Herald September 2015 by Neil Murray

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Eclipse Cinema to celebrate 20 years with a refurb Eclipse Cinema is preparing for a major revamp to mark 20 years since the cinema was established in Lifford.

2016, with the 20th anniversary of the cinema taking place in June. Speaking to the ‘Herald’, Director of Eclipse Cinemas, Daniel Barrett, voiced his excitement about the new project.

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“It’s very much at the planning stage now, but the ultimately goal, as it always has been, is to The original four studios will be refurbished into improve on the cinema experience for our visitors. a tiered seating system similar to the other three When the cinema opened in June of 1996 we had studios, which were built in 2008. It is hoped that four studios. It is those studios that will be refurthe new development will be completed by early bished with tiered seating in order to maximise the space and the visual experience for the audience,” he explained. When the cinema in Lifford opened in 1996 the local area was without such a facility for 13 years, following the closure of the Commodore Cinema in Strabane in 1983. During that period, local film enthusiasts had to travel to Derry, Omagh or Letterkenny. However, in 1996 such traveling was no longer necessary, and the local audiences were able to enjoy the summer blockbusters of that period, such as ‘Independence Day’, right on their own doorstep once again. Over the past 20 years the cinema experience has changed considerably, and with that has come the challenge of keeping up with those changes. “It’s vitally important to be continually evolving and improving on things,” Slevin’s Pharmacy Lifford kindly sponsored Lifford Celtic Youths with tracksuit training tops for the Foyle Cup back in July. The club would like to give thanks to Slevins for stressed Mr Barrett. their generous contribution. Pictured representing Slevin’s is owner Hugh Slevin (right). Story continued page 8

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The Herald | September 2015

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Optometrists around the country are joining in a national campaign to raise awareness of the importance of eye health. Led by the Association of Optometrists (AOP), the campaign aims to encourage parents not to overlook their children’s eye health this summer and to include a sight test in their ‘back to school’ routine. Up to 1 million children in the UK will return to school this year with an undiagnosed vision problem.

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their children to have their eyes checked is just as important as the trip to the dentist, or having their feet measured. This should ideally happen around the age of four, or even before, as problems detected this young can be corrected more easily. Sight testing at an early age could also prevent wasted opportunities as the child enters school – as a child with undiagnosed sight issues may not be able to learn properly.” Parents are encouraged to include a sight test in their back to school routine. A Free NHS sight test is available from D McGovern Opticians 20 Castle Street Strabane for under 16’s. Toddlers and young children do not need to be able to read to have their eyes checked as optometrists are able to carry out an eye test using pictures. Call in or phone (048) 71882506 for an appointment.

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The Herald | September 2015

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McElhinney’s finalists in the Retail Excellence Ireland 2015 Store of the Year’ Awards

Retail Excellence Ireland has announced the finalist companies for the 2015 Retail Excellence Ireland Awards in association with Barclaycard. Flying the ﬂag for the North West, is the family owned department store, McElhinneys. The ﬁnalists were selected following a rigorous examination process involving Mystery Shopping and a Store Assessment Audit process. Highlighting the best in Irish retailer, McElhinneys have consistently delivered a high standard of customer service, management, merchandise and creative thinking throughout the process. Speaking this morning, David Fitzsimons, CEO, stated “I want to congratulate these progressive retailers for being selected. They are exemplars

of the retail industry. Their success shows what can be achieved from the application of a strategic vision for Retail in Ireland. All have been selected as ﬁnalists because they have shown a consistent commitment to excellence in meeting and exceeding customer expectations. The Irish shopping experience continues to match the best that Retail can offer around the world. We believe that these stores are well placed to capitalise on a positive Christmas Season,” he concluded. The award awards will take place in the Radisson Blu in Galway on the 7th of November. Specking on the nomination, store manager Martin McElhinney said ‘we are delighted to be shortlisted in the top 30 store in Ireland, it’s a testament to our very hard working and passionate team. We are looking forward to the 7th and hopefully returning the award to Donegal.’

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The Herald | September 2015

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The Herald | September 2015

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Eclipse Cinema to celebrate 20 years with a refurb From Front Page... “Over 20 years we’ve added screens and overseen the re-emergence of 3D cinema. We already have invested in new state of the art projection equipment giving us one of the best ﬁlm pictures in the country; we also had a major tidy up outside with our car park newly tarred and building painted.” With the new look studios penciled in to be ready for early 2016, Mr Barrett insisted that the forthcoming festive season of ﬁlms, including the highly anticipated ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, which will hit the screen in December, will not be affected. “That’s a big factor for us, obviously, and we have planned around that, so our visitors should not be concerned.It will certainly not interfere with our Christmas season, which we are very excited about as you can imagine,” Revealing the new and exciting development plans for Eclipse Cinema in Lifford/Strabane are from left, Pio McCann (Highland Radio) explained Mr Barrett. Louise Grieve Doherty (General Manager) Daniel Barrett (Director) Martin Barrett (Director) & Terence Lafferty (Supervisor).

Fantastic Day at the Eclipse Cinema Family Fun Day!

The Herald | September 2015

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Terri’s family welcome introduction of Meningitis B Vaccine The parents of a Glenmornan teenager who died of Meningitis have welcomed the news that the Meningitis B vaccine is to be given to newborn babies in Northern Ireland. The vaccine will be given to babies at two, has gone into this, so any progress is brilfour and 12 months old as part of routine liant; unfortunately it’s too late for us and immunisations. too late for many other families. I would encourage the parents of every eligible baby to protect their child with this By Michael Ferry vaccine. There should be no hesitation, Terri Devine was just 16 when her life was really.” tragically cut short by Meningitis in 2008. Marie also encouraged parents to check Since then her family have campaigned up on the issue of Meningitis on the Interto have a new vaccine made available on net, particularly given that the only known the NHS which could prevent countless cure is vaccination. She has even told her other families going through the heartache family’s story online in a ‘book of experithey have experienced. Speaking to the ence’ section on the Meningitis Research ‘Herald’, Terri’s mother, Marie, said the Foundation’s website. “I do understand latest announcement was to be welcomed, that you pay more attention to issues like but that there is always room for more lob- Meningitis when it is something you’ve had on your own door step, so to speak. bying. But it is a serious enough issue to make “This is a major step forward,” she told us. you try and encourage people to go online “It’s up to parents now to play their part and read the stories of experience, which and continue lobbying for it to be devel- are unbelievable; many are horrific. Hunoped further because the vaccine is only dreds of stories are there, Terri’s included. available for babies born on or after July Basically, if you can prevent your child 1 2015, and a temporary catch-up pro- from dying by doing a little research there gramme will also target babies born since is no right thinking parent that wouldn’t do May who have missed the first jabs. Trials that, particularly given that vaccination is for this vaccine were taking place as far the only preventative measure,” explained back as 2008 and early 2009. At that time Marie. it was proposed that the vaccine would be Signs of Meningitis B infection include ready within eighteen months from when a fever with cold hands and feet, agitawe lost Terri. It’s almost seven years later tion, confusion, vomiting and headaches. and an awful amount of work and research Children can also be floppy and some-

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The Herald | September 2015

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Page 12 Th e Herald | July 2015

ST. MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL WELCOME ALL THEIR NEW PRIMARY ONE PUPILS!

Good Luck to all our new pupils!

The Herald | September 2015

Page 13

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The |Herald | July 2015 The Herald September

2 Page 14

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 local soccer coach, Paul Connolly. Where in Strabane did you grow up?

A favourite ﬁlm and why?

Something about Strabane that The Shawshank Redemption because you miss when on your travels?

I grew up in the Old Ballycolman area it has a very good story line and of Strabane. twist.

Something you’d love to see happen in Strabane in I could listen to any kind of music but the future

A fond childhood memory?

Favourite kind of music?

Out playing football in the street, kicking a ball up against the wall or playing games with my friends.

my iPod would mainly have Rap.

A Favourite holiday destination? Gran Canaria was a good place to go on holiday. I would usually go down to Bundoran as well every summer when I was a kid.

An ideal night out?

Down to watch the football during the day for a few pints on a Saturday and then out that night.

Favourite food?

You can’t go wrong with a good steak.

My family and friends.

Who or what makes you laugh? My granny. Some of her old sayings would have me in stitches.

To have more options of places to go for the youth and more work.

An ideal night in?

Someone who makes you proud to be from Strabane and why

Order a kebab and watch something on Netflix.

My family, they make me proud on a daily basis.

Something you love about Strabane? Everyone is football crazy; it’s good to see.

Would you like your son, daughter or friend to feature in ‘Closer to home?’ If so, email us at: ads@strabaneherald.co.uk

Local Strabane soccer coach Paul Connolly The Herald | July 2015

Page 2

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Your menu will be decided at your tasting with our team, nothing is impossible and as regards food, all the dishes we produce are locally sourced & homemade.

