Herald December 2015

Herald The Northwest

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Clady Bridge, Cloughfin, Castlefin

Tel: 074 91 46822 00353 74 91 46822 (Northern Ireland)

Farm Jackets, Printed T-shirts, A young Strabane musician was among a group of students from North West Regional College (NWRC) to have recently returned from the prestigious WorldSkills UK Skills Show in Birmingham as gold medal winners.

Mugs, Jigsaws, Cushions, Pillow

By Michael Ferry

Mouse Mats, Coasters, Laptop

20-year-old student Adam Dolan was part of the College’s musical band ‘Zippy Gnat’, who won first place as the UK Champion in Popular Music, and also claimed the People’s Choice Award at the event. The band performed versions of ‘Rock Your Body’ and ‘Seven Nation Army’ at the NEC Birmingham in front of an audience of over 6,000. Matthew Crampsey, Aidan Mc Glinchey, Milo McCann, Toni Moore, Mark McAuley and Stephen Doohan were the other members who made up the gold medal winning band.

Speaking to the ‘Herald’ last week, Adam recalled the moment the band found out that they had won. “We couldn’t believe it! It was an amazing feeling finding out we were the best college band in the UK, and to play on the NEC Birmingham stage was an amazing buzz. To play on the same stage as people like Bryan Adams and in front of about 6,000 was something special. To go to Derby for the heat and win and then go

to Birmingham and win it was just amazing. It was a brilliant experience to work with a great band and great people such as our Lecturer, Dominic O’ Callaghan,” Adam explained.

Speaking from the UK Skills Show, Calum Morrison, NWRC Director of Curriculum, commented, “Our students performed exceptionally well at this year’s World Skills UK Skills Show. Not only can boast of the UK’s most skilled students in Popular Music and Carpentry, but we also had students from our School of Health & Social care showcasing CPR resuscitation skills during the event. All of this is testament to the level of skills talent our College is currently producing.”

At present Adam is currently writing some solo material and will also be performing live locally over the Festive period. He’ll be playing the All Stars on December 20 and is hoping to have a CD ready for 2016, which he says will be a mix of originals and covers.

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Choice of 20 & 30 Seater Party Bus!

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 2

Keep your Eyes Healthy

% 25 OFF

ALL FRAMES FOR OVER 60’s

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE DECEMBER ONLY - OFFER ENDS 31/12/15

Sight is a precious gift and needs to be looked after. Some sight threatening conditions, such as glaucoma, have no symptoms and you can lose up to 40% of your sight before you notice the difference.

glasses and hats that shade the eyes when playing in direct sunlight.

Eat healthily and watch your weight Eating a diet low in saturated fats but rich in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli can protect against cataract and AMD. Oranges, Kiwis, nuts, seeds and oily fish may An eye test could pick up these changes and also help prevent and slow down some eye save your sight. Many people qualify for a conditions. Obesity can increase the risk of FREE sight test on the NHS or Medical Card. developing diabetes, which in turn could lead to sight loss.

You can help your eyes stay healthy by doing the following: Safety First DIY causes thousands of eye Stop Smoking Smoking can double the risk related injuries each year. Always wear safety of developing Macular Degeneration (AMD) goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris. Sport causes lots of eye related injuwhich is the leading cause of sight loss. ries each year. Protective sport specs can be Keep your eyes covered in the sun UVA and got for adults and children.

UVB rays in the sunlight can harm your eyes and may increase the risk of cataracts and To book your eye test or find out if you are AMD. Wearing sunglasses, glassses or con- entitled to a FREE sight test phone or call in tact lenses with built in UV filter will protect to D McGovern Optician 20 Castle St Strayour eyes. Children should always wear sun- bane and Main St Lifford (048) 71882506.

MAY ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS WISHES COME TRUE AT

D. McGOVERN

OPTICIANS

Foyleside OPEN WEEK NIGHTS TO 10PM Visit Santa in his Grotto

www.dmcgovernopticians.co.uk

Main Street, Lifford Tel: 048 71882506 20 Castle Street, Strabane Tel: 028 71882506

Gift cards available

The Herald | December 2015

Strabane Herald Advert DEC15.indd 1

Page 3

02/12/2015 11:07:53

The Herald | December 2015

Page 4

What Christmas TV do you watch?

Herald Vox Pop

With the festive season upon us many may spend Christmas slouched in front of the television feasting on turkey sandwiches, films and television shows. But how much television do you watch, and how much of it is stuff you’ve watched before.

We took to the streets of Strabane to find out your views...

“Everything I watch at Christmas is something I’ve watched before. I wouldn’t really watch anything new, just stick to the traditional stuff: comedies and Christmas films. I’ll do the same this year and even though I’ve seen what I’m watching before I know I’ll still enjoy it.”

“I don’t watch anything new at Christmas. It’s a tradition for me now: a box of chocolates, a box of beer and Delboy!”

Seamus O’Connor

Danny McCay

“I love a good Western at Christmas and there’s plenty to pick from. I enjoy the musicals too, and there’s plenty of them. I’ve seen them all before all the same. I would give something new a go, too. I like a good Christmas quiz show to test the old brain.”

George Brennan.

“Apart from X-Factor and a few Christmas films like Elf I can take or leave the TV at Christmas. There’s plenty to be doing instead of sitting down in front of stuff you’ve seen before.”

Shannon McColgan

“I be working over Christmas a lot so wouldn’t catch much TV. I do keep a look out for the classic stuff like ‘Home Alone’, though. There’s a feast of football on over Christmas too, which is hard to beat when I get the chance to see it.”

Dermott McGrinder

Lifford Road Raphoe Co. Donegal

Tel: 074 9145148 Fax: 0749145215 raphoehardware.town.ie

@ Raphoe Hardware Christmas Specials NOT TO BE MISSED! Nilfisk Alto C120

• Flow Rate: 7.3L/Min • Pressure:120 bar Ideal for domestic Cleaning

Faithfull Task Light 110v & 240v

• Energy saving 38watt fluorescent light • power take-off point • weatherproof rated to IP44 •Impact resistant case and lens • 3m cable

Einhell Corded Impact Drill

• 50 piece accessory set • 1010 watt motor • Forward and reverse with variable • Speed on trigger • Keyless chuck with side handle

Stanley ToolBox 24"

Bahco 34 piece socket Set

12 x 3/8" sockets 12 x 1/4" and a bit holder Outstanding value from a world famous brand!

Kids Dealer Boots

Various Kids Sizes available

email: raphoehardware@gmail.com

Black & Decker 18v Combi Drill

Black & Decker Mouse Sander

Einhell 18v Cordless Impact Drill

• 2 speed with variable speed on trigger • 11 clutch settings for screwdriving • Keyless Chuck

• Rubberised zones aid comfort & control • Microfiltration dust canister • Six accessories including storage bag

• 2 Batteries included • 1 hour fast charge • Hammer Action

Nilfisk Alto E140

Ladies Winter Boots

• Flow Rate: 7.3l/min • Pressure: 140 bar • Ideal for domestic cleaning

Fleece Lined Sizes available 4,5 + 6

Morphy Richards Kettle & Toaster

BUY THE SET FOR ONLY €100.00

ALSO €150 CASH BACK OFFER WHEN YOU BUY A SELECTED NILFISK-ALTO HOT PRESSURE WASHER - OFFER ENDS 31ST DECEMBER 2015

The Herald | December 2015

Page 5

Gormley Opticians

gormleyopticians.com

cripion designer pres *Receive single vis al tic op you buy an tion glasses when er ov or frame at €119/£99

*Receive single vision designer sunglasses when you buy any optical frame at €119 /£99

‘DESIGNER FRAME SALE’ 25% to 50%

OFF ALL DESIGNER FRAMES

Which ONE would you LOVE for Christmas?

2 Castle Street, Strabane, Co. Tyrone Tel : 028 71 383754 | Suite 1, Cedar House, Main Street, Ballybofey Tel : 074 91 90 200

The Herald | December 2015

Page 6

Kind Pat hands over charity funds SAVE UP & STOCK UP AT THE IGLOO THIS CHRISTMAS

Save up your loyalty card points & have your freezer stocked up this Xmas.

We stock: Irish Whole fresh Turkeys, Turkey Crowns, Turkey & Ham Portions, a wide range of delicious party foods, desserts made up as you choose, plus all the trimmings.

Quality is the Patton Family Tradition. Merry Christmas to all our customers.

Directions: From Lifford/Strabane: Turn left at LIDL & we are straight ahead at bottom of road.

Christmas Opening Hours: Mon 21st – Weds 23rd 9.30am – 6pm | Xmas Eve 8am-4pm Fri, Sat, Sun, Monday – CLOSED | Re-Opening Tuesday 29th December.

£1 €1.40

£1 €1.40

John Patton Frozen Foods Limited Trusk Rd, Ballybofey, Co Donegal Contact us on Telephone : 074 91 31250 | email: mail@pattonfrozenfoods.ie

Peter Eakin (MS Society Chair), Jenny McMenamin, Pat O’Loughlin, Etta Darragh (Treasurer of Castlederg MS), Audrey Robinson (Chairperson of Castlederg MS), John Doherty (MS Fundraiser).

Pictured on right: Pat O’Loughlin, Ciaran O’Loughlin, John Doherty and Dr. Brown.

Castlederg ‘Marathon Man’ Pat O’Loughlin and friends handed over all the funds raised by their sponsored run in the recent Dublin City Marathon to MS Research for Myelin Repair at a function in the Derg Arms, Castlederg on Tuesday, November 24.

A fantastic £3576.66 was raised. Pat’s son, Ciaran, who joined his father in the Marathon also raised £400 via a JustGiving page he set up. Receiving the cheque on the night was MS Society Chairperson, Peter Eakin.

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Abbey Hotel +353 (0) 74 9721014 | www.abbeyhoteldonegal.com | Central Hotel +353 (0) 74 9721027 | www.centralhoteldonegal.com

The Herald | December 2015

Page 7

Kavanagh’s of Ballybofey

HALF PRICE IRISH

Now €13 SuperValu Fresh Irish Unsmoked Premium Butchers Style Ham Fillet 2.3kg - €5.65/kg was €26

Now €5 SuperValu Smoked Salmon 300g €16.67/kg was €10

Charlie Ferry

SuperValu, Ballybofey

2 FOR

6

2 FOR

€

M

IX

€4 Each SuperValu Fresh Party Food Selected Range, SuperValu Signature Tastes Party Food Range (Details Instore)

3 FOR

3

€

HALF PRICE Now €10 SuperValu Cheese Board Selection 677g - €14.77/kg was €20

24

& M AT C

SuperValu Carrots Bag 850g - €1.16/kg, SuperValu Lemon & Lime Pack 3pce 99c Each, SuperValu Parsnip Tray 500g - €2.58/kg, SuperValu Onions Net 1kg €1.29 Each, SuperValu Pineapple Extra Sweet 1pce €1.49 Each, SuperValu Yellow Melon 1pce €1.69 Each, SuperValu Brussel Sprouts Net 500g - €3.98/kg €1.99 Each

ONE WEEK ONLY 10 th - 16th Dec

€2.39 Each 7up/Pepsi Max/Club/ Cidona Selected Range 2ltr - €1.20/ltr

HALF PRICE McVitie’s Victoria Carton 650g, Fox’s Fabulously Special Tin 600g/Chocolatey Assortment Tin 365g (Details Instore)

6 E 10 BUY ANY

HALF PRICE

€

1

€

H

Now €8 SuperValu Fresh Irish Unsmoked Ham Fillet 2kg - €4/kg was €16

& SAVE AN ADDITIONAL

EACH

ON ALL WINES INSTORE, INCLUDING WINES ALREADY ON OFFER. THIS OFFER APPLIES TO ALL WINES 75CL OR MORE.

Budweiser/Guinness Draught/Carlsberg Can Pack 24 x 500ml - €2/ltr

(Details Instore)

OFFER VALID FROM 10th December 16th December

Offers valid from Thursday 10th December - Wednesday 23rd December 2015 unless otherwise stated, while stocks last. Offers exclusive to Kavanagh’s SuperValu Ballybofey. See in store for details. Enjoy alcohol responsibly.

The Herald | December The Herald | July 2015

Page 28

After two years of asking what life is like for our local sons and daughters who have traveled further afield, the Strabane Herald now looks a bit closer to home to see what life is like for our young people living in and around Strabane.

This month we speak to 20-year-old, Janice McGarrigle.

Where in Strabane did you grow up?

Favourite food?

happen in Strabane in the future?

Chinese is my favourite food.

I really hope that in the future there’s more for young people to do, they have nowhere to go at the minute and I really think they need that.

I grew up in the Bridge Street area of the town.

Who or what makes you laugh?

A fond childhood memory?

My mum always makes me laugh.

I think my favourite childhood memory would be that my mum, my sister and I used to go somewhere new every Saturday, I loved that.

An ideal night out?

A Favourite holiday destination?

An ideal night in?

America is my favourite place!

I love staying in with food and loads of movies.

A favourite film and why?

‘Big Fish’ is my favourite movie, I love Tim Burton and this has a great story.

Someone who makes you proud to be from Strabane and why?

Somewhere not too jammed but still with a good atmosphere.

People that make me proud to be from Strabane are people that have moved on to do what they wanted to do when they grew up here.

It really motivates others and shows them that even people from small towns can accomplish anything they want to.

Something you love about Strabane?

Favourite kind of music?

I love that Strabane is quite small and we all seem to know each other.

I like any music really, that’s broad haha

Something you’d love to see

Would you like your son, daughter or friend to feature in ‘Closer to home?’

If so, email us at: ads@strabaneherald.co.uk

Janice McGarrigle

Quality Assured Fuels Clady Bridge, Cloughfin, Castlefin

Tel: 074 91 46822 | 00353 74 91 46822 (NI)

@Clady Bridge

TOP R A TES ON STE

Largest Stockist of Solid Fuels

RLING!

