCholArS

AvAilABlE DAily

from e9.95 pp

traditional roast €14.95

find us on

tel: 041 9835410 www.scholarshotel.com

Excellence in Fine Dining and Original Artwork

Ristorante ~ Pizzeria

SunDAy’S At BAr lunCh

Monasterboice Inn Located just off the M1, Monasterboice Tel: 041 9837383 Open 7 days

Home-made, Fresh, Locally Sourced Food

Party Night Sat 17th December Music & Dancing e35

DJ playing & great value menus available

Takeaway & Delivery

Quality Authentic Food - Locally Sourced New Menu Items - Good Value

Main St. Dunleer Co.Louth Tel: 041-6861366 find us on

Early bird mEnu 2 courses e19.95 | 3 courses e22.95 Wed – Fri 6-9pm, Sat 6-7pm, Sun 5-7pm

Full a la carte menu Take away available Wed – Sun aking Now t gs for in k o bo s

Tel: 041-6861031 Design your own pizza & pasta

ma Christew & N ve E Years

Double A (4 Course Meal) Choice of: 2 Appetizers, 1 Soup, 1 Main Course & Tea or Coffee Sun-Thurs e17.50 Fri-Sat e19.50 Kiddies Meal e9 (Main Course & a glass of Soft Drink)

A La Carte Menu Available Chinese Restaurant

Bettystown

Mon-Sat 5pm-12am Sun 1.30pm-12am

Tel:

041 988 6804 041 988 6693

BRÚ

LIVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC

BAND RELAX 80’S

DEC 2ND 9TH 16TH 23RD 31ST

UNBELIEVABLE, BUT TRUE!

HAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AT BRÚ AND ENJOY A 3 COURSE MEAL FROM THEIR A LA CARTE MENU, 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR

JUST €22* *Supplements may apply on certain dishes.

BAR

BISTRO

brú, The Haymarket Complex, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Check out our menus on www.bru.ie or contact us on

041 9872784

Competition

Win

Dinner for 2!

A warm Christmas greeting awaits diners at the Boyne Valley Hotel & Country Club – and Essential would like to offer our readers the chance to win Dinner for 2 in the relaxing surrounds of Season’s Restaurant & Terrace Bar. Season’s Restaurant serves an A la Carte two-course and three-course menu, and is open Friday and Saturday from 6.30-9.30pm. During the month of December diners will receive a complimentary glass of wine with every three-course meal. For your chance to win simply email your answer to the question below to info@essentialdrogheda.com, followed by your name, address and contact details. Over 18s need only apply. What is the name of the fine dining restaurant at the Boyne Valley Hotel & Country Club?

E Drogheda

Interview

The Panel with Dara O’Briain, Andrew Maxwell, Colin Murphy Neil, you grew and Ed Byrne was a fairly intense up in Edenderry, experience. I’d watched all of Co. Offaly – them long before I ever thought what was your about doing comedy so to be on a childhood like? It show with them sitting across the was idyllic. There desk from me was a turning point. were seven of us. My father was a captain in the What have been the hard parts? Austrian Navy and when Some of the travelling at the start was tedious. There wasn’t a lot of he wrote to the local work unless you could tour so we had to go to the UK fairly often. Sitting on trains and planes and staying in ropey hostels wasn’t as glamorous as I’d hoped.

