Herald March 2015 Easter Edition by Neil Murray

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THIS MONTH

£15 OFF CONTACT LENSES OFFER VALID UNTIL 25/04/15 *Offer Applies to Your First 3 Months

Great Offer for April 2015

Fantastic contact lens offer at D. McGovern Opticians Contact lenses offer you the freedom to see clearly and enjoy life the way you want, free from glasses. You may be surprised at how comfortable, convenient and affordable contact lenses can be. Daily disposable lenses are ideal if you want the convenience and no hassle contact lenses, no cleaning is required just wear and dispose. You can wear them when you want, so you can choose today my glasses and tonight my lenses. This is ideal for occasional wear or when you are playing sports. They are real simple to use. They are now available in multifocal and astigmatism, new advanced daily disposables make them comfortable even for those who have previously failed to wear them successfully. Monthly disposable Air Optix lenses are great for healthy, natural feeling and comfort all day long. Air Optix lets up to 5 times more oxygen through the lens than traditional soft contact lenses for whiter healthy-looking eyes. Air Optix’s unique lens material helps retain moisture which helps prevent the lenses from drying out, so lenses feel comfortable all day long.

‘I often get asked who can wear contact lenses?’ Says Donal McGovern Optometrist at D McGovern Opticians Strabane. ‘With the recent advances in contact lenses most people can wear lenses no matter what age you are. Most people’s prescription can be fitted with lenses even those with strong glasses or astigmatism. And with summer on the way it gives people great freedom to wear designer sunspecs and take part in sport.’

They are available for short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. They are now also available in multifocal as an alternative to reading glasses.

Call in this month at D McGovern Opticians 20 Castle St Strabane Tel: (048) 71882506 and get £15 OFF your first 3 months contact lenses offer valid until 25/04/15.

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Coaching in ‘The Windy City’ For the next few months, Chicago is quite literally “sweet home” for Strabane soccer coach, Paul Connolly. The 20 year old received a contract to work with Challenger Sports Soccer to coach in universities and for teams in and around Chicago. In the summer he will also travel to Calgary in Canada to coach and then return to Chicago in the autumn.

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Paul, who already has coaching experience in Colorado, is delighted to be gaining new experience in his coaching career. “I’m over the moon,” he told the ‘Herald’. “I had best time of my life last year in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Paul is pictured far right. I can’t wait now for this new adventure.” bane AYE Project. Recently, I was doing some voluntary coaching with Strabane Athletic, as well.” Paul has been involved in coaching for two and a half In a country where baseball, American football and basketyears. He did a course in Holy ball are the most popular sporting disciplines, Paul believes Cross College in conjunction that soccer is finally starting to take hold in the USA. with the multi-award winning David Campbell Soccer. “That “It is growing so much over there, especially with USA doing lasted two years and got me so well in the World Cup last summer. I was in Colorado my qualifications. But since during the World Cup and there was a major buzz about the Colorado I have secured place. Everyone was soccer fans and I think it can only grow my IFA coaching Level One, now. So it’s not a bad place to be coaching at the minute,” which was funded by the Stra- he explained.

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The Herald March 2015 Page 5

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Mount Errigal Hotel to host Sing-a-long-a Frozen Tour The Mount Errigal Hotel Letterkenny is proud to host Sing-a-long-a Frozen on Tuesday December 29th as part of a national tour. It the first time the show tour and management are delighted that the mount Errigal is only one of three venues that will host Sing-a-long-a Frozen, when the unique, interactive screening of the worldwide phenomenon Frozen rolls into town as part of a nationwide UK tour. Singalonga Productions are delighted to announce that Disney’s Frozen is the new Singalonga must see! A screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along with Elsa and Anna. The evening is introduced by a live host who will show you how to use your interactive prop bag and then just sit back and ‘Let it Go’! YOU the audience can be the stars! Remember to dress up as your favourite character and be a Snow Queen for the day or Olaf the snowman, the coolest iceman ever! Disney’s Frozen has taken the world by “snowstorm” and has become the biggest animated film in the world and fifth biggest film of all time. In this heart-warming tale, fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey, teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven, to find her sister Elsa whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering

Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The Academy Award winning song “Let it Go”, which has now sold over 250,000 copies in the UK, will feature as part of Sing-a-long-a-Frozen, along with the rest of the platinum certiﬁed soundtrack making this sing-a-long one not to be missed. Sooooo ‘do you wanna build a snowman…..?’

Tour Date Sing-a-long-a Frozen 12 noon at The Mount Errigal hotel Letterkenny ) on Tuesday 29th December 2015, Tickets Now On Sale (00353 (0) 7491 22700) Family B&B €100 per night Family Ticket, 2 adults & 2 kids €65 + €5 booking fee. Adults €18.50 + €1.50 booking fee Children €18.50 + €1.50 booking fee Frozen is a PG certiﬁcate ﬁlm but the age recommendation for Sing-a-long-a Frozen is 5+ years as younger ones may not be able to fully participate. Running time: 2 hours 40 minutes including interval.

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The Herald March 2015 Page 7

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Award Winning Show coming to the Alley Theatre

‘AUDITIONS, ZOE’S AUDITIONS’ Described in the US as Ireland’s answer to Lucille Ball, writer, actor and comedian Suzanna Geraghty is coming to play the Alley Theatre in Strabane with her award winning solo comedy “Auditions Zoe Auditions” after huge success in the US. In America this uplifting comedy sold out, received standing ovations, and was chosen as the Audience Favorite out of 77 solo shows from 11 countries at the world’s largest solo theatre festival. The festival is called the United Solo and is held in Theatre Row on 42nd Street in New York. In 2015, “Auditions Zoe’s Auditions” has been invited back to New York to feature in the Encore Group of Outstanding Award Winners at the United Solo. Before going back to the New York stage Suzanna returns to Northern Ireland following a sell out at the Market Place Theatre Armagh and a standing ovation at the Playhouse in Derry/Londonderry. Suzanna is thrilled to be back. She said: “I love Northern Ireland. The people are friendly, goodhearted and have a cracking great sense of humour. The show is an amazing tour de force with Suzanna as Zoe memorably performing the plot of Wuthering Heights in a breakneck two minutes of whirlwind comedy. “Auditions Zoe’s Auditions” features a lovable underdog Zoe, a backstage worker who dreams of landing an acting job. Her overthe-hill agent, sends her on a spree

of inappropriate auditions ranging from “Riverdance” to “Spiderman” to being shot out of cannon for a touring circus. As she gets further and further from her dream job, Zoe might just be getting closer to herself and to the roots of happiness… It’s a heart-warming, comically uplifting tale of self-realization. The core message of the piece is,

the importance of being true to oneself. “Be yourself, everyone else is taken,” quote Oscar Wilde and the Ghost of Zoe’s Past. The show is also suitable to children 9 years and up. Suzanna was herself the archetypal struggling actor in New York. Her dream was to write a comedy of her own but being dyslexic she believed it impossible for her to do so. Then one day a book fell down from a shelf and hit her in the nose- a book that was to change the course of her life and make possible her dream. Suzanna recounts what happened, “I was leaning a little too heavily on a bookshelf in a New York Library. A hardcover book fell down and hit me on the nose. It was so sore; I went to kick the book but missed and instead kicked the bookshelf and broke my little toe!! While rolling around the library floor in agony, muttering curses at the book, I finally opened it and began to cry. “I was crying not because of the pain but because the book gave me hope.” The book, ‘The Moving Body’ by Jacques Lecoq, described his improvisational methods for actors to create theatre, taught at his school in Paris. “With new found hope, a sore nose and a broken little toe, I hobbled home, sold the refrigerator and bought a ticket for Paris!” The shows plays at the Alley Theatre on the 24th April and will be captioned for the heard of hearing.

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Sinn Féin candidates Declan McAleer, Grace McDermott, Michaela Boyle and Barry McElduff.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin this month announced their candidates for next year’s assembly election. The announcement was made at the official launch of Pat Doherty’s Westminster campaign launch in Omagh on last week. The Sinn Féin candidates include current MLA’s Michaela Boyle, Barry McElduff, Declan McAleer and new to the ticket is Castlederg woman Grace McDermott. Speaking after the announcement Grace McDermott said,

“I’m honoured to join Michaela, Barry and Declan on the Sinn Féin ticket for next year’s assembly election. “It’s extremely heartening to be joining such a strong team and I’m especially excited by the challenge of going for a fourth Sinn Féin seat in West Tyrone. “Sinn Féin are running a 2 election strategy and have ensured our preparations for the coming electoral battles are well advanced. “We are determined and focussed to re-electing Pat Doherty this May and building on this success by working extremely hard over the next year to win the 4 seats in West Tyrone.”

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The Herald March 2015 Page 9

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Destination Guide to Costa Daurada, Spain Whether Spain’s ‘golden coast’, the Costa Daurada (or Dorada), gets its name from the honey colour of its beaches, or the tourism gold rush that they inspired, depends on your perspective. This strip of coastline to the southwest of Barcelona is home to one of Catalunya’s most intense tourist developments, the mega-resort of Salou.

This costa undoubtedly offers all the tourist infrastructure you will ever need, and is particularly good for families with young children. To get a flavour of Spain, you will have to explore further afield - luckily the Costa Daurada has 100 miles of coast offering many opportunities to step away from the sunlounger and into Spain-proper. Pretty towns such as Sitges and Tarragona, the rugged Sierra de Prades, the cava-producing region of Penedes and medieval monasteries a short drive inland offer a reminder of the region’s rich heritage, far from the modern distortions of English theme pubs, sprawling caravan parks and faceless concrete hotel blocks. Salou is the Costa Daurada’s biggest and brashest holiday resort, a metropolis of hotels and apartments that heaves with tourists in the summer season. Nearby Cambrils offers a smaller and less overpowering experience - Spanish character and a working fishing industry offset the tourist frenzy to a certain extent. Further down the coast are the low-key villages of L’Ametlla de Mar and L’Ampolla, both of which have sandy beaches that generally manage to avoid being com-

held at Christmas and Halloween. You can buy day passes or period passes to Port Aventura, and Salou or Cambrils make the best bases for a visit. Or, if you’re keen for a full-immersion experience, you can always stay in one of three on-site hotels.