Galoil Christmas Draw 1ST PRIZE €100 VOUCHER GALOIL 2ND PRIZE €50 VOUCHER GALOIL 3RD PRIZE

€50 VOUCHER SMUGGLERS RESTAURANT, CLADY 4th Prize €30 Voucher Village Takeaway, Clady 5th Prize €30 Voucher Kirks Off Licence, Clady 6th Prize 100kg Coal 7th Prize €25 Voucher Galoil 8th Prize €25 Voucher Galoil SIMPLY MAKE A PURCHASE AT GALOIL BEFORE DEC SUN 21ST DEC TO BE ENTERED INTO THE FREE DRAW.

Christmas Opening Hours Christmas Eve 7am to 10pm

Christmas Day 10am to 1pm

Boxing Day

10am to 1pm

New Years Eve 7am to 10pm

New Years Day 10am to 10pm

The Staff and Management@Galoil wish to thank all its customers for their support in 2015

The Herald | December 2015

Page 9

From the staff at Dreamland Bedlinen Ltd we would like to thank you all for your continued support throughout the year. Merry christmas and a happy new year.

74 Lower Main Street Strabane | Telephone: 028 71880693

Shop Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm

Christmas 2015

Large Selection of Beautiful Christmas Ornaments

Many more in store Now stocking a whole new range of items including: • Pillows • Quilts/Duvets • Sheets • Curtains • Mink Fur Throws

Duvet Covers

in all siz

es!

• Massive Range of Rugs and Mats in all sizes • Pots & Pans • Candles • Tea Pots & Stock Pots

See Choice Available In-Store

Homeware: Cutlery sets, Frying Pans, Spice Jars, Clocks, Plaques etc...

MASSIVE VARIETY OF BEAUTIFUL BEDLINEN ONLY AT DREAMLAND BEDLINEN!

Cosy Mink Blankets!

Flannelette Sheet Sets...

SEE OUR HUGE RANGE OF ALL

TYPES OF RUGS!

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OPENING HOURS Sunday 20th Dec 1 - 5pm Monday 21st - Wednesday 23rd Dec 9 - 9pm Thursday 24th Dec 9 - 5.30pm Friday 25th + Saturday 26th Dec Closed

WE ALSO HAVE...

Water Resistant Mattress Protectors

Wet Guards

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Monday 28th Thursday 31st Dec 9- 5.30pm Friday 1st Jan Closed Saturday 2nd Jan 9 - 5.30pm

e Herald | December To Advertise 71 419514(NI) orTh 048 71 419514 (From 2015 ROI)

Page 1026 December 2014 The Herald Page Advertising Feature

The effect of acupuncture during Pregnancy/IVY and labour Many researchers show that acupuncture reduces stress. Since tests have been showing to interfere with getting pregnant, it makes sense that reducing your stress through acupuncture could periodically improve your odds of conceiving.

Some women find acupuncture helpful to cope with the stress they feel about trying to conceive. Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the reproductive organs and normalises ovulation and the menstrual cycle and that can benefit fertility.

The women who incorporate acupuncture in to their in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment are more likely to become pregnant than those who use IVF alone.

Acupuncture also helps male fertility. A few studies have shown that regular treatments significantly improve sperm counts and motility (the strength with which the sperm swim).

The World Health Organisation has also found acupuncture to be helpful in other areas of pregnancy and labour such as morning sickness, prevention of miscarriage and correct an abnormal foetal position.

Dr

Acupuncture is relatively safe, and it improves fertility.

I have an irregular cycle and had tried for months to get pregnant without success. I started acupuncture and became pregnant two times, three years apart, in Dr. Shang’s Clinic. I’m definitely convinced acupuncture helps! And I recommend Dr Shang’s Clinic to everybody who needs help

PAIN: Arthritis, Sciatica, Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain, Tennis elbow, Other Joint Pains, Trapped Nerves and Sports Injuries

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Christmas Lunch Menu

Starters

Great F oo Availab d le Sit in o r Takeaw ay!

30 mins free on street car parking

ALL OUR CHIPS ARE FRESHLY CUT DAILY ALSO FRESHLY BATTERED FISH

Infertility, Low Sperm Count, Irregular Period, Menopause, PMS, Morning Sickness, Helps improve IVF success rates, Habitual Miscarriage.

048 7188 0988& (ROI) a very happy prosperous Christmas!

Making your wishes come true this Christmas

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR PARTIES & ALL TYPES OF FUNCTIONS

HORMONE:

Telephone: 028 7188 0988 Telephone: 048 7188 0988 (ROI) 028Dr 7188 0988 Shang would like to wish all his clients

Whilst it is important that we treat these problems, it is more important that we find and remove the root cause. This is what we term as our holistic approach to treatment: educating our patients on the benefits of life-balance, and assisting them to gain a greater awareness of their body’s functionality

Don’t Miss Our Bumper Breakfasts!

For the following conditions:

MONDAY MONDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY & FRIDAY

Problems such as peeing, stress, hearing loss, impotence, weight loss or gain, insomnia, IBS, migraine, infertility and anxiety frequently come from the same point of origin.

Supported By

Acupuncture • Massage • Herbs

7A Castle Street, Strabane 7A Castle Street, Strabane

As a traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, we recognise that many common complaints and illnesses stem from the dysfunction of the nervous system.

Only £4.95

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese Clinic

“Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the reproductive organs and normalises ovulation and the menstrual cycle and that can benefit fertility.”

Daily All Day Breakfast

Dr. Qingxu Shang, the managing doctor of Dr. Shang’s Chinese Clinic, Strabane and Magherafelt.

Dr Qingxu Shang is an ATCM chartered acupuncturist with over 20 years experience. He specialises in gynaecology, internal disorders and pain management.

Dr Shang’s Shang’s Dr Chinese Clinic

Mrs Siobhan Kelly

Choice & Value Letterkenny has it all

S h a n g’s

Egg Mayonnaise Homemade Vegetable Soup Hot ‘n’ Kickin Wings with Dip Garlic Mushrooms and Garnish

Main Course Tender Roast Leg of Lamb Silverside of Irish Beef

Sirloin Steak - Cooked to your taste

(£2.99 extra)

All served v with a selection off pot potat atoes and fresh vegetables v COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF WINE SERVED WITH ALL ADULT COURSES

Main Course Only - £6.95

Kids (under 12 yrs)

2 Course - £8.95

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(includes starter or dessert)

4 Course - £12.95

(full lunch) ShopLK Gift Cards www.shoplk.ie available to purchase 19 LIFFORD ROAD O | STRABANE | BT82 8ER |

2 Course - £6.95 Food allergies and intolerances your meal, when making your order. Thank you.

TEL: 028 7138 3139

Merry Christmas from everyone at Dolans

The Herald | December 2015

Page 11

£1stg.

€1.40 Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all our customers!

SAVE OVER

60%

Babyliss 3Q Advance Styler

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Paul Smith Extreme Woman

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Foyleview Pharmacy, Lifford Tel: 074 9141030

Newtown Pharmacy - 074 9156929 Valley Pharmacy - 074 9131046

The Herald | December 2015

Page 12

McBreartys Melmount, Strabane

2 for

£2.00 1.75 litre

Only

£3.89

Only

Save £1.90 200s

£1.59

Only

Save 41p 245g

£2.29 Save £1.10 100g

Only

£2.29

Only

£4.00

Save £1.36 6 Pack

12 Roll

Better than

Half Price Only £1

750ml

200g

Better than

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Only

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Only £1.09 each

Better than

Half Price Only £1

2 litre

Switched on to Christmas savings OFFERS VALID FROM NOW UNTIL 3RD JANUARY 2016

The Herald | December 2015

Page 13

ELECTRONICS DIRECT

CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY

028 82

252400

UNIT 14 GORTRUSH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE OMAGH BT78 5EJ Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New from all the team at Electronics Direct

CHRISTMAS 32” LED TV

42” LED TV

• Mpeg4 • RTE Digital

7” Tablet

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Retro

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Selection of Heaters

From £39.99

from £14.99

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Reduced to £149 Selection of TV Brackets

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LG DVD Players

from £14.99 Cookers

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Washing Machines

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from

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from £179

WITH CHRISTMAS CLUB CHOICE OF OVER 100 TV’s SECURE PRICES *TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY + FREE DELIVERY

IMAGES USED ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY

The Herald | December 2015

Page 14

Smugglers Inn

Bar & Restaurant

Smugglers Inn, Clady Co. Tyrone

New Dublin Service from City of Derry Airport

Telephone 028 7188 5004 (048 71 88 5004 from ROI) e: smugglersrestaurant@yahoo.co.uk

Gift vouchers available for that perfect Christmas present.

Christmas at Smugglers! .

Now taking bookings for

2016 for Communions Only £14.95 per adult for 3 Course Meal Kids from £3.50 a head.

City of Derry Airport, (CoDA), welcomes the announcement contained within the Chancellors Spending Review and Autumn Statement outlining that its application to the Department for Transport under the Regional Air Connectivity Fund to support a new service from Derry to Dublin has been successful.

The Regional Air Connectivity Fund was announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 2014 Budget Statement as a fund to support the creation of new routes from small UK Regional Airports with annual passenger numbers of less than 3 million.

CoDA submitted an application for a double daily service to Dublin. Speaking earlier today, Clive Coleman, Contracts Director for Regional & City Airports at CoDA stated: “this is very welcome news for the airport. CoDA views this scheme as a significant opportunity to secure new airline capacity on a strategically important route from our airport. We are delighted that our application has been successful for a double daily service to Dublin. The benefits of this new Dublin service, through enhanced inter-regional and international connectivity, to the local economy and travelling public are significant. Furthermore, they are aligned with the UK Government’s objectives of encouraging the growth of regional airports by

making better use of their infrastructure, reducing the need for long-distance travel to and from airports, providing air passengers with greater choice and finally attracting new or more frequent international connections to attract new business activity to support the growth of a more balanced regional economy”.

Clive stated, this is fantastic news for the entire North West Region as this new double daily service to Dublin will allow CoDA to develop as part of a hub, providing economic and social opportunities for the North West, with improved accessibility to markets, increased investment and consequent employment growth for the North West, he said.

Clive concluded “The aircraft will be served by a CoDA based aircraft that will also offer a twice weekly service to the Isle of Man. The new service is expected to commence in April 2016”.

For more information, please visit: www.cityofderryairport.com

Now taking bookings for

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In Search of Santa...

Sunday 20th December

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Meet Santa and his elf from ‘Mighty Mascots’ from 2pm in our bar area, free gift for all children.

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Lots of great bands on the night..

FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN THE BAR FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER BRYAN MULLEN SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER T JUNCTION FRIDAY 18TH DECEMBER ROCKIN RED SATURDAY 19TH DECEMBER MAD ARABS BOXING NIGHT 26TH DEC ELVIS TRIBUTE BAND NEW YEARS EVE 31ST DEC T JUNCTION We would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year... Thanks for all your custom in 2015

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 15

PHOTOGRAPHY IS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY

AMAZING VALUE - GET ALL THE ITEMS BELOW!

PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY AND TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF CHRISTMAS DINNER

The Herald | December 2015

Page 16

Award winning local barbers open new shop in strabane Award winning local barbers Daniel McBrearty & Mathew Gillespie have just opened a new barbershop at 39 Abercorn Square, Strabane to add to the already successful shop in Carlisle Road, Derry. The lads are very excited to offer a top class barber service to the Strabane people.

Daniel won the top prize in the British Master Barber Freestyle Championships in Wales in the Summer, and that wasn’t long after finish runners up in the All-Ireland final just a few months earlier.

Daniel and co-owner Matthew Gillespie (pictured right) qualified for the UK competition from over 1,000 competitors across the UK and Ireland after sending through photographs of their work at their impressive Derry premises.

Mathew & Daniel with their awards

“I think young fellas aren’t scared to do something different with their hair now. When I was at school people were afraid to get a style that would stand out, but now it’s not like that. They come in looking for side partings and full fringes, they are getting more adventurous. ” So, if you need a bit of grooming in a trendy and cool setting check out the cool interior design of Daniel McBrearty Barbering & Male Grooming now open at 39 Abercorn Square, Strabane.

The talented duo competed at the finals in Cardiff where their work was judged live on stage in front of hundreds of spectators by some of the top professionals in the industry.

Incredibly, they claimed first and third place respectively, cementing the local shop’s reputation for being at the cutting edge of new trends.

Daniel, has been pleasantly surprised at how adventurous the male population of the North West are becoming.

Gents £8 | Students £8 Boys £7 | OAP £7 All over shave £5 Hairline shape up / beard / brow trim / Hair styled £5

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find us on daniel mcbrearty barbering & male grooming

call 07936257130

The Herald | December 2015

Page 17

£1 Sterling =

€1.40

Make it a Special Gift this Year!

Reynolds of Raphoe, Meetinghouse St, Raphoe, Co. Donegal.

Telephone: 00353 (0)74 91 45179 | Web: www.ror.ie

The Herald | December 2015

Page 18

29th

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December 29th

Jimmy Buckley December 30th

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Darren, Jessica & all the staff at the Millstone would like to take this opportunity to thank all customers for there continued support.

We wish all customers a merry Christmas & prosperous New Year.

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 19

Jackson’s Hotel Ballybofey, County Donegal

Jackson’s Hotel

T: +353 (0)74-9131021 email: sales@jacksonshotel.ie

& LEISURE CENTRE

WEEKENDS Get into the Christmas spirit early this winter season and join us for the Winter Wonderland Experience.

Come and see Jackson’s Hotel transform into a magical family Christmas experience.

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26th December (Boxing Night)

7.30pm - Mulled Wine | 8.00pm 5 Course Dinner

Dancing to Uptown Funk Party Band and Disco

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Monday 28th December

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Tickets + B&B for 2 People €100 Tickets + B&B + Dinner for 2 People €140

The Herald | December 2015

Page 20

CENTRAL HOTEL, THE DIAMOND, DONEGAL TOWN

Festival Style Christmas Party 19th December 2015 Doors Open 7.30pm - Late

Christmas Cooking Guide - The Perfect Turkey With Christmas just around the corner households in Strabane and Tyrone will be turning their thoughts to the main event – the dinner.

and the juices run clear when the thigh is pierced with a skewer. (Try to avoid opening the oven door too often during cooking). Add a little of the pan juices to the gravy.