Getting

up to T N E M L I V I D

E Drogheda

An Grianán: Frankie Gavin & Dé Dannan. Tickets €20, 8pm Westcourt Hotel: Mid week craft and food fair, 10am-4pm. Free entry. Over 25 stands of local crafts and foods on sale. Droichead Arts Centre: ‘A Christmas Wish’ by Boil in the Bag Productions, 10am. Drogheda Brass Band. Tickets €5, 8pm Boyne Valley Hotel: Drogheda & District Chamber of Commerce budget breakfast. For more details contact the Chamber on 041-9833544 D’Vine Restaurant: New members required for Drogheda Philosophy Group. Meeting takes place Droichead Arts Centre: The Song from the Sea, first Wednesday of every month at 6.30pm-8pm 10am & 11.45am. Tickets €5 D.I.F.E: Beauty Blitz, 9am-9pm in aid of McHugh’s: Damien Dempsey. €22.50, 8pm Drogheda Women & Children’s Refuge plus McPhails: The Profile one other charity TBC. Treatments on offer incl The Thatch: Comedian Paul Malone facials, reflexology and full body massage, with the The Pheasant: Live music with Orion most expensive costing €12. Phone 041-9837105 d Hotel: Kitty Kats Club Cabaret Market Bar: Traditional Music Night TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: St Peter’s Male d Hotel: Neil Delamere. Tickets €18.50, 8.30pm Voice Choir ‘Home for Christmas’. €25, 8pm McPhails: The Enemies Salthouse: Live music Daly’s, Donore: Traditional Irish music sessions Bru Bar & Bistro: Relax 80’s Band O’Neill’s, Duleek: Traditional Irish music The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish music sessions Boyles of Slane: Purple Sessions with free McPhails: Fader admission, 9.30pm Westcourt Hotel: Christmas Party Night, still Highlanes Gallery: 2011 Christmas Lecture, taking bookings presented by author Robert O’Byrne, 6.30pm. The Pheasant: Live music with The Biz Sonata Singers will perform from 6pm-6.30pm, Salthouse: Live music Mayor of Drogheda Cllr. Kevin Callan will launch Bru Bar & Bistro: Relax 80’s Band of Drogheda Civic Trust’s 2012 Calendar at 7.30pm. The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish Droichead Arts Centre: The Song from the Sea, 10am & 11.45am. Tickets €5 d Hotel: Kitty Kats Club Cabaret McPhails: The Enemies Daly’s, Donore: Traditional Irish music sessions O’Neill’s, Duleek: Traditional Irish music Oldbridge House: King William’s Glen Exhibition by Essential photographer Eric O’Neill, continues until the end of December

Fri 2nd Dec

Fri 9th Dec

like to do more documentaries on TV. At the moment I’m involved in a radio show that abbey to get a governess might make an appearance for us we were blessed to get after Christmas. The BBC has Maria. We were initially hostile always developed ideas on radio, to her but when she comforted us ironed out the kinks and then during a thunderstorm by telling transferred it to telly if it works. us a few of her favourite things I think we should do the same we began to warm to her. thing in this country. We’ll see if Was it an entertaining household? anyone agrees with me! It was until father got engaged to What are your plans for the Baroness and the Nazis ruined Christmas? Eat my own it for all of us. bodyweight in turkey, selection boxes and biscuits, fight with my When did you start writing and family, court deep vein thrombosis performing comedy? I did my by moving as little as possible and first open spots about 10 years try to see if gout is all it is cracked ago. The process is pretty much up to be. You know, the usual! the same for everyone. You ask for five minutes just to try stand- What’s the wackiest gift you up, hoping you won’t lose your ever gave or received? I once memory or bowel control. If that got the ultimate culchie freebie. initial foray goes well or if you The Panel was doing a live tour can block out how badly it goes and the day after one show I you ask for another slot in a few dragged myself down to the hotel weeks. You build slowly like that. restaurant to get something to

What have been the highlights of your career? Getting to do

Thurs 1st Dec

Thurs 8th Dec

Are you planning any new TV work? I’d definitely

with Neil Delamere

Who’s your closest friend in the industry? Bernard O’Shea. He’s a fellow midlander who makes me laugh both frequently and loudly. He is, however, not as good an indoor footballer as he thinks.

Dates for

EVENTS

pick me up. The chef behind the counter said: ‘Are you that fella from The Panel?’ When I confirmed his suspicions he said: ‘You can have as much turkey and ham as you want.’ A free carvery. Result.

Sat 3rd Dec

Sun 4th Dec

Sat 10th Dec

TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: Coastal Ballet School presents Pure Grace, 8pm. Tickets €13 The Thatch: Take your Pick with Groggy Mac Market Bar: Music by Shiftrate Boyne Valley Hotel: Old Drogheda Society President’s Dinner Party. Phone Liam Reilly on 041-9833097 for reservations The Thatch Bar: Live music McPhails: Rubix Sonairte, Laytown: Christmas Food & Craft Fair The Neptune, Bettystown: Irish music sessions

Mon 5th Dec

McPhails: Monday Club The Punt: Traditional Irish music sessions The Market Bar: Monday Club

Tues 6th Dec

Catch Neil Delamere in the d Hotel on Dec 8th, tickets €18.50. His new DVD, Implement of Divilment, €17.99, is on sale now. The Only Viking In the Village is on RTE1, Tuesdays, at 10.15pm

music sessions d Hotel: Christmas Party Night with The Enemies from €49pp

The Thatch Bar: Live music by Dawn TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: St Peter’s Male Voice Choir ‘Home for Christmas’, €25, 8pm Droichead Arts Centre: Wicked Wonderland, 2pm & 7.30pm McHugh’s: Jamie Lawson and SJ McArdle. Tickets €12.50, 9pm Market Bar: Music by The Biz d Hotel: Live music McPhails: White Water Westcourt Hotel: Christmas Party Night Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith. Late bar with concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: Live music with Ged McMahon

Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night. Adm free River House: Traditional Irish music sessions Droichead Arts Centre: Silver Screen: Lovely Still, 2pm. Film Club: Belinda Bilili, 8pm D.I.F.E: Beauty Blitz, 9am-9pm in aid of Drogheda Women & Children’s Refuge. Treatments from €12. Phone 041-9837105.