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pletely swamped. The Costa Daurada’s pretty towns make great days out - particularly Sitges, with its postcard-perfect clutch of white houses and narrow lanes that provide a shady promenade out of the scorching Spanish summer sun. The town is fringed by long sandy beaches, and ﬁlled with arts and crafts shops - make sure you visit the eclectic museum dedicated to the 19th century painter Santiago Rusi–ol, who had his summer home here. Tarragona, towering above the sea, is a handsome town with a beautiful Gothic cathedral and numerous Roman remains, including a circus, forum and amphitheatre, while medieval Altafulla is beautifully preserved and boasts an impressive castle that is ﬂoodlit at night. For families The Costa Daurada’s biggest family draw is the giant Port Aventura theme park, just outside Salou, with restaurants, rides, shows and attractions in different themed ‘lands’ including the Far West and Polynesia. There is also a large waterpark and special events are

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The Herald March 2015 Page 13

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Page 14 March 2015 The Herald

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CFC Interiors Celebrate 40 Years in Business

ocal business CFC Interiors are about to celebrate 40 years in business with a massive Birthday Sale. CFC Interiors premier suppliers will be offering one off discounts for a limited period, starting Easter Tuesday. Everything will be discounted from flooring to beds, sofas, fabrics and giftware. There will also be the launch of Brand New Ranges and their Garden Furniture and BBQ Department will open. CFC Interiors (then Cookstown Furniture Centre) was opened in 1975 in a 1,000 sq ft building, by Arlene and Norman Wilson. Arlene and Norman were both from farming backgrounds, Norman was a Pig Farmer from Auchnacloy. In 1975 Woodland Products, who are now called Gola, were Cookstown Furniture Centres main supplier and specialised in hard furniture. It was not long until CFC were expanding into other markets and started to sell carpets and then beds, all at the request of their customers. CFC in fact became Ulster Carpet Mills biggest Northern Irish customer within a few years. On 12th July 1984 CFC suffered a major set back when their premises were completely destroyed by a bomb, the ﬁre blazed for 3 weeks! After 2 weeks CFC moved to James Street until the following

September to offer a service to their existing customers. In September 1985 CFC re-opened on its original site with a newly built extended premises. CFC opened in Waterside L’Derry in 1992 and then moved to their current location in Campsie in 1999. The latest edition is CFC Interiors Belfast, situated close to the Abbey Centre which opened 5 years ago on Easter Monday! Expansion has seen CFC change from a 1,000 sq ft showroom to a combined showroom space of 100,000 sq ft specializing in 9 different areas of home furnishings. (Beds, Bedroom Furniture, Giftware, Flooring, Stock Fabric, Interior Design, Upholstery, Occasional Furniture and Garden Furniture). In the past year CFC has won Wedding List Provider of the Year for N.Ireland as well as Retailer of the Year for Mid Ulster. CFC is still a family business with all of the Wilson Family involved.

Birthday Celebrations During their birthday celebrations, 7th April - 4th May, CFC Cookstown will have a 1975 room display to show you how times have changed, you will also be able to listen to our 70's music collection as you browse our latest collections and avail of our celebratory offers. One lucky person will also win a £1500 Silentnight bed at our 1975 price of £33! (No purchase necessary)

Managing Director and owner of CFC Interiors Norman Wilson (seated second left) pictured with his family who are about to celebrate 40 years in business this year. CFC Interiors have stores in Cookstown, Campsie and Newtownabbey. Pictured below is an advert from the early days when CFC Interiors was known as Cookstown Furniture Centre

All offers are open to our 3 branches, Cookstown, Campsie and Newtownabbey (who are also celebrating their 5th birthday!). Many of our offers can be seen on www.cfcinteriors.com under CFC Interiors 40th Anniversary Sale.

The ﬁrst advert nearly 40 years ago for Cookstown Furniture Centre which would later become CFC Interiors.

Norman Wilson, “I would like to thank all of our customers (and staff, current and previous) for their business and loyalty, without our loyal customers and staff CFC would have never been able to expand and survive until today. The future appears to be bright built on a foundation of hard work, selling good quality products and caring for customers. Please join us during our celebrations and avail of our amazing sale offers.

Strabane Shotokan karate

Strabane Shotokan Karate Grading was held in Dublin with the world JKS chief instructor sensei Kagawa 8th Dan. The following members achieved Simon O Dowd 5th Dan Declan Huston 3rd Dan Rory Mc Fadden 2nd Dan Ethan Corry 1st Dan. A quiz was organised to raise funds for the club’s development and Training program. There is now 6 members of the club representing Ireland in various age groups which is great for the club and indeed the town. The quiz on the night was sponsored by the Strabane Herald and took place at Strabane Golf.

To Advertise 71 419514(NI) or 048 71 419514 (From ROI)

75a Clooney Road, Campsie, BT47 3PA - Tel: 028 7186 0708 9c Longwood Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 9UL - Tel: 028 9085 4374 73 Church Street, Cookstown, BT80 8HT - Tel: 028 8676 3319

The Herald March 2015 Page 15

Page 16 March 2015 The Herald

To Advertise 71 419514(NI) or 048 71 419514 (From ROI) Advertising Feature

The eﬀect of acupuncture during Pregnancy/IVF and labour Dr

S h a n g’s

Dr Shang’s Chinese Clinic

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.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture • Massage • Herbs For the following conditions:

7A Castle Street, Strabane

MONDAY WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY Telephone: 028 7188 0988 048 7188 0988 (ROI)

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

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

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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.

Acupuncture is relatively safe, and it improves fertility.

Mrs Siobhan Kelly 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.

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

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

24 Railway St. Strabane Telephone 71 880735 (048 71 880735 From R.O.I)

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The Herald March 2015 Page 17

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The Herald March 2015 Page 19

Page 20 March 2015 The Herald

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Fri 3rd April: 2.30, 4.30, 6.00, 8.00, 10.45 Sat 4th April: 2.30, 4.30, 6.00, 8.00, 10.45 Sun 5th April: 2.30, 4.30, 6.00, 8.00, 10.45

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22nd April @ 6.30pm Avengers Assemble (2012) Captain America 2: The Winter Solider (2014) Avengers: Age of Ultron Autism Friendly Showings 4th April – Spongebob 18th April - Home

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The Herald March 2015 Page 21

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Revolutionary medical pen now available in Strabane!

Cyro Pen has Arrived at Aura Wellbeing & Beauty Beauty!

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Cryo Pen Now Available! The Cyro Pen is the revolutionary medical pen that is now available to the beauty industry. And this new treatment is now available at Aura Wellbeing & Beauty, 1 Park Road, Strabane.

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Acne Improvement

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The Herald March 2015 Page 23

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WHERE TO FIND US Family Fun Day will be located in the overspill car park behind TK Maxx

Page 24 March 2015 The Herald

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‘Quality art is good for a nation’s health’

Strabane Athletic says Thanks!

Over nine nights at the Alley Theatre, audiences were recently entertained by drama groups from up and down the country at the 29th Strabane Drama Festival. Along with the plays they were also treated to the thorough and always engaging nightly assessment of the presentations by the festival adjudicator, Mr Michael Poyner. During his stay in Strabane, the ‘Herald’ decided to meet with him to discuss the future for the arts in the country, particularly in light of the funding cuts across seemingly every sector. Michael was General Manager of the Belfast Festival at Queen’s and Head of Culture and Arts at Queen’s University. Obviously we were interested in what he had to say given the recent announcement that Queen’s University has decided not to continue funding the Belfast Festival at Queen’s. “We don’t know exactly what “pulling out of it” means just yet,” he said. “We’ll know more when the major stakeholders meet. Queen’s were responsible for 13% of the funding, so they’re going to find that extra 13% in order to sustain it at the level it has been.”

Spending cuts With cuts occurring across all sectors, Michael admits that the arts will simply have to feel the pinch just like everybody else. “Everything is getting cut, not just the arts. Like everything, the arts have to knuckle down and take some pain. The sad thing is that the arts received proportionally lower funding than any other sector, and certainly per capita when compared to England, Scotland and Wales. Therefore the arts in Northern Ireland gets particularly hard hit when there’s

ronment that doesn’t have any art or any design it will be dreadful.” He continued, “Quality art is good for a nation’s health. Any artistic involvement is good for the soul, as in one’s internal peace of mind. It’s good for us. That’s been proven time and time again. Unfortunately, those parts of our society that tend to divorce themselves John Roulston (pictured) and the ofﬁcials of Strabane Athletic F.C. would like to take this from the arts, or not avail themselves opportunity to thank two recent sponsors, B. McNamee & Solar Blinds Systems for their of the arts are the ones who show valued support of the club and to all other sponsors who continue to support our local club. the greatest problems in assimilating themselves into society and have the Mr Michael Poyner highest levels of aggression. Whereas an extra cut because we’re already those who avail themselves more of marching below everyone else and the arts seem to have less of that.” now even more so,” he explained. The creative spaces are there across If there is an indifference to the fate the country and Michael, who has of the arts generally, Michael believes adjudicated at the Strabane Drama that it is vital not to underestimate the Festival previously when it was held in value that they can bring to our daily St Patrick’s Hall was very impressed lives. “I don’t think people consider by his first visit to the town’s Alley Thewhat the arts do for their life and how atre. “It’s a lovely little theatre and from an audience’s perspective it’s fantasthey influence their life. tic. A number of the plays over the Everything is about design, buildings, course of the festival have made good shape and sculpture. It’s not just about use of the technical facilities that are art as theatre. Art is everywhere you available, and it simply shouts quality,” look and if we want to live in an envi- he enthused.