Transfer to a platter, cover loosely with foil or a clean tea towel and leave to rest for at least 20 Turkey has long been the mainstay and centre- minutes before carving. Serve with roasted potapiece of the Irish Christmas dinner, but getting it toes and parsnips, sprouts and carrots. cooked to perfection on the day is the most imporTen minute leftover turkey tant thing. So here’s some tips from the Strabane with peas and leak Herald on how to get your bird perfect on the day and even a smart, delicious recipe for the couple of The recipe name says it all! Serve in bowls with days of leftovers! crusty bread or rice to mop up all the delicious sauce.

12lb ‘Oven Ready’ Turkey

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The perfect alternative Christmas party night for friends to enjoy a fun filled festival atmosphere Tickets £25 to include mulled wine and prosecco reception and 4 vouchers redeemable at any stall on the night.

Tel: +353 74 97 21027 www.centralhoteldonegal.com | Email: info@centralhoteldonegal.com

Ingredients: 300ml turkey or chicken stock 400g cooked British turkey breasts,cut into 1-2cm strips 1 large leek, rinsed and finely chopped 300ml double cream 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 1 tbsp parsley, chopped 225g frozen peas, cooked Preheat oven to 190ºC, 375ºF, Gas Mark 5. If using Salt and freshly ground black pepper a frozen turkey, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and no ice crystals remain in the body cavity. Remove Method giblets if necessary. (Use giblets to make stock for gravy). Wipe the turkey inside and out with either Pour the stock into a saucepan and bring to the a clean damp cloth or kitchen paper. Pat dry. boil. Simmer rapidly until reduced by two thirds.

Weigh the turkey and calculate the cooking time Meanwhile, cook the leek in a pan of boiling salted allowing 20 minutes to the kg plus 90 minutes. water for 3-4 minutes, or until just tender. Drain Place in a roasting tin. Cover loosely with foil and well and keep warm. cook in the preheated oven for calculated cooking Add the cream, mustard, parsley and peas to the time. Remove foil for the last 40 minutes of the reduced stock. Then stir in the cooked turkey and cooking time. leeks and heat gently to warm through.

Continue to cook for the remaining time, basting Season well with salt and pepper and serve straight occasionally with the turkey juices, until cooked away in bowls, with boiled potatoes.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our punters

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 21

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Hugh and the staff at Slevin’s Pharmacy would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

CALL & SEE - IMAGE USED FOR ILLUSTRATION

The Herald | December 2015

Page 22

LIKE us on facebook FOLLOW us on Twitter

CINEMAS

Lifford/Strabane

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 23

The Herald | July 2015 2015 The Herald | December

Page 24 2 Page

NWRC Strabane Hair and Beauty Academy continues to be a Cut Above Considering a career in the hair and beauty industry? Top class training in a professional environment is the first step to achieving that goal.

At North West Regional College’s Strabane Hair and Beauty Academy students are given full access to high quality equipment with training delivered by some of the region’s top industry professionals.

The general public can also take advantage of the top of the range facilities at the beauty academy and benefit from huge discounts in health and beauty treatments from students under the supervision of trained professionals.

Bernadette Kerlin, Curriculum Manager at NWRC Strabane Hair & Beauty Academy commented, ‘The college currently offers a range of full-time and part-time courses at different levels in areas such as cutting, colouring, barbering, bridal hair, make-up, massaging, and manicure. Many of our past students have successfully progressed to form successful careers, some with businesses of their own and others who have gone on to work with some of the industry’s leading stars.

These skills are then transferred to our stu‘Our team is dedicated to providing high qual- dents which can then in turn be enjoyed by ity on trend training, and are regularly upskilled our clients. to remain up-to-date with the latest advances ‘The Academy offers some fantastic treatin the industry. Most recently, staff attended ment discounts, a great treat for someone an advanced cutting workshop facilitated by this Christmas, including ‘Male Only SpePhilip Rochford of the Kemon Italian Touch cials’ each Wednesday from 9.00am until Styling Team, when cutting edge techniques 4.00pm and Thursday evening from 6.00pm in hair-sculpting were delivered to the team. until 8.30pm. For the Ladies we have special

offers every Wednesday from 9.00am until 4.00pm.

‘Beauty treatments including manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials and make up applications are available every Wednesday and Friday from 9.00am until 4.00pm.

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For further information on the courses available at North West Regional College’s Strabane Hair and Beauty Academy visit www. nwrc.ac.uk or to book an appointment at the Academy telephone 02871278827 / 02871278848 / 02871278833.

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 25

The Herald | July 2015 2015 The Herald | December

Page Page 226

THE GUVNORS ‘CLASSIC ROCK’ SET AT DICEYS

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 27

‘Live Music Venue’

Music, Films, Concerts All Your Festive Football Craft Beers, World Beers, Diceys Festive Quiz, The Guvnors

REFURBISHED NIGHT CLUB TO R

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We are proud to announce the Re-Opening of our Fully Refurbished Nightclub.

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Merry Christmas AND a Happy New Year from all of us at Diceys.

Hope to see you all over the Festive Fortnight.

For more details Follow us on facebook at Dicey Riley

The Herald | December 2015

Page 28

The Herald | December 2015

ROBERT SPRATT CARPETS & FURNITURE

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Letter f rom Santa!

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I thought I’d just get a little message out to you all before I make my big trip on Christmas Eve. I hope you are all keeping well boys and girl and getting excited about Christmas. Once again, all your school teachers in Strabane have been keeping me up to date in the letters they send me. They tell me that you are all being very, very good indeed. And yes, mums and dads have been keeping me up to date and will be doing so right up until I leave the North Pole on Christmas Eve...ho-ho-ho!

It was wonderful to see you all again when you came to visit me at my Grotto. And I noticed some new young friendly faces as well. You are all so well mannered and your big bright smiles make it all worthwhile. So, on the subject of the hard work in the North Pole I can tell you that the Elves, Mrs Claus and I have being going through all your letters and been working away to get all your special presents ready. I’ve been doing this a long time ask your mum and dad; even ask your granny and granda ho-ho-ho - and when they were all good little boys and girls, just like you, the toys we made for them were very different to the toys many of you ask for today. But the joy we get in making children happy at Christmas has always been the same!

The Elves have tested some of your bikes and your computer games just to make sure they work ok and I have to say, Mrs Claus and I have a hard job getting them to put them down because they are so enjoyable to play. You’re going to have so much fun playing with your new toys and I can’t wait to bring them to you.

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ALL MAJOR CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Once again, Mrs Claus says she will be glad when those of you who are getting Karaoke machines finally get them on Christmas morning because I have been testing them out myself and she thinks I’m a very, very bad singer. I think she thinks she’s Simon Cowell...ho-ho-ho. In fact, she likes to sing songs by 'Justin Beiber, I mean who is that?.

I think I'm a better singer, but don't tell her I said that - ho-ho-ho!

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen can’t wait to get to Strabane again. They just love flying over the ‘Tinnies’ on the way to all your houses and I look forward to seeing Strabane’s Christmas lights again. I really loved the new lights last year. Wonderful job. I also look forward to the little treats you leave out for me. Christmas Eve is a long night for me so a nice glass of milk is always nice. I also like cookies but don’t tell Mrs Claus...she wants me to go to Bootcamp in the new year ho-ho-ho.

Anyway, I hope you have a Merry Christmas boys and girls and a wonderful 2016. I’m off now to feed the reindeer. I might even have a few sneaky nibbles myself- ho-ho-ho!

Merry Christmas, Your good friend,

Santa Claus.

The Herald | December 2015

Page 29

149a Melmount Road, Sion Mills Strabane, County Tyrone

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The Herald | July 2015 2015 The Herald | December

Page 30 2 Page

The Priests ‘Live’ in concert this weekend at the Mount Errigal Hotel The Priests are ‘Live’ at the Mount Errigal Hotel this Saturday night 12th December singing seasonal songs on a night not to be missed!

The Priests live at The Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, Saturday 12th December. Tickets may still be available @ the hotel or on ticketmaster.ie Mount Errigal Hotel Tel: 074 9122700 . Ticketmaster Tel: 0818 719300 Online @ www. ticketmaster.ie Ticket + B&B €85pps, Tickets €35 per person.

Frs Eugene, Martin and David are delighted to return to the stage to present Christmas With The Priests singing much loved classics as well as cherished seasonal songs. The Priests are planning a new album for Spring 2016.

Fathers Martin O’Hagan, Eugene O’Hagan, and David Delargy’ debut album sold 3 Million copies, which secured them a place in the Guinness Book Of World Records, as the Fastest-Selling Classical debut album … ever They were nominated for a Classical Brit Award for 3 The Herald is giving away consecutive years. In September 2010, The Priests 2 tickets for ‘Christmas with shared the stage with Pope Bendict XIV in London’s the Priests’ this weekend Hyde Park to an audience of 80,000 while millions at the Mount Errigal Hotel. watched on TV at home.

All you have to do is email They continue to play many concerts each year in The Priests who will be performing Christmas songs at the Mount Errigal this Saturday night. the answer to the following Europe and the USA, and manage to balance their question to us at the Herald. ing innumerable concerts around the world to “We enjoy singing enormously”, says Fr Eugene, performing with Parish life. audiences that included the Irish President, the “We realise that commercial projects very often Stardom Q. How many million British Royal Family and the Pope, took their have a shelf life, however, we would very much copies did the Priests When The Priests released their eponymously-titled breath away. They have graced the pages of like to continue doing this forever. I certainly album back in 2008, they could have had little ink- Time Magazine, shared a sofa with Jonathan know that Martin, David and I will continue to debut album sell in 2008? ling of what was about to happen to them. Frankly, Ross and Alan Titchmarsh. sing, whatever comes, because it gives us such Email your answer along who would? The racking up of an awful lot of air miles, Of course the Priests remain committed to the pleasure to do so. Our fervent hope is that it conwith contact details to: three albums released and three million records sold, cloth, but they nevertheless always look forward tinues to bring pleasure to everybody else.” The three Classic Brit nominations, one Guinness World to travelling the world and signing for a live audi- Priests will surely endure.

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 31

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The Herald The Herald | December | July 2015

Page 32 2

Festive fun at the Alley Theatre this Christmas Have your tinsel, bobbles and sleigh bells at the ready for a Christmas cracker of a month!

Kicking off the festive season at the Alley is ‘A Christmas Wish’ by Encore Performing Arts Academy’s December 10th – 12th where young and old alike can enjoy stories, songs, dance and Christmas cheer. Much loved annual Christmas Pageant follows on December 15th & 16th with Students of St Columb’s Primary school, Clady presenting the story of the Nativity. Getting closer to Christmas Day, join the heart-warming festive evening with Strabane Community Carol Service December 17th and enjoy music from St Joseph’s Brass Band and the wonderful harmonies from Strabane Chamber Choir with soloist Roise O Murchu (in aid of Marie Curie Strabane Support Group). Something for everyone this Christmas with country favorite and one of Irelands top country and western singers, John McNicholl band will perform at the Alley December 19th getting you in the Christmas spirit. Watch out for special guests.

With the Christmas dinner over, and gifts exchanged, it is time to relax and enjoy an evening of superb jazz songs with sprinkling festive numbers performed by the wonderful Jazz Gazette at their Christmas Extravaganza December 29th.

Moving slightly away from the Christmas theme, December 3rd welcomes St Joseph’s Brass Band and Black Air Theatre Group as they present Movies and Musicals. An electric concert that will have you dancing on your feet as you take a journey to the best Movies and Musical Scores of the 20th Century.

Grand finally of 2015, the Alley is delighted to welcome Castlederg folk band, The Logues and their New Year’s Eve Eve Party. You can expect a highly energetic party atmosphere with great tunes from the Tyrone five-piece as they lift the roof off the Alley.

Welcoming the New Year 2016 What a way to welcome 2016 than with the most authentic country show of its kind.

The superb Jimmy Hendry and the Magnificent Seven Band will entertain you as Golden Years of Country Music take the stage on January 15th with song after song and hit after hit from the past five decades.

The Logues, New Years Eve Party.

Strabane Community Carol Service, 17th December.

Pantomime Time The wait is over as the pantomime is here. With musical comedy and family entertainment, this year’s panto Mulan is sure to have you in stiches from 22nd to 30th January 2016.

Speaking of 2016, the Alleys Spring 2016 programmer is soon to be launched! Be the first to receive the programme via email by signing up for our monthly E-Newsletter at www.alley-theatre. com/newsletter Further information on Spring 2016 and Tickets for all events are available at the box office 02871384444 and online www.alley-theatre.com/ performance-listings/. Updates will be available via fb.com/thealleytheatre and @TheAlleyTheatre on Twitter.

A Christmas wish by Encore Performing Arts Academy’s December 10th – 12th.

Mulan Pantomine.

John McNicholl band.

Jazz Gazzette.

The Herald | December 2015

Page 33

FESTIVE FUN AT THE...

THE ALLEY DECEMBER

It’s a Wonderful Life 22nd December at 1pm // Free ........................................................................

Encore Performing Arts Academy Presents:

A Christmas Wish 10th, 11th & 12th December at 7.30pm (matinee on 12th December at 3pm) // Tickets: £8 ........................................................................

St Columba’s Primary School, Clady Presents:

The Christmas Pageant

Jazz Gazette Christmas Extravaganza 29th December at 8.30pm // Tickets: £8 ........................................................................

The Logues New Year's Eve Eve Party!

15th & 16th December at 7.30pm // Tickets: £5 ........................................................................

30th December at 8pm // Tickets: £12.50

Marie Curie Strabane Support Group Presents:

JANUARY

Strabane Community Carol Service

Golden Years of Country Music

17th December at 8pm // Tickets: £7.50 ........................................................................

15th January at 8pm // Tickets: £15 ........................................................................