We invite newly engaged couples to view our beautiful wedding set up’s, call us today and we can schedule a time to suit you! Donegal’s Premier Wedding Venue

Ballyraine, Letterkenny, County Donegal Tel: 00 353 74 91 22700

www.mounterrigal.com

The Herald | September 2015

Page 16

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CINEMAS

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The Herald | September 2015

Page 17

1 Woodvale Road, Eglinton

t 028 71812369

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If the answer is YES to any of these questions then you may need Colonic hydrotherapy, with nutritional advice, to detox and cleanse your congested bowel and regain your health and vitality.

out anything about the other products we use in any of our salons please contact any member of my staff on 028 71812369 for an appointment.

Each person's experiences will be different depending on their condition however you may notice a variety of the following: - Clearing the colon of old, hardened, waste material and harmful toxins - Restoring proper pH balance to the body - Promoting a return of normal, regular bowel movements - Stimulating the immune systems The - Decreasing of bloating - Decrease of wind or gas - Allowing freer passage of nutrients into the blood - Improved digestion - Increasing prevention of toxic absorption via healthy mucous lining of the colon providing a favourable environment for bacteria and - Lifting of your spirits - Balancing of mood swings - Decrease in heartburn and indigestion - Improved sleep - Clearer and sharper mind - Skin improvements - Decrease in food cravings - Improvement of Candida and IBS symptoms - Improved energy - Decrease in cellulite - Decrease in food sensitivities and intolerance's - An increased assimilation of nutrients - Increased hair lustre - Weight loss

Digestive System

Page 18 The Herald | September 2015

The Herald | SeptemberPage 20153

GCSE RESULTS DAY JOY AT HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

The Herald | September 2015

Page 19

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The Herald | September 2015 The Herald | July 2015

Page 20 Page 2

Owen Roe O’Neill’s GAC, Leckpatrick

Owen Roe O’Neills, Leckpatrick GAA\Cathal Mc Shane visits St Mary’s Primary School, Cloughcor.

Owen Roe O’Neills, Leckpatrick GAA\Cathal Mc Shane visits Evish Primary School.

Primary School Blitz.

Cathal Mc Shane visits St Joseph’s Primary School, Glenmornan.

Primary School Blitz.

The Herald | September 2015

Page 21

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CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS 2015

Page 222

The |Herald | July 2015 The Herald September

YES! NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO BOOK YOUR OFFICE OR SHOP CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT!

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW! You might have just read that heading and thought, what? Christmas Party in September, but honestly, if you don’t start planning early for your Christmas Oﬃce / Company Party you may have a hard time getting everything together on time. We here at the Herald have booked ours already! Organising the perfect Christmas party takes a lot of work and it won’t be easy. Booking your venue early is very important as it gives all your staff time to pay up for the big night and creates a great buzz, the longer you leave it the less choice of quality venue. Most establishments will accept a small deposit to book so why wait!

More time

ing, and that’s always a great way to boost a positive atmosphere in the office or shop. You can get a longer lasting vibe from your colleagues’ if you get the ball rolling now. And after all, everybody wants something to look forward to right?

Fewer headaches Once you have booked your venue and all has been decided you won’t have to stress closer to the date. There is time for everyone to organise themselves, and so the stress of running around checking that everyone knows what is happening, and when and where it is going to be will not be an issue this year.

Organizing a Christmas party for the whole office is easier to do when time is on your side. When you are wrapping up another successful year, and planning a Christmas party, things can often get on top. There is a lot to do before the end of Date of your choice the year, and booking your Christ- If you decide to book early you will mas party early gives you less to do have the pick of the best dates in December. and better hotels and restaurants. For staff with Children, this will be Happy office a blessing, it allows time to find A confirmed Christmas Party is baby sitters and arrange for their something that everyone can get children to be looked after on the excited about. If you begin the pre- night. It allows for them to come to pare now, people will begin excit- terms with leaving their child for a

few hours and gives everybody a a night out after buying all those Christmas presents. Booking your chance to arrange themselves. Christmas party early allows more time to spread the cost. Budget

So folks, don’t leave it until November to book your work/office party, take a look at the following pages at what some of the North West’s best venues are offering this Nearer to Christmas, pockets If you spread the cost of each Christmas and remember get in aren’t so deep, and there will be person through the months it is quick for those perfect dates! some who won’t be able to afford extremely manageable. Get Booking Now!

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS 2015

The Herald | September 2015

Page 23

INISHOWEN GATEWAY Inishowen Gateway Hotel Railway Road, Buncrana, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

+ 353 (0) 74 93 61144

Party Nights at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel

www.inishowengateway.com sales@inishowengateway.com

FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER Thursday 31st December

Casino & Cockail Night

Followed by

‘Liberty’

Make sure your Christmas gets oﬀ to a glamorous start with our spectacular Casino and Cocktail night. Reward yourself with a delicious cocktail on arrival, size, Vegas-style casino tables. As if all that wasn’t enough, you’ll also be treated to musical entertainment from the legendary Liberty, one of the most popular bands in the country. Price per person €30

FESTIVE PARTY MENU Served with Pesto Dressing and Tossed Salad Leaves

5 Course banquet and music with Main Street followed by DJ

in a ﬁne Crumb, dressed Salad with Garlic and Herb Aloli.

€35 Per Person

Mixed Seafood Roulade

served with Marie Rose Sauce served on Mixed Leaf Salad

Seasonal Chunky Vegetable Broth Served with Homemade Crusty Breads

SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER

Let’s Go Retro Start the Christmas party season in style, and enjoy a night of dancing you’ll never forget with the outstanding Let’s Go Retro. With a band who really knows how to raise the roof, you’re guaranteed a high energy, high quality Christmas party night with the boys of Let’s Go Retro at the helm!

Price per person €30 FRIDAY 18TH DECEMBER

The Yetis

New Year’s Eve Annual Gala Ball

Oven Baked Fillet of Donegal Salmon, Hollandaise Sauce.

Festive Entertainment Tuesday 29th December

Brendan Grace Tickets €30 each

Slow Roasted Turkey and Donegal Cured Ham,

€80 per person sharing

Prime Irish Roasted Sirloin of Beef

Sat 16th Janurary 2016 ‘Cash Returns’

Yorkshire pudding, Red Wine and Tarragon

Jus Light Filo Crown

Filled with Medley of Mediterranean Vegetables, Mozzarella Cheese,Sweet Chilli Sauce, Dressed Rocket leaves

Johnny Cash and June Carter Tribute Show Tickets €15 each

Gateways Trio of Dessert

€55 per person sharing

Cheesecake & Fresh Fruit Pavlova

Friday 19th Fenruary 2016

Christmas pudding

Freshly Brewed Tea or Coﬀee

Price per person €30

An Evening with Johnny McEvoy Tickets €27.50 each

€70 per person sharing

Join the Frozen Friends & Elves for the launch of

Friday 4th, 11th, 18th Dec Times: 6pm, 7pm, 8pm

Saturday 28th Nov, 5th, 12th, 19th Dec

Kingdom

On Friday 27th November at 7.30pm

Includes the arrival of Mrs Claus, Santa, the Elves & Frozen characters followed by Kids disco. Shows commence on Saturday 28th November and take place Every

Times: 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm & 6pm

Sunday 29th Nov, 6th, 13th, 20th Dec Times: 2.30pm & 3.30pm & 4.30pm & 5.30pm Monday 14th Dec: 6.30pm

Monday 21st Dec: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm Tuesday 15th Dec: 6.30pm Tuesday 22nd Dec: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm Wednesday 16th Dec: 6.30pm Wednesday 23rd Dec: 5pm, 6pm & 7pm Thursday 17th Dec: 6pm & 7pm

Adults £6 Kids £12 BOOK NOW!

Private shows can bee booked for numbers of 25+ kids and special rates oﬀered for playgroups & Primary Schools.

Page 2 Page 24

The Herald | July 2015 The Herald | September 2015

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS 2015

Rubys Bar

Christmas

Conference & Leisure Centre

Parties 2015

CHRISTMAS 2015

December 12th 2015

Tickets €39 | Ticket B&B €85pps

The Whistlin’ Donkeys Package: • Queen of New York City Cocktail on Arrival • Delicious 4 Course Meal • Whistlin Donkeys Live, followed by Disco

BOOK

NOW!

Don’t Le ave it too late !

December 17th / 18th 2015

Tickets €45 | Ticket B&B €89pps

Bay City Rollers Christmas Party Package: • Rollermania Cocktail with a dash of Tartan on Arrival • Delicious 4 Course Meal • Bay City Rollers Live,followed by Disco

December 19th 2015

David Craig Band Package: • Delicious 4 Course Meal • David Craig Band Live followed by Disco

BOOK

NOW!

Don’t Le ave it too late !

Tickets €35 | Ticket B&B €75pps

BOOK

NOW!

Don’t Le ave it too late !

email: info@mounterrigal.com www.mounterrigal.com

Enjoy a 4 Course feast, good wines, cool cocktails, high spirits and the best fun of the season!A complimentary glass of bubbly awaits you in the lobby with the party starting in McGettigan’s Bar from 7pm. Everyone dines together at 8pm in the Shellbridge Suite. Friday 11th December

Saturday 12th December

Derek Ryan & His Band

Beatles for Sale Tribute Act

Party Night

€45pp

Thursday 17th December

Mike Denver & His Band Party Night

€39pp

Party Night

€39pp

Friday 18th December

The Cufflinks Band & Christmas DJ

Party Night

€35pp

Why worry about taxis, arranging lifts or picking the designated driver. Stay the night! Our special accommodation rate is €45 per person B&B.