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The Herald March 2015 Page 25

T: 074 91 49105 / 074 91 49183 E: sales@mccrearys.ie

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The Herald March 2015 Page 27

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Page 28 March 2015 The Herald

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Local Artist’s Exhibition Now on Display in the Alley A new exhibition by a local artist is currently on display in the gallery space of the Alley Theatre in Strabane. ‘Indoor Adventures’ by Danny McCay will be on display until April 17. A concept that is constantly recurrent in Danny’s work is a balance of past, present and future. He is a strong believer in living in the now, although comforted by nostalgia and driven by a foresight into the future. Producing a body of work that depicts his recurring

BMN C

Danny McCay (second right) pictured with friends and local art connoisseurs.

concept may only be conceivable to him which he is ok with. The idea that something personal to him could be interpreted differently by an outside party and in turn relate to them in an entirely alternative way is by far more interesting. It’s a play on imagination, organic and inorganic materials inter twined a topic he frequently revisits.

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The Herald March 2015 Page 29

6 ROOMS - 2 FLOORS 1 SUPER VENUE

GRAND OPENING EASTER SATURDAY O4 APRIL 2015

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Page 30 March 2015 The Herald

To Advertise 71 419514(NI) or 048 71 419514 (From ROI)

g r e r e u t D rni

s t e arp

get free your quo toda te y

u F d an

e n aba

r t S -

Knock Roe Industrial Estate 17 Orchard Road Strabane Tel: 028 71 885694

Castlederg Tel: 028 81 679567

LIVE FAMILY SHOW

Sat 4th & Sun 5th April Box Office: 71 264455 www.millenniumforum.co.uk

Lifford Great Northern Link Orchard Road We are here

Sion Mills

The Dinosaurs are coming to the Millennium Forum!

Jurassic Adventures is a brand new production set on a magical island where anything might happen. Featuring a brave cast of amazing actors, a great fun script, superb scenery and of course, DINOSAURS, this fun family show arrives at the Millennium Forum on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April. Get transported to a prehistoric place full of fun, thrills and screams, be amazed and awed by the birth of a baby Dinosaur, but beware of the T. REX

mother who wants her egg back! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss a great show for all the family this Easter when Jurassic Adventures plays at the Millennium Forum on Saturday the 4th & Easter Sunday 5th April 2015. Tickets are now available from the Box Office. Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum. co.uk for bookings.

To Advertise 71 419514(NI) or 048 71 419514 (From ROI)

The Herald March 2015 Page 31

To view more of our special offers visit us at

www.watsonhire.ie HOME, HIRE & HARDWARE Lisnenan Letterkenny T: 00353 74 9167777 Drumlonagher Donegal Town T: 00353 74 9742222 GREAT DEAL - TUFF STUFF TROUSERS

21" MOWER WITH HONDA ENGINE Mountfield HW535 21" Self drive mower with honda engine, steel deck. Single point 6-stage height adjustment giving cuts from 25-90mm. Collection only with 60 litre grass collector.

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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Page 32 March 2015 The Herald

To Advertise 71 419514(NI) or 048 71 419514 (From ROI)

149a Melmount Road, Sion Mills Strabane, County Tyrone

Telephone: 028 816 59210 Mobile: 07771 792153 Web: www.ronan.co Email: info@ronan.co

Mill Park Art Road Artigarvan 3 Bed •Type B

Glenview

3 Turnkey Properties

Downstairs WC Bitmac Driveway Garden to rear of property 978 sq ft

FINAL PHASE Now on Release!

76 Belldoo, Strabane

For Sale

EPC - TBC

27 Butcher Street, Strabane

EPC– F24

26 Laurel Drive, Strabane

£104,950 • 3 Bed Detached Home • Dual Heating System • Garden to Front and Rear • Close to Local Amenities

Chetwynde - 8 Strabane Road, Castlederg

For Sale

EPC - E47

106 Belldoo, Strabane

Development GLEN ROAD, STRABANE

4 bed detached homes, 3 bed detached and semi detached homes

EPC - E52

EPC - TBC

New

Manor

For Sale

Price: £87,500

For Sale

53 Glenside, Strabane

£104,950 • 3 bed detached bungalow • Residential Area • Dual Heating • Garage

For Sale

EPC - F21

19 Dublin Road, Strabane

EPC- D55

Oﬀers Over:£190,000 • Four Bedroom, Three Reception, Detached House • Double Garage • Nine Stables with Several Small Outbuildings • Four Acres of Surrounding Land • Private Driveway

For Sale

66 Camus Road, Douglas Bridge

For Sale

EPC – D64

27 Breenvale, Victoria Bridge

• 3 Bedroom Detached House • Double Glazing Windows • Open Fire With Back Boiler • Garden To Front and Rear

For Sale

• Licensed Bar & Restaurant • Large Open Fire • Car Parking Facility • Upstairs Storage Area

For Sale

BER- C2

58 St Jude’s Court, Liﬀord

EPC - D55

54 Laurel Drive, Strabane

£79,950

POA

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EPC - TBC

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• 3 Bed Semi Detached Bungalow With Garage • Dual Heating System • Ideal Investment or First Time Buyer Property

For Sale

EPC - D57

58 Fountain Street, Strabane

POA £82,500

£60,000

• Commercial Unit • Three Storey • Can be Subdivided to Suit Buyer • Located in Strabane Town Centre

• 3 Bedroom House with Retail Unit • Dual Heating • Oﬀ Street Parking • Good Investment Potential

€149,000 Fixed Price:£74,950 • 3 bed semi detached property • Downstairs WC • OFCH

• 4 Bedroom Detached Home with Garage • 2 Reception Rooms • Gardens to Front and Rear • Viewing is Highly Recommended

4 Castle Brae, Newtownstewart, 3 Bed House, £90 p/w 88 Springhill Park, Strabane, 3 Bed House, £90 p/w plus rates 8 New Street, Sion Mills, 2 Bed Bungalow, £95 p/w 4 Patrick Street, Strabane, 3 Bedroom House, £115 p/w 8 Patrick Street, Strabane, 2 Bedroom Apartment, £100 p/w

For Sale

EPC - B81

49 Woodend Meadow, Ballymagorry

PROPERTY TO LET Residential Rentals

• 3 Bedroom Detached House • 2 Reception Rooms • Detached Garage • Finished to a very high standard throughout.

46 St Jude’s Court, Lifford, 3 Bed House, €140 p/w Cavan Hill, Rossgier, 4 Bedroom House, €150 p/w

Commercial Rentals Unit at Orchard Road Industrial Estate, 2,500 Sq Ft, £172 p/w exc rates 6B Ballycolman Avenue, Ideal for Beauty Salon, £70 p/w inc rates Unit at Railway Street, Strabane, 350 Sq Ft, £70 p/w exc rates

£95,000 • 3 Bed Semi-Detached House • OFCH • Full Turnkey Finish • Garden to Rear

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The Herald March 2015 Page 33

BOOK NOW AT THE ALLEY THEATRE

Box Office on 028 71 384444 OR Online at www.alley-theatre.com

www.facebook.com/thealleytheatre

SPRING AT THE ALLEY Black Air Theatre Company presents:

Jack

Saturday 11th April at 2pm. Tkts: £5

Poetry Open Mic Night Alley Bar, Friday 17th April at 8pm. Tkts: £3

The Elves and the Shoemaker Tuesday 28th April at 7pm Tkts: £4 Family of Four: £12 Ballet Ireland presents:

Réalta

Saturday 18th April at 8pm. Tkts: £8

Auditions, Zoe ’s Auditions

Friday 24th April at 8pm. Tkts: £9, £7 (con)

The Brass Band League Championship Saturday 25th April from 10am – 6pm Tkts: £3 morn/aft £5 all day

y l i am ent

Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre presents:

Tutus & Beyond

Sunday 3rd May at 8pm. Tkts: £10, £8 (con)

Legends of American Country Thursday 7th May at 8pm. Tkts: £13.50 An Grianán Theatre presents:

Frank Pig Says Hello by Patrick McCabe Friday 15th May at 8pm. Tkts: £10

TOP ENTERTAINMENT IN

Fntertainm E

Page 34 March 2015 The Herald

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Strabane District Council

Spring Campaign As the clocks spring forward much preparation for the Spring and Easter period is ongoing across the Strabane District. Strabane District Council and the local businesses have been planning a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities for family enjoyment.

Arts & Culture

The Alley Arts & Conference Centre

Strabane is the base for an award-winning arts and cultural theatre that hosts internationally acclaimed artists, while nurturing local talent with its traditional roots in music, culture and the arts. Offering high quality entertainment, arts development and conference facilities.

Children and Family Entertainment

‘Realta’

Black Air Theatre Company presents

Saturday 18th April at 8.00pm | Tickets £8

‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ Saturday 11th April at 2.00pm | Tickets £5

‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’

Music & Dance Big Telly Theatre Company presents

‘One Sandwich Short of a Genius’ Sunday 29th March at 8.00pm | Tickets £8

‘The Brass Band League Spring Festival’ Saturday 25th April 10.00 am to 6.00pm

Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre presents Tuesday 28th April at 7.00pm Tickets £4 | Family of 4 - £12

Music

T. 02871 384444 Book Online www.alley-theatre.com

Auditions ‘Zoe’s Auditions’

Friday 24th April at 8.00pm Tickets £9 | £7 Concession

‘Legends of American Country’

Thursday 7th May at 8.00pm | Tickets £13.50

Ballet Ireland presents ‘Tutus and Beyond’ Sunday 3rd May at 8.00pm | Tickets £10 | £8 Concession

Heritage & Museums

Gray Printers Museum A treasure trove of history that tells the indelible story of ink, galleys, presses and emigration in the 18th century. Behind the 18th century shop front visitors can step back in time and hear the story of printing in what was then the leading print town in Ulster.

Gray Printers Museum will be open every Saturday from 4th April through to 26th September from 12.00 until 3.00pm. Contact: Ronan Gorman 07919110267 | grays@nationaltrust.org.uk

Sion Stables Sion Stables is a newly refurbished local heritage treasure that is now offering a café and restaurant facility. Open from 9.00am for breakfast through to the evening when a full restaurant service is then available until 9.30pm. The Stables offers a unique museum / exhibition space which is open alongside the restaurant and boasts a distinctive craft shop that will be open over the Easter weekend.

