April 2021 Issue 4 - Volume 22
new waTer acTIvITIeS cenTreS announceD for norTh-weST MARC MAC SHARRY TD
SLIGO, LEITRIM, SOUTH DONEGAL & NORTH ROSCOMMON Tel: 071-9143616 marc.macsharry@oir.ie
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IT SlIgo lecTurer Dr. MarIon DowD feaTureD on rTe DocuMenTary
agrI-InnovaTorS InvITeD To arena awarDS coMpeTITIon
Covid impacting negatively on women in business I
BEC, the group that represents Irish business, recently released new research highlighting the impact that Covid has had on the working lives of women in business in Ireland. The findings confirm the growing concerns that Covid has the potential to regress hard-earned progress in gender equity. The survey findings were published at a special Ibec Global event that shared insights from international thought leaders on what we collectively need to do to achieve goals for gender equality and to unlock massive financial, human and societal benefits. The survey, carried out in March, sought to examine the impact of Covid on women and reveals that 20% of organisations had noticed a change in the position of women in their organisations over the past 12 months, citing changes such as increased pressure and stress for women, childcare responsibilities, and requests from women for worktime flexibility to accommodate childcare and/or eldercare. While Covid has undoubtedly impacted the caring responsibilities of many workers, the Ibec research reveals that almost half of respondents (48%) said that more women than men had requested changes to their working patterns to facilitate caring responsibilities. The survey also shows that 31% of respondents said that more of their female employees than their male counterparts had requested unpaid leave to facilitate caring responsibilities over the past 12 months. A key factor in women's progression within organisations is the visibility of their input to colleagues and managers. However, just 8% of companies surveyed said that training for managers was in place to ensure visibility of female workers while remote working. Ibec Head of Social Policy Dr. Kara McGann said: “Historically, women are disproportionately impacted by crises, disasters, and societal disruption, and Covid-19 checks all those boxes. Continues on Page 2
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McSharry qualifies for Olympics in Tokyo
Sligo’s Mona McSharry has qualified for the Olympics after posting a time of 1:06.97 in the 100m breaststroke. She was under the qualifying time 1:07.07 to secure her place in Tokyo. The time was a new Irish record and a personal best for the Sligo swimmer.
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Northwest Express April, 2021
news
Funding of over €2.1m. for Ireland-West Airport
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HE news that over €2.1 million has been allocated for Ireland West Airport Knock under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 has been warmly welcomed by IWAK Managing Director Joe Gilmore and business and community interests generally in the north-west. The allocation is part of over €11 million in funding announced for regional airports by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughten. Each airport received the amount of funding requested for their respective projects. Many of the projects being supported incorporate valuable climate benefits, such as the replacement of vehicles with more efficient, low emission equivalents and the replacement of airfield and external lighting with LED. Other projects funded include new safety and security systems which incorporate more energy efficient components, as well as components that are recyclable at the end of their service life.
Mr. Gilmore told Mid-West Radio this week that the funding will go primarily towards capital investment in the areas of safety, security and sustainability at the airport. While the airport remains closed at present due to the Covid-19 restrictions, Mr. Gilmore says Ryanair is planning to resume flights from June, though this will be subject to Government advice on international travel. At present every effort is being made to ensure the facility will be operation-ready when that time comes. He's hoping the first phase will see the opening of a travel corridor between Ireland and the UK, which would benefit many families in the West of Ireland who've been separated from family members for so long during the pandemic Mayo F.G. deputy Michael Ring said: “This significant funding allocation for Ireland West Airport Knock will contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety, security and sustainability”. Ireland West Airport Knock will also be eligible to apply for operational grant-aid, targeted at vital
safety and security related operational expenses later this year. “Almost €20 million is available from the Department during 2021 for air traffic control, fire services and security related expenses which will help ensure that airports can continue to remain compliant with regulatory requirements in these area.” Other regional airports to receive funding under the programme were: Donegal (€876,525), Kerry (€1,718,685) while Shannon received €6,327,000. Announcing these allocations, Minister of State Naughton said: ‘‘I am delighted to be approving these capital allocations in what has been an incredibly difficult year on our regional airports. This funding represents a strong commitment by Government to help Ireland’s regional airports remain financially sustainable as they plan to move beyond the largest exogenous shock that the sector has ever faced.” She also noted that this year’s funding has taken the climate objective into account for the first time.
GMIT Mayo holding online open evening IT’S coming close to decision time, again, for students of all ages. GMIT Mayo will host a virtual open evening on Wednesday, May 5, from 5 to 8 p.m., for prospective students and their families on https://openday.gmit.ie/, featuring live Q&A sessions, videos, tours and giveaways. This exciting online event will feature live-to-camera sessions with staff and students who will answer questions about the range of programmes on offer, from nursing, early childhood education and care, social care, to community youth development, history and geography, culture and environment, and outdoor education, as well as postgraduate and professional development courses, and the excellent student supports available. Staff from GMIT’s Access and Disability Office will also be on hand for virtual oneto-one sessions. Virtual visitors are invited to browse videos on all Mayo campus programmes, student supports, admission processes, student and graduate experience stories and a virtual tour of the historical campus itself which dates back to 1866. Anne Donnelly, student services officer, GMIT Mayo, says: “We have timed this event to coincide with the opening of the CAO change of mind facility as this is a time when students are reassessing their options. This is an event not just for Leaving Cert students. We invite anyone who may be interested in undertaking a full-time or part-time course to join us too. “This easy-to-use virtual event platform
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• Servicing all makes & models • Excellent selection of Tyres • Puncture Repair • NCT Preperation • Wheel Balancing & Alignment Photo: Keith Heneghan goes beyond live streaming to create an engaging and dynamic event experience. We would ask interested participants to register in advance at https://openday.gmit.ie/.” Mona Wise, GMIT schools’ liaison officer, described the virtual events platform as user-friendly and fun. “We have hosted 10 incredibly successful events on this virtual platform since November 2020. Students can engage via the live stream Q&A function in real-time and get immediate answers to their questions from all our experts.
“This has been ground-breaking for us here at GMIT. We are excited about where the future will take us now that we can broaden our reach (albeit virtually) to connect with more schools and students. “We are looking forward to massive student/teacher/parent engagement for our Mayo campus on May 5 and want to remind everyone to follow us via hashtags #chooseGMIT #GMITMayo for this event, as we have lots of goodies to giveaway too. “If unable to attend, please connect with SLO@GMIT.ie and we will send you a link to the taped version of the event.”
Dromore West, Sligo Tel: 096-47052. Mob: 087-2541243 www.recoverysligo.com
Covid impacting negatively on women in business Continued from front page Our survey findings confirm that Covid-19 has accentuated long standing gender imbalances across several dimensions, threatening hard won markers of gender equity. The pandemic is deepening preexisting inequalities, exposing
vulnerabilities in social, political and economic systems which are in turn amplifying the impacts of the pandemic. “Our survey also reveals that one fifth of companies intend to introduce increased supports to women over the next 12 months. However, if equality is the goal, we
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need to shift to an equity agenda that ensures we are putting the right measures in place to actively correct the historical wrongs and systemic barriers that leave women and gender diverse people behind and provide them with the tools and support they need to thrive.” Advertising: 096-77743 Editorial: 096-77743 Fax: 096-75641 Email: info@theexpress.ie Web: www.theexpress.ie
The information in Northwest Express is carefully researched and believed to be accurate, but the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Statements or opinions expressed herein are not necessary those of the editor or publisher. Advertisements within the publication are not endorsed by the publisher. Neither are any claims made within the advertisements. Before consuming any products mentioned in the publication readers are advised to consult with their general practitioner or equivalent professional for opinion or advice. The publisher will not be held liable for any mistakes or omissions to any advertisements. Publishers decision is final as to what appears in our publication
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Northwest Express April, 2021
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Cycling Campaign highlights the ‘Strandhill School Bus’
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he Minister of State with responsibility for public health and wellbeing, Frank Feighan, joined primary school pupils and parents in Strandhill this week to promote the Strandhill Cycle Bus. The initiative involves pupils cycling to
school in a group and is being promoted and supported by the Sligo Cycle Campaign, Strandhill Primary School, the Parents’ Association and the local authority. Local Councillor Sinead Maguire was among those who took part in the cycle.
17-year-old Leaving Cert student's first senior goal for Sligo Rovers
Pictured are: L-R- Joan Swift, Sligo Cycling Campaign; Kieran McCauley, Strandhill Parents Association; Minister Frank Feighan, Gemma Woods. Sligo Cycling Campaign, and Cllr Sinéad Maguire.
Applications open for Sligo Leader funding
Sligo Leader Partnership Company Ltd are now inviting applications under the Transitional LEADER Programme. Six main priorities have been outlined with a key focus on building capacity in communities.
The main priorities include: • Supports to rural businesses seeking to reach new markets, expand, innovate and/or diversify in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and/or Brexit, with a particular emphasis on providing support to businesses in the food sector. • Community based projects that seek to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. • Supports and capacity building for communities that have not previously received assistance under LEADER or other rural programmes. • Support for new and innovative projects in the areas of climate change, environmental protection and the green economy. • Maximising the potential of broadband and the digital economy in communities, including through skills development and building awareness and usage of available remote working facilities. • Projects that develop the concept of the Smart Village initiative or Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZs). For Application information please email sheffernan@sligoleader.com. Closing date for first round of applications is the 28th May 2021. Find out more here: www.sligoleader.ie/transitional-leaderprogramme/
WORK FROM HOME ONLY
TELE-SALES POSITION 17-YEAR-OLD Johnny Kenny scored his first senior goal as Sligo Rovers overcame the previously unbeaten Finn Harps in a full-blooded encounter at The Showgrounds. Kenny, who is preparing for his Leaving Certificate, capitalized on a rare blunder from Finn Harps’ Mark Anthony McGinley to give his side all three points, meaning Liam Buckley’s side are yet to lose a game this season.
New Development for Rosses Point Failte Ireland, in partnership with Sligo County Council, have confirmed that new facilities will be provided at Rosses Point beach which will provide hot shower, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment washdown and orientation points.
The facility, which is expected to be available in 2022, will be fully wheelchair accessible and built using sustainability best practices, including solar heating panels. It is similar to the facility which will be provided in Enniscrone.