Derry Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal T. +353 (0) 749124369 E. info@clanreehotel.com | www.clanreehotel.com

The Herald | September 2015

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS 2015

Page 25

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS 2015

Page 26

The Herald | September 2015

Smugglers Inn Smugglers Inn

Bar & Restaurant

Smugglers Inn, Clady Co. Tyrone tel: 028 7188 5004 (048 71 88 5004 from ROI) e: smugglersrestaurant@yahoo.co.uk

FRIDAY 4th DECEMBER ROCKIN RED SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER JD BAND FRIDAY 11th DECEMBER BRYAN MULLEN SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER T JUNCTION FRIDAY 18th DECEMBER ROCKIN RED SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER MAD ARABS SATURDAY 26th DECEMBER BOXING NIGHT ELVIS TRIBUTE BAND THURSDAY 31st DECEMBER NEW YEAR'S EVE T JUNCTION

SPECIAL PARTY OFFER!

BOOK UR PARTY WITH US FOR ANY FRIDAY AND RECEIVE

FREE BAND • FREE BUFFET • FREE VENUE Special buffet menu available for christening with Mickey Mouse, bouncy castle for kids.

CONTACT FIONA FOR BOOKINGS ON

Restaurant

Smugglers Inn, Clady Co. Tyrone tel: 028 7188 5004 (048 71 88 5004 from ROI) e: smugglersrestaurant@yahoo.co.uk

Every Monday to Wednesday

40% OFF A La Carte Menu Thursday and Friday 30% OFF A La Carte Menu

New Euro for Pound Menu Started Every Thursday & Friday night Sunday lunch only £12.95 | Discount For Large Groups Now Taking Bookings For

Christmas Party Nights

Only £21.95 Per Person Book Early & Receive 10% Discount

Party Nights, Lunches & Shows Call 028 7132 1066 or visit hastingshotels.com

The Herald | September 2015 Page 2

Page 27 The Herald | July 2015

Sion Swifts F.C. Summer Round-up

Congratulations to Swifts coach Martin Hen Gallagher on receiving the Irish FA Mc Donald’s Regional Coach of the Year Award for his unwavering dedication to local youth football. Martin received his award from McDonald’s Ambassador Well done to Sion Swifts U8 team on winning the Lurgan Football Tournament very Pat Jennings and he now goes forward to the National Awards to be held later recently. The team played brilliantly throughout. this year.

Well done to Swifts U9 team who were beaten ﬁnalists in the Lurgan Football Tournament, pipped at the post on penalties.

Swifts “She Kicks” Football for Girls continues on Saturdays and Tuesdays at the Glebe 3G facility.

Swifts U8’s/ U9’s at the Swifts Summer Camp.

Little Vaughan aged 5 is chuffed with his big trophy that he won as “U7 Player of the Week” at Sion Swifts Summer Camp.

The Sion Swifts U11’s team and coaches who comprehensively defeated Enniskillen Athletic in the BKYL U-11 Quarter Final recently.

U8/ U9 winners of the Tournament at Swifts Summer Camp.

Swifts U7’s enjoying their Summer Camp last week.

Well done to Jamie who won the U9 Penalty Prize award.

Well done to Cheyanne who won the U7 Penalty Prize award.

The Herald | September 2015 The Herald | July 2015

Page 228 Page

Aim Higher with North West Regional College If you’ve been contemplating a career change, have a burning ambition to be your own boss, or been searching for a new skill, now is the time to start your journey towards fulfilling those goals. North West Regional College is now enrolling for part-time courses at its Strabane, Derry~Londonderry and Limavady campuses. For those who’ve been away from education for some time, returning with NWRC often exceeds their expectations with state-of-the-art learning facilities, expert and supportive lecturing staff across the curriculum, and opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else. Courses will be commencing in the coming weeks and places are filling up quickly. There’s never been a better time to become an NWRC student, given the opportunities that the College is now providing. Across all course areas, students can make the most of the expertise and resources within the College to enhance their skills and gain qualifications and practical experience that employers are looking for. With short introductory programmes through to Higher Education and professional development courses, those who wish to improve their qualifications or develop a new skill will find something to suit. Our lecturers bring their industry experience to the course subjects they teach, and students of all ages are welcomed into a learning environment designed to help them achieve. A number of staff this year picked up regional and national accolades recognising the innovative teaching and their dedication to providing the best experience possible for their students.

students attributing their success to that support received from their lecturers, the practical nature of studying at NWRC, and the fact they enjoy the NWRC experience. The college now offers blended learning options that help students fit their studies around their home and work commitments and reduced fees are available to those who are in receipt of a range of benefits. The Course Guide is now available to view online at www.nwrc.ac.uk/parttime, providing details of the hundreds of part-time courses on offer at the College’s main campuses. The College offers special reduced fees for those who receiving specific benefits, to make its courses as accessible as possible to those on all levels of income. Those claiming the reduced fee are reminded to bring their benefit evidence when enrolling. You can enrol at any of the College campuses, or if paying the full fee, by phone. A limited number of full-time places remain also at this time. For a modern learning environment, supportive staff and fantastic opportunities, look no further than North West Regional College. Call 028 7127 6000 or visit www.nwrc.ac.uk for more details.

Shaun makes the cut with a career change!

34 year old Shaun McGranaghan from Ballybofey went from dealing with sprung leaks to There were plenty of accolades for students dealing with short back and sides after making this year too, with many of the award winning a return to education at NWRC Strabane.

Blended Learning

Page 2

Now qualiﬁed as a Barber, former plumber Shaun McGranaghan in the salons at NWRC Strabane.

Having worked in the family plumbing business with his father for 15 years he watched work slowly dry up as a result of the recession. “I had thought for a while that maybe I could be doing something else and I thought that maybe barbering could be the thing for me. The NVQ Level2 Barbering at Strabane seemed ideal for me – and it was! “I remember my first day in class and I was sick with nerves as I didn’t quite know what to expect. Some of my class mates actually thought I was the lecturer at the beginning. That was a good laugh and broke the ice a bit for us all. Shaun found the lecturers helpful and

approachable, but the thing that has struck him most weas the spirit within his class in the new salons at the Derry Road Campus. “We were all there to learn and helped each other out at every opportunity.” Shaun completed the NVQ Level 2 in Barbering and went on to the Level 3 course. “I’m working now part-time in Georgie’s Barbers in Ballybofey and I love it. Working with customers is fantastic and I get a great buzz from it. “If anyone is thinking about taking that step back into education then my advice to them is go for it. You’ll learn new skills and make so make new friends”

The Herald | July 2015

BoJack, why the long face? BoJack Horseman, Netflix’s weird, sharp and increasingly dark animated sitcom, has been commissioned for a third season. As the first two seasons progressed, the juxtaposing of the light and shade became increasingly more realised, making BobJack Horseman, many have suggested, a unique meditation on depression and self-improvement. It all sounds rather heavy for an animated sitcom but this is envelope pushing television: a tragicomedy of discomfort and longing; and a cleverly formed satire of Hollywood, celebrity culture, and the film industry. So what’s it all about? Well, this is where it gets weird: at the very premise. In a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals live side by side, BoJack Horseman (voiced by Arrested Development’s Will Arnett), the washed-up star of the 1990s sitcom Horsin’ Around, plans his big return to celebrity relevance with a tell-all autobiography that

he dictates to his ghostwriter Diane Nguyen (Alison Brie). BoJack also has to contend with the demands of his agent and on-again-off-again girlfriend Princess Carolyn (Amy Sedaris) the misguided antics of his freeloading roommate Todd Chavez (Aaron Paul), and his frenemy Mr Peanutbutter (Paul F Tompkins), who is also Nguyen’s boyfriend and

in possession of a positivity that irritates BoJack, even though he is secretly envious. BoJack is frequently overwhelmed by frustration and self-loathing, and has grown bitter and spiteful since Horsin’ Around ended and often hints at hating what he has become in his later years. Much of the comedy comes from BoJack’s pettiness and

lack of self-control, however this is balanced by his intelligence and level-headiness in certain situations, when not overwhelmed by self-loathing or alcoholism. It is within BoJack’s fragile borderline personality where the ﬁne line between the light and shade works for the show. Speaking to The Verge, series creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg outlined the appeal in developing such a show. “I’m really interested in this idea of the very dark and the very wacky kind of rubbing up against each other. And that contrast to me feels very fresh and interesting. I really like the idea of going to really wacky places but also to really dark places and kind of pushing on both sides of “What is the spectrum that this show can be?” I think we’ve found so far that it’s a very wide spectrum, and I’m looking forward to pushing the edges of that further in the next season and hopefully beyond,” he explained. It is not just as a study of the (no pun