Tea Room

Sion Stables is currently developing a new interactive multi-media app Heritage Trail of the Village that will tell the story of Sion Mills over the last 170 years. This will be accompanied by 4 interpretative panels strategically placed at key points in the village. The App will be available for you to explore Sion Mills at the end of April.

For further details contact: www.sionstables.com Museum

Strabane in Spring

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The Herald March 2015 Page 35

Strabane District Council

Spring Campaign Health & Leisure The days will soon be getting brighter and you will start to spend more time outdoors whether this is by simply renewing those New Year Resolutions about getting more active and if so why not enrol at the local leisure centres or explore the various walks and trails across the beautiful Sperrins, hill walking through Goles and Killeter Forest, Bessie Bell Mountain and Baronscourt, hopefully seeing the wildlife Killeter Forest has 30km of walking trails including 4 waymarked walking trails that vary in length from 3km to 12km. The trails follow forest roads, river bank paths and narrow country roads that all give access to one of the largest forests in Ireland. In key areas of interest a number of information panels have been installed that unravel the story of Killeter Forest, its habitats and notable wildlife. The Central Sperrins Scenic Driving Route is approximately 90 miles and is packed with views and lovely towns which could keep the visitor busy for at least half a day. If you wanted to enjoy all of the available walks and trails, you could keep

Sperrins

Angling

angling rivers in Europe, with most of the district’s rivers designated special areas of conservation. The District also has picturesque walking and cycling routes, two high quality golf courses, Strabane and Newtownstewart and is steeped in historical and archaeological interest. Killeter Forest

Get Out, Get Active, Get Fit!

SHOP LOCAL!

Strabane Lifford Half Marathon

A major sporting event the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon and 5K Leisure Run/Walk is taking place on Sunday 26th April. 5K Leisure Walk/Run at 11.00 am and Half Marathon at 12.00 noon. This promises to offer for a fun

Perhaps the Spring season simply means you are getting the up the garden then why not visit your local garden centre. Orders are now being taken for hanging baskets and window boxes with a large selection of trees, shrubs and vegetables available.

Strabane Lifford Half Marathon

NEW CryoSpa at Melvin Sports Complex

Strabane Leisure Services have just recently added a CryoSpa to the range of well-being/sporting facilities available at the Melvin Sports Complex. The CyroSpa uses ice cold water Immersion which has been proven to aid fatigue recovery post match in order to boost physical performance, to aid symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and help prevent sports injuries.

Strabane boasts a mix of Independent retailers alongside many high street names. Don’t forget to check out local shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, many offers available. Sample a wide range of local produce including hand-made crafts and gifts.

The equipment will aid the recovery and prevent injury to people participating across a wide range of sports. This is available by appointment only contact 02871 382660 for further information.

Easter Activities across the Strabane District Melvin Sports Complex

Melvin Sports Complex is hosting an Easter Activity day on Good Friday 3rd April from 12.00 to 2.00pm. Activities on offer will include Bunny Hunt, bouncy castles, face painting, disco, mini sport and soft play area. £2.00 per child or £5.00 for 3 or more children. Contact 02871 382660 for more details.

Friday 3rd April Strabane Town Centre

The Brambles Band will be playing in the Marquee in Abercorn Square from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Providing a wide range of popular music. Face Painting will be available in Gray Printers Museum from 1.00pm until 3.00pm. Also Easter Crafts will be on site such as hand printing. Street Characters will be also be paying the town a visit. Come along and enjoy the fun. You might even catch a glimpse of the Easter bunny.

Saturday 4th April

Castlederg at the Diamond Easter nest will be on display with egg designed by all the local schools. Musical entertainment will be provided by ‘EGGSTRAVAGANZA’ a fusion of all musical cultures in the area including Irish, Ulster Scots, Folk and Country with approximately 30 musicians performing from 2.00pm until 4.00pm. Face painting will be available from 1.00pm until 3.00pm Street Characters will be also be paying the town a visit.

Saturday 4th April

Page 36 March 2015 The Herald

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Doherty’s election campaign launched in Omagh West Tyrone Sinn Féin this week held the official launch of Pat Doherty’s Westminster campaign in Omagh as he seeks re-election on May 7th. Fermanagh & South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew chaired the event alongside Martina Anderson MEP and the main speaker was North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly. Donegal TDs Pearse Doherty and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn were also in attendance to endorse Pat Doherty as the candidate. At the launch the party also announced that they have selected 4 candidates to run in next year’s assembly election. The candidates announced were Barry McElduff, Declan McAleer, Michaela Boyle and Grace McDermott. Speaking after the event West Tyrone Sinn Féin Director of Elections Seán Begley said, “Since ﬁrst being elected as MLA for West Tyrone in 1998 and subsequently elected as MP in 2001, Pat has played a pivotal role in Sinn Fein’s drive to redress historical neglect in west of the Bann, in the North West region and border counties. “A major focus of Pat’s work has been initiating and leading on campaigns such as the A5 road project, the Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin, the Demilitarization of Lisanelly and St Lucia, the development of the Omagh Education Village Campus, the development of Strabane Business Park, progression of the Enhanced Hospital for Omagh, the Three Rivers and Riverine Projects in Strabane and campaigns on rural broadband, mobile phone coverage and issues relating to farming and planning. “Pat Doherty has been a member of Sinn Fein for more than 40 years and has dedicated his life at local, national and international level to furthering the objectives of securing Irish Unity based on equality and justice. He is a strong candidate who will deliver for the people of West Tyrone.” Continuing on local MP Pat Doherty said, “I am delighted to stand again in West Tyrone. It has been an honour to represent the people of this constituency since 1998. “Our Sinn Féin team in the area provides strong representation in West Tyrone and that is evidenced in the electorate of

Pat Doherty (centre) launches his election campaign.

the constituency giving our candidates such a resounding mandate in recent elections. “In the Assembly Election of 2011, Sinn Fein secured 19,699 votes in the constituency electing three MLAs comfortably and we came close to securing a fourth.

“Today we have announced an extremely strong slate of 4 candidates to ﬁght next year’s assembly election. We will be running a 2 election strategy and have ensured our preparations for the coming electoral battles are well advanced. “Building increased political strength will

increase our ability to deliver for West Tyrone and deliver our national objectives. We will be seeking the strongest possible mandate in both elections and our activists are ready to take on this challenge.”

Holy Cross Talent Show @ The Alley Theatre

Winners 1st place Shonagh Forbes (middle) 2nd place Stephen Bradley (left) 3rd place Renz Cardenas (right).

Lauren Moores singing ‘Stay’

Clara McHugh singing ‘Don’t’

Ross Wilders singing ‘The Lazy Song’

Renz Cardenas - To Make You Feel My Love’

Aine Ni Reacnnachain singing ‘All Of Me’

Rily Dolan with her wonderful dance skills

Juno Hasson singing ‘Cannonball’

Connor Devenney singing ‘Cecilia’

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The Herald March 2015 Page 37

PAT DOHERTY WEST TYRONE

Page 38 March 2015 TheTh Herald 4 September 2013 e Herald

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Frankie Connollyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th at Strabane Golf Club

To Advertise 71 419514(NI) or 048 71 419514 (From ROI)

The Herald March 2015 Page 39

Allstate Strabane Part of the Community Allstate NI has locations in Belfast, Derry and Strabane, employing over 2,200 people in Northern Ireland. The Strabane office employs over 500 people providing first class support to our customers on a range of services such as IT software development and 24/7 365 days a year technical support. Allstate Strabane celebrate their 10 Year Anniversary To celebrate this significant milestone, employees at the Orchard Road sites enjoyed a week-long event to celebrate the 10 year anniversary. The event was opened by Jerry Correa, senior leader, visiting from Roanoke, Virginia and Peter Barber, Strabane Area Leader. “It is a fantastic achievement to be celebrating 10 years of Allstate Northern Ireland in Strabane,” Bro McFerran, vice president and managing director of Allstate Northern Ireland said. “Not only have we benefited as a company, but we have brought about much sought after employment to the Strabane economy and have continually encouraged other businesses to do the same. Our Strabane employees are a credit to Allstate NI with their outstanding work ethic and first class customer service, and I thank them for their continued commitment to the company.” The event was addressed by a number of US based senior managers and executes including Carla Zuniga, Senior Vice President of Allstate Operations based in Northbrook, Illinois. Carla reinforced the success of the Allstate facility in Strabane indicating that this wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and professionalism of the workforce and the caliber of people within the Strabane office.

And the award goes to… Retaining their title as Employer of the Year, Allstate was described as ‘….the business that proved a genuine dedication to the development and welfare of their workforce.’ Deirdre Doherty, HR Manager outlined, ’This award is a fantastic accolade for the Strabane site and a direct result of consistent focus on our people strategies: Training and Development, Employee Health and Wellbeing, Employee Engagement and Reward & Recognition and the award was the icing on the cake for our ten year anniversary celebrations.’

In December, Suren Gupta, Executive Vice President, Allstate Technology & Strategic Ventures, announced the winners of this year’s recognition event . The winning recipients from Allstate Northern Ireland received the prize of a trip to two destinations - the top 5 employees are to enjoy a fun-filled adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona and the remaining top 50 employees will spend a romantic break in Paris. The award honours employees who have been most recognized by their peers and leaders throughout the year for the excellent service provided to our customers.

Allstate Northern Ireland is one of the largest employers in Strabane, currently employing over 500 people at the Orchard Road site. Allstate NI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Allstate Corporation, the largest publicly owned personal lines insurer in the US, providing insurance to almost 16 million households. Allstate’s Technology Support Center (ATSC) have been awarded the Help Desk Institute’s (HDI) 2014 Knowledge-Centered Support Award (KCS). The ATSC underwent a rigorous evaluation process alongside its industry competition before being named this year’s winner. Each year, HDI recognizes the individuals, teams and organizations that have most enhanced the image of the support industry by achieving and maintaining the highest standards of excellence in service and support. This was the first year for this award and recognized the fact that the ATSC is a global industry leader in the service desk support.