John McNicholl Christmas Special

Mulan Pantomime

19th December at 8pm // Tickets: £20

Strabane Arts Academy Proudly Present: 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th & 30th January at 7.30pm Tickets: £8, £6 (con), Family of Four £24

BOX OFFICE: +44 (0) 28 71 38 4444 BOOK ONLINE: www.alley-theatre.com www.twitter.com/thealleytheatre Herald advert 265mm wide x 330mm_2nd Novmeber.indd 1

THE ALLEY ARTS & CONFERENCE CENTRE Railway Street, Strabane, Co.Tyrone BT82 8EF Email: alleytheatre@derrystrabane.com

www.facebook.com/thealleytheatre 02/11/2015 17:22:37

The Herald | July 2015 The Herald | December

Page 234

‘Blood Brothers’ captivates audiences at Holly Cross College Holy Cross College hosted their student presentation of Willy Russell’s musical ‘Blood Brothers’ over three massively successful nights in the College Hall last month. A bittersweet tale of class, fate and destiny, ‘Blood Brothers’ tells the story of the Johnstone twins, Mickey and Eddie, brothers separated at birth only to reunite as childhood friends unaware that they are related to each other.

By Michael Ferry Their mother, Mrs Johnstone, on learning that she is pregnant with twins confides with her employer, Mrs Lyons, that she will not be able to support twins alongside an already large family.

Mrs Lyons, a lady of considerable wealth who has longed to be a mother, then persuades Mrs Johnstone to give up one of the twins to her and her husband, and their life of privilege and luxury that he will benefit from. Mrs Johnstone reluctantly agrees.

What follows allows Russell to examine the gap between the classes, as the separated twins grow up at opposite ends of the social spectrum, where the differences in lifestyle and morals differ considerably. Set within Russell’s favoured backdrop of Merseyside, the initial separation of the twins proves to be the catalyst for a series of events that eventually lead to inevitable tragedy.

There is traditional backstreet Liverpudlian humour throughout, however, even in moments of tense drama, and much of this came from Maeve Bradley, who delivered a wonderful performance as Mrs Johnstone with plenty of the hard tenderness that the role requires: one part Cilla, one part Elsie Tanner.

Emer Conway complety captured the cold yet ultimately insecure middle-class fragility of

Mrs Lyons, and as twins Mickey and Eddie, Jack O’Kane and Shane Farrell joyfully brought to life the class defying bond between the two boys. Maria Carlin impressed greatly as Linda, literally growing up on stage before our eyes, from playful childhood rascality, to promiscuous teen, to a wife and a mother. Taylor Sharkey was a most commanding Narrator, making her presence felt with an authoritative strut and almost demonic sense of prophecy that constantly reminded us, even during the humour, that we’ll be hitting a wall pretty soon.

The blend of humour and sadness, and the powerfully delivered music had the audiences captivated over the three nights, with the standing ovations richly deserved not just for the cast but for everyone involved in this most memorable of productions.

See more photos on page 50

Sinead Lynch Holistic Therapies

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Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all our customers

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 35

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Michael & the staff would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

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The Herald | July 2015 2015 The Herald | December

Page Page 236

Brought to you by

Gallagher Travel YOUR BRAND NEW MONTHLY TRAVEL GUIDE

Derry / Londonderry Tel: 028 7126 1226 / 028 7134 1715

REYKJAVIK The Little Capital with the Big Heart With a poputlation of 120,000, Reykjavik is not a whirlwind metropolis. Few skyscrapers grace the skyline, traffic jams are rare and faces are familiar.

But don’t be deceived – a steady beat of energy and events keeps the city alive and pulsing with excitement.

Get the most out of your break!

Sightseeing Top Tips: Over the last couple of years Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, has begun to thrive as a new tourist destination, due to the diverse range of adventurous and memorable activities that Reykjavik has to offer, including Whale Watching, Volcano and Glacier Tours and opportunities to dive in the stunning and tranquil waters of Silfra.

Towering over the city of Reykjavik is the magnificent Hallgrimskirkja Church – known as the main landmark within the capital due to its impressive height of 74.5 metres. Take an elevator trip to the top of the high tower to see many of the breathtaking views that Reykjavik has to offer. If you take a tour around the church you will discover an astonishing 5,275 pile organ with a distinctive and unique weapon-like appearance.

North of Reykjavik stands the Mount Esja – a volcanic mountain range, made from basalt and tuff-

stone. Mount Esja keeps watch over this beautiful capital and on a clear day, Snaesfellsjokull Glacier mystically appears on the horizon.

If you are visitng Reykjavik between 9th October and 8th December, you will discover a number of light beams soaring into the sky creating a 10 metre wide wishing well. This stunning collection of lights entitled ‘The Imagine Peace Tower’ is a memorial to the late John Lennon, from his widow Yoko Ono. The Imagine Peace Tower represents Lennon’s and Ono’s continuing campaign for world peace.

In the winter months you will also discover the infamous Northern Lights, which generates a beautiful range of illuminations that mould together to create a multi-coloured spectable in the night sky.

Shopping

The downtown area of Reykjavik is the best place for shopping. Filled with many talented designers, you are guaranteed to find a special gift or souvenir to give to a loved one.

Take advantage of the tax-free shopping! The 15% tax-free refund for tourists in Iceland on a minimum purchase of 4000ISK adds to the shopping Nirvana.

Also, another shopper’s secret, designer labels like Hugo Boss and Max Mara are typically 10-35% less expensive in Iceland than in Europe and the US

Food and Drink

known for and many different tantalising recipes can be sampled across the city. The capital also boasts a large number of award winning restaurants.

Alcohol in Iceland is expensive, and with the exception of beer, only sold in bars, clubs, restaurants and state-owned liquor stores, which have ludicrously restricted opening hours. Bring a bottle of duty-free in to save on costs!

It has been said with some justification that Iceland runs on coffee! There’s a definite café culture in the city. Kaffitar is a national generic café chain and decent quality brews are offered even at rural cafes.

Once night falls, Reykjavik livens up into a party haven with the majority of the nightclubs situated around Lauavegur.

Reykjavik is fast emerging as a capital serving a rich variety of traditional and international cuisines.

Getting Around Hot dogs and pizzas are still what the country is best Reykjavik has a regular and easy bus transport

system around the capital and bus maps can be picked up from the tourist offices and bus stations, which give clear and useful instructions of how to travel around the city.

Buses run from 7am till 11pm daily and 10am until 11pm on a Sunday. Most services run every 20 minutes making commuting around the capital easy.

Useful Information Currency: Icelandic Krona Time difference: GMT + 1 hour Flight Time: 2hr 30 min Airport: Keflavik International – located 50km south-west of Reykjavik

4 Night Break ex Belfast from £235pps

The Herald | December 2015

Page 37

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The Herald | DecemberPage 20153

Page 38 The Herald | July 2015

The Big Christmas Lights Switch on in Strabane

The Herald | December 2015

Page 39

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Page 4 December 2013 The Herald Page 40

To Advertise 71 419514(NI) or 048 71 419514 (From ROI) The Herald | December 2015

Herald’s Guide to the best and most popular toys this Christmas!

Christmas Toy Guide 2015 With 16 days to go until Christmas Day, we here at the Herald having been doing our research to bring you the most popular ‘toys’ for Christmas 2015. These toys are already top selling in all the major retailers but you need to hunt around for the best prices, you will see that we have a guide price on each toy, this shows how the price cna vary from shop to shop!

Interactive Tracy Island

My Friend Freddy

Little Live Pets – Clever Keet

My Friend Freddy Bear is the bear who really knows you. Download the free app to an iOS or Android smart device and pre-schoolers will be amazed that their bear knows all about them.

When not connected to a smart device, Freddy Bear will talk when he’s cuddled, tipped upside down, or thrown in the air.

Suitable for ages 2+, £24.99-£40* Clever Keet is your feathered friend who’s just like a real bird, only smarter. Teach him to speak and he will talk, sing, dance and swing. He will respond to your voice, and be more than your imaginative friend - he even drives his very own cart.

Suitable for ages 5+, £45-£59*

International Rescue adventures with this Tracy Island Playset. Put on the International Rescue communicator and John Tracy will set the countdown to launch a Thunderbird vehicle as the latest situation unfolds. Based on the top secret headquarters, the all-new Tracy Island uses the Once Upon a Time latest technology so that the vehicles interact Rose Peppa with the island.

Hold Peppa Pig’s hands Suitable for ages 3+, £69.95 - £90* and she will sing ringSkate and Sing Elsa a-ring-a-roses with you. And your friends can join in too - invite them to form a circle with you while holding her hands and she will sing the song all over again.

Suitable for ages 3+, £15.99-£22*

Shopkins ‘Scoops’ ice cream truck playset

i-Que Intelligent Robot

Imagine sand you can shape.

Kinetic Sand is easy to shape and mould and flows through your fingers like a slow-moving liquid, but leaves them completely dry. This soft and stretchy sand, which sticks only to itself and not to you easily cleans up while delivering non-stop fun.

Kinetic Sand stimulates children’s creative skills and never dries out and is gluten-free, although we don’t promote eating it.

Suitable for ages 3+, £19.99-£35*

3D Magic 3D Maker

i-Que is the quick-witted, smart talking know-it-all robot! He has a wicked sense of humour with lots of jokes and some cheeky sound effects.

Watch him move as he thinks and speaks, play games with him and see if you can match his ‘i-Que’ by doing his quizzes. By using speech-totext technology, i-Que can understand almost anything you say.

Suitable for ages 3+, £50-£70*

The 3D Maker allows children to create 3D masterpieces from scratch using gel pens and the UV Creation Station.

Children are able to make their 3D creations in four simple steps. Each set comes with a selection of moulds to help children create anything from a 3D butterfly to the Eiffel Tower.

Suitable for ages 6+, £39.99-£45*

With the new Star Wars movie out at Christmas, this could be huge this year!

Launch into action and adventure in the world of Star Wars! Imagine recreating epic battles from Star Wars: The Force Awakens with this Battle Action Millennium Falcon vehicle, featuring a pop-up Nerf launcher, lights, motion-activated sound effects, and a fold-out playset. This vehicle playset also includes 3 figures: Chewbacca, Finn (Jakku), and BB-8.

Suitable for ages 4+, £119.99 - £135*

Princess

Star Wars R2-D2 Robotic Droid

The Shopkins collectible craze now comes with an ice cream van which features a treat board, an ice cream display with an umbrella and storage for your little characters. You can also sit them on the front of the Scoops Truck and take them for a ride as this playset has real moving wheels.

Suitable for ages 5+, £16.99-£20*

LeapPad Platinum

Kinetic Sand

Disney’s Frozen still hasn’t gone out of fashion, and your kids can relive the movie again and again with this beautiful ‘skate and sing’ remote control Elsa.

The easy to use controller allows you to glide and spin Elsa around as if she is really skating, singing the hit song Let It Go as she moves.

Suitable for ages 3+, £39-£49*

Star Wars The Force Awakens Battle Action Millennium Falcon

This Star Wars Interactive R2-D2 Robotic Droid comes to life like never before! You can send instant or pre-programmed commands via remote control to your Star Wars Interactive R2-D2 Robotic Droid! Use the 10 buttons to program over 1000 action combinations! Bring R2-D2 to life with walking and spinning actions!

Suitable for ages 4+, £139.99* LeapPad Platinum is the next-generation seven-inch high-resolution wi-fi learning tablet with a fast, powerful processor and sleek design.

This next step in children’s technology includes front and back cameras, a music player, enhanced parent controls, and more.

Suitable for ages 3+, £74.99-£100*

Pie Face Game from Hasbro Gaming

Star Wars The Force Awakens Kylo Ren Deluxe Electronic Lightsaber Launch into action and adventure in a galaxy far, far away with this deluxe electronic Kylo Ren lightsaber.

Kylo Ren is the dark warrior in the new Star Wars movie ‘The Force Awakens’. Simulates classic lights and sounds, with a movie like appearance and lightsaber and lightdagger connector.

Suitable for ages 4+ £29.99-£34.99*

Pie Face is the fast action game filled with fun and suspense for the whole family, at the end of the game somebody’s bound to get splatted! Just put some whipped cream or the wet sponge on the hand of this hilarious game unit and start turning the handles. It could go off at any time, so keep your fingers crossed and hope you’re not the one who gets a splat in the face!

Suitable for ages 5+, £19.99 - £35* *Prices listed correct on 23/11/2015. Prices may vary between now and Christmas 2015.

The Herald | December 2015

Page 41

www.watsonhire.ie HOME, HIRE & HARDWARE

or follow us on facebook Lisnenan Letterkenny T: 00353 74 9167777

See our massive range of christmas gift ideas in store Top Deal On Garden Blow Vac

Best Bosch Deal In Ireland

Gardencare 26cc garden blow vac, This lightweight but powerful 26cc blower vac is ideal for medium to large gardens. Hand held with shoulder strap to take the weight of the collection bag, very easy to start and use

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3 Ton Trolley Jack Only £62.95 2 Year Warranty Draper 3 ton trolley jack, with Rear swivelling castors and large saddle to aid positioning under the vehicle. Supplied with one piece handle, The Draper range is our standard Draper product, suitable for trades and the enthusiast. Made with quality in mind and comes with our 2 year guarantee.

ALL SIZES IN STOCK Premium quality safety wellingtons, steel toe cap, heavy duty soles with deep grips, reinforced at toe for longer wear, extra protection around ankle and side of foot

Metric Ratchet Spanner Set of 6, made from Chrome Vanadium Steel with a corrosion resistant finish. The spanners have 180° hinged ratchet head for easier access and have a 72 fine tooth ratchet mechanism. The open ends of the spanners are set at 15°, contains the following sizes: 8, 10, 13, 15, 17 and 19mm

Electric Hot Water Bottle, No Water Needed - Brown & Grey New Generation.

The Electric Hot Water Bottle is a simple and effective product which provides hours of heat with no risk of scalding from boiling hot water. Simply plug it in wherever you like and wait just 15 minutes for it to reach full charge.

Safety Mechanism, can’t overheat.

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The Perfect Christmas Gift

14" Chainsaw Only £105.00

Rechargeable LED Work light with Magnetic Base, light has a super White 10w COB LED which produces 650 Lumen output. Its heavy-duty Lithium-ion 7.4 volt 4000 mAh battery has a minimum running time of 3 hours, magnetic base with a sturdy steel frame. Its head angle can be adjusted for convenience. Waterproof to IP 44 standard.

Einhell GH-PC 1535 TC Chainsaw is ideal for felling, clearing of underbrush and debranching of trees. very easy to start, The chain is easy to tension and change without the need for any tools, comes with bar and chain from Oregon. For safety it features a chain brake and hand guard which stops the chain within a few milliseconds in case of kickback.