Pablo Escobar Series “Narcos” on Netflix Crime television series “Narco” debuted on August 28, on Netﬂix. The series was created by Chris Brancato, Eric Newman, and Carlo Bernard, and is a serialized take on drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel. The ﬁrst series is ten episodes in length and based on the true-life story of the growth and spread of cocaine drug cartels across the globe in the 1980s and attendant efforts of law enforcement

to meet them head on in brutal, bloody conﬂict. Javier Pena (Pedro Pascal), a Mexican DEA agent, is sent to Colombia on a U.S. mission to capture and ultimately kill notorious Colombian cocaine kingpin Escobar (Wagner Moura). ‘Narcos’ also features Boyd Holbrook (“Gone Girl”), Colombian actor Juan Pablo Raba, British theatre star Joanna Christie (“Once”), Stephanie Sigman (set for the next James Bond

ﬁlm, “Spectre”), Colombian actor Manolo Cardona (“Covert Affairs”), André Mattos (“Elite Squad”), Luis Guzman (“Boogie Nights”) and Ana de la Reguera (“Eastbound & Down” and “Nacho Libre”). Eric Newman (“Children of Men”), the team of Doug Miro and Carlos Bernard (“Sorcerer’s Apprentice”) and Chris Brancato (“Hannibal”) also serve as executive producers.

intended) human condition where BoJack Horseman pushes the edges; the series often takes not so veiled swipes at the entertainment industry. While names are changed, the real life targets seem all too clear: a celebrity TV hosting Hippo, seen as an almost surrogate American dad for the masses, who has a number of sexual assault allegations thrown at him; to a comedy improv troupe who appear to banish those within their ranks who appear to think outside of the box. These all may have real life parallels; at ‘Total Telly’ we couldn’t possibly comment! What we can tell you is that BoJack Horseman will be back for the third series in 2016 and we look forward to seeing where this most intriguing and honest of animated sitcoms will go next. The ﬁrst two seasons are now viewable on Netﬂix.

Pablo Escobar in ‘Narcos’.

The Herald | September 2015

Page 29

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Page 30 The Herald | July 2015

TotalMusic

From Strabane Unplugged To ‘Guitar Star’ Winner 2015 Just over two years ago Gary Lutton came along to the popular Strabane Unplugged acoustic session on a Monday night. At the time, the then 21 year old from Carnmoney, County Antrim was an undergraduate studying music performance at the University of Ulster’s Magee campus in Derry.

Guitar Star champion Gary Lutton.

playing instrumental acoustic in front of 30,000 people. I didn’t really get nervous because the crowd were so encouraging right from the start.” Looking on in admiration when Gary was performing was none other than Seasick Steve, who immediately went to congratulate Gary after he completed his set. “Seasick Steve looking on and then coming up afterwards was probably my highlight of the entire experience. On stage later he said that my guitar playing was ‘dreamy’” he smiles. Currently, Gary is in the ﬁnal stages of completing his part-time masters degree in music at the Ulster University campus at Magee. “I’m there that long I don’t think I’ll ever leave,” he jokes. He has also been helping to nurture other players, teaching guitar at both the Ulster College of Music and Belfast Metropolitan College. Following on from that, he’ll be teaching in Belfast and also touring in Europe on the back of the ‘Guitar Star’ “I played in Dublin with Thomas Leeb at the end of August. The guy is one of my guitar playing idols, so I was very excited about that. I’m also playing the London Acoustic Guitar Show this month as well. So there’s a lot to look forward to and hopefully I’ll be back playing in Strabane again as well.” Bringing it all back home, that sounds good to us, Gary!

Truth-Hop. Are Sleaford Mods the most important band of recent times? Frontman Jason Williamson’s blunt, ragged diatribes against everything from Boris Johnson on his bike to bassists turned cheese makers are spitting observations of modern Britain in decline socially, politically and culturally. In contrast to the, for some, bland formulaic inoffensive fare populating the hit parade, Sleaford Mods have a lot to spit and shout about, and they care little for how it is received. For the political mineﬁeld times we live in, social comment in music is, strangely, increasingly rare. For some, and for that very reason, Sleaford Mods are just what’s needed right now; for others they are simply an awful rant over a minimal backing track. Either way, the raw lyrical rage of Jason Williamson, like an aggressive John Cooper Clarke, is striking a

Sleaford Mods

chord with a growing audience. No spring chicken in his mid-40s, Williamson’s targets for ridicule, on occasion, barely rise beyond embarrassing Paul Calf ﬁnger pointing, yes, but it’s part of the process, and it’s worth enduring such lapses into the hollow for the bull’s-eye shots at modern working

Hot Press magazine recently compiled what their writers have painstakingly deemed the Top 50 Irish Gigs since the magazine’s first issue in 1977. A bit Dublin-centric perhaps? Lacking a few roof raising nights at Belfast’s Ulster Hall? Lists are never meant to be taken that seriously, and people will always have their own personal favourites. There’s no doubting that the Hot Press Top 50 features some amazing evenings of music; Total Music was fortunate to witness a few of them. So, for your consideration, here are the Top 50 Irish Gigs, according to Hot Press Magazine.

By Mickey Ferry He took to the stage in Strabane that night for what would be his first ever live solo acoustic performance, delivering unique instrumental reinterpretations of the likes of Fleetwood Mac. Fast forward to July 2015 where Gary just saw off competition from hundreds of guitars across the UK and Ireland to be crowned the winner of ‘Guitar Star’, a competition that aired weekly on Sky Arts. Upon winning the competition Gary was given the opportunity to perform live in front of a 30,000 strong crowd at the Latitude festival. The word ‘journey’ has been used to death when about guitar skills with less focus on the personaliit comes to participants on television talent shows; ties or their back stories,” he explains. however, we’ll allow ourselves a temporary slip Indeed, with iconic names such as Black Sabbath’s into cliché considering that Strabane Unplugged to Tommy Iommi, legendary producer Tony Visconti, Latitude within two years is one swift accelerated Fun Lovin’ Criminal Huey Morgan and esteemed journey. “Strabane Unplugged was my first ever composer Nitin Sawhney getting involved, it gig and it’s mad that it was just two years ago,” was clear that this was a television talent show explains Gary. “It was the perfect setting for the of considerable merit. Participating in the acoussort of thing I do and thankfully it went down well tic section of the competition, Gary was initially on the night.” mentored by the hugely popular South American Which leads us to what exactly Gary does, and duo Rodrigo E Gabriela. “That was just insane,” he how he developed his guitar technique? “I guess laughs. “One of our challenges was to re-arrange a my big thing would be harmonics and percussion. song of theirs, but they didn’t tell us that we’d have To me, harmonics sounds a bit more vocal so I use to play it for them when they got there. To play two them quite a lot for the melodies. The percussive extremely difficult guitar parts on one guitar was elements basically decorate around the music. It’s pretty intense!” strange because when I started playing guitar it Winner was all about AC/DC and that sort of thing. I didn’t know you could get this full orchestral sound out Gary was also mentored by Paco Peña, one of the of one instrument. You can get such a depth of world’s foremost traditional Flamenco players, sound with just two hands and a guitar and that’s and English virtuoso fingerstyle guitar player, Mike Dawes. He found out on a Saturday night, the big appeal for me.” The big appeal, also, of ‘Guitar Star’ for Gary was casually and without the pantomime fanfare, that that it was different from the style of television he was the overall winner of ‘Guitar Star’. He was talent show that we’ve become accustomed to. “It due perform at Latitude the following afternoon. “I seemed like a really down to earth ethical show. It didn’t get very much sleep that night, as you could wasn’t trying to humiliate anyone. It was simply imagine,” he laughs. “It was so weird on stage

Top 50 Irish Gigs since 1977

life, capitalism and celebrity and pop culture that dominate the majority of Sleaford Mods’ records so far. Are they the most important band of recent times? They’re certainly one of the angriest. Modern life is rubbish and Sleaford Mods will tell you why at the Black Box in Belfast on September 20.

