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5 April 2012 Issue 7 - Volume 13
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HOME AND GARDEN FEATURE
MAYO TOURISM DRIVE A MAJOR SUCCESS
INSIDE
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House Prices continue to tumble National “optimism” not reflected in the north west!
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ESPITE some efforts to project some positivity into the property market, all indications are that house prices in the north-west have still not bottomed out. The latest daft.ie report may indicate that the average drop of 1.4% for the first quarter of 2012 is the smallest quarterly drop since the market collapse began; however in the western counties the average drop remains close to 4%, with the only gleam of light coming from Galway which has experienced a rise of 1.2%. The drop in Sligo for the first quarter was 3.4%, with a year-on-year fall in asking prices of 12.4%. The average asking price in the county now stands at €155,702, and there has been a fall of 46.6% since the peak in 2007. Mayo’s average price is broadly similar, at €155,492. While the fall from the peak is 41.6%, Mayo’s drop for Q1 is much steeper at 5.4%. The year-on-year fall was 12.5%. Roscommon’s fall of 53.4% since the peak is the worst in the west and at 24.2% the fall in the past year has been nothing short of dramatic. The fall for Q1 was 8.4% and the average asking price is now €117,803. Neighbours Leitrim also suffered a dramatic drop of 20.5% in the past year, though the overall fall from the peak was less, at 44.5%. The Q1 drop was 3.3%. Continued on Page 2
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House Prices continue to fall
Arigna Fuels awarded new Certification by Minister Perry
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rigna Fuels was very pleased to welcome Minister John Perry T.D. to their plant in Arigna to view the exciting new
developments there. During a tour of the plant Minister Perry inspected the newly installed packaging and screening
Featured in photo left to right: John Ryan Commercial Director Certification Europe, Minister John Perry, Brendan Layden Operations Manager Arigna Fuels and Peter Layden Managing Director Arigna Fuels.
facility. This will allow the company to significantly increase its bagged output and also further improve the quality and presentation of its products. Minister Perry was particularly impressed with the commitment of the company to Research and Development. He was fully briefed on the major R&D project currently under way. This involves the production of ‘bio coal’ –a renewable fuel with the combustion characteristics of coal but made from renewable products such as woodchip, nut shells and even potentially rushes. This project is supported by Enterprise Ireland and will be progressing to pilot plant stage over the coming months after extensive lab trials. As part of the ongoing drive to reduce costs the company’s En-
Five-time Champion Jamie honoured
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ergy Management System has recently achieved certification under the new International Energy Management System Standard ISO50001. This standard provides a framework for establishing energy management best practice to help organisations to improve their energy performance in a logical, controlled and systematic way. Arigna Fuels Ltd. is the first Irish SME to be awarded with an accredited certification to ISO50001. The certification was granted by Certification Europe following a detailed assessment process. Becoming certified to this standard ensures that the company will continually strive to improve its energy performance. Minister Perry was pleased to present the award to Brendan Layden, Operations Director.
Ballina Boxing Club honoured their five-time All-Ireland Champion Jamie Conroy with a special presentation to acknowledge his fifth national title success following his victory over Luke O'Shea in the Boy4/42 kilos national final. Club Chairman Joe Lavelle made a special presentation to Jamie on behalf of the club and it's officials in the Merry Monk Ballina. There to honour Jamie's outstanding achievement were his parents Bernie and Michael, grandmother Carol Muldoon and Ballina Boxing Club's officers, committee, and their wives. Picture: Henry Wills
Continued from front Page While asking prices in Galway may be showing some signs of stabilising the fall from the peak stands at 50.1% (52.3% in city) and the increase of 1.2% comes from a low base as prices fell by 14.7% (17% in the city) over the past 12 months. Average asking prices in Galway county now stand at €153,950, while they appear to be settling in the city at €188,639. The report makes it clear that the recovery in the housing market will not be when prices start to rise; the recovery will be when activity starts to rise. With the ailing banks still in no position to lend, and the many problems created by the bubble still outstanding, there is no sign this is about to change. In its annual report this week Permanent TSB revealed that 20,816 accounts were more than 90 days in arrears (or 12% of its mortgage portfolio). The industry average is 9.2%. In addition, a new controversial report has produced some anecdotal evidence, at least, that there is a growing number of “strategic” defaulters, who are deliberately not paying in the hope that banks will write down their debt. These developments, in the absence of some appropriate government intervention, can only lead to further capital shortages in banks, with a consequent impact on the availability of finance for house purchases.