Allstate are one of 30 organisations across Northern Ireland taking part in the 2015 £ for lb 12 Week Challenge. The aim is for this year’s 35 participants to lose between 12 and 24lbs in 12 weeks through weekly support, advice and weigh-ins. In return the company support the weight loss by matching lbs with £££s for a chosen local charity. The Challenge has also been supported by the on-site Sports & Social Committee who have provided low calorie drinks and snacks on a weekly basis to support the programme participants.

It’s not all work…

Karyn Okon, Allstate Operations Director had high praise for the ATSC team - ‘This was such a great team effort and is a deserving award for the teams hard work and dedication in achieving the tremendous results that have been recognized by our industry!‘

Developing Our People… Developing our employees has been a primary focus within the Strabane operation - retaining talent and promoting employees to higher positions. Throughout 2014, the company promoted 129 employees which included opportunities within IT software development, Team Management and other IT related roles. This coupled with the internal development programmes, ensures that we are committed to developing our people and ensuring that everyone has options for career progression. In partnership with NWIFHE, 12 employees are currently undertaking an Essential Skills Numeracy course under the guidance of our Quality Team Manager, attending classes outside their normal working hours. The initiative is proving an extremely rewarding experience, providing not only a valued qualification to enhance career opportunities within the company, but more importantly increasing confidence, engagement and self-worth. An Essential Skills Literacy course is also planned for the coming weeks. In addition, for the past 18months, 3 employees have been participating in our ICT Higher Level Apprenticeship Programme – an initiative which has been fully funded by the Department for Employment and Learning. The programme has been developed in conjunction with Microsoft and local employers and provides participants with the opportunity to achieve a number of accredited qualifications. This programme is designed to equip participants for a range of critical, high-demand I.T.

Search for AllstateNI on: Strabane Herald_2015.indd 1

roles including Software and Web Developer, Desktop Support, Infrastructure Support, Server Support and Cloud Developer. The programme, delivered in Belfast, requires participants to attend 25 days directed training each year, whilst remaining in employment with Allstate.

The onsite Sports and Social Committee continues to go from strength to strength, with 392 of Strabane’s employee base currently members. The onsite committee, made up of representatives across all business areas have responsibility for organizing a varied programme of events, with an average two events per month. Recent events have included Golf Outings, Well Being Pamper Days, Family Sunday Lunch, Free Subway, Pizzas, Coffee & Cake, Shopping Vouchers & Cinema Nights, the list was endless. Members can also enjoy subsidised events and days out, a recent highlight being the Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton’s IBF Super Bantamweight World title fight. Other events have included Derby Race Days at Down Royal, fitness sessions, running events & entry to the Chaos Fighting Championships, with the year coming to a close with a free Christmas Draw for all members. The team are busy planning for 2015 and look forward to increasing membership.

Supporting Our Community… As with previous years, Allstate Strabane and its employees have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make a difference in the local community. Local highlights from the previous 12 months include; a Mothers Day Raffle raising over £200 for the Children’s Heartbeat Trust as well as Fathers Day, Valentines Day, Easter and Christmas raffles raising an impressive £1200. All monies raised are presented to the local branch of national charities. Dress Down Days continue throughout the year and have raised a whopping £1600. As the year drew to a close employees’ generosity continued raising over £500 for the Royal Victoria Children’s Hospital & Make a Wish Foundation. In November the annual Halloween Charity Event raised over £300, and to end the year, all staff participated in the Annual Prize Draw which raised over £2000 for local charities. The final total for 2014 was over £7500 and the Committee is looking forwarding to beating this in 2015. Fundraising efforts show no signs of slowing down and ideas are being formed for an exciting year ahead.

www.allstateni.com 25/03/2015 16:59

Page 40 March 2015 The Herald

To Advertise 71 419514(NI) or 048 71 419514 (From ROI)

WE ARE RECRUITING! DO YOU WANT TO JOIN OUR EXCITING

SALES TEAM?

NWRC Strabane: Applications open for September!

We are currently looking for Sales Reps with a minimum of 2 years experience in the media industry. If this sounds like you, drop us an email and we will be in touch!

ads@strabaneherald.co.uk Golf Club Charity Cheque

Success: Lauren Scanlon, Jennifer McManus, and Carol Ann Mullen pictured at the Strabane Campus Early Years Awards Ceremony with lecturers Pam Canning, Donna O’Connor, Paula Harte and Campus Manager Angela McConnell. This is just one of the events NWRC hosts to mark the success of its students each year.

NWRC’s Full-Time Course Guide has now arrived and the College is accepting applications for its range of full-time courses at the Strabane Campus for September 2015.

You can apply online via our new website: www. nwrc.ac.uk for Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Early Years (Training for Success & Diploma courses available), Health & Social Care (including Access), IT/Computing or the Music Technology programmes. Full-time study at the Strabane Campus opens doors for young people, from employment opportunities locally and across the world, to preparing for degree level study with NWRC, or at universities across the country. The practical nature of the courses we deliver equips students with the skills 2014 Captain; Senan Roarty presenting a queue for £1150.50 to the Motor Neurone Disease Society for his Captains charity. and experience employers are looking for, whilst

giving them the knowledge they need to succeed in third level education. Our Hair & Beauty Academy salons are just one example of the realistic working environment provided to prepare trainees for the world of work. The College has invested in new facilities at the campus, including a new Library, Learning Resource Centre, Beauty salons, Hairdressing salons and the Student Union. The facilities match the warm welcome and supportive learning environment created by our dedicated and experienced staff who do so much more than teach - they guide each student to fulfil their potential. And they acknowledge success – we hold regular presentation events for our students to recognise their achievements. The NWRC Careers Team are available for those who need assistance choosing the right course for them – contact careers@nwrc.ac.uk.

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 18 year old up and coming entertainer, Jordan Devine. Where in Strabane did you grow up? I spent most of my life growing up in Carlton Drive.

see his latest movie, ‘Run All Night’, and it was really intriguing and cool to watch.

Favourite kind of music? I listen to loads of music but I really like listening A fond childhood memory? to Westlife, Elvis and Olly Murs. I love watchA fond childhood memory would be singing ing Robbie Williams perform, as he is such in the Holy Cross football pitch. A huge crowd an entertaining inspiration in all elements of gathered round me to ask me to sing. At the time I was known for singing in the classrooms music, also the Script are amazing. I’m really and the corridoors, rocking my Elvis ‘blue suede looking forward to seeing them in Croke Park this June. shoes’! A Favourite holiday destination? I’ve never really been out of Ireland but I would love to see France A favourite ﬁlm and why? My favourite movie of all time would have to be ‘Taken’. It’s an unreal ﬁlm and trilogy. Liam Neeson has really got his way with action movies. He is such a fantastic and epic actor when he pursues his particular set of skills! He can really knock the viewer out with his performance acting. Pure amazement! I went to

Favourite food? My favourite food would have to be a McDonald’s, nothing beats it. An ideal night in ? An ideal night in would be listening to music or watching a movie. An ideal night out? An ideal night out would have to be at a big concert with some really cool band, singer or DJ. I’m honestly not really into partying or drinking. I don’t drink alcohol and I don’t

really go to pubs for a night out. Also going to the cinema would be ideal as I love watching movies. Something you love about Strabane? Something I love about Strabane is the River Mourne as it has always fascinated me. Something about Strabane that you miss? I already miss Xtravision in Strabane, I have to say. Something you’d love to see happen in Strabane in the future? I’d really like to see a festival or more outdoor concerts come to Strabane. There has never really been any Popstars to play in Strabane. Someone who makes you proud to be from Strabane and why? I suppose the people themselves would make me proud. The eﬀort put into the town has always been admired by myself. For updates on Jordan’s upcoming appearances follow him on Twitter- @jordandevine201

Jordan Devine

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‘Game of Thrones’ to Continue After Season Seven? There is potential good news for fans awaiting the return of ‘Game of Thrones’ on Sky Atlantic on Sunday, April13. It has been reported that the show, now on its fifth season, might be sticking around for many more years yet.

Tyrion Lanister

further down the line. The main news now for fans of the show is that season ﬁve has arrived. That will certainly do for now. It starts on Sky Atlantic on April 13 at 9pm.

International Rescue will answer the call once again! The new look CGI animated Thunderbirds!

“We don’t want people to ﬁnally see the end and say, ‘Thank God that’s over’”, co-creator and writer, David Benioff told Entertainment Weekly. “We know basically how many hours are left in this story. We don’t want to add ten hours to that. It’s about ﬁnding that sweet spot so it works for us and for HBO and, most of all, it works for the audience.”

year. With that in mind, many have wondered if HBO would be willing to let such a golden cow go after the initially planned seven seasons. Their programming president Michael Lombardo told Entertainment Weekly:”This is the hard part of what we do. We started this journey with David However, according to a press releases from HBO, (Benioff) and Dan (Weiss). It’s their vision. Would ‘Game of Thrones’ was “the most searched televiI love the show to go 10 years as both a fan and a sion show worldwide on Google and the #1 most network executive? Absolutely.” talked about show on Facebook in the U.S.” last Lombardo added that “an honest conversation that explores all possible avenues” will be necessary. “If they weren’t comfortable going beyond seven seasons, I trust them implicitly and trust that’s the right decision – as horrifying as that is to me. What I’m not going to do is have a show continue past where the creators believe where they feel they’ve ﬁnished with the story.” So, a worthy news story, or an extreme longshot? The current success of ‘Breaking Bad’ spin-off ‘Better Call Saul’ may just make the ‘Game of Thrones’ writers veer even further from the original books. Either way, that’s all

Well, they’ve ﬁnally gone and done it! “Thunderbirds Are Go!” once again in an upcoming TV series made by ITV Studios and Pukeko Pictures, with effects by Weta Workshop. It is a reboot of the original ‘Thunderbirds’ series and will premiere this month. Much of the old series has been recreated here – Tracy Island, the various vehicles, plus threats from villain The Hood – but all have been given a CGI sheen to appeal to the ‘yoof’ of today.The majority of the main characters from the 1960s series will return, including the ﬁve Tracy broth-

ers (Scott, John, Virgil, Gordon, and Alan), Grandma Tracy, Brains, Lady Penelope and her tricked-out Rolls Royce driven by Parker. The main cast includes Rosamund Pike, Thomas Sangster, Rasmus Hardiker, David Menkin, Kayvan Novak, Angel Coulby and David Graham. Happily, Graham will reprise his role as Parker, the chauffeur. Gone will be the dated yet endearing complications of the original series. Instead of puppets, effects will make use of CGI and live action model sets, so not a set of puppet strings in sight! It is sure to make original viewers curious, however we doubt that it will have the same impact for them, as many have a nostalgic affection for the old puppets of their childhood. It will be interesting to see if the series can have an impact on it’s new target audience and lead to a new generation embracing an old franchise just as they did with ‘Doctor Who’. Clearly, ITV have faith, having already picked up the series for a second season consisting of another 26 episodes that will air “over 2016 and 2017”. One thing is for certain: it can’t be any worse than the god awful live action ﬁlm from 2004. What a ﬂop that was! Even Gerry Anderson hated it. ‘Thunderbirds Are Go!’ will air on CITV from April 15.