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Northwest Express April, 2021
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Castleconnor Cleans Up O
ver the Easter holiday period volunteers from the parish of Castleconnor in West Sligo hit the roads to take part in the An Taisce National Spring Clean 2021 in association with Sligo County Council. Observing social distancing and strict protocols in place regarding the 5km travel limit, volunteers took to the roads to help reduce the amount of roadside rubbish. It became apparent that despite reduced numbers of vehicles on our roads during the Covid Pandemic one type of driver has continued to add to the destruction of our countryside, the tosser! Or should that read the window tosser? You know the type, just got the takeaway and having eaten it in the car, decides to roll the window down and toss it out. The coffee aficionado who doesn’t think twice about tossing
their empty cup out onto the verge? A team of over 70 volunteers from every part of Castleconnor covered both sides of the roads, both rural and national, totalling 143km, and collected an amazing 1.75 tonnes of roadside refuse, much of which is entirely recyclable, making the deplorable actions of the tosser sound even more ridiculous. Despite the actions of many groups across the region, whether it be tidy towns or local villages out and about on a tidy-up, these tossers still haven’t got the memo about the positive side of recycling for the protection of our future. The countryside has been handed down to us by our predecessors but it is our gift to future generations, so let’s ensure that we gift them something worthwhile.
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Nicole Harrison – playing her part in the clean-up
New appointments at Sligo’s SL Controls Collooney (Sligo) based SL Controls, the specialist software integration firm, has announced former PM Group CEO Pat McGrath as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of its Board. It is also announcing the appointment of John Scanlan as its new Director of Corporate Services.
Pat McGrath
The announcements come after SL Controls recently announced it would be creating 50 new highly-skilled jobs over the next 18 months. SL Controls is an international provider of equipment system integrated solutions to a range of world-leading brands across a number of industries including MedTech,
Pharma, Healthcare and Technology. Many of the new hires will be engineers. As a Chartered Engineer himself and having worked for PM Group for 40 years, new SL Controls Chairman Pat McGrath has extensive experience in the sectors covered by the company. He was CEO of PM Group for almost 12 years and remained as a NonExecutive Director for three further years, leaving in 2014. Some of Pat’s specialities lie in the fields of Strategic Management, Corporate Governance, Engineering, Project Management and International Business Development. Pat is also a Chartered Director (IoD). As Director of Corporate Services, John Scanlan will play a key role in SL Controls’ delivery of total solutions from equipment systems integration to data driven insights to help customers transform their operations. John’s experience spans across a range of disciplines and industries and, over the past five years, he has specialised in service and market development strategy for cloud technology, artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0. SL Controls CEO Keith Moran says: “We are delighted to welcome both Pat and John to the SL Controls team. Both have extensive experience in strategy development and implementation and these will be key skills in assisting the company in its continued growth. I look forward to working with both Pat and John and am excited to see what we can all achieve together.”
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Northwest Express April, 2021
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€8,279,000 in funding announced for Westport Library development - Deputy Ring
M
r. Michael Ring T.D., is delighted to announce €8,279,000 in funding for a new co-located Municipal District Library and long term facilities/hub for community groups at Altamount Street, Westport. The proposed works summary for this project are as follows: Restoration, reuse and extension of the former St. Patrick’s National School (former Convent school adjacent to Mill Road, Westport) as a new co-located Municipal District Library and multi-use Community facility. Restoration of the Convent Annex buildings and Greenhouse to provide long term facilities for community groups. The Deputy continued: “When I was Minister for Rural and Community Development, I allocated €1.1 million for a new library in Westport. This funding is ring-fenced and is available for the development of the new library. Today, I am announcing a further €8,279,000 in addition to the €1.1 million which I already allocated for the Municipal District Library and long term facilities for community groups. Mayo County Council will at a later stage be looking for further funding for new civic offices”. Deputy Michael Ring continued: “I was extremely committed to ensuring that this phase of the project would progress. I am delighted with this announcement of funding today. This funding and these new buildings will make a huge difference to that area of Altamount Street. When finalised, it will be home to some of the top facilities in the county”. Deputy Ring also stated: “I am hoping that the Department of Education will finalise the new school for Holy Trinity National School in Westport at the Altamount Street site too”. “Before I left Ministerial office, I received an assurance that Holy Trinity National School would be accommodated at this site at Altamount Street and that they would be the only school on this site. I am calling on the Minister for Education to progress this matter
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Check out www.vkagrirecycling.ie for details of your nearest bring centres without delay so that Holy Trinity National School can commence building at this location. “When completed, this will be a fabulous development for the town of Westport. It will rejuvenate this area of the town and will result in excellent usage of Council lands. I would also like to acknowledge the representations made to me by Councillor Peter Flynn in relation to this project” concluded Deputy Michael Ring. In a statement welcoming the investment, Mayo TD Alan Dillon said: “I am very pleased to learn that Westport have received substantial funding under
the third RRDF call for Category 1 project proposals, one of the largest allocations across the country. “This project funding will transform the former Sisters of Mercy Convent site and adjacent lands, creating an iconic and welcoming focal point which will include a new public library and community services bub. “The project will provide a range of key community facilities and services in a central location, including remote learning, enhancing the quality of life of the town’s residents and improving the overall experience of visitors to the region.
Electric and hybrid cars grow in popularity – CSO The number of new hybrid or electric cars sold in Ireland continued to rise sharply in the first three months of 2021, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The CSO says electric and hybrid vehicles combined made up almost one-third of new private cars licensed in the first quarter of 2021, compared with just under 19% in the same period in 2020. The CSO figures show, however, that total sales of new cars in the first quarter were down by 11% compared with the same period last year. Last year, new car sales recorded a drop of 26%. The number of new electric cars licensed in the first quarter of 2021 grew by almost 55% — from 1,495 to 2,314. Sales of new plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) cars more than doubled in the first three months of 2021, climbing to 2,292 compared with 947 a year earlier. For March alone, 10,672 new cars were licensed, a slight increase of 4% on the same month last year. The number of used cars licensed was up 18% compared with March 2020, while new goods vehicles jumped by more than 40%.
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Northwest Express April, 2021
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COVID-19 accelerates technology usage across farming community
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he increasing role of technology in farming is evident, according to an annual Farm Report conducted by ifac, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness professional services firm. Over 70% of farmers say they want online buying and selling in the marts to continue post-pandemic. With 1,700 farmers across the country participating in the survey, it has revealed the true impact of COVID-19 on the farming community, from the accelerated adoption of technology on the farm to the rise in social isolation and loss of community engagement. Seven out of eight (86%) farmers say broadband is now essential, making the rollout of rural broadband an urgent requirement across the country for business tasks including banking. One in two (52%) farmers use herd and breeding software on their farms. When it comes to farmer wellbeing, three in four (75%) say they will take the COVID-19 vaccine (with 19% unsure and 6% not planning to take a vaccine) and almost a third (31%) of farmers risk burnout by not taking a holiday (for at least a week) in the last three years or more. Also, three in four (75%) say COVID-19 has negatively impacted their social life, and two out of five (42%) say they don’t know who to call for support. The survey also highlights the opportunities for farmers in relation to their preparation for the future. For example, for the third year in a row, the survey results indicate that farmers of all ages are continuing to put off succession planning; less than a quarter (24%) have identified a future successor, with almost one in three (31%) saying their farm business is not viable enough. Additionally, three out of five (58%)
don’t complete any budgets or cash flows; of those who employ non-family farm labour, only 21% have written contracts of employment in place and only 17% have an employee handbook; and less than a quarter (24%) know how much they need to have in their pension to provide a €200 per week income from the age of 65. Future Planning Succession: • Two out of 5 (40%) don’t have a Will in place • 81% say they will still be farming in 5 years (12% don’t know). As an employer: • Over 20% say it’s hard to find people with the right skills.
Sector sentiments for Irish farming 3 out of 4 dairy farmers have a positive outlook for their sector. However, only 2 out of 5 farmers have a positive outlook in other farming sectors • Only 1 out of 4 dairy farmers believe that their farm is not providing sufficient income to support their family • 9 out of 10 beef farmers believe their farm isn’t providing sufficient income to support their family • 84% will maintain or increase herd numbers over the next 3 years • Only 1 in 5 (21%) say COVID-19 has negatively impacted their farm income • Only 5% of farmers feel that Brexit will have no impact on the farming sector.
Mayo Retailer, Gerry Casey and his team in Casey’s Londis Castlebar, Ballina, Galway, Limerick & Kildare raised an incredible €10,000 for Londis’ official charity partner LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice
during the February 280,000 Step Challenge. In total, more than 500 Londis Retailers, their families and staff from 48 stores, across 15 counties in Ireland signed up for
the Step Challenge and contributed to the mammoth 219.8 MILLION steps that were walked for this very worthy cause. Even by modest calculations Londis Retailers and their teams circumnavigated the globe twice by the end of February! Commenting, Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director said, “Gerry Casey and the team in Casey Londis Group have a proud tradition of undertaking these charity initiatives with enthusiasm and this is no exception. To raise €10,000 for such a worthy cause is a tremendous testament to their commitment and giving nature and we’re all very proud of them.” LauraLynn is the only specialist hospice in Ireland to care for children with lifelimiting conditions and their families. The children’s hospice provides palliative and end-of-life care to children with lifelimiting conditions and gives respite and support to their families – at the hospice, in the community and in their own homes. The hospice also provides psychological support and counselling, residential family camps, a bereavement programme, music therapies and holistic therapies to the families. Londis announced that LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice will be its new national charity partner for the next two years in December and this is the first of many fundraising initiatives Londis retailers will be engaging in for the charity.
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Local Londis raises €10,000 for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice
Pictured are Kate and Gerry Casey, owners of the Casey Londis Group, with their cheque proceeds for LauraLynn Children's Hospice.
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Northwest Express April, 2021
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New outdoor water-based activities Facility Centres announced for Mayo
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Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD (left), pictured at Killiney Beach with Paul Kelly, CEO Fáilte Ireland and Cllr. Una Power, Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, for the announcement of Fáilte Ireland’s new €19 million investment to build public facility centres at beaches and inland water areas. Killiney Beach in Co. Dublin is one of 22 locations across the country that will be benefit.