Normal Price £72.00 | Our Price £31.95

Our Price £105.00 | 2 Year Warranty

Super Ser Heaters Deal

Dewalt Boots Deal

Great Deal On Safety Wellies

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Pre Season Special Offer

2 Year Warranty Free Delivery

Draper jet force 75000 btu space heater, fitted with an automatic ignition and a photocell safety device. The in-line fuel filter repeatedly provides reliable operation while the clean burning unit operates on both kerosene and diesel, the 20ltr fuel tank gives approximately 10hrs continuous running time.

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Tuff stuff trousers Deal

7 Year Warranty

Premium quality gas cabinet heater, 3 heat settings, sturdy wheels for easy movement, clean and cost effective heat. very reliable. takes standard 11kg household cylinder. (not included)

Dewalt extreme 3 work boots, steel toe, hard wearing leather uppers, chemical & oil resistant sole, available in sizes 7-11. very comfortable boot

Top quality kidde brand smoke and carbon monoxide alarm set, 2 x Smoke Alarms and 1 x Carbon Dioxide (C.O) Alarm, Peace of mind for your home,ready to use and easy to install.

Tuff stuff heavy duty work trousers, triple stitched seams, plenty of pockets, all colours and sizes in stock, you won`t buy better trousers

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Usually £71.99 | Now £49.99

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Kids Trousers Now Also In Store

The Herald | December The Herald | July 2015 2015

Page 242 Page

Wax on Wax off at the Fir Trees for Marie Curie!

A fantastic charity night in aid of Marie Curie was held in the Fir Trees on Sunday, November 29. Having opted to grow their beards throughout the month of November to raise funds for the charity, the hairy volunteers had their beards shaved on the night.

A number of them, along with a few in attendance on the night, also volunteered for chest and leg waxings with hilarious results. They say “charity hurts” and the screams of these grown men were certainly a validation of that view. A wonder night of shaving, waxing, screaming and dancing ensued, with a wonderful £3000 raised in the process.

Special thanks must go to Charleen White and Laura Gillespie from Inner Beauty, and Rosemarie McCay from Well Being for all their hard work on the night. A massive thank you, also, to all the local businesses who kindly donated prizes for the night.

Dermie Doherty before and after pictured with Charleen White from Inner Beauty salon

Sean Farrell before and after with Charleen White from Inner Beauty salon

Don Millar before and after Laura Gillespie from Inner Beauty salon

David Campbell before and after with Charleen White from Inner Beauty salon

Sean O’Reilly before and after with Charleen White from Inner Beauty salon

Damien Caldwell before and after with Charleen White from Inner Beauty salon

Sean Ferry enduring the chest waxing courtesy of Rosemarie McCay from Well Being Spa

Freshly shaved Dermie Doherty now goes for a chest waxing courtesy of Rosemarie McCay from Well Being Spa

Johnny Harte before and after

The Herald | December 2015

Page 43

B A R B E R S H O

P

80 Lower Main Street Strabane

Call 078 4017 6460

Festive Opening Hours Sunday 20th December 1pm - 5.30pm Monday 21st December 9am - 5.30pm Tuesday 22nd December 9am - 5.30pm Wednesday 23rd December 9am - 7pm Thursday 24th December 8am - 2pm CLOSED Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27th & 28th Re-Open Tuesday 29th December 9am - 5.30pm Wednesday 30th December 9am - 5.30pm New Years Eve 9am - 3pm

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE The management and staff of Clipperz Barbershop would like to wish all their patrons a Happy Christmas & a Prosperous New Year

Page 44 4 December 2013 The Herald Page

To Advertise 71 419514(NI) or 71 419514 (From 2015 ROI) Th048 e Herald | December

The Herald’s Tech & Gadget Guide PART 2

Christmas Gadget Guide 2015 With Christmas Day just under 16 days away, the Herald has put together the 2nd part of our Gadget Guide to the hottest tech for Christmas 2015, we all love technology, so here is the latest and greatest tech out there including price ranges to suit your pocket, you don’t have to spend the World to get some cool gadgets. Black Friday and Cyber Monday may have already passed, but that doesn’t mean great deals are not out there, the market is really competitive at this stage being so close to Christmas with great offers still available.

Please note: All prices & deals correct at (17/11/2015) but are subject to change at anytime.

Smartphones

Tablets

New for Christmas 2015

Best Luxury Smartphone Deal Apple Iphone 6S

We have chosen two options this Christmas, a budget option and what we believe to be the best all rounder for value and money. Our budget option had to be a capable tablet with great value for money and our more expensive option is what we believe is the best tablet for the money.

Hoverboards The Duoglyde

The Xbox One and Playstation 4 are two fantastic gaming machines and to be honest there is very little to choose between them, it’s like trying to decide between Pepsi and Coke! Anyway we have dug out what we thing are the best value deals for this Christmas...

Amazon Fire 7

Incredibly thin and light, the Fire 7 is a feature-packed tablet that gives you access to millions of movies, TV episodes, songs, books, apps, games, and more. Fire 7 comes equipped with a 7-inch IPS display (1024x600), which offers a FREE iPhone 6S | Vodafone | 4G enabled | 16GB great viewing experience. Thanks to a fast 1.3 GHz capacity | Unlimited minutes | Unlimited texts | Quad-Core processor, the Fire 7 delivers quick app launch times, smooth games and videos, and a 2GB data | 24 month contract | £44 per month great overall performance.

The Fire 7 comes with a 2 megapixel rear-facing Price £44 Per month with Vodaphone camera that allows for high-resolution photos and 720p HD video. Absolutely amazing value this Best All Rounder Phone Christmas for under £50!

HTC Desire 626

£49.99 at Multiple Retailers

for the best consoles XBOX One & Playstation 4?

Best Budget Tablet

You want the best? We’ve got the best...

If you are looking for the best phone out there for Christmas, then check out this superb deal from Vodaphone for the amazing Iphone 6S. FREE under contract with Vodaphone, this would be an amazing Christmas gift for the one you love!

The bump in processing power and extra features like 3D Touch on the iPhone 6S should help make this another fantastic Apple smartphone instalment. Our recommended iPhone 6S deal comes from Vodafone, and will set you back £44 per month. That improved camera, among other things, should help justify this additional outlay.

BEST DEALS

The Duoglyde is a standard 7in hoverboard stocked by UK retailer Smart Gizmos. Unlike many hoverboards bought directly from China, the Duoglyde uses CE certified charging cables (non-CE certified cables can cause electric shocks or cause a fire) which makes them a safe option for potential riders. In terms of the board itself, it’s pretty standard; it boasts a maximum weight of 100KG, a range of around 12 miles depending on terrain and rider weight, and a maximum speed of 6mph.

The benefit of being based in the UK means that Smart Gizmos can offer next day delivery on its hoverboards if ordered before 3pm – perfect for those last minute situations! Available in Colours: Black, blue, red, white Price: £295 from Smart Gizmos

Star Wars Fans Gadget Sphero BB-8 Droid

Best ‘All Rounder’ Tablet

Xbox One Fifa 16 Bundle+ HALO 5 * There is great online basket deals at the moment and this from Smyths Toys is one such deal, when you add the above console and Halo 5 to your basket online , you get Halo 5 Guardians Free! *XBOX One 500GB FIFA 16 Console & Halo 5 FREE when bought online at Smythstoys.com

£289.99 at Smythtoys.com Sony PlayStation 4 500g with Call of Duty Black Ops III & FIFA 16

If you are looking for a great phone but can’t afford the very expensive top end range of phones like the Iphone 6S or the Samsung Galaxy S6 then this brilliant and stylish smartphone is the phone for you.

If you hunt around you can get this phone for just under £200, it’s a gorgeous phone and extremely capable. HTC’s Desire range is affordable but stylish. The five-inch screened Desire 626 has a 13-megapixel rear camera which is pretty good and there’s a front-facing five-megapixel camera for selfies, too. With 16GB of built-in storage, there’s a microSD card slot, meaning you can add more easily (and cheaply). £199.00 Sim Free, from Argos, even better deals can be found with a look around the web!

Google Nexus 7

The 2013 flavour of the Nexus 7 is no longer available from Google. But shop around and you can find it in various online stores, at a great low price.

Arguably the Hudl 2 offers a similar blend of value and quality, and may even be a bit faster. But you are unlikely to notice, and although the Nexus 7 is still lacking a microSD card slot, for many people will be the best 7in tablet around. It may even be the best value tablet there is.

The fact that it came out in 2013 and we still believe it’s the best value all rounder at the Herald, we think you should get online to find a good deal on one now for Christmas!

Nexus 7 (2013) £199 for 32gb - See Online Nexus 7 (2013) £117 for 16gb Amazon.co.uk

One of the new characters due to appear in Star Wars: The Force Awakens is BB-8, a spherical droid that will no doubt roll itself into a few scrapes.

But now it’s not only happening on the silver screen, as you can buy a remote control version of the droid with which to have adventures of your own.

The small ball-like gadget can be guided via your smartphone, responds to voice commands, and can even project video footage - R2D2 style.

Functional BB-8 Ball Robot from Star Wars - Capable of rolling at speeds of up to 7 feet per second - Works with i - OS 4.0+ or Android devices with operating system 2.2+Shows a range of expressions and respond to voice commands.

Also check out our Toy Guide this month where we feature the king of cute robots himself R2D2!

Price: £129.99+ (Depends on version)

This is another great value deal from Smyths Toys , you get a 500gb Playstation 4 with Call of Duty Black Ops 3 and Fifa 16 - all this for only £319.00. This great deal is available online or at Smyth’s Toys in Derry.

£319.99 at Smythtoys.com Please note: Console deals above are correct at 17/11/2015 and are subject to change at any time.

The Herald | December 2015

Page 45

The Herald | DecemberPage 20153

Page 46 The Herald | July 2015

The Big Christmas Lights Switch on in Strabane

Th e Herald | December 2015 Page 2

Page 47 The Herald | July 2015

Shane & Michelle’s 25th Wedding Anniversary at Strabane Golf Club

The Mayor’s

Christmas Welcome Saturday 19th December & Sunday 20th December Guildhall, Derry // 1pm-6pm, Entry is Free The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane invites you to her special Christmas Welcome on December 19th and 20th in the atmospheric surroundings of the historic Guildhall.

Join our storytellers from the North Pole for music, song and dance and an appearance by Santa himself!

Ulster Herald_Strabane Chronicle_263mm x 366mm_Mayors Christmas Welcome.indd 1

01/12/2015 16:28:46

The Herald | July 2015 The Herald | December

2 Page 48

The Bridge Church Thanksgiving Dinner The Bridge Church on the Derry Road hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner for 150 plus people, namely children and families from the youth club that The Bridge runs for Knockavoe Children.

Alex Moore serves up a festive feast.

Alison and Lucy Smyth at the Thanksgiving Dinner.

Brian, Jon, Sinead, Noeleen and Patricia enjoying their time at the Thanksgiving Dinner.

Sreyvov Vutha, Anthony Bell and Annelise Vutha at the Dinner.

John McCallion with little Rebecca Smyth.

Catherine Millar and Eamon Foley at the Thanksgiving Dinner.

Ruth Kerrigan, Keith Kerrigan and Gordon Hamilton at the Dinner.

Pearl Smyth, Ronnie Smyth and Richard Bell getting ready to tuck in.

Natasha Kennedy, Jason Kennedy and Timothy McMullan.

Taylor Aiken, Linda Robson, Adam Aiken and Brooklyn Robinson.

Alan Alexander, Billy Alexander, Geraldine Alexander and Jeanette Alexander enjoying their Thanksgiving meal.

Just some of the children in attendance at the Thanksgiving Dinner.

The Herald | December 2015

Page 49

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 50

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 51

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The Herald | December The Herald | July 2015

Page 252

A Step Back In Time

Seamus built it, and the ‘Herald’ came to check it out!

At the beginning of the sci-fi blockbuster ‘Back to the Future: Part II’ Marty McFly and the ‘Doc’ famously travelled from 1985 to October 21, 2015.

By Michael Ferry Last month that very day in question was celebrated as ‘Back To The Future Day’, as many of us mulled over the technological advances that the film got right, and of course those it got spectacularly wrong, like the flying cars and hover boards – only a matter of time, boys and girls.

However, upon arriving in 2015, a young Marty McFly took himself into a 1980s themed diner, which contained numerous ‘nostalgic items’, all ironically contemporary when the film was released in 1989.

When the ‘Herald’ entered Seamus O’Connor’s ’80s room, that diner scene immediately sprung to mind, and we didn’t need a DeLorean DMC-12, flux capacitor or 1.21 gigawatts of power to go back in time; Seamus has created his own special time capsule within the four walls of his ’80s room.

Liverpool Idea Originally Seamus transformed one of the upstairs rooms of his Laurel Drive home into a Liverpool FC room. However, it was a trip to that very city that put another idea in his head.

“I went to the Reflex Night Club, which was a 1980s themed club in Liverpool. I absolutely loved every bit of it: the music, the decor, the atmosphere. I simply did not want to leave.

It sparked the idea to convert the Liverpool room into a room paying homage to my favourite decade,” Seamus explained.

So what is the big appeal about the 1980s that it would take precedence over Seamus’s beloved Liverpool FC? “I just love the music, the television, the fashions and the films. It was a unique period in time that makes me smile, so I wanted to have a space for my buddies and me to sit back and enjoy the films and sounds that we like.”

Seamus toasting the completion of ‘The Reflex Room’. On right: some of the details including a Nightrider themed clock.

front covers of some of the biggest VHS movies of the decade including First Blood, Beverly Hills Cop, Fatal Attraction and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial . There are also framed 7-inch singles from the likes of The Housemartins and Harold Faltermeyer.

“I went to the Reflex Night Club, which was a 1980s themed club in Liverpool. I absolutely loved every bit of it: the music, the decor, the atmosphere. I simply did not want to leave.