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Spring Entertainment at the Alley Theatre, Strabane Children and Family Entertainment: Jack Black Aire theatre company are delighted to bringing the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk to the Alley over the Easter break. Jack, a young boy from a poor family, exchanges the family cow for some magic beans. The beans grow overnight into a huge beanstalk, which Jack climbs into the clouds, arriving at a magical land ruled over by a cruel giant. A must see show for all the family on Saturday 11th April at 2pm.

Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre presents:

The Elves and the Shoemaker Meet Herman and Daisy. They want to make shoes for your feet. But they owe so much money they barely can eat. Don’t worry though, because magic is always just around the corner. The Elves are here to help! And sometimes the answers are right above your head. Fidget Feet’s The Elves & The Shoemaker is immersive storytelling with music and aerial circus for children aged between 4-8yrs and their families. There is no stage, you will join them inside their workshop and actually help them to make the best pair of shoes ever made. Herman, Daisy and the Elves need you! Don’t miss this wonderful show which the Irish Times described as ‘You Are Left Utterly Stunned. Excellent’ on Tuesday 28th April at 7pm. Special Offer: Family Ticket Only £12 (individual tickets £4 each)

Comedy Drama Winner of New York’s Favourite solo show, the Audience Award. This heart-warming comedy comes to the Alley on Friday 24th April. Meet Zoe, a back stage worker who dreams of landing an acting job. Her senile agent sends her on a spree of inappropriate auditions ranging from “Riverdance” to “Spiderman, to being shot out of a cannon for a touring circus. As she gets farther from

her dream, Zoe just might be getting closer to herself … A heart-warming, comically uplifting tale of self-realization. “Be yourself, everyone else is taken,” Quote Oscar Wilde. Also suitable for children 9yrs and up. What is unique about this performance is that it will be a captioned performance making it even more accessible and enjoyable for those who are hard of hearing.

on 028 71 884760 or email edevine@strabanedc.com. Spaces are limited. The evening will also feature special guest poets representing the best of live poetry scene across the North West.

The Legends of American Country

Music Realta featuring Guest Musician Dermot Moynagh and support from Eimhéar & Emmet Mulholland

whilst also looking forward to contemporary ballet beyond the Tutu. This production will chart a journey of ballet from the late 19th century into the 21st. Classical ballet lovers are in for a treat with Pas de Quatre, the romantic classic created by Jules Perrot in 1845 for the four greatest ballerinas of the time. Lucile Grahn, Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Cerrito, and Marie Taglioni. Jewels will follow this, a showcase for razor sharp classical technique from Sleeping Beauty. In complete contrast, Sing Sing Sing, a Bob Fosse inspired piece and finally, the premiere of Fallen Angels, created for Ballet Ireland by Royal Ballet Dancer/Choreographer Ludovic Ondiviela, in April 2014. Fallen Angels, a ballet of today; beautiful, powerful and magical.

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Described by Irish Music Magazine as “A full bodied pipe and whistle extravaganza”, Réalta carry on the Bothy Band tradition of taking tunes by the scruff of the neck and firing excitement through them like hot flames! With a sound based on the twin uilleann piping talents of Conor Lamb and Aaron O’Hagan, propelled by a dynamic accompaniments on guitar, bouzouki and double bass, Réalta make full use the intricate melodies and driving rhythms that make Irish music so loved throughout the world. With over a dozen reeds resonating in unison, the rare blend of two uilleann pipes gives Réalta a full and distinctive sound. The musical rapport between these musicians makes for an exciting performance on Saturday 18th April.

The Brass Band League Spring Festival Spring is definitely in the air as the The North West Music Festival in partnership with the Brass Band League of Ireland presents this one day festival. Over 21 bands will perform on stage in four section groups on Saturday 25th April. This is a must see for all lovers of brass music.

The Legends of American Country Show is set to become Irelands No.1 Country Music Tribute in 2015 featuring the music of 8 of the biggest names on the American scene including Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Dolly Parton , Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard , Alan Jackson, Buck Owens and Johnny Cash. The show will include 4 well known vocalists in Evan O Donnell, Anthony McBrien, Rod and Tracey Mc Auley who between them have a wealth of experience and glittering careers than span over 30 years. Each singer will perform a string of Hits from the featured artist complete with authentic costume change and in the company of a live 5 piece band that will include some of Irelands top musicians. To add the finishing touches to what will be a great show there will be a specially designed stage set to create the atmosphere and give the audience that real American Experience. Not to be missed on Thursday 7th May.

Ballet

Poetry Open Mic Night The Alley Theatre and Poetry NI present a night of live poetry, created by YOU on Friday 17th April. Share your work, listen to others, and enjoy the craic in a laid back and appreciative environment. We would love to hear your work whether you are a first time reader or a pro. All poets of all styles welcome. To book your place contact Emma Devine

In the build-up to the Jazz Festival, Derry City Council have recruited local Jive and Ballroom Champions David and Kathleen Cummings , dance tutors with DERRYDANCING to deliver a “How To Jive” four week course at the Alley Theatre on Wednesday 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd April from 7.30pm – 9pm Classes will be conducted in a fun and friendly atmosphere but structured to ensure participants learn how to make their Jive adapt to the different rhythms and beats of the Jazz Swing Boogie Woogie Big Band Sound that is the Derry Jazz Festival. Register now at jazz@derrycity.gov.uk Prepayment of £20 per person essential, availability limited

Exhibition ‘Indoor Adventures’ by Danny McCay showing until Friday 17th April A concept that is constantly recurrent in Danny’s work is a balance of past, present and future. Danny is a strong believer in living in the now, although comforted by nostalgia and driven by a foresight into the future. Producing a body of work that depicts his recurring concept may only be conceivable to him which he is ok with. The idea that something personal to him could be interpreted differently by an outside party and in turn relate to them in an entirely alternative way is by far more interesting. It’s a play on imagination, organic and inorganic materials inter twined a topic he frequently revisits.

Summer Programme Out Soon

The Alley is delighted to be welcoming Ballet Ireland on Sunday 3rd May. Tutus & Beyond pays tribute to the purity of classical ballet,

The Alley Theatre Summer Programme will be out soon. From May – August catch performances from the 4 of Us, Paul Casey, Paul Tully, Jazz Nights, Open Mic Nights, Drama from Frank Pig Says Hello, Musicals such as Gutz and Encore the Classics, and stand up comedy shows such as Badly Cut Fringe and Al Porter plus lots more. For more information and to book tickets contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444 or online www.alley-theatre.com

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Strabane consumers, make your voice heard on Translink Ulsterbus service reductions The Consumer Council is urging Strabane consumers to respond to the Translink Ulsterbus Services Consultation to make sure their views are taken into consideration. Scott Kennerley, Head of Transport Policy at the Consumer Council said: “Translink plans to reduce bus services in order to save money. It is vital that passengers express how they use bus services and the impact of reducing these. “The consultation closes on 3 April 2015.

This is an unacceptable short period of time for consumers to make their views known and we are questioning how meaningful this process will be for consumers given the timescales involved. “It is essential that anyone who uses these bus services takes part in the survey and where possible attends the public events to express their views. “Surveys are available on the Translink website and paper copies should be in all

relevant bus stations. Passengers can also call the contact centre to make their views known or speak to Translink staff in stations. “The Consumer Council will continue to seek to ensure that the needs of passengers have been considered before any ﬁnal decisions are made.” Further information can be found on www. translink.co.uk/servicechanges.

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The Herald March 2015 Page 49

TOP CLASS ENTERTAINMENT AT THE BALOR ARTS CENTRE

Something for everyone at the Balor! Pat Shortt’s hilarious new show Selfie headlines a fantastic month at The Balor Arts Centre. It’s far from the only brilliant show on offer Annie – The Musical returns 26 years after it was first staged at The Balor and you won’t want to miss Jurassic Adventures – a simply jaw dropping show featuring 7ft tall dinosaurs and unbelievable special effects. There’s more comedy with Balor favourite Jason Byrne, the students of Royal & Prior, Raphoe present High School Musical and there’s a great night of music featuring 5 acts headlined by electro pop outﬁt Makings, a band with strong Ballybofey connections. Read on...

Comedy

scheming girlfriend Lily have designs on the money. The heartwarming story of little orphan Annie is one of Broadway’s best loved musicals. The original production ran for nearly 6 years and won 7 Tony awards. It features some of the most popular and instantly recognisable songs of all the Broadway musicals including ‘Easy Street’, ‘It’s A Hard Knock Life’ and ‘Tomorrow’.

of their debut album ‘Cognition’ to a capacity crowd in The Grand Social, Dublin.. The album will be available to buy on the night. The night promises to be rich in musical variation with support from Stranorlar guitarist Ali Doherty, Achill Island singer-songwriter Graham Sweeney, and Ballybofey band The Other Breed who have themselves recently released an EP. The night will also feature DJ Daniel Thompson (aka Grinder) who will taking to the stage to close out the night.