(50) The Clash - Top Hat Ballroom, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin ‘Oct ‘78 (49) The Waterboys - The Olympia, Dublin June ‘89 (48) Damien Dempsey - The Workman’s Club, Dublin Dec ‘11 (47) Public Enemy - McGonagles, Dublin May ‘88 (46) Martin Hayes & Denis Cahill National Concert Hall, Dublin June ‘08 (45) Damien Rice Bord Gais Energy Theatre June ‘12 (44) The Pharcyde The Sugar Club, Dublin July ‘13 (43) Ray Charles Tramore Racecourse July ‘93 (42) Johnny Cash & Kris Kristofferson University of Limerick Concert Hall Feb ‘93 (41) Metallica & Anthrax SFX Hall, Dublin Sept ‘86 (40) Moving Hearts National Stadium, Dublin April ‘81 (39) James Brown Vicar St, Dublin Aug ‘04 (38) Kraftwerk Olympia, Dublin March ‘04 (37) Tom Waits The Olympia, Dublin Feb ‘81 (36) Jerry Lee Lewis The Gaiety Theatre May ‘93 (35) Grace Jones HQ Dublin April ‘99 (34) Green Day The Attic, Dublin Dec ‘91 (33) Hozier Pepper Canister Church, Dublin Dec ‘13 (32) The National Whelan’s, Dublin Nov ‘05 (31) Daft Punk Marlay Park, Dublin Aug ‘06 (30) The Ramones State Theatre, Phibsboro Sept ‘78 (29) Arcade Fire Olympia, Dublin March ‘07 (28) Queen The RDS, Dublin Aug ‘84 (27) AC/ DC The O2, Dublin April ‘09 (26) Rage Against The Machine Tivoli Theatre, Dublin Aug ‘93 (25) Bob Marley Dalymount Park, Dublin July ‘80 (24) Pearl Jam Green Glens Arena, Millstreet Oct ‘96 (23) Taylor Swift 3Arena, Dublin June ‘15 (22) Depeche Mode The Point Depot, Dublin Dec ‘93 (21) REM SFX, Dublin Dec ‘84 (20) David Bowie The Point Depot, Dublin Nov ‘03 (19) Ed Sheeran Whelan’s, Dublin Jan ‘15 (18) The Cranberries Theatre Royal, Limerick Dec ‘93 (17) Leonard Cohen Lissadell House, Sligo July ‘10 (16) Beastie Boys Tivoli Theatre, Dublin June ‘94 (15) Radiohead Rock Garden, Dublin May ‘93 (14) Arctic Monkeys Whelan’s, Dublin Aug ‘05 (13) Oasis Tivoli, Dublin Sept ‘94 (12) The Smiths SFX Centre, Dublin May ‘84 (11) Van Morrison The Point Depot Feb ‘93 (10) Jay-Z & Kanye West The O2, Dublin June ‘12 (9) The Frames Marlay Park, Dublin Aug ‘04 (8) Michael Jackson Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork July ‘88 (7) Prince The POD, Dublin March ‘95 (6) Iggy Pop HQ, Dublin Nov ‘99 (5) Lady Gaga O2, Dublin Feb ‘10 (4) Nirvana Sir Henry’s, Cork Aug ‘91 (3) Thin Lizzy Dalymount Park, Dublin Aug ‘77 (2) U2 Slane Caste Sept ‘01 (1) Bruce Springsteen Slane Castle June ‘85 Lets us know your favourite Irish gigs. Tweet us at @MickeyStrabane.

The Herald | September 2015

Page 31

Autumn Activity Programme Starting Monday 14th September 2015 Time

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11.30am - 12.30pm

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Block classes are for 6 consecutive weeks. Due to the limited number and high demand for spaces in our classes, it is essential to book early and pay in advance to secure your place. Special Offer - 10 Session Block only £32.00. Choice of 10 Classes (exc. yoga and pilates) | 10 session Yoga/Pilates block only £36.00 (all classes subject to availability)

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The Herald | SeptemberPage 20157

Page 32 The Herald | July 2015

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE BALOR ARTS CENTRE

Early Autumn Entertainment at the Balor! There’s exciting shows aplenty throughout September at The Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey. In theatre we welcome the smash hit show Charolais direct from success at The Edinburgh Fringe and Donegals Bread & Roses Theatre Co. bring Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! following great reviews at this years Earagail Arts Festival. There’s music from near and far. Acclaimed Castlefin fiddler Brid Harper celebrates the Donegal launch of her debut CD in the company of some of Irelands finest traditional musicians. Legendary Irish band Scullion with Sonny Condell, Philip King and Robbie Overson pay us a visit as do Betty & the Boy – an outstanding folk/bluegrass/rock band all the way from Oregon USA. And don’t forget the dinosaurs – you won’t want to miss the jaw-dropping live theatre show that is Jurassic Adventures.

THEATRE Thursday 10th September Bread and Roses Theatre Co. present

Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! By Dario Fo Directed by Kathleen McCreery

Cast of ‘Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay

Siobhan has developed a homicidal jealousy for this Charolais and is feeling equally murderous towards her snobbish soon-to-be mother in law. A dark comedy of love and longing: rarely in Irish theatre are the challenges of farming life and the joy of sex expressed so frankly or with such charm. Bewley’s ‘Little Gem Award’ - Tiger Dublin Fringe 2014

MUSIC

Their five album back catalogue includes anthems such as ‘Down In The City’, ‘Eyelids into Snow’ and ‘John The Baptist’. Recent Scullion performances have sold out in a heartbeat confirming their status as one of Ireland’s best and most popular bands.

FAMILY Thursday 24th September

Jurassic Adventures

Discover the most exciting family show since wants her egg back! time began… Jurassic Adventures is brought to you by Friday 18th September Be transported to a magical island where World on Stage and the team behind Disney Betty & The Boy anything can happen. A prehistoric place full on Ice. It’s fully scripted adventure where of fun, thrills and screams. Follow the foot- Dinosaurs live right before your eyes that will A remarkable five-piece band universally steps of Dr. Grant and his team of explorers leave you in ‘Veloci Raptures’ and ‘Pre Hyslauded in their home state of Oregon. and laugh at their crazy antics as they search terics’! An absolutely brilliant show for all the Their remarkfor proof that Dinosaurs still exist. family ages 3+. able sound Be amazed and awed by the birth of a baby Warning: Contains mild peril and HUGE defies simple dinosaur. But beware of the mother T Rex who DINOSAURS! categorisation. Though the quintet’s stringladen melodies occasionally anchor them in the territories of folk, bluegrass, or minim¬ali¬st rock, they’re more at home in the cracks www.balorartscentre.com ROI: 074 9131840 NI: 00353 74 9131840 in-between. It’s from these quirky, deeper, sometimes darker places that Betty Jaeger’s voice reaches up, takes you by the hand, and sweeps you along on an entrancing musical journey. With two acclaimed albums released on this side of the Atlantic reviewers have showered them with praise. They come to The Balor as part of their long-awaited UK & Ireland tour.

balor arts centre main street ballybofey co. donegal

Friday 25th September

Brid Harper & Friends A Donegal treatment of the classic Dario Fo Italian political comedy farce. Following their acclaimed performance in this years Earagail Arts Festival new Donegal theatre company Bread and Roses bring Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! to The Balor. Antonia and her neighbours are desperate: with the cost of living spiralling they’re struggling to feed their families. When their local supermarket puts up the prices yet again the women snap. A mutiny kicks off, the shelves are cleared and freezers emptied in a joyous protest against the market forces that are keeping them impoverished.

Donegal CD Launch

The Donegal Launch of the debut solo CD from one of the finest exponents of traditional fiddle playing of our time with Bríd Harper, Dermot Byrne, Steve Cooney, Trevor Hutchinson, Bronagh Graham and PJ McDonald. Bríd has been playing Irish Traditional Music on the fiddle since she was nine years old. She has won many All Ireland under-age fiddle competitions at Fleadhanna Ceoil and in 1988 was awarded three major titles Senior All Ireland, Oireachtas na Gaeilge and The Fiddler of Dooney. Many traditional musicians cite Bríd Harper Thursday 1st October as a major influence on their playing and Bigger Picture Projects present she has been described as one of the finest exponents of traditional fiddle playing of our Charolais time. Although she has guested on many Written and performed by Noni Stapleton recordings over the years, ‘Bríd Harper and Directed by Bairbre Ni Chaoimh Friends’ is her debut solo CD. It features A darkly comic tale of a woman’s homicidal guest appearances from some of Traditional Irish music’s finest many of whom will join her jealousy and love rivalry...with a cow! for his concert. Charolais is an age old tale of female rivalry Friday 2nd October with a new twist: Scullion the other woman is cow, a literal An innovative driving force in Irish music one, a purebred Born out of a chance meeting in the late ‘70’s Charolais heifer. Scullion’s Philip King, Robbie Overson and Siobhan’s boycreative core and inspiration Sonny Condell friend is a farmer continue to invent and innovate. For over who devotes three decades they have remained true to considerable attention to his prize heifer at their eclectic musical roots – nourished by the expense of his very pregnant girlfriend. tradition but not beholden to it.

Jurassic Adventures - Thursday 24th September

Betty & The Boy - Friday 18th September

TOP CLASS ENTERTAINMENT AT THE BALOR THEATRE Thurs Sep 10th @ 8pm

Bread and Roses Theatre Company Present

Adm €12/€10

Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay Charolais

Adm €15/€12

Fri Sep 18th @ 8.30pm

Betty & The Boy

Adm €15

Fri Sep 25th @ 8.30pm

Brid Harper & Friends

Adm €15/€12

Fri Oct 2nd @ 8.30pm

Scullion

Adm €15

Jurassic Adventures

Adm €15/€10 (€40 family of 4)

Thurs Oct 1st @ 8pm MUSIC

FAMILY Thurs Sep 24th @ 4.30pm

www.balorartscentre.com

The Herald | September 2015

Page 33

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The Herald | September 2015

Page 34

What’s trending for Autum/Winter

Bellamianta Tan

Estee Lauder Lipstick & Glosses

Hi Ladies Well we have to accept summer is ofﬁcially over. Although it didn’t really start at all! But never mind, this time of year is so exciting with all the new season trends. So to keep you up to speed with what’s new I have my best picks of tried and tested products just for you. The new season looks are ranging from 60’s inspired eye make-up looks to deep jewel colours and of course the red lippy, in all tones of red (Yippie). Clarins have a fab day/night look that is so easy to adapt with a few slick products that multitask. Check out these colour palettes. At the Clinique counter Barbara and Cara are offering a You-Time Service, this is a lovely treat girls, you can learn quick tips and techniques from the girls but also receive a treat aswell, you can choose from; • Pick your pout • In a wink • Brows to go • Healthy skin • Insta glow • Flawless fast So don’t delay, all you have to do is pick a time and the girls will do the rest. So book today and receive a free treat.