It sparked the idea to convert the Liverpool room into a room paying homage to my favourite decade,”

Seamus was meticulous when it came to what he wanted. “The checkerboard floor was The Reflex Room essential to recreate the feel of the decade, The walls around the room, which Seamus I thought. The disco ball and lights add to it has christened The Reflex Room in homage all, also, especially when the music videos to the club that inspired the idea, include are playing. The ’80s was the decade of the

The Herald’s Michael Ferry waiting for a video by his favourite 80s band Wham! to come on.

music video and I have loads that are at the ready simply at the switch of a button,” he said, while demonstrating and showing us an extensive selection, taking in everything from Frankie to Phil Collins to New Order to Michael Jackson.

One of the defining features of the room, aside from the fantastic Night Rider clock, is Seamus’s love for the film Predator, which is evident from the cushions to the signed framed poster.

“Predator is my all-time favourite film from any decade so I guess it was going to claim a good bit of space. The poster is signed by most of the main cast, apart from Arnie sadly, but maybe someday,” he laughed.

Overall, the room took two months to furnish, and Seamus is more than happy with the finished product. “I’m finally happy with what I’ve added. I can’t see myself adding much more. It’s just a place to chill with mates, have a laugh, listen to some 80s tunes, have a drink and maybe throw some darts or watch a movie. I watched Robocop in here the other night,” smiled Seamus.

We wondered what his wife, Roisin, thought of all this. “He’s not wise,” she laughed. We then wondered if he had any Wham! handy. As it turned out, the ‘Herald’ was happily staying in the ’80s for another while.

Seamus gets into the 80’s vibe!

The Reflex Room has an 80’s style chequered floor pattern.

The Herald | December 2015

Page 53

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The Herald | December The Herald | July 2015

Page 254

Festive Cooking Special Well Happy Christmas everyone from The Kitchen Team @ The Millstone with work parties everywhere and too much too eat (is there such a thing?) do you think you’ll manage to eat and drink your way through the most festive season there is?

This is seriously a good time to have great food at home and go just that little bit farther, without much additional cost.

This first idea for your sprouts, which are more often than not the most left over veg, makes then more interesting and flavoursome. In fact I bet you’ll get new sprout addicts who just can’t get enough of them! Or what about the Broccoli and stuffing casserole, I bet any vegetarian would love that on Christmas day and any meat eater would probably fight with them over it!

Smoked bacon and whole grain mustard Brussel sprouts

Broccoli and Stuffing Casserole

Ingredients serve 12 • 455g sweet red potatoes, quartered • 20g diced onion • 30g butter, melted • 15ml honey • 4g dry mustard • 1 pinch salt • 1 pinch ground black pepper

COOKING MASTERCLASS

Method

Ingredients serve 12 • 910 g fresh broccoli florets • 2 eggs, beaten • 110 g onion, chopped • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup • 120 ml mayonnaise • 285 g dry bread-stuffing mix • 115 g butter, melted • 115 g shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly coat an 11x7 inch-baking dish with olive oil.

2. Place potatoes in a single layer in prepared dish, and top with onion. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, honey, mustard, salt and pepper; drizzle over potatoes and onion.

3. Bake in the preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven for 35 minutes or until tender, stirring halfway through the cooking time

Many people may not like their vegetables over sweetened but just as they are, and if they are nice and fresh who can blame them. But roasting vegetables in a really hot roasting dish (with meat juices in all the better!) just brings out all the flavour, so just go easy on the honey but it really goes down a treat.

Almond carrots

Method 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch-baking dish.

2. Cook broccoli in a large pot of salted boiling water until just slightly tender. Drain.

3. In a large bowl, combine eggs, onion, mushroom soup and mayonnaise. Place a layer of broccoli in the prepared baking dish.

4. Pour mayonnaise sauce over broccoli. Spread stuffing mix over the sauce. Drizzle butter or margarine over all and top with shredded cheese.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes Ingredients; serves 6 • 750g Brussel sprouts • 2 tbsp whole grain mustard • 3 rashers of smoked bacon • 50g butter • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Honey Roasted Sweet Red Potatoes

Delicious Turkey Glaze Ingredients serve 12 • 910 g carrots, sliced • 1 small onion, thinly sliced • 1 small green bell pepper, cut into thin strips • 120 ml vegetable oil • 100 g white sugar • 60 ml distilled white vinegar • 10 ml almond extract • 0.9 g dried basil Method

Method

1. In a medium saucepan with enough water to cover, boil carrots until tender but crisp. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a medium bowl with onion and pepper.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, blend oil, sugar, vinegar, almond extract and basil. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved.

3. Pour the oil mixture over the carrot mixture.

Cover, and chill in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight before serving cold.

1. Wash and peel brussel sprout, remember to cut an X in the base to ensure cooking. Cook in salted boiling water for 15minutes until tender.

2. Slice bacon thinly and fry in hot pan, mix with the whole grain mustard and butter and add the cooked sprouts and seasoning.

3. Portion onto a family serving dish and place in a hot oven for 3-5 mins until the flavours infuse.

• 175 ml sugar-free organic apple juice • 225 g melted butter • 235 ml honey Method 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, butter and honey.

2. Brush over entire bird 45 minutes before it completes cooking. Repeat several times before removing turkey from oven.

Turkeys get really dry due to the amount of time they spend in the oven, so basting is really important if you want a nice succulent moist roast to carve into.

Basting is usually done as much as you want anything from every 2 hours up to every fifteen minutes if you’re really keen, but do baste a few times at least and always allow to rest before carving to let the juices settle.

We would also like to wish everyone a very merry and a happy and peaceful New Year. So go on enjoy the festivities and eat to your stomach’s content. (Worry about the rest in January)

Herald The Northwest

THE NORTHWEST’S FREE MONTHLY

WE ARE RECRUITING!

JOIN OUR SALES TEAM The Strabane & Northest Herald is looking for motivated individuals to join our sales team in 2016. Excellent rate of commission plus flexible hours to suit you, this is a great opportunity to earn extra money in 2016.

Experience in Newspaper/Media Sales is advantage but not essential, what we require is capable and motivated individuals to join our team.

Please email us with information about yourself and a brief CV and why you should be cosidered for one of the positions.

To Apply Please send us an email with a brief CV to:

ads@strabaneherald.co.uk Applications close on 30th December 2015.

The Herald | December 2015

Page 55

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The Herald | December The Herald | July 2015

Page 56 2 Sponsored by...

THE BRIDGE GUNS & TACKLE

CATCH SHOOT YOUR NEW MONTLHY SHOOTING & FISHING COLUMN

Adult Fly Tying Classes

The Bridge Guns & Tackle, Butcher Street Strabane, have recently started adult fly tying classes on a Thursday night in Melvin Sports complex. The nights have already proved to be extremely popular amongst local fishermen and will continue to run into the new year. Classes run every Thursday night from 8-9.30pm and anyone wishing to take park can contact the shop on 02871880826.

We will also be running kid’s classes starting in the new year. More info will be available on this column or via our Faceboook page!

Strabane Sporting Club The latest Strabane Sporting Club Shoot was held on Sunday November 15th. There was a good turnout despite the awful weather that plagued the entire country that weekend. First place in sporting went to Gearoid Anthony Graham receives his trophy from Joe Driver .2nd went to Stuart Spratt 3rd went to Rory Harron. Robbie Oliver Cullen as winner of the Bracken Projectile Club Gearoid Driver receiving first place from Hugo Reid Patsy Farrell Memorial Shoot. at a local Strabane Sporting Club Shoot. took 1st place in the Novice & Pool Stand 1st place went to Mickey McCurdy. Excellent shooting all round!

It’s great to see young local shooters taking a keen intrest in the sport and there was some fantastic shooting from young Adam Boggs shooting a straight in the pool stand. Well done Adam!!!

Strabane Sporting Club would like to thank all its members and everyone who has helped make this a successful year! The annual Christmas draw will take place at the last shoot of the last shoot of the year on Sunday 13th December. 1st Prize is an Xmas hamper with 2nd and 3rd a bottle of whiskey and 2 bottles of wine. Lines are £1 and available to purchase at The Bridge Guns & Tackle, Butcher Street, Strabane.

The new Birchwood World Champion, Jimmy O’Connor!.

Deck The Halls This will be the last column of the year and its been great fun writing and sharing pictures and stories from our local Shooting/Fishing scenes. On behalf of the staff at The Bridge Guns & Tackle, Butcher Street, Strabane, we’d like to thank all of our customers for their continued support and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year! Happy Hunting, tight lines or whatever your passion is, enjoy it!

Tight lines at Birchwood Trout Fishery.

Taking aim in foggy conditions.

19-21 Butcher Street, Strabane, County Tyrone

Telephone: 028 7188 0826 or 048 7188 0826 (South) www.bridgegunsandtackle.com

THE BRIDGE GUNS & TACKLE

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find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/thebridgegunsandtackle

Christmas Club

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Thee Herald | July December Th 2015 2015

Page Page57 7

BRILLIANTS FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT BALOR

Busy Christmas Programme at Balor We’ve loads of shows lined up to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Our Chirstmas Panto Babes In The Wood is currently running. And when that’s over we welcome the Sean O Hare Unit for their annual Christmas panto.

Enjoy your favourite Christmas songs brought to you by a troupe of West End singers accompanied by a fantastic swing band with Christmas Crooners and dance of those Christmas pounds at our Humbugging Hucksters Boxing Day Ball.

And if you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas why not give someone a great night out in one of the many top shows we have lined up for 2016?

Saturday November 28th – Friday December 11th

The Butt Drama Circle Christmas Panto - Babes In The Wood

and still as passionate as ever about the a department of British Army Royal Engineers adventure of storytelling and comedy, Tommy has on the Irish- speaking community there.

Tiernan’s new show “Out Of The Whirlwind” Sunday March 6th is a verbal and acrobatic descent into God knows what.

Duke Special – Saturday December 26th

The Humbugging Hucksters Boxing Day Ball Shake off your excess turkey and ham with The Humbugging Hucksters’ Boxing Day Ball featuring Makings, The Other Breed, Aine Sweeney, Graham Sweeney, Oisin McLean with DJ Bombscare.

Christmas Gift Ideas

We have some great shows coming up in early 2016 so why not give someone you care about a great night out for Christmas? Here’s some of the shows we’d recommend in early 2016 and Gift Vouchers are also available.

Tuesday Jan 19th It’s Panto time in the Twin Towns again Kimmie Rhodes as the Butt Drama Circle present Babes In The Wood.

While good King Richard is away his wicked brother John plans to capture and kill the Kings children so that he can claim the throne for himself.

Will faithful Nurse Neuralgia and the gang, aided by Robin Hood and his Merry Men One of American country music’s most prolific (well two of them anyway), be able to save and respected artists the Babes In The Wood?

“Kimmie Rhodes – The soul of a poet and the voice of an angel” – Rodney Crowell Friday December 18th Friday Feb 12th Christmas Crooners

“Baby It’s Cold Outside”

A romantic Christmas special performed by a fantastic cast of West End singers Now in its’ tenth record breaking year Christmas Crooners is jam packed with festive favourites including the Christmas hits of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra.

This fantastic cast of West-End Singers are backed by the superbly and talented Jazz All-Stars swing band and they perform over 30 well known Christmas hits including ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’, ‘Chestnuts Roasting’, ‘Little Drummer Boy’, ‘White Christmas’ and many other swing arrangements of your favourite Christmas songs.

Pat Gallagher (Goats Don’t Shave) & The Rumble Strips

The front man and songwriter from the legendary Goats Don’t Shave brings his new band to The Balor.

There’s only a handful of bands that can use the term ‘legendary’ without being accused of hyperbole but Donegal’s Goats Don’t Shave are undoubtedly one of them. Their iconic hit Las Vegas (in the hills of Donegal) is still one of Irish folk rocks most instantly recognisable songs. Frontman and songwriter Pat Gallagher’s songs have been recorded by many artists all over the world.

The great news is that Pat is back with his new band ‘Pat Gallagher and the Rumble Strips.

Wednesday Feb 24th – Saturday Feb 27th @ 8pm

Saturday December 19th

Tommy Tiernan – Out Of The Whirlwind

The Butt Drama Circle present Translations - By Brian Friel

The Butt Drama Circles 2016 Festival Play is the Brian Friel classic Translations.

Now entering his 20th year as a stand-up Set in the fictional Donegal townland of Baile comedian, having won every award going Beag in 1833, Translations traces the impact

‘Piano & Pages’ Tour

The enigmatic Belfast songsmith plays The Balor for the very first time as part of a nationwide tour.

Duke Special is one of Irelands most talented, versatile and entertaining musicians. Playing live is where Duke really shines with his theatrical styled shows making him one of the hottest live tickets in the country.

This, his Balor debut, promises to be a magical show

balor arts centre main street ballybofey co. donegal

ROI: 074 9131840 NI: 00353 74 9131840

www.balorartscentre.com

Kimmie Rhodes - Tuesday 19th December

Tommy Tiernan - 19th December

TOP CLASS ENTERTAINMENT AT THE BALOR Sat Nov 28th to Fri Dec 11th The Butt Drama Circle Sat & Sun 4pm Christmas Panto Wed – Fri 8pm Babes In The Wood No show Mon or Tues

€10/€6 €30 family of 4

Mon Dec 14th @ 8pm

Sean O Hare Panto The Magic Tinderbox

€8/€4 €20 family of 4

Fri Dec 18th @ 8pm

Christmas Crooners Baby It’s Cold Outside

Adm €20

Sat Dec 19th @ 8pm

Tommy Tiernan

Adm €28

Sat Dec 26th @ 7.30pm

The Humbugging Hucksters Boxing Day Ball

Adm €10

Tues 19th Jan @ 8pm

Kimmie Rhodes

Adm €15

Fri 12th Feb @ 8.30pm

Pat Gallagher (Goats Don’t Shave) & the Rumble Strips

Adm €15

Wed 24th – Sat 27th Feb @ 8pm

The Butt Drama Circle present Translations by Brian Friel

Adm €12/€10

Sunday 6th March @ 8pm

Duke Special

Adm €17.50

www.balorartscentre.com

The Herald | DecemberPage 20153

Page 58 The Herald | July 2015

Strabane Golf Club Dinner 2015

The Herald | December 2015

Page 59

Strabane Golf Store

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Strabane Golf Store: The Best in Golfing Goods and Professional Lessons For all your golfing needs call into Strabane Golf Store, now open at Unit One, Mopack Industrial Estate.