T
he significant increase in people enjoying outdoor water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and open water swimming is expected to continue to grow year on year, and not just during the summer months. This means allweather changing facilities, secure storage and bathrooms at beaches and inland water spots will be in huge demand. To meet this demand Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin and Fáilte Ireland are today announcing a major new investment worth €19million. The funding will be used to build world-class facility centres at 22 locations across the country where water-based activities are a key visitor attraction. In Mayo, locations at Keel Sandybanks, Achill Island and Carrowmore Beach will be developed under this scheme, in partnership with Mayo County Council. Each centre will provide hot shower, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment washdown and orientation points. Similar facilities have been announced for Enniscrone in County Sligo. They will be fully wheelchair accessible and built using sustainability best practices such as solar heating panels to meet ‘Nearly Zero Energy Building Standards’*. This investment scheme, developed in
partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities, will support the local economy and the outdoor activity sector by significantly enhancing the overall visitor experience, providing new business opportunities in local communities and allowing for the extension of the tourism season beyond the traditional summer months. A second phase is expected to commence in 2023 under Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth capital investment programme.* Officially launching the €19 million investment, Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin T.D. today said: “Ireland is world-class when it comes to providing water-based activities which are enjoyed by local communities and visitors along our stunning coastline, rivers and lakes. We’ve seen a significant upward trend in people enjoying outdoor water activities over the last year and we know the appeal of the outdoors will continue to grow post-COVID19 so we must ensure the Irish experience meets and exceeds visitor expectations. The scale of the investment I am announcing today with Fáilte Ireland will have a key role in Ireland’s recovery. It will support the local economy and the outdoor water-based activity sector by significantly improving the overall visitor experience, providing new business and job opportunities in local communities,
particularly in rural areas and allowing for an extension of the traditional tourism season beyond the summer months. It is also important to note that the facility centres will be sustainable, accessible and integrate into the natural environment of their locations.” Mayo FF Deputy, Dara Calleary, said: “The scale of the investment for Keel, Carrowmore and Enniscrone will have a key role in the local recovery as we emerge from Covid restrictions in the West and Northwest. “It will support the local economy and the outdoor water-based activity sector by significantly improving the overall visitor experience, providing new business and job opportunities in local communities and allow for an extension of the traditional tourism season beyond the summer months.” Peter Duggan Chief Executive (Interim) of Mayo County Council said: “I am delighted to welcome the news from the Minister. This investment in our tourism infrastructure will be particularly significant for our outdoor tourism providers who will play a key role in the tourism sectors recovery from the impacts of Covid. It will also support further development of the tourism product here in Mayo and will add to the attractiveness of Mayo as a location of choice for outdoor and water-based activities.”
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Northwest Express April, 2021
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Leitrim athletics saddened with passing of Michael O'Brien
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he athletics and general sporting communities throughout Leitrim are in mourning with the recent passing of Carrick-on-Shannon Athletic Club founding member, coach and official Michael O'Brien. The Leitrim Observer describes Michael, a founding member of Carrick-on-Shannon Athletic Club in 1973, as “one of the driving forces behind the club, who served as a club official until the early 2000s and coached numerous athletes to success at All-Ireland level over the years. He also inspired countless generations of children.” Michael passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning (April 14th) at his home outside Carrick-on-Shannon and he is survived by his wife Rose, daughter Mary, sons Fergus, Gerry and Paul, sons and daughters in law, grandchildren and a wide circle of friends all over the country who got to know Michael through the sports of athletics. A native of Leitrim Village, Michael worked for many years in the Wessell Industries in Carrick-on-Shannon and was also heavily involved in Carrick-on-Shannon Credit Union and the local community games, acting as starter for many years at the National Finals in Mosney. In latter years, Michael was also heavily involved with Carrick Active Age while many will remember him as part of a three-man team with Tom Hughes and Michael Mason who used to run the local Table Quizzes in the town in the 1990s. However, it is his lifetime of involvement with Carrick-on-Shannon AC that Michael will be most remembered for. In a tribute on the Carrick AC webpage, the club said: "Words cannot do justice to what Michael
The late Michael O'Brien (second from right) with Athletics Ireland President Ciaran O'Cathain, wife Rose & Mary O'Donnell at Carrick AC 40th anniversary celebrations in 2013 Pic: Willie Donnellan
O’Brien meant to our Carrick-on-Shannon AC, they simply can’t but if we can, we can try with the words of one of former chairman John Keenehan who described Michael in many of his addresses to our AGM as simply a legend – never was a word a more apt description for Michael. "One of the original founders of our club way back in 1973, Michael must have filled every role there was to fill in the club. Club Secretary for 25 years, club chairman, church gate collector, Connacht official, starter at Leitrim, Connacht and National events, chief organiser and track marker of
the fondly remembered Carrick AC Sports, if there was a job to be done for the Club, Michael did it and did it to perfection because, for Michael, if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing right. "But it is as a coach that generations of Carrick people will remember Michael and it was his greatest love. We can talk of all the All-Ireland medallists and internationals he coached, all the successes he brought to our club but that wouldn’t do justice to Michael, for he was just as proud of the efforts of the youngest child trying their best in their event," said the tribute.
IT Sligo announces open day and launches two new courses IT Sligo has a busy week ahead with an Open Day and the launch of two new courses. The Open Day will be held online on Saturday the 24th of April from 10am to 2pm and offers an information packed day for anyone planning on going to college this year. With virtual tours, live Q&As and course videos there’ll be lots to check out. A team of academics and support staff will
be live online to help students find the right course for them. Potential students will be informed on accommodation, student life and grants. They will also have the opportunity to hear from current IT Sligo students, lecturers and support team. Last year the Institute of Technology Sligo was ranked in the top five best performing universities in Ireland by U-
Multirank, out-scoring larger universities including Trinity and University College Dublin in the independent report. It has also been ranked in the top 10 by the Sunday Times Good University Guide. IT Sligo continues to work with GMIT and LYIT towards a Technological University next year, which will make it the largest third-level institute along the west coast. This will
mean all new students will therefore graduate from a University from next year. Potential students can register for a chance win a set of AirPods: https://www.itsligo.ie/cao/regi steropenday This week will also see the launch of two new courses. On Tuesday 20th April at 6pm a new level 8 degree in Law & Business will be launched online by Michelle O’Boyle, former President of the Law Society of Ireland and David Minton, Director with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. On Wednesday 21st April 6pm a new degree in Marketing at level 7 and 8 will be launched in a live webinar with guest speakers Gavin Hanley, Sales Manager, Google Sweden & a graduate Emma Gilroy Hamilton, Senior Director, Head of Global Customer Operations at AdRoll. These new programmes will ensure students are best prepared for the changing business landscape and to ensure they have the necessary skills to stand out from the crowd. For more information on these events please visit itsligo.ie/events
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Northwest Express April, 2021
news
State of the art water facilities for Drumshanbo and Bundoran
Good news for Leitrim and Donegal last week which should boost the regions’ tourist potential in the years ahead. The Minister for State at the Department of Health and local Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has announced “that Tullan Strand in Bundoran and Acres Lake Activity Facility in Drumshambo have been selected as 2 out of 22 locations that will share in a new €19 Million Fáilte Ireland investment to provide new state of the art facilities for outdoor water based activities at both beaches." "The significant increase in people enjoying outdoor water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and open water swimming is expected to continue to grow year on year, and not just during the summer months. This means
all-weather changing facilities, secure storage and bathrooms at beaches and inland water spots will be in huge demand. "It is clear for all who visit the North West’s outdoor water activity locations that the facilities are just not up to scratch and that they have needed investment for some time," he stated. Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin and Fáilte Ireland have announced a major new investment scheme that will be used to build world-class facility centres at Tullan Strand in Bundoran and Acres Lake Activity Facility in Drumshambo. Each new centre will provide hot showers, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment washdown and orientation points and they will improve the user experience to a whole new level.
MAYO Fianna Fáil s calling for young people to be prioritised in the post-Covid recovery period and for specific government supports to be made available to address youth employment. Senator Chambers commented: “CSO figures recently released showed 59% of people aged 15-24 were unemployed in March - 64% of young women were unemployed, according to the figures. “The higher rate of unemployment for women is colossal; more women work in lower paid precarious jobs in the hospitality and retail sectors. “We need to ensure that we get young people back into work as quick as possible. In the post-Covid recovery period we have to focus on young people who have lost the most in this pandemic. We can’t leave them behind and it must be a priority.” She added: “Specific government supports will be needed to address youth unemployment. Once the economy opens up and we see the retail and hospitality sector back open we will get a clear picture of the level of jobs truly lost and the task we have ahead.”
Senator Lisa Chambers
Mayo senator urges focus on young people post-Covid
IT Sligo Lecturer Dr. Marion Dowd featured on RTE documentary
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Dr Marion Dowd, IT Sligo, analysing a bone discovered in a cave in County Clare. IT Sligo Lecturer Dr Marion Dowd featured on the RTE Documentary “The Burren: Heart of Stone” aired last Sunday. The two-part epic documentary that took four years to make, takes a look at one of Ireland’s most unique landscapes and digs deep into its past. Episode two explored the underground caverns that populate the Burren and that help us to travel back in time. Dr. Marion Dowd, who is an IT Sligo Faculty of Science archaeologist specialising in Irish cave archaeology, has also published an article to accompany the launch of the documentary for RTE Brainstorm. She spoke about the rituals that took place in caves thousands of years ago. According to Dr Dowd caves have been used for thousands of years in Ireland and hundreds are scattered around the country; “Almost 1,000 caves were scattered throughout Ireland, located in limestone landscapes such as the Burren in Clare, the Dungarvan Valley in Waterford, and the Cúil Irra peninsula in Sligo. For as long as people have lived in Ireland they have used caves. In prehistoric times, caves were associated primarily with ritual activities, burial, religious practices and the dead. Something unusual began to happen about 2,500 years ago in a period known as the Late Bronze Age. For the first time, prehistoric people began venturing into the deepest and darkest parts of caves.” Dr Dowd said the fascination with caves of these Late Bronze Age people is unknown but they took extreme risks to explore and use caves for important ritual purposes; “Many of these journeys were relatively dangerous, particularly at a time when subterranean excursions were lit only by simple wooden torches. At some sites, reaching the deepest parts of a cave took quite some time and involved crawling through low chambers, squeezing through narrow passages, and leaving the world outside for several hours. It is possible that some of these journeys into darkness took several days. The gods or ancestors or supernatural beings that Bronze Age people may have associated with caves are not known to us. We can tell part of the story, but much of it is lost to the darkness.” The documentary was made by award winning director Katrina Costello of Sea Fever Productions and narrated by actor Brendan Gleeson.