Amazing results with ‘Amazing Concealer’ Glamglow Youthmud

Shiseido Face colour trio

and you certainly will with their must have products from the range. My favourite products from the range are the Shimmering Cream Eye Colour, Face Colour Enhancing Trio, Eye Brow Styling Compact and of course one of the best Eyelash Curlers. Also this month sees the launch of the Full Lash Volume Mascara and Full Lash Serum that will promote growth and thickness of eyelash and eye brow hair, so if lashes are short and sparse then this is for you. The mascara uses the worlds ﬁrst brush technology that makes reaching even the smallest lashes easy to achieve. Call and see Bernie for an eye makeup masterclass, you simply won’t believe the difference. Whilst were on the mascara, at Lancome Noelle and Annmarie are busy creating so many different eye looks, they will show you how to create the perfect ﬂick for that 60’s eye look and also show you the before and after look when demonstrating the new Volume-A-Porter Mascara, At the Shiseido counter we also have a new it offers; Consultant Bernie who is so excited to show you • Seductive Volume • Striking Length all the new launches from Shiseido. As Shiseido • Intense Black is a Japanese brand, they love to show you how to Long lashes lasts all night. Do call in and try this have fun, play with colour, and go on an adventure, fantastic Mascara.

More time

Organizing a Christmas party for the whole ofﬁce is easier to do when time is on your side. When you are wrapping up another successful year, and planning a Christmas party, things can often get on top. There is a lot

the date. There is time for everyone to organise themselves, and so the stress of running around checking that everyone knows what is happening, and when Happy office A confirmed Christmas and where it is going to Party is something that be will not be an issue everyone can get excited this year. about. If you begin the prepare now, people Date of your choice will begin exciting, and If you decide to book that’s always a great early you will have the way to boost a positive pick of the best dates atmosphere in the office and better hotels and or shop. You can get a restaurants. For staff longer lasting vibe from with Children, this will your colleagues’ if you be a blessing, it allows get the ball rolling now. time to find baby sitters And after all, everybody and arrange for their wants something to look children to be looked after on the night. It forward to right? allows for them to come to terms with Fewer headaches Once you have booked leaving their child for your venue and all has a few hours and gives been decided you won’t everybody a chance to have to stress closer to arrange themselves.

to do before the end of the year, and booking your Christmas party early gives you less to do in December.

from McElhinneys Cosmetics Department

By Noeleen McGowan

Estee Lauder Dimension Shape & Fill serum

At the Estee Lauder counter we have a new consultant, her name is Gemma and she is raring to go to show you how to achieve the latest makeup looks from Estee Lauder, you should really try out the new shadow pencils, they are stunning to wear and so easy to use in 6 beautiful shades, my favourite as a big lippy fan is the new Matte Lipsticks and Glosses, the colour range is amazing in this collection, from rich russet tones to mad vibrant pinks and red tones. Also from Estee Lauder, it’s all about angle, they say every angle becomes your best angle, therefore they have launched The New Dimension Shape and Fill Expert Serum, the range consists of Eye Contouring Kit to shape and sculpt , Expert Liquid Tape to tighten and tone, Expert Serum to shape and ﬁll and the Face Contouring Kit to shape and sculpt. Do call instore for a sample while stocks last and meet our lovely Gemma.

We here at the Herald have booked ours already! Organising the perfect Christmas party takes a lot of work and it won’t be easy. Booking your venue early is very important as it gives all your staff time to pay up for the big night and creates a great buzz, the longer you leave it the less choice of quality venue. Most establishments will accept a small deposit to book so why wait!

It List

My best tried & testested picks of the month; • The Bellamianta Tan; A beautiful olive tone, dries in 60 seconds, develops in 2-4 hours with no smell and wears beautifully. A must have in tanning! • Also the Shadow Sticks from Estee Lauder. The colour depth is amazing! My favourite shade is the magic smokey and charred plum. • New in fragrance; Try the Gucci Bambooo. The L’absolu by Narciso Rodriguez and my favourite fragrance Alaia, A sophisticated French fragrance. We have our exciting AW15 Fashion Weekend Event on instore from the 24th – 26th September. It’s going to be a fun fashion ﬁlled three days were you get the opportunity to learn more about this seasons must wear trends, exciting new designers, personal shopping guidance from our style advisors plus great opportunities to win amazing prizes. So why don’t you come along, bring your family and friends for a weekend full of fun and fashion. Noeleen xxx

Budget

Nearer to Christmas, pockets aren’t so deep, and there will be some who won’t be able to afford a night out after buying all those Christmas presents. Booking your Christmas party early allows more time to spread the cost. If you spread the cost of each person through the months it is extremely manageable

The Herald | September 2015

Page 35

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The Herald September The |Herald | July 2015

Page 236

Sion Mills slimmer meets soap star A man from Sion Mills who reached the semi-finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland’s top male slimmers has been congratulated on his weight loss by soap star and model Gemma Atkinson. Trevor Wilson, 48, was one of just 34 entrants to win a place in the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2015 contest after losing 13st 9.5lbs. It was there that he met Gemma, who shot to fame in teen soap Hollyoaks and is currently starring in ITV1’s Emmerdale. Trevor says it can be hard for men to admit that they need help to lose weight and especially difficult to walk through the doors of a slimming club for the first time. He adds: “When men want to lose weight they usually think about exercising more or following a diet on their own, not joining a group like Slimming World, so it was a big step for me but one I’m definitely glad I took.” However, research shows that when men do join a Slimming World group they’re very successful at losing weight – even more so than women.* Trevor is real-life proof of this, having gone from 26st 1.5lbs to 12st 6lbs since April 2013. Trevor says: “I couldn’t believe how easy I found it to start making changes and how quickly I noticed a difference in myself – from the first week, actually. Before I joined Slimming World I didn’t think that eating healthily would ever leave me feeling satisfied and I expected to be hungry all the time while I was losing weight, but I found I could still enjoy all my favourite meals, from a curry with rice to steak, chips and salad, by making them differently. “When I went to the group for the first time, I was worried that I’d be the only man there and stand out like a

sore thumb. It didn’t feel like that at all though, everyone was really welcoming and all of the members made an effort to help me feel like part of the group. Ultimately it doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, younger or older, because everyone in that group is there for the same reason – to lose weight, improve their health and feel better about themselves. “Having said that I was still quite apprehensive when it came to telling people I knew – particularly other men – that I was going to Slimming World. I needn’t have worried though, because when my friends and family saw how much weight I was losing and how much it meant to me they were really impressed and they’ve been so supportive. Lots of people ask me about my weight loss now and want to know how I did it – I’m certainly not shy about telling them all about Slimming World anymore. “I was proud of myself when I found out I’d made the finals of Slimming World’s Man of the Year competition. I didn’t lose weight to win a competition, but it was a nice bonus – and meeting Gemma was the icing on the cake. “Before I joined group I had sleep apnoea, which meant I had to sleep with an oxygen mask at night. I was on 19 tablets daily for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, heart and fluid problems. I could barely walk three steps with a stick. Now I walk seven to 10 miles a day, go to the gym three to four times a week, and I’m only on seven tablets now with no sleep apnoea. I have a life now; I just wish I’d have joined Slimming World sooner!” Gorgeous Gemma, who is well-known for her modelling work as well as her TV and film roles, swapped the Yorkshire Dales for Derbyshire when she met the 34 men at Slimming World’s head office in Alfreton. She was extremely impressed by all their achievements, including Trevor’s.

She says: “It was a pleasure to meet Trevor and hear all about his weight loss. He obviously looks great but I know from talking to him that it’s about much more than that, he’s improved his health and is feeling happier and more confident too. I’m sure his story will inspire so many other men in Sion Mills to follow in his footsteps and make some healthy changes. I’ll be telling all the blokes on the Emmerdale set all about him, that’s for sure.” Sinead Twells, who runs the Sion Mills group which Trevor attends, says she is very proud of Trevor: “Like Trevor says, men often think that slimming clubs like Slimming World are female-only environments. Yet with six in 10 men classed as overweight or obese compared to five in 10 women, more men than women need support to slim down and improve their health. It’s fantastic to see blokes like Trevor – and in fact all of the men who reached the semi-finals – showing everyone that Slimming World is a man’s world too. “The great thing about Slimming World is that it’s not about doing it alone. As well as sharing tips and ideas in group, it’s about eating healthily and getting more active at home so it works for everyone in the family. I hope he motivates lots of other men in County Tyrone and other local areas who’d like to lose weight to go for it and join us. Everyone’s welcome – men and women – every Tuesday at 9.30am, 11.30am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm or 7.30pm at the Old School Hall, Melmount Road, and you never know you might even get to meet a gorgeous girl like Gemma too.” **Trevor achieved the 6th highest weight loss in the competition**. To find out more about joining the Sion Mills Slimming World group call Sinead on 07835 439707, visit www.slimmingworld.com or simply pop along.