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For more information on the store or golfing lessons feel free to ring 02871884899 or 07594098764. Strabane Golf Store can also be found on Facebook.

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The Herald | December 2015 Page 5

Page 60 The Herald | July 2015

TotalMusic Dicey’s 20 Years ‘Left Of The Dial’ Strabane bar Dicey Riley’s is set to relaunch its upstairs venue this month, exactly 20 years after the bar reopened under its present name.

At that time, the bar’s manifesto was quickly laid down by the new management: live local bands and ‘alternative’ DJ sets.

By Michael Ferry It was 1995 and Britpop was exploding.

‘Alternative Rock’ from the US, which had been healthily gate-crashing mainstream culture since Nirvana’s 1991 album ‘Nevermind’, was still embedding itself into the hearts and minds of many, and the old rock and metal guard remained a firm resilient beast that refused to either burn out or fade away.

While the ‘Alternative’ element of it all probably had a greater validity pre-‘Nevermind’, so much of what many would deem ‘Alternative’ was very much part of the mainstream come 1995: R.E.M., the darlings of American ‘Alternative Rock’ in the 1980s, had just headlined Slane Castle with special guests Oasis – by then already a chart-topping, sales record breaking band – as support. The latter’s famous battle of the charts with Blur that August, while a clever marketing stunt by the bands’ respective labels, did reinforce that there was a massive audience out there feeding on something other than what Pete Waterman and Simon Cowell – yes, he was about then, too – were dropping on us.

The Shanks So, the appetite was there but nowhere in Strabane really tuned into it until Dicey’s opened its doors come late ’95.

After that, and with DJ Steve A at the helm, a feast of rock (add your own prefix if you please from the likes of Classic, Contemporary, Indie, Alternative, Britpop, whatever) saw the upstairs venue packed every Friday night as the young adults of Strabane and beyond lifted the roof to the sound of the anthems they counted down the days of the week to sing along and stomp to.

Those Ghosts rocking Diceys.

their swords upstairs in Dicey’s, then renamed The Waiting Room. Belfast-based anthemic rockers, A Plastic Rose said it was their favourite venue to play. Even a pre-Glasgowbury Paddy Glasgow treaded the Dicey’s stage with his band of rockers Savasana. Undertone John O’Neill gave the venue the thumbs up, liking the band and audience in-your-face set-up.

Way before they topped the Irish album charts and reached number two in the UK, County Down’s Two Door Cinema Club played Dicey’s. The venue also played host to the likes of General Fiasco, Oppenhiemer, The Blackout, Dopamine, Six Star Hotel, Just A Word, Driving by Night, Morello, Mike Got Spiked, Colenso Parade, In Case of fire, Stand Up Guy, Paul Casey, Paddy Nash, Dicey’s regulars Danny Houston (aka rapper HcBaby) and Sean Winters with Kurt Cobain’s Wood Burning Savages, The Wonder grandfather Leland Cobain and his travelling companion during their visit to Dicey’s in Dec 2007.

Villains, Gacys Threads, A Northern Upstairs was called The Shanks, affec- all the more inviting for many.

Light and Kharma 45. Audiences went tionately named after Armitage Shanks, A major draw was the bands, and they home sweating and inspired by the just one of a feast of new local emerging were springing up all over the place. musical pearls on their own doorstep. bands that used Dicey’s as their central Initially they would be knocking out the headquarters for gigs and practicing, standard tunes of the period, but more Names from beyond the Irish music which the venue kindly offered to local and more original material would seep scene soon came knocking, too. Tom bands free of charge. Soon the live band into their sets and the Dicey’s audiences Hingley from Inspiral Carpets played Dicey’s on several occasions, as did nights became as big as the DJ sets, thrived on it. and it didn’t take long for a rich scene The desire to play and hear original Chris Helme from Stone Roses guitarto emerge with Dicey’s as the hub and material grew, as the bands and the ist John Squire’s band, The Seahorses.

Mark Morris from The Bluetones, central nervous system of it all. audiences saw no reason why they whose Britpop anthems blasted out couldn’t have their own anthems. Local on the Dicey’s dancefloor on many a bands like God Talking Soul, Running- night, played on that very dancefloor, Passion for Music forcover, The Avari, Ribcage and Aurel also. Long before he became one of the Many young people previously unacall drew big crowds, and all made the leading figures of protest folk-punk, fillquainted, despite living within close national airwaves, garnering the atten- ing the likes of Wembley Arena, Frank proximately to each other, would find a tion of Dave Fanning, the late Uaneen Turner played Dicey’s twice in 2006 connection in Dicey’s; with the common Fitzsimons and Across The Line, to and 2007. thread being a mutual passion for music. name but a few.

Discussions, arguments, banter, the Leland Cobain swapping of tapes (it was ’90s!), CDs, Into the 2000s and the Shanks Discos records, and, most importantly, the forg- became the Dicey’s Lockdown, and In December 2007, an elderly American ing of new friendships saw a subculture by now the explosion of new original gentleman and his carer walked into bands wasn’t exclusive to Strabane. Dicey’s one Saturday afternoon. Like grow out of Dicey’s.

Right across the country new young many Americans, the gentleman was in To the socially incontinent throwbacks bands were forming and creating their Tyrone in a quest to discover his Irish whose views were more reminiscent to own soundtrack to the times. Once roots. those of their grandparents than someagain, Dicey’s was tuned into this and While chatting to the bar staff he one at the cigarette butt to the 20th censoon expanded the platform to the new informed them that his late-grandson tury Dicey’s was the “weirdo bar” where up and coming bands across the country. was a musician, so he wanted to call people with funny clothes and funny hair went. “Cut your hair, sar,” would Before they became staples of the iconic into a place that would’ve been in tune be the scream of fashion critique from a Glasgowbury festival, bands like Mojo with the young man’s tastes and kind of passing car, presumably on its way back Fury, LaFaro, Fighting With Wire and people. The elderly gentleman’s name to 1955. It was a timely reminder of the iconic And So I Watch You From was Leland Cobain, his grandson was what lay elsewhere, and it made Dicey’s Afar all cut their teeth and sharpened Kurt Cobain! As his grandson’s gener-

Frank Turner who performed in Dicey’s twice.

Gerardi2 addresses Diceys.

ation-defining songs played in the background, just as they did most Saturdays, Leland met and spoke to many of the regulars who were more than inspired by the music of Nirvana.

The years would pass and Dicey’s would develop a seasoned and distinctive grime-factor similar to that of New York venue CBGBs. Rock n’roll was never meant for spick and span, but for the sweat, spit and sawdust of venues like Dicey’s. A new batch of Strabane bands and musicians would revel in it, like Paul Tully, Gerard i2, HcBaby, Mr Mills, Zenemy DJz, Gaze Is Ghost, Tokyo Empire, Freak’s, Those Ghosts, White Male Actors and The Valideers.

Refurbishment In recent times it closed its doors for a much needed refurbishment and is due to be open again by Christmas, just in time for the 20th anniversary. The new look won’t betray the seasoned rock hub look of the old place, and to their credit Dicey’s has never betrayed that manifesto it laid down two decades ago.

It could easily become just another nightclub playing the hits of the day.

Everybody knows what draws the biggest crowds these days and it’s understandable that many venues will embrace those sounds and bands; bars are a business after all, and these are competitive times. However, a venue still willing to embrace an alternative in these times, willing to catering for those who don’t identify with what draws the masses, must be admired.

Dicey’s may never draw the numbers that it did in the past; it may never draw the numbers of other venues focusing on other sources of entertainment; but what it will draw is a crowd that cares and believes in what the place is doing.

A venue that draws such a crowd will stay in that crowd’s heart. That Dicey’s continues to do what it does in these times shows a genuine love for music and creativity, both locally and beyond.

Every town in Ireland needs a Dicey’s; Strabane’s one of the lucky ones.

For Kevin – you’ll never walk alone.

The Herald | July 2015 Page 61

Page 6 The Herald | December 2015

Plan For A Stress Free Christmas At Foyleside Shopping Centre!

Christmas is almost upon on us and Foyleside has some amazing offers, ideal for Christmas gifts for you and yours. And with late night opening until 10pm (Monday-Friday), there’s never been a better time to start your Christmas shopping.

With over 50 top stores to choose from including new tenants Mac, Apple and Yankee Candle, you’re guaranteed to find everything you need at Foyleside, all under one roof.

And to make your Christmas shopping experience that little bit easier our friends at Foyleside have some essential planning tips to help you in the run up to the festive season.

Get organised – write lists! Being organised at Christmas is all about making lists. Here are some

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Spreading tasks out lets you focus on festive fun as Christmas gets closer.

• Look at some seasonal recipes for inspiring meal ideas over the holiday. If you’re having guests, try to plan specific suggestions to help you have a stress-free Christmas: menus and make a list of the ingredients you’ll • Write a Christmas card list – check you have the need, saving time and effort over Christmas. right addresses for your friends and family and update • You could even write a list of jobs for the your address book with any changes. And when your rest of the family – sharing tasks will minilist is complete why not check out the fabulous range mise stress even more! Organising tasks in this of festive cards available in Foyleside. way can help by splitting things into bite-sized • Create a list of people to whom you will give a chunks – making Christmas planning a breeze.

Christmas gift. If you know what to buy, make a note • Stay organised – use diaries and calendars. of it. If not, include a price budget for each person. Keeping track of events and managing your Buy suitable gifts when you see them. Shopping like time effectively could cut down on Christmas this might help you avoid panic buying and help you burn out. save money. If you catch the ‘organisation bug’, And to make your shopping experience even stock up on wrapping paper and wrap gifts when you more festive, Foyleside will have local primary buy them. Foyleside has a fabulous collection of gifts school choirs in the centre throughout Decemand wrap for all your present needs so why not pop in ber performing to raise funds for local charities for a closer look. including Save the Children, Children in Cross• Not sure what gift to purchase… then what about a gift card? The Foyleside gift card can be used in all outlets that accept credit cards so offers the flexibility of being used in any of Foyleside’s 50 stores. Just

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The Herald | December The Herald | July 2015

Page 262

Total Telly Christmas Special A look at some of the festive treats on the TV screens this Christmas.

Downton Abbey (ITV)

A double whammy for Downton Abbey fans as this will not just be a Christmas special, it will also be the last hurrah for the period drama after five years on our screens. Will poor old Barrow ever find happiness? Will Anna and Bates have a new arrival? Will Baxter and Molesley finally get together? Will Lady Edith welcome in 1926 with a sense of hope and joy? All will be revealed in a final two-hour instalment.

Doctor Who (BBC One)

cally the re-imagined Holmes is going back to a more familiar Victorian setting for the character.

Thomas Ricoletti’s wife may have died several hours ago, but that hasn’t stopped her re=appearing in her old wedding gown. The Abominable Bride appears to be on a revenge mission and it’s up to Holmes and Watson to unravel this festive mystery.

Doctor Who is now a staple of BBC Christmas Day programming, and this year we find the Doctor hiding from carols and crackers on a remote human colony. Then a call from a crashed spaceship sends him on a super-villain chase across the galaxy. Alex Kingston returns as fellow time traveller River Song, with comedians Greg Davies and Matt Lucas in cameo roles.

Mrs Brown’s Boys (BBC One)

In place of Del Boy and Jim Royle, it appears that the prime-time Christmas throne now belongs to Agnes Brown. This year Brendan O’Carroll is serving up another comedy two-parter. It’s Christmas and we find Agnes determined to have a peaceful holiday but with Buster installing a very odd Christmas tree and a handsome stranger in Foley’s bar who has his eye on her, could a festive romance be on the cards for Agnes?

Fungus the Bogeyman (Sky One)

It wouldn’t be Christmas without Raymond Briggs. There is no doubt that the classic animated Channel 4 hit The Snowman will be getting an airing. However, Briggs’ Fungus the Bogeyman will also air as a four-part series with a cast including Timothy Spall, Victoria Wood Stickman (BBC One) Martin Freeman, Hugh Bonneville, Jennifer and Keeley Hawes. Fungus, wife Mildew and Saunders, Russell Tovey, Rob Brydon and Sally son Mould struggle to fit in with the “drycleaners” (people) of Daventry. “It’s a tale of slimy Hawkins voice Julia monsters, dangerous humans and what happens Donaldson’s hugely when the things that go bump in the night move popular children’s in next door.” It’s said to be “grittier” than The tale of spirited Stick Snowman but with loads of fun elements in the Man’s adventures mix, also. Marc Warren and Joanna Scanlon also across the seasons as feature, and the wonderful Andy Serkis narrates. he tries to get back to the family tree.

It’s all brought to life by Magic Light Pictures, who were behind Donaldson’s Gruffalo and Room on the Broom.

Sherlock (BBC One)

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This festive adaptation of David Walliams’ latest book follows 12-year-old Joe (Elliot Sprakes) who has all the money in the world, due to his dad inventing a new kind of toilet roll.

However, he lacks something money can’t buy: a friend. John Thomson, Catherine Tate, James Fleet and Rebecca Front provide most of the laughs, while Walliams, himself, appears as a dinner lady who can’t cook.

Sound of Music (ITV)

ITV will present a live staging of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical as one of its big Christmas servings.

Mr Selfridge star Kara Tointon steps into Julie Andrews’s shoes as nun turned nanny Maria, while Downton Abbey’s Julian Ovenden plays the irresistible Captain Von Trapp with Pointless’s Alexander Armstrong also in the cast.

Dickensian (BBC One)

Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated shows of the festive season will be the Sherlock special. This one-off sees Holmes and Watson timetravel back to 1895 Baker Street with all its steam trains, hansom cabs and frock-coats. Basi-

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Featuring the likes of Stephen Rea, Pauline Collins and Caroline Quentin, this star-studded mash-up of the works of Charles Dickens sees some of your favourite characters mixing together in a way never before imagined.

Tony Jordan has delivered a most inventive script that shows what could happen when Scrooge, Fagin and Miss Havisham bump into each other.

It all sounds intriguing, although some Dickens purists may frown. We’ll wait and see if it flies, or crashes and burns.

Check out your TV Guides for times/dates.