Wed 7th Dec

Boyle’s of Slane: Traditional Irish music The Pheasant: Live music with Paul Mackin

Are You In It?

TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: Opera Theatre Company presents Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’, 8pm. Tickets €25/€30 Highlanes Gallery: Exhibition - ‘The Art of Failure isn’t hard to Master’ by Niall MacMonagle with special guest poet Christodoulos Makris The Thatch Bar: Rapscallion Boyne Valley Hotel: Christmas Party Night, still taking bookings Droichead Arts Centre: ‘The Nightmare before Christmas’ by Skerries Art School, 8pm Market Bar: Music by Level 2 McPhails: Catch 22 Westcourt Hotel: Christmas Party Night Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith. Late bar with concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: Live music, The O’Brien Brothers

Sun 11th Dec

Droichead Arts Centre: ‘The Nightmare before Christmas’ by Skerries Art School, 8pm The Thatch Bar: Take your Pick - Groggy Mac City North Hotel: Come visit Santa, 2pm-6pm Boyne Valley Hotel: Grange Rath Kids’ Party, 2pm McPhails: Hudwink The Neptune, Bettystown: Traditional Irish music sessions The Market Bar: Music by Cliché Sonairte, Laytown: Christmas Food & Craft Fair Slane Castle Gates: Slane All Ireland Santa Dash 2011, 12noon-2pm, 3km through the village. Register online at www.slaneac.com Waterstone’s, Drogheda: Local author Nicola Pierce talks about her book, Spirit of the Titanic, at 1pm

Mon 12th Dec

McPhails: Monday Club The Punt: Traditional Irish music sessions The Market Bar: Cumann De Luain Westcourt Hotel: Christmas Country Night with John McNicholl and Band. Tickets €15, doors 8.30pm

email your event details to info@essentialdrogheda.com

r your diary Tues 13th Dec

Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night. Adm free River House: Traditional Irish music sessions Droichead Arts Centre: Film: It’s a Wonderful Life, 2pm

Wed 14th Dec

Boyle’s of Slane: Traditional Irish music sessions McPhails: Open Mic Night The Pheasant: Live music with Paul Mackin

Thurs 15th Dec

Droichead Arts Centre: The Lourdes Brass Band presents ‘A Night before Christmas’. €7, 8pm McPhails: The Enemies Westcourt Hotel: Christmas Party with Electric Avenue, still taking bookings Daly’s, Donore: Traditional Irish music sessions O’Neill’s, Duleek: Traditional Irish music sessions

Fri 16th Dec

Westcourt Hotel: SOSAD Dinner Dance with The Enemies. Phone 041-9830965 for more details The Pheasant: Live music with Paul Mackin The Pheasant: Party Night McPhails: The Enemies Daly’s, Donore: Traditional Irish music sessions O’Neill’s, Duleek: Traditional Irish music sessions

McPhails: Monday Club The Punt: Traditional Irish music sessions The Market Bar: Monday Club Droichead Arts Centre: B Town Dance Studios Christmas Spectacular, 7.30pm

Tues 20th Dec

Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night. Adm free River House: Traditional Irish music sessions

Wed 21st Dec

Boyle’s of Slane: Traditional Irish music sessions

Fri Dec 16th 8pm, Tickets €12/8

Katherine Lynch

McPhails: Orion

Wed 28th Dec

Mon 19th Dec

Stewart Agnew & band

Sat 24th Dec Christmas Eve

Sat 17th Dec

Droichead Arts Centre: B Town Dance Studios Christmas Spectacular, 7.30pm McPhails: Big Generator CityNorth Hotel: Come visit Santa, 2pm-6pm Boyne Valley Hotel: Irish Cement kids’ party, 2-6pm Barroco Bar: Rapscallion The Thatch Bar: Take your Pick with Groggy Mac The Neptune, Bettystown: Irish music sessions The Market Bar: Music by Timbuck Two Sonairte, Laytown: Christmas Food & Craft Fair

Mozart’s The Magic Flute

Sat Dec 10th 8pm, Tickets €25/ €30

McPhails: Electric Avenue The Pheasant: Orion Bru Bar & Bistro: Relax 80’s Band Salthouse: Live music The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish music sessions d Hotel: Live music