Glowing tributes to Knockranny ON the radar of foodies and lovers of excellence for many years, the recent descriptions of Knockranny House Hotel in the Bridgestone Guides and the new Michelin Guide confirm the hotel’s position as a fabulous destination. Appearing in this year’s Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2012 and both the Bridgestone 100 Best Places to Stay 2012 and the annual Bridgestone 100 Best Restaurants Guide 2012 with glowing tributes paid to the hotel and the wonderful chef, Seamus Commons, Knockranny House hotel is, as the Bridgestone Guide says, “firing on all cylinders”! The Guide focuses on the most creative and enjoyable restaurants throughout the country, looking for those chefs and restaurants that combine enthusiasm, energy and accomplishment. “Seamus Commons leads by example and his team in La Fougère follow the Boss every step of the way. Sublime” says this year’s Guide. John & Sally McKenna’s respected guide goes on to describe Seamus Commons as being on a par with some of the world’s great chefs, and that he should be “…sharing stages with Rene and Ferran … he is one of the great contemporary Irish talents...” Adrian & Geraldine Noonan, owners of Knockranny House Hotel, are delighted with the high praise. “We are very proud of our hotel, and the hard work from our staff members that goes into creating an excellent experience for our guests” The Bridgestone Guide concludes that Knockranny is: “a great destination, that’s steadily becoming greater.”
Email: info@theexpress.ie Web: www.theexpress.ie Free Classifieds: info@theexpress.ie or visit www.theexpress.ie and click free classifieds.
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Top Trad in Castlebar
Ursuline College are Legal Debating Finalists
Pictured are Chloe Conlon, Eimear Mulligan, Aisling Forde and Jean Jordan from the Ursuline College, Sligo.
J
UST one of four teams selected in the country, the debating team from the Ursuline College, Sligo, were finalists in the Griffith College Schools Legal Debating competition which took place at the Dublin campus last week (Wednesday, 21st March 2012). The four girls were Chloe Conlon, Eimear Mulligan, Aisling Forde and Jean Jordan and they did Sligo town and country proud with the standard of their performances.
The Griffith College Schools Legal Debating competition was open to FETAC, transition, fifth and sixth year students from schools throughout the country and in order to be selected, the debating teams had to submit a summary of arguments both ‘for’ and ‘against’ the motion “This house believes social networking sites are a social and legal nuisance” in under 2,000 words. Speaking on the day, director of law at Grif-
fith College Ronan Fenelon said; “We would like to congratulate all the teams for getting this far. The standard throughout the competition was unparalleled, and all the students here today show outstanding talent.” Winners on the day were Galway school Coláiste Éinde and other schools competing for the cup included Scoil Bhríde Mercy Secondary School, Tuam, Co. Galway and Avondale Community College, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.
Pregnancy risk from air pollution PREGNANT women who are exposed to air pollution are more likely to have children with behavioural issues, according to US researchers. They say that the offending air pollutants - called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) - are strongly linked to attention problems in children. PAH are released into the air during the burning of fossil fuels such as diesel, gasoline and coal. Researchers at Columbia University in New York followed the children of 253 non-smoking inner-city women who gave birth between 1999 and 2006. They examined the women, measuring their levels of exposure to PAH. They did this by measuring the PAH concentration in the air from personal air sampling, which took place during the later stages of the mothers' pregnancy. They also analysed blood samples taken from the mothers and blood samples taken from the umbilical cords of their newborn babies. When inhaled by the mother during pregnancy, PAH can be transferred across the placenta and bind to the DNA of the fetus, providing a
biologic measure of pollutant exposure. Mothers were later asked to assess their child's behaviour, taking into consideration symptoms of anxiety, depression, or attention problems. The researchers discovered that high exposure of mothers to air pollutants was significantly linked with anxiety, depression and attention problems in their children. In urban air, traffic emissions were a dominant source of the pollutants measured in the study. "This study provides evidence that environmental levels of PAH encountered in NYC air can adversely affect child behavior. The results are of concern because attention problems and anxiety and depression have been shown to affect peer relationships and academic performance," said Prof Frederica Perera, who led the study. Prof Perera is the director of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health at Columbia University. The study was published online in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
TWO consummate Traditional musicians, Brendan Begley and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, combine their formidable talents to present “A Moment of Madness”, an evening of “wild and beautiful music from the West coast of Ireland” at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Thursday 12th April at 8.00pm. Hailing from the Dingle peninsula Brendan is a renowned button accordionist, touring at home and in Europe. A member of acclaimed outfit Boys of the Lough, Brendan's exciting dance music, sensitive emotional slow airs and singing as gaeilge make him a great favourite with audiences. Dublin-born fiddler Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh is rapidly becoming known as one of the most interesting and creative musicians in Traditional music. Since the widespread success of his 2003 album “Kitty Lie Over” with Mick O'Brien, he has performed in the US, Canada, Alaska, Asia and all over Europe, and has recently worked with the likes of The Waterboys, Iarla Ó Lionáird and Peadar Ó Riada. Together Brendan and Caoimhín promise an evening of the finest Trad. Don’t miss it. “An inspired pairing. Music of depth and daring... thoughtful, exploratory, driving, delicate, heartfelt, fascinating, and fun.” Earl Hitchner, The Irish Echo "The music of this duo is joyous indeed, sparkling with energy and life.” - Fíacha O’ Dubhda, www.othermusics.wordpress.com
Sligo to receive Good Friday Clean-up
Venus, Jupiter and the crescent Moon are in conjunction, forming a bright triangle in the sunset sky, at the Gaelic Chieftan Sculpture near Boyle. Photo: James Burke/www.jamesburkephoto.com
GOOD FRIDAY take on a special significance in Sligo this year as the Tidy Towns Committee will undertake a major clean-up of the town and surrounding area. The clean-up is planned for between 10 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. and the help of many volunteers is sought. The following five locations have been selected as meeting points: Stephen Street Car Park, Showgrounds Car Park, Sligo IT, Carraroe Primary School, Doorly Park (opposite Cleveragh Retail Park). For those who wish to obtain further information or, perhaps, give a helping hand contact Sligo Tidy Towns at email: sligotidytowns@gmail.com, or text 085-8218888. Facebook: sligotidytowns; Twitter: @sligotidytowns.