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Northwest Express April, 2021
news
Young offenders’ of recycling revealed in new WEEE Ireland survey
Positive sign as Drive-ins set to return to Mayo Movie World
Following government advice that outdoor visitor attractions at Mayo Leisure Centre in Castlebar and elsewhere can reopen from April 26, it has been revealed that drive-in movies at Mayo Movie World will return on May 1, 2 and 3. Proprietor Cora Mulroy explained: “We are delighted to announce that we will be back with our new venture, Drive In Movies, on Saturday, May 1, running over the Bank Holiday weekend. “It has been a long winter for families and children, with no form of entertainment over the last few months.We are excited to be able to offer some much needed and safe entertainment again.” “We decided to open 'Drive In Movies' at Christmas after Mayo Movie World and Mayo Leisure Point remained closed. "They were loved by everyone who came to experience the safe and enjoyable social
Y
oung men and women are the worst at recycling small electrical items and hoard the most old batteries, a new survey shows. The WEEE Ireland study reveals that despite being viewed as an eco-conscious generation, the country’s over-55s are streets ahead of 18 to 24-year-olds. Related data from the organisation shows that electrical sales here grew by 17% in 2020 – but takeback of e-waste through retailers is down 10% in the first two months of this year, making a national takeback target of 65% of sales a major challenge. “The findings on younger people falling behind other age groups on recycling endof-life electrical goods comes as a surprise,” said CEO of WEEE Ireland, Leo Donovan. “Environmental activists such as Greta Thunberg strike a chord with the younger generation but this latest research show the ewaste message is still not getting through to many in this cohort. “We know that younger people are avid consumers of digital devices and early
outing from the comfort of their own cars. Again safety is a priority and we ask that you book your ticket on line before you arrive, attendance numbers will be limited. “We will be offering a food menu with hot food, hot drinks, popcorn and snacks, all delivered to your car. “Toilet facilities will be available at Mayo Leisure Point. We hope to offer drive-in movies every weekend during May.” Movies will include Wonder Woman 1984, The Greatest Showman, The secret Life of Pets, Despicable Me, Grease, Back to the Future, Jumanji, Toy Story, Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing and loads more. Movies and tickets sales will be announced during the week. All details will be available on facebook page “Drive In’s at Mayo Movie World” and Mayo Movie World website https://www.mayomovieworld.ie
Nine in 10 Irish doctors suffering mental health issues, survey reveals
adopters of new technologies, but we are asking them to be more sustainable in how they manage waste electronics and batteries too.” The online survey of 1,000 adults, by Empathy Research, showed that nearly a third (30%) of 18-24-year-olds discarded their broken devices or other small electrical items in general waste bins, where they end up in landfill never to be recycled. A total of 18% brought them to a recycling centre and 13% held onto them. But the brightest sparks were the over 55s, nearly half of whom (45%) brought the end-of-life electrical goods to recycling centres and just 7% - over four times lower than their younger counterparts – dumped them in general waste. And the young offenders of recycling also get a dressing down for holding onto waste batteries – 15%, mostly men, keep them, versus 0% of those aged over 55. On a positive note, young people’s awareness that electrical goods can be recycled for free, has soared, from a low of 56% in 2019 to
82% this year. Data across all age groups shows the recycling solution of choice across Ireland is at local civic amenity recycling centres (38%), followed by 20% who hand their goods back to the retailer and 14% to an authorised e-waste collection event. However, 15% of the population still put kettles, toasters, lamps and other household items in general waste – the highest in the four years analysed. “This means the valuable materials used in their production end up in landfill or incineration and can never be recovered for use again in the future,” said Mr Donovan. Asked for a reason why they didn’t recycle used small appliances, nearly a fifth,(19%) said they acted as a back-up in case their main one broke, with a similar number claiming they haven’t got around to recycling them as yet (18%). In addition, 18-24 year-olds are significantly more likely to claim that the items which could be recycled are worth money so they are not going to recycle them yet - 46% versus 4% of over 55s.
THE hidden toll on Irish doctors who have been under relentlesss pressure during the pandemic is revealed in a new survey showing nine in ten have suffered some form of depression, anxiety, stress, emotional stress or other mental health condition. More than a third have not been able to take leave since the pandemic. The survey, revealed at the annual meeting of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) said the distress was linked to or made worse due to their work. It showed that nearly eight in ten said their mental health deteriorated during the pandemic. The findings showed that seven out of ten doctors are at high risk of burnout. The greatest risk of this is among public health doctors who are key to containing the spread of the virus and controlling outbreaks. Junior doctors are also vulnerable to burn out. More than one in two doctors have not been able to take their scheduled breaks to eat or
drink during their working day. More than a third have not been able to take leave since the pandemic with some 66pc experiencing difficulties getting childcare. A combination of factors are adding to the stress including staffing shortages already in place before the pandemic ,people having to take time out due to Covid illness and requirements to self-isolate. They also highlighted the growing backlog of waiting patients; and the impact on personal health and wellbeing. Most believe there is a stigma around mental health leaving many doctors loathe to see professional support. They tend to confide in friends and family or struggle on their own. Four in ten doctors do not have their own GP. More than six in ten do not feel properly supported by the HSE. The majority of respondents believe there is a perceived stigma around mental health issues and few doctors seek help from support
services but instead confide in family or friends or attempt to deal with issues alone. Forty per cent of doctors do not have their own GP, while 64 per cent do not feel adequately supported by the HSE. The report said: “While absenteeism, redeployment and new ways of working pandemic have no doubt compounded issues of stress and burnout in the workforce it is clear that long standing issues in relation to staff shortages, long working hours and excessive workload, difficulties getting locum cover, are the major factors contributing to poor mental health and wellbeing among the medical workforce. “While actions are needed to address stigma, encourage help seeking and promote self-care, we urgently need to address the current man power crisis facing the Irish healthcare system which has put enormous pressure on our doctors and largely accounts for the high levels of burnout and stress seen in this survey.”
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Northwest Express April, 2021
news
Agri-innovators in North-West invited to enter Innovation Arena Awards competition E nterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena Awards 2021, in partnership with the National Ploughing Association (NPA), are now open for entries. Innovators and entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector based in Counties Mayo, Sligo and elsewhere in the north-west are invited to enter their pioneering agri-related products and services to the annual awards competition which will continue online for a second year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year’s competition attracted more than 60 entries with the overall award going to Malone Farm Machinery in Ballyglass, Co. Mayo. The company’s winning entry was a 16-bale trailer called ‘The Malone Express’. The 12 award categories include best agri-technology start-up, young innovator of the year, farm safety and sustainable agriculture. The best start-up and overall winner of the Innovation Arena Awards will be eligible to win up to €5,000 each. Méabh Conaghan, who was recently appointed as Enterprise Ireland's Regional Director for the West, said, “Despite the many challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the quality of the entries to last year’s virtual Innovation Arena Awards showed that innovative and entrepreneurial activity is unabated in towns and villages all over Ireland.” “Every year, the awards showcase Ireland’s valuable
Overall Innovation Arena Winners 2020 - Malone Farm Machinery, Co. Mayo.
Meabh Conaghan - Regional Director for the West at Enterprise Ireland.
contribution to farming and technology on a global level. Our world-leading education and research through an established network of research centres such as the Teagasc Agricultural Campuses in Mountbellew and Athenry allows us to prioritise the development of new agriinnovations to address climate change and sustainability in farming practices. Irish companies are playing their part in enhancing agricultural efficiency while helping to protect the environment for years to come and I look forward to seeing some of that work highlighted in this year’s online Innovation Arena Awards.” Appointed Regional Director for the West region earlier this year, Méabh will progress actions under Enterprise Ireland’s ‘Powering the Regions’ strategy, including supporting new and existing startups, innovation and remote working. As the first woman to take on the role, women in business and enhancing gender balance on senior teams to build strong leadership is of particular interest to Méabh. Originally from Gort a’Choirce in Co. Donegal, she is a fluent Irish speaker and a graduate of NUIG. She joined Enterprise Ireland in 2000 and has
worked across multiple industry sectors while based in the West for much of her career. She adds, “I look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to continue developing enterprise in the West while helping SMEs in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon on their journey to export. We know that companies of the future will need to fully adopt digital technologies to allow for transformational change and Enterprise Ireland recognizes that new business models are needed for the international marketplace. I intend to work closely with companies in the West to help them achieve their global ambition.” Méabh is encouraging Mayo innovators in the following industry sectors to enter the Innovation Arena Awards: Dairy and dry-stock farming, horticulture, information and communication technology, cloud and mobile based software, animal health and genetics, water and waste management, environment and cleantech, animal and farm management, farm safety and leading research. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, 30 June 2021. Visit www.innovationarena.ie for more details.
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northwest Express april, 2021
KIA ‘XCEED’ CREATED TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS Editorial by brEda Corrigan
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he all-new Kia XCeed is a new urban Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) from Kia Motors which combines compact SUV practicality with the sporty packaging, and engaging handling of a hatchback. a sporty alternative to traditional SUVs, the new CUV nevertheless offers comparable levels of space for occupants and luggage. the Kia XCeed engages drivers with its sporty handling and a comfortable, assured ride, while providing a more commanding view of the road ahead than a conventional hatchback. the XCeed’s suite of advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment features make it one of the most high-tech cars in the CUV class. Powered by a range of fast-revving, turbocharged engines, it is also one of the most efficient.