Mon 26th Dec St Stephen’s Day

Sun 18th Dec

Opera theatre Company Presents

Fri 23rd Dec

TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: Stewart Agnew & Band, 8pm. Tickets €12/€8 Westcourt Hotel: Christmas Party Night d Hotel: Party Night with The Enemies from €49pp McPhails: Geriko Bru Bar & Bistro: Relax 80’s Band Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: DJ Justin The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Irish music sessions St Peter’s Church, West St: Drogheda Homeless Aid 24hr Sponsored Sleepout, see www.dha.ie TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: Katherine Lynch’s ‘Hack of ya Tour’. Tickets €28, 8pm Highlanes Gallery: Exhibition - ‘The Art of Failure isn’t hard to Master’ by Niall MacMonagle with special guest musician Joseph Vrtiel Westcourt Hotel: Christmas Party Night d Hotel: Party Night with The Enemies from €49pp McPhails: Point Blank The Market Bar: Music by Linda & Paul Boyne Valley Hotel: Christmas Party Night, still taking bookings Droichead Arts Centre: The Inspirational Choir of Harlem, 8.30pm. Tickets €15/€12 conc. /€10 groups of 6 or more The Thatch Bar: Elvis Night with Peter Carroll Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith, late bar with concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: Live music with Upside Down Monasterboice Inn: Party Night, music & dancing e35

EVENT GUIDE

Thurs 22nd Dec

“Hack of ya Tour”

Sat Dec 17th 8pm, Tickets €28

McPhails: The Enemies The Pheasant: Green Machine The Punt: Traditional Irish music sessions The Thatch: Music by Smooch

Tues 27th Dec

Brendan Grace

Bank Holiday

40 years of comedy

McPhails: Rapscallion Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night. Adm free River House: Traditional Irish music sessions

CityNorth Hotel: Bratpack event, 9.30pm. Enjoy the music of Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior, tasty supper, followed by resident DJ. Tickets €10 with special packages available Boyle’s of Slane: Traditional Irish music sessions McPhails: Electric Lemon

Fri Dec 30th 8pm, Tickets €30

Sharon Shannon, Jack L & Dessie O’ Halloran

Sun Jan 1st 8pm, Tickets €30

Thurs 29th Dec

Drogheda Pantomime Society presents

Beauty and the Beast

McPhails: Bluemoose Daly’s, Donore: Traditional Irish music sessions O’Neill’s, Duleek: Traditional Irish music sessions

Jan 20th-29th 7.30pm/3pm

Fri 30th Dec

TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: Brendan Grace, 8pm. Tickets €30 Highlanes Gallery: Exhibition - ‘The Art of Failure isn’t hard to Master’ by Niall MacMonagle and children’s doll making workshop. Workshop is €5 per head, booking essential www.highlanes.ie McPhails: Shaken Edge The Pheasant: Live music with Soundwave d Hotel: Live music Salthouse: Live music Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave, contemporary mix of music The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish music sessions

Sat 31st Dec New Year’s Eve

The Thatch Bar: Live music with Young Nash Boyne Valley Hotel: Gala Dinner Party, 8pm. Dinner and B&B €85pp McPhails: The Seducers d Hotel: Live music Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith, late bar with concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Relax 80’s Band Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: New Year’s Eve Party The Market Bar: Music by The Biz, buffet food

Sunday 1st Jan

Market Bar: Music by Level 2 McPhails: The Voodoos The Thatch: Live music with D2GP TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: Sharon Shannon with special guests Jack L and Dessie O’Halloran. Tickets €30, 8pm

Keith Barry 8 Deadly Sins

Fri Feb 3rd 8pm, Tickets €30

Reeling in the Showband Years

Sat Feb 4th 8pm, Tickets €25

Also coming soon; Girls Night – The Musical - Feb 10th/11th @8pm €25, Nanci Griffith – 27th Feb @8pm €38, Macbeth School Play – 7th March @10.30am/2.30pm €10,Mike Denver & Guests – 23rd March @8pm €25, Gift Grub Live 2 – May 4th @ 8pm €38.70

Book online at www.theTLT.ie or phone the box office on 041 9878560 East Coast Business Park, Matthews Lane, Drogheda, Co Louth Ph: +353 (0)41 9878560 Fax: +353 (0)41 6849906 Email: info@theTLT.ie Web: www.theTLT.ie SAT NAV Coordinates: for TLT Concert Hall N53° 41.970 W006° 22.301 Other ticket destinations: Sound shop 041 9831078 Cdworld Drogheda 041 9833879 Cdworld Dundalk 042 9352529 Finlays Ardee 041 6856505 D Hotel 041 9877700 E2 Music Navan 046 9023254

All entries correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this listing, however no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Check with venues.