Be amazed and awed by the birth of a baby dinosaur. But beware of the mother T Rex who wants her egg back! Jurassic Adventures is brought to you by World on Stage and the team behind Disney on Ice. It’s fully scripted adventure where Dinosaurs live right before your eyes that will leave you in ‘Veloci Raptures’ and ‘Pre Hysterics’! An absolutely brilliant show for all the family ages 3+. Warning: Contains mild peril and HUGE DINOSAURS!

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Pat Shortt is back in his hilarious new show ‘Selﬁe’. Join singing undertaker Mossey Burke and a host of new characters as he recounts the tale of his favourite funeral. An occasion that was nearly the death of The smash hit musical comes to life on the stage! Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez come from two him and changed his life forever. different worlds. He’s a basketball God, she’s a female Einstein. Yet, when they meet on New Year’s Sunday May 10th | Adm €20 (4 for 70) Eve at a ski resort they instantly click. When Troy returns to High School following winter break he’s surprised to discover that Gabriela is a - There’s A Grand Stretch new student. However, their friends don’t approve of In The Evenings their new friendship and try to separate them. When they audition for their school’s production of Romeo The Star of BBC’s ‘Live At The Apollo’ and TV3’s and Juliet all hell breaks loose as their respective ‘Jason Byrne’s Snaptastic Show’ performs a handful social cliques try to take them down before they can of intimate shows to get everyone in the mood for land the lead roles. the holliers! Can Troy and Gabriela convert their friends to a Summer is coming to Ireland. Celebrate slightly less more open minded way of thinking? Will young love rain and slightly smaller gas bills with an evening in conquer all? the company of ‘The outright King of live comedy’ (The Times). What more could you want - an Music evening with a grand stretch in it and an evening Saturday Apr 11th | Adm €8 advance €10 on door with Jason Byrne. ‘A Comedy God’ – The Mirror

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Annie The Musical Directed by Kieran Quinn Musical Director Denise Roper

Makings are a 4 piece Electro-Rock band based in Dublin. Two of the band members, Paddy Reynolds & Barry Shock, hail from Ballybofey so this will be a special homecoming show for them. Touted as one of the hot rising properties on the Dublin music scene, February 2014 saw the launch

Jurassic Adventures ‘Live Family Show’ Monday 6th April 2015

TOP CLASS ENTERTAINMENT AT THE BALOR COMEDY Fri Apr 10th @ 8pm

Pat Shortt – Selfie

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Balor DCA presents Annie The Musical

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Thurs Apr 30th & Fri May 1st @ 8pm

Royal & Prior present Disney’s High School Musical

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After 26 years ever-lovable orphan Annie makes her way back to the Balor! Billionaire businessman Oliver ‘Daddy’ Warbucks has taken little orphan Annie under his wing and promised to help her ﬁnd her real parents, offering a $50,000 reward. However, cruel orphanage matron Miss Hannigan, her no good brother Rooster and his

Jason Byrne Sunday May 10th 2015

www.balorartscentre.com

Page 50 March 2015 The Herald

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By Noeleen McGowan Hi ladies, You have heard it here first! We are super excited here at McElhinneys to announce the upcoming launch of Benefit to our Cosmetic Department. In 1976 Jean and Jane Ford, the twins who started it all, two Indianan farm girls turned successful models and make-up artists, who moved to San Francisco to take on a new approach to beauty. Guided by their mantra “make-up doesn’t have to be serious to look good” this dynamic duo believes laughter is the best cosmetic. Benefit cosmetics are real beauty game changers, the bold and girly brand are always breaking the beauty rules with their new innovation. So for all you ladies out there who are not already using, you are in for a big treat as the products are just amazing, here are a few of their must haves; • Porefessional is Benefits number 1 selling primer, perfect for minimising the appearance of

pores with a beautiful velvety matte ﬁnish. It can be used under and over foundation, so a perfect product for your handbag, it’s a must have to prime your skin to porefection!

• Now for ultimate in liner, They’re Real Push up Liner, this is a lash-hugging gel liner in a pen, it solves one of the biggest beauty dilemmas of all time-lining your eyes. This is the easiest liner to use, it hugs the lash line so anyone can draw a • They’re Real Mascara the world’s number 1 perfect line, the closer the line the bigger the eye. premium selling mascara! Turn up your lash volume with this jet black formula and amazing The waterproof matte black gel formula doesn’t 2-in-1 brush, specifically designed to get those smudge, budge or dry out, it’s a gel liner in a pen, tiny lashes in the inner and outer corner of your and the AccuFlex™ tip makes it beyond easy to eyes, this is the ultimate product for the girl who get it close to your lash line, try it, its fab. likes dramatic lash effect, results so outstanding Whilst we are on the eyes girls, Puff Off is a must you will have to remind ever one They’re Real! have, Perk up your peepers with this soothing under eye gel! With light reflecting particles and a • And the latest, Roller Lash, this super curling peptide blend that will both brighten, tighten and and lifting mascara is a roller for the lashes, the firm the under eye area. With its custom iron tip hook and roll brush grabs, separate’s, lifts and (yes ladies! A miniature iron for your undereye!) curls while the instant curve-setting formula you can tell those pesky puffies to Puff Off! holds for 12 hours and the results; 97% said it visibly lifts lashes, 87% said it gives long lasting And now for that bronzed glow, meet Hoola, curl and 94% said eyes look more wide open. So this bronzer is your one way ticket to Barbados! A matte finish that works on all complexions, to don’t stop girls until you get one.

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Fr. Boland, Sarah Breslin, Nuala McLaughlin, Bronagh McCormack, Marty O’Neill

Hannah McDaid, Ellen McCormack, Stacie Gilmore, Charylie McCauley

Amy Cassidy, Kara Lafferty, Teresa O’Neill, Courtney Browne, Taylor Stewart

Oran McDaid, Niamh Lappin

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TotalMusic

Who’s for a Picnic? Florence & the Machine

The War On Drugs

Manic Street Preachers

Belle & Sebastian

The beginning of March brought with it the first batch of acts lined up to about rock bands of recent times. On the back and guitar. Their Mercury nominated self-tiof their latest album, ‘Lost In The Dream’, they tled debut album was a highlight of 2012. play the Electric Picnic in Stradbally, Co Laois on September 4, 5 and 6. They are: Florence & The Machine, Underworld, Manic Street Preachers, Roisin Murphy, Belle & Sebastian, The War On Drugs, Jon Hopkins, Django Django, Tame Impala, Hot Chip, George Ezra, Future Islands, Jurassic 5, Chvrches, Ride, Battles, My Morning Jacket, Jessie Ware, Low, Pond, Tourist, Metz, Girl Band, Kwabs, Lapsley, Alvvays, Marika Hackman, Jack Garratt, Wyvern Lingo, Circawaves, Hinds, Shura, Ben Khan, Curtis Harding, Aquilo, Little May.

Here at ‘Total Music’ we are excited about the prospect of a cloud-bursting set from electro pioneers, Underworld. Manic Street Preachers remain a powerful live force with a rich back catalogue covering over 20 years that should see them spoiled for choice as to what to blast out come their evening. Irish Disco Queen Roisin Murphy has always been the perfect showwoman from her days as part of the chart-topping dance duo, Moloko right up to her solo outings, where she has released two fantastic dancefloor filling albums and is set to release a third in May, so Across social media the line-up garnered a plenty of time to have it digested come Sepmixed reaction. It is worth noting, however, tember. that this is but the first list of names; loads more will be added between now and the The War On Drugs summer. The War On Drugs are one of the most talked

had a very successful 2014 and they hope to They are set to release the follow-up in May, capitalise more on that success during this titled ‘Born Under Saturn’. Again, we’ll be well year’s festival season. informed come their set in September. The same can be said for Baltimore’s Future Islands. On the back of the single ‘Seasons (Waiting On You)’, the album ‘Singles’ and frontman Samuel T Herring’s eccentric performing style, they have been put firmly on the map over the past year and with their smooth slice of synth-pop could well be a festival highlight.

So, there’s still plenty to munch on in the list so far, and it’ll get better, so the cynics need not worry too much. Weekend tickets cost €194.50. A Sunday ticket will cost you €90, while all campervan, family weekend and family campervan tickets are already sold out.

All ticket prices are plus Ticketmaster’s taxes and charges. Lovely! With capacity now Indie-pop kings and queens Belle and Sebas- increased to 47,000, the one big worry is that tian and the return of 90s shoegazers Ride will Electric Picnic is slowly turning into Oxegen. bring some welcomed old school pre-internet gold-dust to proceedings. Apparently, there have been traces of a transition over recent years. Here’s hoping that it Local interest will come in the form of Django was just a few people seeing things that werDjango, featuring Derry’s Vinny Neff on vocals en’t really there. We’ll say no more about that!

Patti Smith to Perform ‘Horses’ in Dublin Acts performing albums in their entirety is all the rage now. Recently we’ve had Manic Street Preachers performing ‘The Holy Bible’ in Dublin. Television rolled into Vicar Street not so long ago to play their classic 1977 album ‘Marquee Moon’. The Who brought their ‘Quadrophenia’ mod fest to Belfast in 2013. Well now, New York punk scene legend, Patti Smith is set to perform her seminal 1975 debut album ‘Horses’ in its entirety at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham on Monday June 1.

Patti Smith will perfom her seminal 1975 album ‘Horses’ in Dublin on the 1st June.

sion and Allen Lanier of Blue Öyster Cult, not to mention Velvet Underground’s John Cale behind the producer’s desk, insured that something special was brewing.