Emotional & Dynamic the new Kia XCeed is more emotional and dynamic in format and appearance than its taller rivals, while offering something different to the other models in the Ceed range. the only body panels carried over from its five-door hatchback sibling are the front doors. the front and rear of the car also represent a departure from the ‘face’ of the conventional Ceed model family, differentiating the Kia XCeed from its stablemates. the headlamps are newly-designed, with the Ceed’s ‘ice cube’ lEd light signature sitting within a more angular shape, topped by a slim turn signal that flows back over the wheel arches. at the rear, new tail-lights emit a slim, highlytechnical lEd light signature which, when viewed from certain angles, appears to spear forward into the shoulders of the car. the heavily-creased lines running horizontally across the tailgate and rear bumper give the car a wider, more stable posture. the car’s elevated ride height and body also present the same robust image that attracts buyers to the other SUVs in Kia’s product portfolio.
Trim & Engine Options trim levels in the new XCeed are classified as K2, K3 and range-topping K4, with even the entry-level K2 specification including such key features as lane Keep assist, High beam assist, driver attention Warning, Forward Collision avoidance (car and pedestrian), tyre Pressure Monitoing System, reverse parking sensors, manual air-conditioning, abS, Ebd, Hill Start assist, leather steering wheel & gear knob, split-folding rear seats, centre armrest, bluetooth with voice recognition, 8” touchscreen with rear view camera, android auto™ & apple CarPlay™ compatability, central door locking, cruise control, 16” alloy wheels, roof rails, rear privacy glass, and lEd front & rear lamps. there are two engine op-
tions in the new front-wheel-drive Kia XCeed – a 1.0-litre t-gdi (120PS) turbocharged petrol unit, and a 1.6-litre Crdi (115PS) turbodiesel. While the petrol engine is available across the entire model line-up, the diesel engine is only available in the mid-spec K3 trim level, while a six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard no matter what engine or trim level is chosen. Kia’s terrific 1.0-litre petrol engine produces an impressive 172nm of torque, while the torque figure for the diesel engine is a healthy 280nm, with both engines providing a perfect blend of power and economy, along with low annual road tax. a plug-in petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has just recently joined the Kia XCeed range, with a 1.6-litre
petrol engine and electric motors working together to produce an impressive 141bhp. Kia claim that the XCeed PHEV is capable of covering up to 64 km’s on battery power alone.
Test Car My test car was a new Kia XCeed 1.6 Crdi K3 in stylish Cosmos blue metallic paint. Key features which come as standard in K3 specification include an electronic parking brake, 18” alloy wheels, metal pedals, cloth & artificial leather upholstery, yellow colour pack, 10.25” touchscreen, tomtom navigation with WiFi, wireless phone charger, chrome coated front grille, high gloss centre facia, and a side repeater lamp on the outside mirrors. Externally, and from every angle, you can tell this is a crossover with a difference. a daring lower front grille and subtle satin chrome skid plate add extra excitement to the mix, while the car’s bold shape, and playful persona, clearly indicate that the new Kia XCeed is designed for drivers who live for the next thrill ahead. additionally, the XCeed’s rakish tailgate and sleek design hides an extremely practical and well packaged interior. all occupants are treated to ample head, leg and elbow room, while a 426-litre boot (31-litres more than the Kia Ceed hatchback) ensures that passengers and their luggage can travel in comfort, and style. there are lots of storage area troughout the cars cabin too, while supportive seats
and an ergonomically-efficient dashboard completes the high quality look, and feel, of the interior.
On The Road on the road, my test car admirably demonstrated how well its 280nm of torque translates into terrific pulling power – even in high gears, providing the car with competent cruising ability, along with excellent refinement on the move too. Capable of sprinting from 0100km/h in 11.4-seconds, the Crdi engine can reach a top speed of 190km/h, while returning a fuel consumption figure as low as 3.8l/100km on a combined driving cycle (based on nEdC2 test procedure figures). overall ride comfort is great, while the car retains its composure through bends, and when driving over speed ramps or uneven surfaces. the raised ride height of the new XCeed, along with its rugged off-road appearance and striking good looks, will certainly appeal to families looking for a crossover with style and substance in equal measure. Pricing the new Kia XCeed was created to exceed expectations in the highly competitive CUV market, and with prices starting from just €26,345 (ex-works) it offers outstanding value for money too. Kia’s comprehensive 7-year/150,000km warranty comes as standard across the entire Kia passenger car range. the new Kia XCeed is on sale now.
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Northwest Express April, 2021
THE FORD PUMA ROARS AGAIN! EDITORIAL BY BREDA CORRIGAN
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ack in the 1990’s the original Ford Puma was a small and very fashionable coupe built on the underpinnings of the Fiesta and powered by modest engines. It was a compact, front-wheel drive sports car. It was only sold in Europe from 1997 until 2001, but in that time had built up a loyal following. Now the Ford Puma is back, still based on the underpinnings of the lastest Fiesta, it is now an SUV, rather than a small and sporty coupe. The Puma is a considerably larger vehicle, longer, wider and taller with a substantially larger boot. It is a rival to the style-driven Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. The Puma’s track widths have been increased over the Fiesta by 58mm on both axles, to a Focusmatching 1562mm, while the rear torsion-beam suspension is adapted to suit the Puma’s mass and physicality. It’s longer by 146mm, wider by 71mm, taller by 54mm and possesses of a 95mm-longer wheelbase than its Fiesta hatchback sibling, which results in more cabin space, a higher driving position and a really big boot. The Puma’s curvy body, confident front grille and signature high mounted headlights make it look aggressive. Powering the new Ford Puma is Ford’s popular 1.0-litre, 123bhp, three cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine, along with a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with 118bhp available with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard with both engines, Both engines come with mild hybrid technology (mHEV) to improve fuel efficiency. Also available is a 7-speed automatic, as an option with the petrol power plant. The Puma has more upmarket looking trims, including fabric on the door cards, plus a choice of carbonfibre or woodeffect dashboard fillers and infotainment surrounds, depending
on the model chosen. New for this segment, and for Ford in general, are wireless charging, massaging seats and 12.3-inch digital dials, all of which lend the Puma a more technologically advanced and luxurious feel than the Fiesta. The main 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is just as bright and easy to read as it is in the Fiesta, with the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at no extra cost.
Specification Options The new Puma is available in a choice of four specifications Titanium, ST-Line, ST-Line X, and range-topping ST Line X Vignale. Standard specification across all trim levels is impressive, with even the entry-level Titanium model coming with such key features as 17-inch machined alloy wheels, projector headlamps with LED day time running lamps, auto high beam, Pre-collision assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, 8inch SYNC with Navigation and FordPass Connect modem, keyless start, electronic air-conditioning, Quickclear heated windscreen, Thatcham alarm, Ford EasyFuel system, lumbar massage driver & passenger seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, and a rear spoiler. Stepping up to the Puma ST-Line will add ST-Line sports body kit, large rear spoiler, fog lamps with cornering feature, ST-Line sports exhaust, 12.3-inch digital cluster, dark sports headliner, flat-bottom steering wheel, and alloy pedals and gear knob, while the ST-Line X model also features 18-inch matt black alloy wheels, SYNC ‘Gen 3’ 8-inch touchscreen with navigation & B&O premium sound system, partial leather sports trim, privacy glass, and a shark fin antenna. For the last word in luxury, the rangetopping ST-Line X Vignale model
comes with premium Windsor leather seating, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, high chrome waistline, unique Vignalestyle upper grille and surround, and fixed LED signature headlamps. Test Car My test car was a Ford Puma STLine X 1.0-litre EcoBoost (mHEV), which was finished in Agate Black metallic paint (a €700 cost option), and was fitted with the following optional extras - a handsfree tailgate (€700), full LED headlamps
including auto headlamp levelling (€900) and a Driver Assitance Pack (€1,500) which includes radar and camera based pre-collision assist, BLIS and CTA (blind-spot information with cross traffic alert), active braking, intelligent adaptive cruise control with evasive steering, a rear view camera, and front parking sensors. With the sweet-revving petrol engine producing 123bhp and 210Nm of torque, the 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 9.8seconds, while fuel consumption as low as 5.7l/100km’s is achievable on a combined driving cycle, with annual road tax costing just €190. Sharing many parts with the dynamic Fiesta ensures that the new Puma is equally as thrilling to drive on a motorway as it is on a twisty back road, while the inclusion of the very latest safety technology ensures driver confidence from behind the wheel. Like the Fiesta, it’s ahead of the competition in the way it corners, with little in the way of body lean and excellent, communicative steering. It’s also good to drive around town, thanks to its impressive visibility and tight turning circle.
MegaBox Boot Storage As Standard The boot space in the Puma is better than its closest rival at 456litres, with extra practicality coming courtesy of an 80-litre
waterproof storage box (which Ford calls MegaBox). Ingeniously, this MegaBox is essentially a storage space lined with waterproof and hard-wearing plastic, and has a drain plug at the bottom to release any liquid residue. Even without the MegaBox the Puma’s boot is a practical space, with an uninterrupted one-metre width and a moveable floor that offers either maximum space, or a large flat loadspace with the seats folded. The parcel shelf is flexible and attached to the tailgate, so it doesn’t get in the way or require any hinges in the loadspace that would eat into storage and can carry up to 565kg.
Pricing & Verdict With pricing for the new Ford Puma starting at just €24,835 (ex-works) – and Ford’s comprehensive 7year/100,000km warranty and 7-year roadside assistance cover included as standard – buying a compact SUV has never been so affordable. The reborn Puma is a welcome addition to the smaller end of the brand’s SUV line-up. It is good to drive, practical and very economical, thanks to mild-hybrid technology across the board. The Puma is a very impessive car with strong cornering ability and a dignified ride which is hard to match in the class, and the interior is cleverly multipurpose as well as nicely furnished.
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Northwest Express April, 2021
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Fast and it's efficient service We guarantee a response within 60 mins We repair approximately 90% of all vehicles attended at the roadside 24 hour call centre Phone: Letterkenny: 074-9139303 Donegal Town: 00353 074-97 40000 (Ballyshannon) Mobile: 086-2289494 Email:info@jdrecoveryservice.com Website: www.jdrecoveryservice.com
JOHN COSGROVE MoTor FaCTors
Tel: 096-21935 • Call out 087-2686360 Phone / Fax: 09672660 • www.coynetyres.ie
Advertise Here! Contact alan@theexpress.ie for details of our excellent rates
• Car & TraCTor ParTs • BaTTeries & FilTers • eleCTriCal ParTs • lighTs & luBriCanTs
We offer a wide range of services including pre-nct testing, car repair, recovery and sales.