Service and credit card fee’s may apply

E Drogheda

! osts

interview

The

Best of everything

with former Riverdance lead soloist, Best production I’ve performed on: That is a tough one; there really has been a multitude. Riverdance, I would have to say in general, but there were a couple of shows with Michael Flatley, one in Budapest performed to over 100,000 people in July 2001 and another at Stormont in Belfast a couple of weeks later which were also very special! I actually remember looking down into the Press Box during the finale of the show and who did I spot photographing the event? None other than local photographer of ‘Newsfile’ notoriety, Fran Caffrey. I couldn’t believe it as we used to be next door neighbours in Brookville growing up. Small world! Best thing about working with Michael Flatley: His cars – they were cool! We would rehearse at Elstree

David Moore

Studios in London and in the rehearsal studio car exercise. You will get fit and lose pounds fast! park were his polished pristinely red Ferrari, the Best thing about teaching: Watching a child Land Cruiser and the Bentley. As you do, like? you’ve held by the hand finally dance their first dance to music in front of you. That is special. Best Riverdance moment: The first contract. Arriving at the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh, Best tip to avoid any dancing injuries: Warm for my first ever performance. Landing at up and stretch appropriately before you come to Sydney Airport in January 1998, to begin the class. Drink lots of water before, during and after Australia/New Zealand six-month class, eat good food and get plenty of sleep. tour. Dancing the lead role in Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre a month after losing my Best thing about the Irish dance industry today: The opportunity to be professional which is very mum to cancer. I had tears in my eyes leaping recent. It provides an avenue for an Irish dancer on to stage – I danced it for her! to earn money whilst traveling and experiencing Best stage I’ve danced on: Rod Laver Arena, multi-cultural societies. Melbourne on Centre Court of the Australian Best childhood memory: I used to love trips Open Tennis Centre! It was amazing. with my grandparents and cousins down to Best audience: The Germans – they just go Ballyheigue in Co. Kerry. We’d spend the days crazy for Irish dancing! It was in Oberhausen, playing on the beach Germany and they referred to us as ‘Das or walking the country Phenomenon’! roads. Ah the innocence! Best country I’ve visited: Best drink after coming Brazil. I toured there in off stage: The politically 2002 during the World correct answer here Cup for eight weeks. would be a mix of Best advice I have ever received: Be yourself and believe in who you are and what you do.

Do you want to reach 76,000 potential new customers every month? Contact John on 085-1004001 ads@essentialdrogheda.com

Essential Drogheda

E Drogheda

Best dancer of all time: Colin Dunne. He is a technical genius! Best career moment so far: Putting together and managing my own show ‘Magic Feet’ in Tenerife, Spain for 15 months. That was a challenge and very satisfying to see its success! Best reason to take up Irish dancing as a form of exercise: Irish dancing is challenging. The step work is intricate but once you get the basic moves down, it is great fun and a very physical form of

Gatorade and water. However, someone convinced us that having tonic water after the show was great to prevent cramping because it contained ‘quinine’. Every now and then we might add a nip of gin ourselves which was not in the guidelines! Best snack: Sushi. I love it and it’s so good for you too! However, it’s really hard to find good sushi anywhere in Drogheda. Best read: Anything Autobio/ Biographical. From Mandela to Richard Branson to Andre Agassi’s ‘Open’ but the novel currently by my bedside is ‘The Lovely Bones’ by Alice Sebold. Best method of relaxation: A long walk on the beach, no matter the weather. Best thing on my iPOD: My nephew Barry Moore’s self written album ‘Motion’. Available on iTunes by the way! Best hideaway: Aix-en-Provence, France or La Chayofa in Tenerife.

The Moore Academy of Irish Dancing caters for all levels from four years up. For more information on classes call 087-9718328

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INMENT

EVERY WEEKEN D UNTIL c

HRISTMA

Fr1 2st

ORION

Sat 3rd

GED MC MAHON

Wed 7th

PAUL MACKIN

Fri 9th

THE BIZZ

Sat 10th

O`BRIEN BROTHERS

Wed 14th

PAUL MACKIN

Thurs 14th X-MAS PARTY NIGHT Fri 16th

DJ JUSTIN

Sat 17th

UPSIDE DOWN

Wed 21st

PAUL MACKIN

Thurs 22nd PARTY NIGHT Fri 23rd

ORION

Sun 26th

GREEN MACHINE

Fri 30th

SOUNDWAVE

Sat 31st

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY SPECIAL