When ‘Horses’ arrived in December 1975 with its iconic sleeve, there was an audience ready to be transfixed and forever changed upon hearing and At the outdoor show, Smith will be joined by two seeing it. David Antrobus from ‘PopMatters’ chose members of her original band, guitarist Lenny ‘Horses’ as his favorite album and considered it a Kaye and drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, along with life-changing classic. bassist/keyboardist Tony Shanahan, who has been a part of the group for almost two decades. ‘Horses’ Siouxsie and the Banshees have said that “Carremains one of the most influential albums of the cass”, one of the first songs from ‘The Scream’, past 40 years. It was born out of the New York club was inspired by ‘Horses’. Former R.E.M. frontscene, where along with the likes of Blondie, The man, Michael Stipe bought the album as a 15 Ramones, Talking Heads and the aforementioned year old high school student and says it “tore my Television, Smith and her band led a new colourful limbs off and put them back on in a whole different and eclectic charge. order.” Martha Wainwright said of the album, “I’d been brought up with my mother’s music, which Smith, particularly, drew inspiration from a vast was one way women could sound. array of influences, extending, in the process, the often restrictive nature of what many deemed punk And Patti was the other way women could sound. to be. Wilhelm Reich, Them, Chris Kenner, Jimi It was an eye-opener to me.” Singer-songwriter Ed Hendrix, Arthur Rimbaud and William Burroughs Harcourt was “completely hooked” when first hearmake up a rich cauldron of inspiration for anyone. ing ‘Horses’. “It spoke to me,” he said. “I was playGuest musicians such as Tom Verlaine of Televi- ing that album to my three-year-old daughter the

other day and she said: “Daddy, I want to be in this music”, which I thought summed it up, really.” Also on the bill for the Dublin show are Spiritualized, Ariel

Pink and Dublin band New Secret Weapon. Tickets are priced at €49.50, which is amazing value given the bill. Alongside ‘Horses’, Smith and her band will play a selection of

some of her classics. So fear not, tracks like ‘Because The Night’ and ‘People Have The Power’ are sure to get an outing on what will certainly be an evening to remember.

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Holy Cross College Senior Formal at the Whitehorse Inn Hotel

Aaron Gillespie, Piaras McSorley, Hayden McNamee, Eoin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil

Grian Ni Dhaimhin, Bronagh McCarron

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Ben McCrossan, Niall Coyle

Melanie Penrose

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Ms McCloy, Cathal Kelly

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Conscious and Subconscious Minds If you look at a picture of the brain you’ll notice that there are two hemispheres; a right hemisphere and a left hemisphere. Imagine a conversation going on between one hemisphere and the other. We do this when we talk to ourselves, and thinking, because we think in a language, it’s like talking to ourselves without verbalizing it. Research has shown that along with the two hemispheres of the brain, the mind has two distinct functional parts. Many names have been used to describe those different parts of the mind however I’m going to use the terms conscious and subconscious minds to describe its two distinct parts. When you wake up in the morning there is like a little voice in your head that says something like - today is Monday, for example, and I have this, this and this do today. This little voice knows the difference between right and wrong, good and bad and does all you’re thinking for you. It is brilliant, intelligent, rational and logical so let’s go call this part your conscious mind. We think a great deal of our conscious mind as it gives us a sense of control. However at night time our conscious mind goes to sleep. We may believe that we think when we are sleeping, but research has shown that even though many mental processes are engaged as we sleep, conscious thinking isn’t one of them. Many people believe that dreaming is evidence of conscious thinking whilst sleeping, but on analysis we actually waken to think about our dreams. The other part of your mind I’m going to call the subconscious mind. Now you’re subconscious mind does not think and doesn’t sleep. Most vital functions of the body require no thought to make them function efﬁciently. You do not have to think to keep your heart beating. You do not have to do think to digest food you don’t have to think to breathe or heal and you don’t have to waken in the middle of the night and say gosh it’s very warm I’d need to sweat. All of these functions are performed all day every day without you having to think about them. You’re subconscious also has a fabulous imagination and cannot tell the difference between something imagined in detail and the actual event. It has a brilliant memory and has a wonderful capacity to create habits. The subconscious mind has ability to

clients they have said to me that if this is true am I could be making myself sick or making myself feel bad because of the way I have been habitually thinking over the years. I then assure them that it’s not actually their fault but a result of long term conditioning and habitual programming in their subconscious mind. Over the years as we grow up we are exposed to all kinds experiences, some useful and some not so useful but the integration of these events and the interaction of prominent people in our lives can produce negative conditioning in our subconscious mind which we act out at a later date in our lives. As much of this interaction is performed with the best possible intent, nobody is actually to blame for the way we are at present. We are responsible however for replaying negative DVDs in our head, prolonging negative experiences and feelings in our lives and allowing ourselves to remain in a state of bad feeling / and or ill health. We then come to realize that they are OUR thoughts, they are OUR feelings, they are OUR pictures and OUR own DVDs in OUR mind and we have the power to change them all. I ﬁrmly believe that if something we are doing isn’t working, then we must do something else. As a matter of fact it is really quite mad to do the same thing and expect a different result. Dwelling on negative experiences from the past that make us feel bad is seldom useful. The beauty about the past is it’s over and we can take valuable lessons from those experiences. Perhaps such experiences have been sent to teach us such lessons in the only way that we could understand at the time. Remember things are not written in stone in your subconscious mind so you can change less than useful programs into ones that are so much more beneﬁcial to you. From this moment onwards you can begin to love yourself more by allowing yourself the right to be wrong and allowing yourself to forgive yourself and choose to feel good. Make thinking positively your new habit and start imagining the outcomes you desire and your subconscious mind will make it all happen for you. Your subconscious mind would give you more of what you focus on so make sure you focus on what you truly desire. If you focus on what you don’t want you simply get more of what you don’t want. Keep this in mind always and enjoy positive transformation in your life.

take habitual thoughts from your conscious mind, act upon them, and make them automatic. You can remember I’m sure when you first started to drive and had difficulty coming to terms with all you had to do in order to make the car move off and keep control, and how complex synchronizing all the movements felt initially. But as you practiced, those movements and sequences became automatic which left your conscious mind available to do other things. Now, thanks to this wonderful facility, you can easily listen to the radio in your car and drive safely at the same time. This is where we have to be careful however. The subconscious mind does not differentiate between thoughts that are useful and beneficial to you and those that could do you harm. If it did, how would it be possible for us to acquire bad habits? It is therefore essential to take charge of your thoughts and habitual thinking as your subconscious mind is very fertile ground for conscious thoughts and it will continue to act upon those thoughts that are most frequently present in your conscious mind. Your habitual thoughts will register in your subconscious and you will act them out accordingly. Human beings do not respond to reality. They respond to the image of reality they have in their minds. In other words, you are what you think. For example, if you think you are going to be embarrassed when you encounter a new situation, you begin rehearsing and practicing a DVD of embarrassment in your subconscious imagination so often that your brain interprets this action as appropriate and acts it out as the right thing to do. The mind in this instance is only doing what you have subconsciously asked it Happy Easter, until the next time to do. When I mentioned this concept to some of my Tom Herron

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Dickie Nicholl’s 60th Birthday at Strabane Golf Club

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Strabane Drama Festival Another Huge Success List of Awards Premier Award For Best Play: ‘God Of Carnage’ - Ballyshannon Drama Group Best Open Play: ‘God Of Carnage’ - Ballyshannon Drama Group Best Director Award: Anne McHugh, ‘God Of Carnage’ - Ballyshannon Drama Group Best Performance By an Actor Award: Richard Hurst as ‘Michel’, ‘God Of Carnage’ - Ballyshannon Drama Group

The 29th Strabane Drama Festival concluded on Saturday, March 21 in the Alley Theatre with Ballyshannon Drama Group’s presentation of Yasmina Reza’s ‘God Of Carnage’. The 90 minute chaotic “comedy of manners (without the manners)” proved to be a worthy closer to the festival, romping home with the major awards in the process.

The Best Performance By An Actress Award went to Reidin Dunne for her part as ‘Scarecrow’ in Rasper Players’ intense presentation of Marina Carr’s ‘Woman And Scarecrow’, one of the festival highlights. The presentation also took home the Best Staging Award, with festival adjudicator Michael Poyner clearly very impressed on the night of the performance.

the kindness of their hearts. I’d also like to thank the audiences for turning up every night. The Strabane audience is very ﬁnely tuned when it comes to the plays and they are held in high regard across the country.”

The group traveled back to Donegal with the Premier Award for Best Play, Best Open Play Award, Best Director Award for Anne McHugh and Best Performance by an Actor Award for Richard Hurst as ‘Michel’. The audience lapped up the verbal warfare on stage, so much so that the presentation also took home the Audience Award.

Before the awards ceremony, Festival Director, Ciara McCay thanked the festival sponsors. “It is the support of the sponsors that makes this festival happen,” she said. “We get grand aid from Strabane District Council, for which we are extremely grateful. With the amalgamation of the Strabane and Derry councils we would be hopeful that this support will continue. We owe them and all our sponsors a deep debt of gratitude that words simply cannot express - thank you!”

Ciara also thanked the Festival committee for their hard work throughout the year. “The ﬁrst application for this year’s festival came in as early as last August. The committee works hard throughout the year, all sharing the workload and this festival would be impossible to run without them, so I’d like to thank the committee for all their hard work in bringing the festival to the stage every year. Finally, I’d like to thank our adjudicator, Mr Michael Poyner. I know the audiences throughout the week looked forward to his assessment of the plays. He has been very constructive in his criticism and the groups really valued his opinions on how to improve their productions,” she concluded.

Locally, it proved to be a good night for Puddle Alley Theatre Group. Their highly entertaining presentation of Bernard Farrell’s ‘Bookworms’ was runner-up to Compantas Lir’s presentation of ‘The Memory Of Water’ in the Best Conﬁned Play category, while Pauric Gallagher claimed the Best Conﬁned Actor Award for his part as ‘Robert Travers’.

She continued,”We’d also like to thank the Fir Trees Hotel for accommodating the visiting groups. They have always been very supportive and so easy to work with. I’d also like to thank the fringe performers. Throughout the week the audiences have been entertained by an array of local talent before the shows, creating a lovely atmosphere nightly, and all performed simply through

Over nine nights, the Alley Theatre stage ran the full gamut of comedy and drama. The Strabane Drama Festival remains one of the key annual events in the town. Next year marks a milestone as the festival celebrates its 30th anniversary. Be sure to come along and be part of it. Expect lots of onstage thrills, spills, laughs, tears and brawls: sounds like many a 30th birthday!