Tubbernania, Ballintogher, Co. sligo Tel: 071-9164244 • Mob: 086-2572139
We also sell high quality used cars at affordable prices. (See www.bundoranmotors.com or call us for details.)
We also have a spray shop for all your bodywork needs. We fix all types of motoring problems ranging from mechanical problems to electrical problems.
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Northwest Express April, 2021
ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT LOOKING FOR A JOB? ..if so here is the perfect one for you!
Suitable for: • People with limited mobility • People who have had hip surgery • People with back aches
For details of your local stockist Phone Noel: 087-9896948
EARN UP TO €500 P/W Selling advertising space in Sligo Now Magazine
No experience necessary but you will need good communication skills / telephone manner.
Telephone Seamus on 085-2498067 or email seamus@sligonow.ie
naturalhealth 16
Northwest Express April, 2021 The information provided to you on this page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice and it is important that you do not make medical decisions without first consulting your doctor or other healthcare professional.
What every couple should know about prostate cancer
P
rostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the ireland, and arguably the most intimate too, which can cause many men to feel embarrassed when it comes to discussing their symptoms or treatment options with a specialist. Indeed, it can be all too easy to dismiss potential symptoms of prostate cancer as “just part of getting older”. Yet with diagnoses on the rise – and treatment options available that can suit even the most active of lifestyles – it’s more important than ever that men feel confident in discussing any health concerns they might have. Here are some important things every couple should know about prostate cancer. Signs & Symptoms Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men. The average age for a man to be diagnosed with prostate cancer is about 66. Different people have different symptoms for prostate cancer. Some men do not have symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. However, some symptoms of prostate cancer are: • Difficulty starting urination • Weak or interrupted flow of urine • The need to urinate more often, especially at night • Difficulty emptying the bladder completely • ain or burning during urination • Loss of bladder control • Blood in the urine or semen • Pain in the back, hips, chest (ribs) or pelvis that doesn’t go away • Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet • Difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction) • Painful ejaculation Particularly in the current climate, with governmental concerns over cancer diagnoses being missed, any man with any worries really should go and see his GP. The Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is a commonly used test to screen for prostate cancer. It is also available free to any well man, aged 50 and over who requests it. The PSA test is a quick and simple blood test that measures the level of the antigen in the blood. As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. But many factors, such as age and race, can affect PSA levels. Some prostate glands also simply make more PSA than others. While the PSA test is not perfect, most cases of early prostate cancer are found
following a PSA blood test. It can therefore also be helpful to establish a baseline PSA, to monitor variation over time.
Diagnosis & Treatment If the PSA test is abnormal, doctors may do more tests to find or diagnose prostate cancer. These may include a transrectal ultrasound, an MRI scan and / or a biopsy. Again, it’s important that you understand that you have options. Recent advances in biopsy techniques now mean that the traditional method – a transrectal (TRUS) biopsy – is starting to be replaced by the transperineal biopsy under local anaesthetic within an outpatient setting (LA TP). Transperineal biopsies carry less risk of infection and have a higher cancer detection rate than TRUS biopsies. When it comes to discussing your treatment options, the first person men speak to in the counselling process – whether that is an oncologist, urologist or specialist nurse – will of course have a very strong influence on the eventual decision regarding chosen treatment. Even patients opting for a second opinion will, more often than not, still follow the advice of the first clinician. It is therefore essential that the first discussion openly and honestly discusses all the potential options – not just surgery to remove the
prostate (radical prostatectomy). Today, while clinical guidelines include low dose rate Brachytherapy (LDR-B), radical prostatectomy, hormone treatment, radiotherapy or active surveillance, the treatments being offered can be highly postcode dependent. A recent study* revealed radical prostatectomy has the greatest impairment of sexual function and urinary continence when compared with active monitoring and radiotherapy with hormones. In addition, many radical prostatectomy patients go on to have further treatments at a later stage. With few patients being offered alternative treatments, it’s important that men feel confident to ask.
Dispelling Myths Low dose rate Brachytherapy is one such example, which has been a highly effective treatment for prostate cancer for more than two decades. In addition to offering significantly improved outcomes regarding both sexual function and incontinence, according to data from the Prostate Cancer Results Study Group, LDR-B treatment achieves 95% of patients disease free at over 10 years. So why are more patients not being offered this option? One of the issues is without doubt
closed thinking. Radical prostatectomy has been the default treatment for prostate cancer for many years – yet a shift from open surgery to robotics has had minimal impact on the overall patient outcome. In contrast, brachytherapy has significantly evolved over the past two decades and now provides the ability to give a very effective, targeted prescription of radiotherapy, resulting in improvements in already excellent disease control, as well as potency preservation and continence. Critically, it is not limited in its applicability: virtually any patient with localised prostate cancer can receive a brachytherapy implant if that is the desired treatment. 4D Brachytherapy Low dose-rate brachytherapy is a kind of internal radiotherapy, which involves the insertion of tiny radioactive capsules, or seeds, into the prostate gland itself. It is targeted only at the site of the tumour so the radiation kills the cancer cells without causing major damage to surrounding healthy cells. Seeds the size of rice containing the radiation are passed through fine needles and positioned directly into the prostate gland. It is not major surgery and usually, patients will only spend one day in
hospital. Generally, LDR brachytherapy has a low complication rate, and most men return to their usual pretreatment activities within a couple of days. 4D Brachytherapy, an even quicker, one stage, real time implant technique, uses a simple clinic based ultrasound scan to calculate the number of stranded and loose seeds required for the procedure. The process offers better targeted treatment and, through the one stage process, a better patient experience. For patients, the replacement of one of the steps of the traditional procedure undertaken in the operating theatre (under a general anaesthetic) with a simple outpatient procedure significantly improves the process.
Conclusion Patient choice is key – and that demands accurate, informed discussion about the pros and cons of every treatment, from outcomes to process. All of the treatments approved by NICE clearly have a role to play in successfully treating prostate cancer. But in order for men to have as many options available to them, early diagnosis is key. Being informed of your choices and taking action over potential symptoms is the first step to take.
naturalhealth
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Northwest Express April, 2021
The information provided to you on this page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice and it is important that you do not make medical decisions without first consulting your doctor or other healthcare professional.
Daily Habits That Help fight Off Viruses Taking these steps every day can bolster your health and immune system Breakfast: Unsweetened bran cereal with berries Fiber is a nondigestible carbohydrate that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. And when the little buggers are happy, they help keep the immune system ready when needed. A half-cup of wheat bran has 12.5 grams of fiber, and by adding berries, you'll earn a few more. Plus, blueberries and other dark-colored berries are rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that improve the health of macrophages and other virus-eating cells. A brisk walk "Immune cells circulate the body during exercise and for two or three hours afterward,” says David Nieman, director of Appalachian State University's Human Performance Lab. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of cycling, swimming, jogging or walking that's brisk enough to make you breathe hard.
Post-workout smoothie or salad At the start of the pandemic, Helen Messier, a family practitioner and immunologist, added a daily allplant smoothie to her diet that included a number of different fruits and vegetables. You should, too. “Nutritionally, variety is the most important thing,” she says. “So I try to get in at least 10 servings of fruits and vegetables every day."
Start your relaxation routine Stress is a high-powered immune suppressant that floods your body with corticosteroids, the same class of compounds doctors prescribe to
treat autoimmune diseases. “We use corticosteroids for lots of allergic diseases,” says Mark Ansel, professor of immunology and microbiology at the University of California, San Francisco. Think of steroid creams for itchy rashes or the corticosteroids in an asthma inhaler. They work by suppressing the immune system — not what you want if you're trying to quell an army of viral invaders. Consider taking up a mind-body activity such as yoga, tai chi or meditation. In one study, adults cut stress with eight weeks of mindfulness training and, as a result, they were 20 percent less likely to experience respiratory infection. If the zen arts aren't for you, then gardening, painting and other hands-on hobbies can also work. Visit friends — virtually or outdoors Emerging research indicates that loneliness and social isolation can increase inflammation throughout your body. Experts aren't entirely sure how, but they do know that the effect appears to increase with age. If the weather's nice, consider scheduling a socially distanced walk in the park (with a mask on, of course). Otherwise, video chats on Zoom or Google Hangouts can fill the gap until sunnier days return. Dine with the fishes Omega-3 fatty acids — the kind found in oily fish like mackerel, fresh tuna, sardines and salmon — can measurably reduce levels of inflammation in older adults, according to a review from researchers in Italy. And animal
Westport Foot Clinic
Westport, Co. Mayo
Chiropodist: Martin Mc Nally Tel: 087 222 6260
studies indicate that dietary fish oil can increase the health and circulation of antibody-producing B cells. Begin a screen-free wind-down Sleep is critical for immune health. So in order to avoid difficulty falling asleep, turn off your phone, tablet and computer three hours before bedtime. “Those digital devices emit blue light, which suppresses the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin,” Messier says. Though you can use a blue-light blocker for your device, a book and a hot bath are excellent, and more natural, ways to prep for slumber.
Pass a sink without washing your hands. After just two hours of touching door handles, shopping carts and other public surfaces, your hands have “basically the greatest number of organisms you can hold,” says microbiologist Marc Verhougstraete. Aim to sanitize or wash your hands every hour when out in public. Leave home without a pen in your pocket. Most flu viruses can live on nonporous surfaces for a day or two, meaning that the pen the
waiter hands you with the check can pass cold and flu germs. Keep your own plastic ballpoint pen with you so you can avoid touching the communal pen at the bank or restaurant.
Wake up to an alarm clock. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, squirted rhinovirus up people's noses and monitored their sleep for six days. Those who slept fewer than five hours on average were 4.5 times as likely to become infected as those who slept more than seven hours.
Drive when you could walk. Researchers comparing inactive people with those who walked briskly nearly every day found that people who rarely walked took twice as many sick days over a three-month period.
Smoke a cigarette. Just in case you need another reason to quit: Studies show COVID-19 patients with a history of smoking are 91 percent more likely than never-smokers to die or reach critical condition.
Eat buffet style. Filling your plate from open chafing dishes and using serving utensils that everyone else is touching and breathing over may increase your risk of picking up a virus. Try hard to avoid shared food.
farmingServices
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Northwest Express April, 2021
Mollahan Engineering & Maintenance
• Industrial & Residential Gates • Roller Doors • Gate Automation & Repairs • General Engineering Railings - Gates & Ornate Items designed & made to order.