A letter to Rosemary...my younger self... Dear Rosemary, It’s 2009, you’re more than 21st and I wish, with all my heart, that I could wrap both my arms around you and give you the enormous hug you so desperately need. You’re 30 but you may as well be 80. Your days are spent eating, reading, taking care of your pets and watching television. You’re too unwell with epilepsy, agoraphobia, depression, acid reflux and back problems to have a job, sustain a relationship, or even go out your own front door. You’re not really living – just existing. You started battling your weight age 10. Until then, you were a confident, average-size little girl who loved singing, dancing and acting. One day, out of the blue, a teacher saw you in shorts and nicknamed you ‘thunder thighs’, joking that you’d need extra paper to create a self-portrait of your body. The damage to your self-esteem was colossal and from then on, whenever you looked in the mirror, you saw yourself as overweight. You spent the whole of secondary school alternating between unsustainable crash diets and giving in to your hunger pangs with chocolate, cakes and crisps. Diets and weight aside, you were a typical teenage girl who lived for the weekend and loved parties, dancing and dates. Then in 1997 two life-changing things happened. In October, you were sitting in the kitchen when you suddenly lost consciousness. Diagnosed with epilepsy, you were given strong drugs to prevent further seizures. The side effects were devastating: your hair fell out in clumps and your appetite increased immensely. Then your beloved grandma died, which made you comfort eat to try to ease the pain of her loss. Not everyone at college understood or was supportive: you overheard comments about the number of mince pies you must have eaten over the holidays. Unfortunately, your epilepsy proved difficult to control and stress seemed to be a trigger. You applied to study communications and marketing at university instead, though when you were due to start, you deferred your place. You felt too ashamed of your size. What if people were rude? What would happen if you had a bad seizure and needed to go to hospital? It was so much safer to wait until you were slim. Unfortunately, that day never came. You must have tried every crash diet ever invented, plus hypnosis, exercising at home on a cross-trainer, and slimming clubs where you felt told off and humiliated.

which you’d feel too unwell to venture out anyway. From mid-2006 to 2009 you stayed at home permanently. Even after that, you only went out for medical appointments and to visit Mum when she needed a life-saving operation. You missed so much, you’d even hide upstairs when visitors came fearful of comments. Mum and Dad were frantic with worry that you were spending your 20s as a recluse. In turn, you worried about how you would look after them properly as they got older – all of you were in poor health. One day in 2012, you noticed that one of your few remaining friends was looking slim and you asked her what she ate. The answer – big meals and lots of treats – flew in the face of everything you’d learned in your 20-year dieting history. You quickly found the Slimming World website and resolved to give Food Optimising a try at home. A brave new world Rosemary, it was one of the best decisions you ever made. Mum had always cooked healthy evening meals, such as chicken with vegetables, and she was enthusiastic about the easy Slimming World recipes you found online. Your biggest problem had always been the chocolates, buns and cakes you ate instead of breakfast and lunch. Now you made sure you had three proper meals a day and snacked on grapes, kiwi fruit or cherries. Yes, it was a huge change and sometimes you gave in to your old cravings. And you were still eating quite a few ready-made sauces, which were high in Syns. Even so, you lost nearly 5st in a year. And then your weight loss stalled. So you made what turned out to be another brilliant choice. Despite your crippling agoraphobia and your fear of ridicule, you resolved to join your local Slimming World group. You’d aimed for one of the three daytime sessions, then went into such a panic that you only got there at 7.30pm, when Dad tricked you into ‘keeping him company’ while Rosemary after her life changing transformation. he drove Mum to the supermarket. You were shocked You’d lose a few pounds, then always gain back every when he pulled up at the Slimming World venue instead. ounce – with interest – as soon as you gave in to your It took real courage to walk through those doors for hunger pangs. As your weight rose, you heard a little the first time. And instead of the rude comments and boy asking his mum why you were fat, and her response harsh judgement you’d feared, you met kindness and was that it was because you ate too much. You started empathy. You were too shy to speak in IMAGE Therto leave the house less and less frequently. Sometimes, apy, but you listened to every word, your Consultant, you’d get ready for a night out with friends, but then had to say. And then you went home, cleared out the your heart would pound and you’d feel too terrified to cupboards, planned a menu and did an online superleave. market shop. Within two weeks of joining group, you’d The panic attack would trigger an epileptic seizure, after already received your half-stone award. You couldn’t

EDITORIAL

Trevor Wilson with soap star Gemma Atkinson. Trevor lost 13st 9.5lbs on Slimmingworld. Inset: Trevor before weight loss.

EDITORIAL believe how quickly you were progressing with this task you’d previously thought was impossible. Spurred on by realising you really could make positive changes, you dragged your cross-trainer (which had been gathering dust for years) back into the kitchen. At first, you were so unfit that you could manage no more than a minute at a time. Yet, filled with a sudden belief and a determination you never knew you possessed, you soldiered on until you could manage five-minute sessions, then 10 minutes, then 20. Working out on that cross-trainer soon replaced chocolate and cakes as your everyday stress-buster. You were thrilled to have found a way to cope with difficult days that helped clear your head as well as lose weight rather than gain it! In fact, Slimming World was sorting out more than your weight issues. Soon, chatting to everyone at group became second nature. As the weight came off and your confidence picked up, you realised something. Your epilepsy seemed to have disappeared. Your reflux and back pain also seemed to have been cured, and your energy levels had picked up immensely. Your doctors were delighted with these improvements and told you that if you managed two years without seizures, you could learn to drive – something you never thought you’d achieve. You could barely believe it when, on 28 April 2014, you were down to 10st 7lbs. You’d lost more than half your body weight since first finding out about Slimming World. What an amazing achievement for someone who, despite feeling comfortable and safe at group, still hardly ever left home without suffering extreme anxiety; someone who had only just started venturing out to pubs and concerts, let alone thinking about dates, boyfriends or getting her own home one day. In August 2014, you’d reached your target weight of 10st 2lbs, and by the following winter you were confident enough to visit clothes shops in person. When a shop assistant persuaded you to try a size-12 dress and it was too big, you burst into tears. There, twirling before you, was the slim version of Rosemary at last. Since you began your slimming journey you’ve lost nearly 12st! The Rosemary who’d been hiding indoors for years, wearing size-30 tracksuit bottoms was now free. Losing weight has not only helped heal your body, it’s building the confidence of the 35-year-old you – and giving you the chance of a Rosemary xx

The Herald | September 2015

Page 37

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Slimming World Join a warm and friendly group near you today…

MONDAYS: Strabane 9.30am,11.30am, 5.00pm & 7pm Strabane Cricket Club: Helen Telephone 07730 768 080

TUESDAYS: Sion Mills 9.30am, 11.30am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm. The Old School Hall Melmount Road, (take turn at traffic lights into Church Square.) Consultant: Sinead Telephone 07835 439707 Eire Mob: 0035386 848 3888

WEDNESDAY: Artigarvan 5.30pm & 7.30pm Artigarvan Primary School: Helen Telephone 07730 768 080

THURSDAYS Strabane 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Murphy’s On The Green, Strabane Consultant: Sharron, Telephone: 07519779345

Castlederg 9:30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Derg Valley Care , 5-7 Parkview Road, Castlederg, BT81 7BN Consultant: Patricia,Telephone 07885 671489

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Visit the website to read Zoes story… slimmingworld.com 0844 897 8000

*More people in the UK choose to attend a Slimming World group each week than any other weight loss group.

The Herald | July 2015 Page 38

The Herald | SeptemberPage 20153

The sun shines on a successful Macmillan Cup Tournament

The third annual Macmillan Cup seven-a-side tournament was a massive success at Melvin Sports Complex on Saturday, September 5, raising an impressive £2,010 for Strabane Macmillan Nurses. By Michael Ferry Beautiful weather, which has been a rare occurrence in recent months, positively added to the occasion as 16 teams battled it out to be crowned the 2015 champions. It was not to be for current holders, Mopack, and for the third successive year there was to be heartache in the final for Sion Swifts. With most of their squad already having 90 minutes of football on the clock that day, getting to the final was a fantastic achievement. However, their opposition in the final, JC Barbers, saw to it that a new name was to etched on the cup this year, coming through 2-0 winners. Speaking after the trophy presentations, chief tournament organiser, Darren Wallace, wished to thank a number of people and businesses. “There are a lot of people to thank, starting with Christopher Hendry, who has been great help in the running of the cup over the last three years. I want to thank Paul

2015 Macmillan Cup Winners JC Barbers.

‘Gags’ Gallagher and Springhill Park Community Development Association for sponsoring the pitches on the day, and KP Doherty, Gary Wallace, Conor McFeeters, Josephine McGinn, Brian Coyle, and Paul Sweeney, Head of Macmillan Fundraising NI, for all their support and help on the day. Thanks also to Murphy’s On The Green for allowing us to hold a fantastic post-tournament disco in their fantastic upstairs venue. I want to thank every team sponsor; your teams did you proud, and thank you to every business that sponsored a prize for the rafﬂe. Finally, I’d like to thank every player that took part on the day; without you there would be no tournament and I’m so grateful to each and every one of you. We have raised over £2000 for Macmillan, which is an excellent result for a fantastic cause. Once again thank you all for your support,” Paul Sweeney, Head of Macmillan Funraising NI; Darren Wallace, tournament organiser; and Councillor Paul Gallagher concluded Darren. present winning captains Darren and James McMenamin of JC Barbers with the 2015 Macmillan Cup.