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The The Herald Herald || December July 2015 2015

Page Page633

Marie Gallagher’s 50th birthday at the Fir Trees Hotel with family & friends

Marie celebrating her 50th Birthday at the Fir Trees Hotel with family, Eugena, Barry, Yolanda, Eamon, Eugene and Betty.

Marie with Yolanda and Eamon.

Marie with Godfather Pat McColgan.

Marie celebrating with the staff of Supervalu.

Marie with husband Nicky, and kids Broccan and Cliodhuc.

Marie with God children Zoe, Darragh and ChĂŠ.

Marie with friend Helen.

Pat and wife Betty enjoying the party.

Eugena and family enjoying the party.

Marie with her nephews and nieces.

The Herald | December 2015 Page 3

Page 64 The Herald | July 2015

SION SWIFTS F.C. CHILDRENS AWARDS NIGHT in association with the Fir Trees Hotel Celebrating 27 years of Sion Swifts providing football to all within the local community the Club held another very successful Children’s Presentation Night in the Fir Trees Hotel in November.

A massive crowd of Swifts kids and their family members adorned the Fir Trees who had sponsored all of the awards presented on the night. Club Founder Danny Gallagher commented “We presented almost 200 medals to those kids who turned up on the night and a further 100 awards to individual kids who took part in our mini-tournaments, penalty prize winners, players who had excelled over the past year and Player Development awards.

A Massive thank you to Johnny Kelly and the Fir Trees Hotel for sponsoring every medal and award and the staff for looking after us.

We have had a brilliant year with many highlights including the Club winning the IFA and McDonald’s “Club of the Year”; the Strabane District Council’s People First “Club of the Year”; North-West and N. Ireland Community Coach of the Year; a trip to Barcelona; a very successful Foyle Cup as well as a host of tournaments won across the Province.

The Club and Club Coach Martin Gallagher are up for two awards this week which include the IFA Mc Donald’s “Community Club of the Year” and the “Community Coach of the Year” He continued “Thank you to everyone who turned up to celebrate along with our kids and players. Thanks to Roberta who represented the Fir Trees Hotel for presenting the awards. Thanks to DJ Tommy Forbes who rocked the house, Ciaran Coll captain of the illustrious Finn Harps team for presenting awards. Thanks to Roisin Mc Dermott for organising the Swifts draw on the night, thanks to everyone who sponsored a prize for the draw and thank you to Gary McDermott for the brilliant photos.

Thanks also to our brilliant group of coaches for their unwavering dedication, thanks to committee members and all our volunteers.

Well done and thank you to everyone involved.”

Finn Harps captain Ciaran Coll presents Kyle Mc Carron with the “Most Improved Player” award at 2000 age group.

Representing the Fir Trees Hotel, Roberta presents a “Development Award” to U11 player Freya.

Roberta, Fir Trees Manageress presents Ryan Mc Crea with his “Players Player of the Year” award at 2003 age group.

Roberta, presents a Development Award to U9 player Madison.

Sion Swifts young coaches Paul, Reece and Shearnan along with Club founder Danny.

Fir Trees Hotel Manageress and 2001 team coach Michael present Joshua Dolan with the “Coaches Player of the Year” award.

Fir Trees Hotel Manageress Roberta presents a Development Award to Swits U10 player Rebecca.

Swifts mini-tournament winners born 2009 Harry, Jarlaith and Liam.

Roberta presents a “Development Award” to U9 player Freya.

Representing the Fir Trees Hotel, Roberta presents the “Most Improved Player” award at 2001 age group to Luke McHugh. Also pictured is coach Michael.

Fir Trees Hotel Manageress Roberta presents a Development Award to Swits Cliona Mc Ginley.

Swifts U8 player Ross is happy with his awards.

The The Herald Herald || December July 2015 2015

Page Page65 3

SION SWIFTS F.C. CHILDRENS AWARDS NIGHT in association with the Fir Trees Hotel

Fir Trees Hotel Manageress Roberta presents a Development Award to Swits Zita Harte.

Swifts players aged 12 with their Club medals.

Swifts Little Dribblers winners aged 4 Jayden, Ross and Noah.

Well done to the Swifts 2004 age group. The players are pictured with their coaches Kevin, Ryan and Darren.

Swifts kids aged 5 and 6 show off their medals.

Swifts kids aged 9 and 10 who received a Club medal.

Swifts kids aged 7 and 8 who received a Club medal at the Presentation Night.

Sion Swifts kids aged 3 and 4 years old with their medals.

Swifts kids aged 7 and 8 at the Swifts Presentation Night.

Swifts mini- tournament winners born 2007/06 Ronan, Roman, Ross, Charlie, Gary and Josh.

Swifts kids aged 11 with their Swifts medals.

Swifts Girl's mini-tournament winners Ciarra, Darcy, Aoibheann, Sahara, Ella and Chloe.

Swifts sisters Jenna and Erin.

The Herald | December The Herald | July 2015 2015

Page 266 Page

Christmas Gift guide From McElhinneys

Hi Ladies, Can you believe we are at that time of year again when all the madness of Xmas starts? I love when all the Xmas lights are switched on and you really get in the mood for the festivities ahead, but also we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves when it comes to gifting, so here’s a little helping hand of gifts ideas, from McElhinneys, where there is something for everyone under one roof, no running around from shop to shop (bliss), I’m going to start with...

It List

from McElhinneys Cosmetics Department

Pure Indulgence

Just think, all those late nights and of course over indulging can cause havoc with your body, so the best way to relax is to create a bed-time routine which is great for mind and body with some of these fabulous pampering products : • L’occitaine: this French natural product range just shouts out pamper to me, the gift sets are beautifully presented and the Bath and Body range are amazing to use. My favourite is the Almond Body Oil, this luxurious treatment oil leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. The Verbena Range also smells delicious and not forgetting the men’s range with gift sets starting from only €38, this brand should definitely be on your wish list.

• Green Angel: this is an Irish brand, the bath soaks are something else and leave your bathroom smelling great as well and at only €10, a great stocking filler • This Works: this is a modern natural beauty range, the gift set called Sleep Comes Beauty is must have, it contains a Sleep Plus Pillow Spray, In-Transit Camera Close Up, which is mask, moisturiser and primer in one, and Turbo Balm, if it’s good enough for Victoria Beckham then we want one too.

By Noeleen McGowan

Fragrance For Her

Skin Treats

I know it is tempting to just get straight into bed after your night out and not remove the make-up, but a quick 3 minute job does the trick and just think how your skin will thank you for it the next day, so check out the starter kits from Clinique and a great price too at only €30. As a luxury skin treat, the Sonic Cleansing Brush makes a beautiful gift, so from the girl that loves her skincare, this is a must have gadget.

From Lancome, the skincare packs are great value in Hydrazen, Genifique and Renergie Multilift as you are only paying for the moisturiser and getting a night, eye and serum in travel sizes for free, therefore you have all your skincare needs in one pack, check out Clarins as well for all their giftsets

Estee Lauder Blockbuster

• Bleau De Chanel • Dolce and Gabanna Intenso • 1million by Paco Rabanne • Invictus by Paco Rabanne

L’occitaine Gift Sets

We also have a fab range of six pack shower gels and • 1million by Paco Rabanne, only €48.95 shaving kits-great which are great stocking fillers, or • Invictus by Paco Rabanne only €48.95 • Armani Code by Armani only €48.95 Plus many more big brands at up to 50% off such a bargain, and for her:

The Beauty Junkie

As I am one of these, I love how compact these beauty set can be, no messing about for eye palettes, lipsticks etc. and I think the value you are getting as well and they also come in a beautiful carry vanity case, look at: • Estee Lauder Blockbuster • Lancome Beauty Box • Elizabeth Arden Beauty Kit And Benefit have a great range to suit all budgets

Fragrance For Him

• Flowerbomb giftset RRP €91.00 NOW €79.95 • Armani Si giftset RRP €58.00 NOW €49.95 • Olympia giftset RRP €75.00 NOW €65.95 • Roberto Cavalli 75ml RRP €78.95 NOW €34.95 • Armani She 50ml RRP €56.00 NOW €35.95 So start making your list girls, call in store where our team will assist with all your Xmas shopping.

From Myself and the team, we wish you a very merry

A Spritz of Luxury

Every woman loves to smell good aswell as the men in our lives, what better treat than a beautiful new fragrance. When choosing a fragrance give a little thought to her/his style and personality and our team will help you with the rest whether it’s a classic or the latest new fragrance, what trending big this year is; • Armani Si • Marc Jacobs Decadence • Narcisco Rodriguez • Flower Bomb by Victor and Rolf • Gucci Bamboo • Olympia by Paco Robanne

alternatively we can make up personalised hampers from Loreal with great savings at 30% off the RRP, look out in store for our luxury for less sets at great value;

Christmas Noeleen xxx

L’Occitaine Mens Sets

Elizabeth Arden Beauty Kit

And not forgetting the fragrance for men, big hits for Xmas are; • Boss the Scent • Legacy by Ronaldo

Lancome Genifique Set

Lancome Renergie Set

Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

The Herald | December 2015

Page 67

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Stabane Herald Style Page Dec.indd 1

02/12/2015 10:50:13

The Herald | July 2015 The Herald | December 2015

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Packed To the ‘Gutz’ The Alley Theatre was packed to capacity last month as, after huge demand, the musical ‘Gutz’ returned to the venue for two nights following its massively successful debut in the summer.

From the pen of Strabane songwriter and composer, David Oliver, ‘Gutz’ is a highly charged extravagant parade that focuses on a year living in the feral, unmerciful, yet seductive lair of New York City.

By Michael Ferry The theme of gender inequality in the workplace is central throughout, as Casey Carson (Christina McBeth) moves to the ‘Big Apple’ and begins an internship for Davis Power Inc, one of the biggest

Page 2

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financial players in the City. She is joined by Cole Jackson (Chris McLaughlin), a streetwise, tough young man from Philadelphia; the beautiful razor sharp Angel Martinez (Viki Temple) from Queens and Tyler Brown (Trevor McGarrigle), a well heeled, arrogant son of a rich man from so-called ‘good stock’ in New Haven.

The four begin their internship with the promise that one will be offered a full time position as an associate. Songs such as ‘Chasing Rainbows’, ‘Working in the City’ and ‘Take Just What You Need’ chronicle their journey from initial smalltown America innocence to a weary and ever growing cynicism. We witness a hedonistic life in the fast lane, with the ever changing work/personal relationships between colleagues and lovers becoming increasingly fractured as the year progresses.

Ultimately, the thin veneer of big city egocentrism begins to unravel and all is not always what it seems!

The music and choreography tuned perfectly into the emotions of the plot; be it on the chaotic, alluring city streets, the tribal setting of the work place or the nightlife scene steeped in all types of walks and wild sides. As for the cast, they were more than up to this

most challenging of productions, performing with the boisterous attitude and spark that the show demanded.

‘Gutz’ may have been devised, composed and produced in Strabane, but it more than stands-up to critique and will continue to develop and improve in

Christmas Time

future productions, more of which are on the way.

The show takes itself on the road in 2016, starting with An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny in March and Derry’s Millennium Forum in May. The genie is out of the bottle about ‘Gutz’ now, so snap your tickets up for those shows right away.

The Herald | July 2015

It will soon be Christmas and the rush is on. City and town centres are beautifully decorated and many are panicking to get everything ‘done and dusted’, as it were before the festive.

I tend to take things in a more relaxed manner though, as I found that all the fussing just gets me somewhat stressed, frustrated, even angry on occasion. Therefore I decided some time ago to organise myself somewhat better and start the process early. When I say early I mean very early.

It is usually just a few days after the previous Christmas day when I start shopping for the next Christmas. At this time prices tend to be more reasonable and, as many presents I buy are not perishable, that suits fine. My shopping can include Christmas tree decorations, Christmas cards and the like as they can be really good value at that time. Incidental presents that can be useful at any time will also be considered as I have been known to give out gifts at other times of the year. It can also be a good time to refresh my wardrobe as many things are on offer.

Another thing I usually do is take the opportunity to clear out clothes I have not worn for some time. I simply go through whatever clothes I haven’t worn for a while put them in a black bag and take them to the local charity shop. As my late mother used to say ‘Somebody will be glad of them’.

It can be a great feeling to do a clear out even though sometimes it can be hard to let go. I find I just have to be ruthless whilst picking what clothes to get rid of and what to keep.

My criterion is if I haven’t worn it for at least 6

months, it must go. Once I put it in the bag practiced ever since. It may sound extravathen I can forget about it and get on with fill- gant, however it takes only two pairs of shoes ing the bags with more stuff I don’t need. to make this possible when you think about it.

Shoes on the other hand are very difficult for I just don’t know what has made me want to me to give away. Whatever it is about shoes hold on to my old shoes. Therefore I have I find it very testing to part with them even decided this Christmas time to take the though they may be years old. It seems I can plunge and do a clear out of those as well. I remember how comfortable those old shoes know somebody will be pleased were at a particular time and hoping another with that decision. Perhaps you too can find opportunity will present itself so as I can relive time to do a clear out this Christmas time. It could make someone really happy. Think the experience at a later date or something. about it.

Perhaps it is because I tend to keep my shoes in good condition. In fact I seldom wear the same shoes two days in a row. Something I Merry Christmas everyone read many years ago in an old book and have Tom Herron

The Herald | December 2015

Page 69

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Strabane Athletic youngsters with Daniel McBrearty Barbering & Male grooming who sponsored footballs for the club.

Football continues on Saturday morning for Strabane Athletic’s Under 7s and Under 9s. 10am at Melvin Hall, new players very welcome.

Tel: (028) 71 883540 Fax: (028) 71 882327 After Hours: 07778 786 138 We at Building Management Services would like to wish all our customers a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New year.

JC Barbers of Bridge Street Strabane who sponsored footballs for the Youth teams and the Strabane Athletic U9’s (right)

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The Herald | DecemberPage 20153

Page 70 The Herald | July 2015

Owen Roe O’Neill’s GAC Leckpatrick Annual Youth Award Night Special guests at the Owen Roe O’Neill’s Youth Awards night were Clann na nGael and Tyrone Ladies player Angeline Mc Shane and Owen Roe’s and Tyrone player, Cathal Mc Shane

The Herald | December 2015

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The Herald | December 2015

Page 72

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