Call Micheál on 086-8248402 e: michealmollohan@eircom.net
QUALITY SECOND-HAND HEAVY PLANT AND MACHINERY • BALLINA, CO. MAYO FOR SALE • FiAt 880 4x4 4 cyLindER EnginE. • FiAt 1180H 4x2 OFF FARm cOnd • StEyR 8140 4x4 • FRitz cAb tO Suit FORd 4600/6600 • bOOm tO Suit FH130 And Ex 120 • dippER tO Suit 100-1 • diSmAntLEd FOR pARtS uHO 71 • cHAinS tO Suit FH130. • buckEtS tO Suit 580g • buckEt And buckEt RAm tO Suit O&k RH20 • FORd 6610 Ap cAb 4x2, Vgc • zEtOR 8011, OFF FARm cOnditiOn • pick up HitcH tO Suit mF165/265 Etc • pick up HitcH tO Suit FORd 5000/6610
WAntEd • HitAcHi Ex60-1 And Ex60-2/Ex1001/Ex120-1 FH130-1/FH130-2/ FH130-3 • FORd 5000/7000/5600/6600/7600 2 And 4x4 • FORd 5610/6610/7610/6410/6810 2 And 4x4 WitH FLOOR cHAngE • FORd 5640/6640/7740/7840 2 And 4x4 WitH StAndARd gEARbOx • nEW HOLLAnd 5640/6640/7740/7840 2 And WitH 12x12 And duAL pOWER. • nEW HOLLAnd tS 90/100/110/115 2 And 4x4 WitH StAndARd gEARbOx & duAL pOWER.
Call Brendan on: 087-230 7914 OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY - BOHOLA, SWINFORD, CO. MAYO
Mulroy & Sons Farm Machinery based in Bohola Swinford, Co. Mayo, import new and used Farm Machinery from the United Kingdom. Products we have in stock for hire and sale
• Weed Licker • Harrows (Power, Spring, Chain, Disc and Pin) • Sprayers • Haybobs (Choice of 10) • Rotovators • Toppers • Ploughs • Spreaders • Mowers • Subsoilers • Cent Mixers • Vicon fertilliser spreader (Choice of 20) • Buckrackes • Hedgecutters (McConnells) choice of 2 All our products are reasonably priced and fully serviced www.mulroyandsonsfarmmachinery.town.ie Email : brendanmulroy1@eircom.net
Farm Sheds Fabricated & Erected
WANTED MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTORS MF135-165-168-175-178-185-188-265-275290-365-375-390-399-565-575-590675-690-699 WANTED IN ANY CONDITION SUITABLE FOR RESALE, BREAKING EXPORT
NEPIN TRACTORS & MACHINERY Colm: 087-6806540 • Castlehill, Ballina, Co. Mayo email: buyplant10@gmail.com Prompt Payment and Collection
CATTLE WANTED ALL TYPES
Cows, Bulls, Heifers & Bullocks, Beef or for further feeding. Horned, Thin or Lame Cattle, also Cattle from restricted herds considered.
Call: 086-3591357
Telephone: 0044-77-46117236 Cavallo C503 Stainless Steel Spinner Fertilizer Spreader: • 8 cwt capacity • Suitable for fertilizer or salt spreading • 9 metres spreading width • Available in painted versions at lower Price inc. VAT this model €750.00
New sheds for sales Box profile, non-drip roof. 4 full sky lights 6 foot side sheeting and all gable sheeting. 1 door opening in center of gable We can make any size of shed to suit your needs just give me a call • All ridge and galvanised gutters supplied with screws • sheds repaired and resheeted • Sliding doors made and hung • Gutters repaired and fitted all power washing done • All ground work and concrete done • All types of block work and plastering done • All types of digger work done
Michael O’ Connell Tractors Sales And Service Caraun, Claregalway, Co. Galway
SPECIALISING IN SPARE PARTS FOR ALL MAKES OF TRACTORS Large Stock Of All Makes Of Tractors For Sale
Specialising In Deutz, Same,Lamborghini And Hurlimann Tractor Parts And Repair
Service And Repair To All Makes Of Tractors Carried Out. Collection And Delivery Service Available
Contact Numbers: 086 252 9314 • 091 799 116
Painted versions: 5cwt model @ €475.00 6cwt model @ €515 • 8cwt model @ €550
Cavallo 890PXT: • 16 cwt capacity wagtail spreader c/w Stainless Steel Hopper inc. Hydraulic Control Price inc. VAT €2500.00 • 24 cwt capacity wagtail spreader c/w Stainless Steel Hopper inc. Hydraulic Control Price inc. VAT €2800.00
No job too big no job too small! • Keenest Rates
We are early risers, we are tax advisors, we are tillers, planters, bankers, makers, we are financial planners, we are we weather scanners, we are accountants, farmers, foresters & forcasters. We are ifac
Find out how our team can help your business to plan for the future. Call us on 071 916 7848 or visit www.ifac.ie ACCOUNTANCY | PLANNING | ADVICE
farmingServices
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Northwest Express April, 2021
Nephin Tractors & Machinery Ltd
TRACTORS WANTED ALL TYPES OF TRACTORS & TRACK MACHINES WANTED
TRACTORS: Massey Ferguson, Ford, Fiat, Zetor, John Deere, Ursus etc in any condition, running or not Track Machines: Hitachi, Komatsu, CAT, Sumitomo, etc
Tel: 087-680-6540
Contact alan@theexpress.ie for details of our excellent rates
Dead & Worn out Animals Collection Service Daily Collection in all Areas Telephone: MULVANEYS at: Tel: 049-4338331 or 086-8551932 / 086-3827008
For further information contact Tom Duffy COW COMFORT LTD Tel: 097-82057 • Fax: 097-82376 Email: cowcomfort@eircom.net
DEAD AND WORN-OUT ANIMALS Contact: Tom Rogers Strokestown, Co. Roscommon SAME DAY COLLECTION SERVICE SERVICING LEITRIM & SLIGO FARMERS FOR OVER 20 YEARS
071-9634783 / 9633344 Only Licensed Knackers Yard & Service in NorthWest Lowest Prices and Daily Collection Guaranteed
ALL TYPES OF FORD TRACTORS WANTED 4600 • 5600 • 6600 • 7600 • 4610 • 5610 • 6610
ALSO NEW HOLLAND TRACTORS TS&TSA • SL/SLDP • TM 120 • TM125 • TM130 • 8160 • 8260 • 8360
TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY 086-8381227 / 086-1997815
• Cow Cubicle Mats • Slat Mats • Horse Mats • Parlour Mats
Whitethorn and Beech Hedging etc. All trees and tree plants 24 Hour, 7 Days a week Firendly Service Delivery nationwide Receipts will be given Department Registered
SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED TRACTORS WANTED DRAINS AND SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO.CP00-09-03267-03
For all your matting needs
Order Now, Plant Now
Advertise Here!
K&C MULVANEY Ltd.
MAYO MATS
ALSO MASSEY FERGUSON 130 • 165 • 185 • 188 • 168 • 240 • 265 • 250 • 275 • 290 •550 • 565 • 575 • 590 675 • 690 • 698 • 699 • 365 • 375 • 390 • 398 • 300 • 500 • 600 • 40 Series SL/SLDP Masy Ferguson Balers - 124 • 120/20 John Deere 342 / 550 Class Combines - Dominator & Lexion New Holland Combines - All Models John Deere Combines - 955 • 965 • 975 • 1075 • 1077 • 1178
Tel: 087-279-7553
Advertise Here! Contact alan@theexpress.ie for details of our excellent rates
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Northwest Express April, 2021
KEEP YOUR HOME WARM & COSY!
Northwest Express April, 2021
FREE CLASSIFIEDS
DOG CARRIER/KENNEL FOR SALE, very good condition, easy access, German make, suitable for small to medium size dog. Wooden Dog Kennel for sale also, felt roof, hinged door with bolt, excellent condition. Ring Pat on 0871166984.
WANTED TWO KITTENS FOR GOOD LOVING COUNTRY HOME. Male or female, neutered or not, doesn't matter. Phone/text 0876020880. Thank you.
BABYSTART HIGH CHAIR : Will suit a child from 6 months old. Good condition. Price €20. Please contact: 0863090198 YAMATA FY14UAD OVERLOCKER MACHINE (unwanted gift) €80. Please contact: 0863090198
TWO DOG KENNELS FOR SALE in Ballina town, one large and one medium. Reasonably priced, contact Patrick on 0871166984.
2007 TOYOTA AURIS LUNA Silver, Petrol,Very Low miles 96000k, new clutch, immaculate condition. Tel: 0871386822 FISH TANK Large, 3’ long with sand and castle €100 Tel: 086-1643951
WERE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM GOUGANE BARRA COUNTY CORK?? Did you Play for the Parnells in the 80's?? NOEL HARRINGTON, did you work with James from Glencholmkille in London in the 90's, the last James heard you were living in ATTYMASS County Mayo. James would love to catch up. Contact me isabelgrant1213@yahoo.ie
TWO PAIRS OF RED BACK SIZE 9 BRAND NEW WORKING STEEL TOE CAP BOOTS FOR SALE in box, brand new, bargain €25 each pair. Sligo area. Contact Cathal on 0874013617
To place your free private classified, please email info@theexpress.ie or you can post it into us: Free Classifieds, Northwest Express, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo
FOR HIRE
MAN WITH A VAN ALL TYPES OF WORK CARRIED OUT
Call Now; 071-9143183 / 087-2972586
Mountain Rain Have Water your own Stream, River or Storage Well Lake
MICHAEL KEAVNEY
Tarcmacadam & Tarspraying Specialists
ALL TYPES OF PLANT HIRE QUALITY GRAVEL STONE
ALL AT VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES!