Paul Sweeney, Head of Macmillan Fundraising NI, presents the ‘Player of the Final’ trophy to Shane Breslin. Macmillan Cup Runners up Sion Swifts. Knockavoe

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The Herald | July 2015 Page 39

Page 2 The Herald | September 2015 Strabane Training Services

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The Herald | July 2015

Declan Mc Mullan, his remarkable family and their gift to me ...write your own story!

Workshops & Seminars

For further information on dates and venues contact:

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In the not too distant past I had the privilege to meet a young man from Crossgar County Down and his remarkable family. It is an encounter I will always remember as I was overwhelmed by what I can only describe as an experience of profound unconditional love. It certainly put lots of things into perspective for me and I am eternally grateful to Declan and the Mc Mullan family for that and the opportunity to do what little I can to help. Prior to my visit I had learned through a mutual friend that Declan had a cardiac arrest in 2012 and sustained brain damage as a result and since then had suffered from locked-in-syndrome rendering him unable to see, eat, speak or move. Watching his loving family and friends communicating with Declan by blinking in response to their patient promptings was a truly grounding and humbling experience for me. Can you imagine what it would be like to have a fully functioning brain and able to express yourself only through blinking your eyes. In these ‘blinking’ messages Declan has expressed how he feels and has compared his condition to being ‘buried alive’. However, as I found, Declan can also really enjoy life and has a great sense of humour and has expressed, (blinked out), many happy sentiments too. On March 16th 2012 Declan went to bed as usual and died in his sleep. His mother Brenda heard Declan getting up for a glass of water and somehow sensed something was wrong. She called out his name and got no reply. When she entered his room and felt his hand it was stone cold and she also realised his chest was not moving. Brenda rushed to get her husband John who used his CPR training to help his son until the ambulance arrive some 8 minutes later even though he thought Declan was dead. On arrival the paramedics worked on Declan and he was given the Last Rites by a local priest. After more than ﬁve

attempts to revive Declan the paramedics were going to give up however they then felt a slight pulse and continued with eight more deﬁbrillator shocks. Declan was taken to intensive care in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for six weeks and it was established that his cardiac arrest had been caused by an underlying condition called Wolff Parkinson, White syndrome, which he didn’t know he had as this condition has no symptoms and doesn’t show up on normal scans.

Life Support

was his child he would give him another couple of days. John and Brenda did this and Declan opened his eyes. It was soon established that Declan’s hearing wasn’t impaired and has full understanding of what is being said to him however he cannot speak, see or move, is fed through a peg in his stomach and uses a wheel chair. Declan had also great difﬁculty expressing his innermost feelings until a medic showed the Mc Mullans how Declan could communicate with his eyes. He explained that if he called out the letters of the alphabet, Declan would respond by blinking at the appropriate ones to form a word. This is how the family communicates with Declan. Declan’s older brother Mark sings to Declan and his singing to Declan was videoed and went viral when posted on you tube. Mark sang the song ‘Bring him Home’ from the musical ‘Les Miserables’ and since then has sang it on the ‘Nolan Show’ and the ‘Late Late Show’ where another guest, Oscar winning actor Russell Crowe was deeply moved. Mark and his family are aware that raising money for charity is important and have decided to stage a musical in the Grand Opera House Belfast to support local charities. Sunset Boulevard has been the musical of choice and the Irish Amateur Premier of this classic will be held on Wednesday 7th October starting at 7.30 pm. The show runs until Saturday 10th October and it is a wonderful opportunity to see Mark live on stage and Declan too, whilst supporting local charities. It is testimony to the kind, loving and unselﬁsh nature of the Mc Mullan family that they have chosen to raise awareness and funds for local charities other than their own with this production and I urge you to support this worthy cause and come along and enjoy the show. I will be there on opening night too.

The doctors explained Declan’s condition to his mother Brenda and father John and asked them to consider letting them turn off his life support machine to allow Declan to ‘pass away peacefully’ Until the next time however another medic conﬁded in John that if it Tom Herron

The Herald September The |Herald | July 2015

Page 240

STRABANE GOLF ROUND-UP - Photos by Tommy Frobes

The winner of Mr Frankie Houston’s Presidents prize was Joe Kennedy also the Presidents wife Libby Houston.

The winners of the Presidents mixed foursomes were Margaret Wolfe and Gerry Casey, with the president Frankie Houston and his wife Libby.

The runner up was Nicky Patton, third was Garvin Godfrey with the gross going to Fred McGavigan.

The runners up were Mary McCrory and Maurice McGettigan.

The winner of the Strabane Training Services Open was Daniel Duffy with the Other winners in the Strabane Training Services Open were Mark Quinn 3rd, Stephen Donaghey 4th and David Friel 5th. runner up Paddy Kennedy with club captain Pat Corry.

The winner of the Pat o’Neill building services open was Shane McLaughlin with runner up Fred McGavigan, Kieran O’Neill who represented the sponsor Other winners in the Pat O’Neill open were Jimmy Callan, and Club Captain Pat Corry. Conal Cooke and Paul O’Hare.

The winner of the Claire’s hair Salon open was Lisa Patton with the runner up Catherine Connolly also the sponsor Claire Maxwell and the Lady Captain Monica McGettigan.

Third was Jennifer Rouse with Mandy Coyne winning the gross.

Fourth was Gary King represented by Kieran McBride, ﬁfth was Michael Thompson and Mark McCrea won the second nine.

Third were Kathleen Hoynes and Francie Devine.

The winner of the Farmers Home open was Eddie O’Kane with the runner up Paul O’Hare Seamus Devenney represented the sponsors.

The winner of the Forbes Plumbing and Home Heating Open was Stephen McCay, the runner up was Ronnie Wiley and the gross winner Paddy Kennedy. Michael Forbes junior represented the sponsors.

Other winners were Catherine Neeson, Olive Reid, Geraldine Masterson and Mary Gallagher.

The Herald | September 2015 Page 2

Page 41 The Herald | July 2015

STRABANE GOLF ROUND-UP - Photos by Tommy Frobes

Other Winners on Lady presidents day-Geraldine McCrory and Kathleen Hoynes.

Nearest the pin and the longest drive were won by Catherine Neeson.

The runner up was Danny Duffy and third went to Gerry Glover.

The winner of the H.S.S Hire open was Brian Cairns with the runner up Maurice Curran.

Other winners in the Irish Road motors were Ben Corry, Martin Rouse, Terry Doherty and Garvin Godfrey.

Bernie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Kane, Maeve Crowe and Carole McFeeters.

The winner in the mens section was Maurice McGettigan with the club Captain Pat Corry the runner up.

Imelda Doherty and Mary Gallagher.

The winner of Past Captains and Presidents Day was Pat McAneny, with club captain Pat Corry and immediate past captain Senan Roarty.

The clubs JB Carr team who were Ulster ďŹ nal runners up.

The Captain of the Ballybofey team who on the Ulster JB Crr title.

The runner up was Mark Brolly and Paddy Kennedy won the gross prize.

The winner of the Irish Road motors open was Jason Gourley, the runner up was Mark Neeley with Connor Byrne in third, Mark Brolly represented the sponsors.

The winner of the McGoldrick sports open was Eoghan Farrell, the runner up was Fred McGavigan with Vincent Bradley in third place.

The winner of the Oysters Restaurant open was James Harron, other winners pictured are Caolan Crawford, Michael McColgan Nicky Patton and James Harron with club captain Pat Corry.

The Herald | September 2015

Page 42

SF Office drop-off point for Refugee Appeal!

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA Michaela Boyle has announced that the Sinn Féin Office in Strabane is open as a drop off point for donations to the Omagh Solidarity with Refugees Appeal. She said, “The plight of refugees trying to escape from their war torn homelands in the Middle East and Africa has touched the hearts of people around the world and the desire of people to want do something to help has been galvanized by the heart-rending photograph of the body of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi washed up on a beach in Turkey after he drowned attempting to reach Greece. “Last year, the solidarity and generosity of the people of Strabane was evident in the overwhelming response to the GAZA Appeal and we have

now made contact with the Omagh Solidarity with Refugees Appeal and arranged to open the doors of the Sinn Féin Office as a drop off point for donations to assist their appeal which in turn is feeding into the ‘Cork to Calais Appeal’ being organised nationally. We are appealing for donations of: • Blankets • Towels • Tents, especially 4 man + • Heavy duty rubbish bags • Torches, candles, batteries • Medicines, first aid kits • Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes,

shower gel, razors, toilet rolls, tissues) • Winter clothing for men, women and children • Hats, scarves, coats, gloves. • Nappies and baby wipes. • Also head scarves for ladies. • Shoes for all ages but only in good condition. Given the limitations of space at the office we would ask people to limit their donations to the above items only and we would be grateful for any volunteers to help during each day to help separate and pack the donations ready for transportation.” All help will be greatly received!

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The Herald | September 2015

Page 43

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Th TheeHerald Herald||September September2015 2015

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