Pavior Machine Hire Tipper Lorry Hire 8 and 6 Wheel
Turlough, Castlebar, Co. Mayo • 094-902-3853 / 086-250-3230
In Business Over 30 Years
Phone: 086-8072249 071-9658976 Email: waterteck@eircom.net Website: www.waterteck.com
WANTED FOR BREAKING • DUMPERS • DIGGERS • LORRIES • FORKLIFTS • ALSO OLD ENGINES,GEAR BOXES, ROLLERS, BATTERIES, ALLOYS AND STEEL
FOR PARTS • DUMPERS • DIGGERS • FORKLIFTS
Telephone: 087-190 3160
EXTERNAL • CAVITY WALL • SPRAY FOAM www.wmiinsulation.ie • info@wmiinsulation.ie
N5 Business Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo • Tel: 094-9038681 / Walter 087-6297979
SILVER’s DOOR STORE LTD
• DOORS • FLOORS • KITCHENS • GENERAL HARDWARE
LG GLASS & GLAZING SHS SCAFFOLDING
Rathedmond Road, Finisklin, Sligo 071-919 2011 • Buy online @ www.silvershardware.com
Over 20 years in business supplying throughout Sligo & North West
• Rapid Repair Service • Decorative Mirrors • Glass Shower Units • Coloured Glass • Internal Doors • Glass Stairs & Balustrade
Westport Road, Castlebar • Tel: 094-9022000 • www.lg-glass.ie
PARKLAWN TREE SERVICES
Scaffolding and Acrows available to Buy or Hire from our yard Supply and Erect Service Available Tube and Fitting Scaffolding also available with plastic planks for clean room environments
Our Fully Trained & Certified Professional Teams specialise in providing tailored scaffolding hire solutions, using the right equipment in the right place at the right time.
DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL TREE CARE We offer the highest quality tree services for private homes carried out by NPTC qualified tree surgeons/arborists and extensive experience in commercial services & utility arboriculture, including work semi-state bodies.
At Waterteck we Provide Filtration Systems which give you a Superior Quality Water Supply from any of the above sources.
Please Note: Your water supply will also be free of the Unwanted Chemicals usually associated with mains water supplies
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Telephone - Garrett Murphy: 086 6077307, Office: 090 6626837 www.parklawntreeservices.com • info@parklawntreeservices.com
Phone: 086-8039502 Email: johngriffinshs@gmail.com www.scaffoldinghiresligo.ie
GILROY GLASS HAZELWOOD ROAD, SLIGO • Manufacturers of double glazed units • Supplying Trade and retail • Complete glazing service • Stockists of all types of glass • Glass cut while you wait Replace your existing double glazed units with energy efficient units Tel: 071-9145400 Fax: 071-9140132 • Mobile: 087-2341 985
SKIP HIRE 8Y - 60Y CONFIDENTIAL SHREDDING BIN WASHING
096-32500 • loftusrecycling@hotmail.com
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Northwest Express April, 2021
Domestic & Commercial Roofing
• New roofs • Re-roofing & re-lining • Gutters & valleys • Tile & slate effect sheeting • Asbestos removal & disposal We provide a reliable & professional service covering all counties of Ireland.
Call for a FREE QUOTE: 094-9860787 087-2565015 • www.waldronroofing.ie Ballina - liMiteD
SEPTIC TANK INSPECTIONS
TANK CLEAN Boyle, Co. Roscommon WASTE WATER TREATMENT SPECIALISTS • Septic Tanks Emptied • Percolation areas and polishing filters installed • Range of sewage treatment units, Septic Tanks & Rain Water Tanks Supplied • All Work EPA and Local Authority Standard
Contact David Regan: 087-9125128
Aluminium & PVC Repairs
To windows, doors and patio doors
Expert patio door repairs!
• Rollers • Tracks • Hinges • Door Realignment • Locks • Multilocking systems etc
Over 20 years experience servicing Irish windows and doors. Fully insured GLASS PARTS ETC REPLACED
Brendan Gormley: 071-9183860 / 087-2562669
offers valid until 30/4/18
coyne tyreS
DeDicateD tyre & Battery SaleS & Service, Ballina, co. Mayo
GARRACLOON, CLOGHANS, BALLINA, CO. MAYO
EN Certified septic tanks Certified and CE marked cattle slats, water harvesting tanks, Concrete pipes, Manhole rings, Water valve and fire hydrant chambers. Our concrete is EN206 certified to NSAI standard Concrete pipes size ranging from 9" up to 48" For a QUOTE call 087-9496476 or 096-73734 or visit our website: www.armstrongseptictanks.ie
For a professional service in planning applications for: Private houses, extensions (any size), small scale commercial, also cottage renovations etc. Timber frame and low energy dwellings a special interest.
Water lane, Ballina, co. Mayo • tel: 096-21935 • after Hours : 087-2686360 • Pat Jnr: 087-2201819 email: info@coynetyres.ie • Web: www.coynetyres.ie
Sandy Wheelers
Contact Martin McGloin Bunduff, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo casarcser@hotmail.com
Tel/Fax: 071-9166277 • Mob: 087-2817620
APPLICATIONS FOR ALL AGRICULTURAL SHEDS CARRIED OUT
Painters & Decorators
Painting & Decorating Interior and Exterior Wallpaper Service
Calvath, Old Cartron Hill, Sligo Tel: 087-2506477 • sandywheeler0@gmail.com
• Traditional Tin Smiths • Copper • Aluminium • Zinc • Stainless Steel • Lead • Titanium • Natural Slate • Ornamentation
All forms of cladding & roofing in tradition standing seam and batten roll in Copper, Zinc, Aluminium Stainless steel and Lead Sheet. Specialist flashing kits for chimneys,dormers, box gutter valleys and pitched valleys for slated roofs. Design, layout and detailing services for both commercial and private projects. Welding and fabricating of Stainless Steel and aluminium.
GG Roofing, The Grove, Kilmovee, Co. Mayo 087 2437259/094 Boyle,Phone: Co. Roscommon Telephone:9649296 071-9670010 Email: Email Us:info@ggroofing.ie info@pureflowers.ie••www.ggroofing.ie www.pureflowers.ie
Panel Beater requireD experience necessary Ballina area contact 085-1207292 immediate start
Northwest Express April, 2021
TT’S QUARR BARRE Quality Stone Y LTD Products & Plant Hire
MULTIPURPOSE GARDEN SHEDS & GARAGES
We are a family run quarrying & plant hire business, offering quality products and services to customers for more than 50 years. Our Quarrying Products Include: • All types of crushed stone • Chippings suitable for driveways, garden beds, sizes to suit individual requirements. Building Stone • Sand and Gravel • Readymix Services. We have an extensive range of fleet for hire including tippers, artic tippers, Flatbeds and low loaders We are National and International Hauliers • Phone: 097-83890 • Mobile: 087-2226243 • Fax: 097-83890 email: barrettsquarry@gmail.com • Bangor Erris, Co. Mayo
All the main supports of our garages are constructed of heavy duty box section steel for strength and durability and are hot dipped galvanised for longer Life. Our Units are built to withstand the harshest weather conditions. The sheeting is hot dipped galvanised and pvc coated to the colour of your choice.
Contact: Ray Lynch Corlis, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Phone: 086-8943034 or 094-9621938 • AGENTS REQUIRED
TERRYS STOVES
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www.terrysstoves.com
• Free Survey available • Solid Fuel Stoves • Gas Fires
When buying a stove you need good information on the wide range that is available
people with energy
I will help you get the product that best suits your needs.
Buy Once! Buy Right!
Phone: 087-2066910 or 071-9197925
MARY’S LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING VOTED COURIER COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2018
Sligo Road, Carrick on Shannon (Beside Glancy’s Pub) Telephone: 089-4202361
DRY CLEANING Suits, Dresses, Jackets, Coats, Shirts, Blouses, Jumpers & Curtains
Fastway Courier Franchisors offer a cost effective, reliable courier service, backed up by the latest computer technology and online parcel tracking facilities.
IRONING SERVICE Shirts, Dresses, Pants, Tops, etc PRESSING Bedding, Suits, Dresses, etc FULL WASHING AND DRYING SERVICE AVAILABLE COMMERCIAL BUSINESS WELCOME
Open Tue – Fri 10am to 5pm Saturday 10am to 4pm
DG Windows & Doors Josko Partner
SPRAY FOAM INSULATION
DARRAGH & GREG TIMONEY
North West Windows Prop. Kevin Burns - Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh
• WINDOWS • FRAMELESS, FULL HEIGHT ALL-GLASS SYSTEMS • LIFT-AND-SLIDE DOORS • FRONT & INTERIOR DOORS • SUN SHADING + NATURAL WOOD FLOORS Visit our new showroom Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat By Appointment Sli MacNean, Blacklion, Co. Cavan Tel: 071-9853753 • Mob: 086-3896500 Email: dgwindows@btinternet.com www.josko.com
Email: kburns@btinernet.com
Suppliers & Installers of uPVC Windows & Doors Wide range of colours
Tel: 087-2443903 After 6pm Tel: 048-66386525
DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL NATIONWIDE SERVICE E-MAIL:SALES@FOAMOX.IE TEL: 096 77735 • WWW.FOAMOX.IE
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Northwest Express April, 2021
Enjoy better hearing with Bonavox Talk to Us and Find Out How You Can Hear Better Again!
• Often Mishear What Others are Saying? • Find it Difficult Hearing on the Phone? • Is it Hard to Hear in Noisy Backgrounds? • Often Ask People to Repeat Themselves? • Providing 54 Years of Top Quality Service in the Hearing Industry • Remote Services Provided • Letter Provided to Travel to Medical Appointment During Lock Down
For a FREE HEARING CHECK call us FREE on
1800 480 888 Please quote ref: BXWP03
www.bonavox.ie
“I was fortunate to be passing a chemist shop in my home town and decided to make an appointment with the audiologist. I had a test with another provider about six months prior who recommended hearing aids costing €4,200 as it turned would not have benefited me in any way. I was keen to have a second opinion as to the cause of severe hearing loss on one side and wanted to be sure it wasn’t just age related - I’m in my 60’s. Mrs. Ann Marie Kelly’s knowledge and expertise identified a possible serious medical condition and strongly suggested referral to ENT specialist, who in turn referred me to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin where I’m having on-going care. I was very impressed with Mrs. Kelly calm patient manner and her ability to explain everything without being alarmist. Definitely shows an interest and dedication in her work not seen everyday” - AC, Mayo
Clinics also available at: Castlerea at Maloney and Keady Opticians, and in Roscommon at Hynes pharmacy.