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Hopes and Dreams Children Enjoy Pyjama Day
Get your lycra on for Rehabcare A group of 3rd year IT Sligo students studying PR & Event Management are currently helping Rehab Ireland to a organise a “Cycle Challenge”. The main sponsors of this event are Leitrim County Council and the Sports partnership. Photo launch took place on Monday the 5th March between Drumshambo and Dowra at Cornmogga pier. Present at the photo launch were students from IT Sligo, along with many esteemed members of the Leitrim County Council community enterprise and development department, Rehab Ireland representative Michael Carty and local politician and spokesperson for this cycle, Luke Ming Flanagan. The cycle which is to take place on the 29th of April 2012 will consist of two routes, a 30km and a 60km - both of which are to take place around the beautiful picturesque scenery which surrounds Lough Allen, Co Leitrim. The cycle will commence at 9am on the morning of the 29th of April in Leitrim Village football grounds (Leitrim Gaels). On the morning of the cycle all cyclists must be present for Registration at 8am. Registration fee of €25 includes a goodie bag, refreshments and
SLIGO HELICOPTER TO THE RESCUE
also the option of having a sports massage for all competitors after the race. All participants will be entered into a draw for a free weekend away. All the money raised from the registration fee is going towards helping Ballinamore Rehab Care centre. However cyclists may pick up a sponsorship card for any charity of their choice and give all the money they raise to that chosen charity. Rehab is a leading non-governmental organisation which works towards a world where every person has the opportunity to achieve their potential. Rehab works in local communities to provide highquality services and opportunities to people who need them. The people who currently use the services include young people and adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities, people with mental health difficulties, people with autism and people with an acquired brain injury. A range of essential services are also provided to older people, careers and others who are marginalised. For more information please log on to the facebook page “Cycle Challenge” in aid of Rehab Ireland. To register for the cycle, follow the link on the Leitrim County Council website.
THE services of the Sligo-based Coast Guard helicopter was called into action last week when it was involved in a medical evacuation in the Atlantic Ocean. An ill crewman was airlifted from a Russian vessel off the coast of Co. Mayo. The ship was located around 240km west of Eagle Island. The man was taken to Sligo General Hospital for treatment.
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Daring 2 Care for the Children Who Care
IT Sligo graduate Brendan Tonry, from Collooney, Co Sligo, is doing the “Dare2Care” Challenge next month to raise awareness for child carers. Students from the Institute’s Tourism and Event Management course are helping him in the management of the event as part of their project work.
A
young man inspired by the dedication of his sister, who became their mother’s main carer at the age of 10, is set to highlight the plight of Ireland’s young carers. Brendan Tonry (30) an Army private from Drumfin, Co Sligo believes there are thousands of children around the country who are part of what the Carers’ Association describe as “an invisible Army” who quietly care for seriously ill parents , with little or no outside help. “My own sister Denise was just 10 when our father Patrick died in 2001”, explained Brendan. “My mother was heartbroken when he died and could not cope. She
became very depressed and the situation was compounded by epilepsy and serious physical health issues. In her despair she turned to alcohol.” Today (Tuesday March 20th) Brendan, a civil engineering graduate from IT Sligo, returns to the Institute for the launch of the “Dare 2 Care” Challenge, a gruelling 10 day endurance test which he hopes will highlight the plight of young carers, while raising €10,000 towards providing supports like “pamper days” for them. Tourism & Event Management students at IT Sligo have helped to organise the challenge which starts on April 1st next when Brendan,
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMEN & STONE CARVERS IN MAYO SINCE 1909
Don’t limit yourself to showroom models
his brother Aaron, a Limerickbased teacher, and four friends will set out on a 550 kilometre cycle through the six counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Galway and Mayo, climbing the highest mountain in each county on the way. “We are lucky that Truskmore is the highest mountain in both Sligo and Leitrim - so we have only five peaks to climb,” said Brendan. The group which also includes Jarlath Monaghan, an electrician, from Coolaney, Co Sligo, Denis Flynn, from Drumfin , and Ross Barrett, from Cork , both members of the Defence Forces based at the Curragh, and James Neary, a Garda and native of Grange, Co Sligo, will camp out each night. Rosaleen Doonan, Sligo-based area manager with the Carers Association, welcomed the opportunity to highlight the issue. “It has been estimated that there are 25,000 young carers in this country,” said Ms Doonan. “What we don’t have is research into the situation in Ireland and that is badly needed if we are to properly address the issue”. She said that while “caring” was very healthy when it involved bringing in turf for Granny or helping with the washing up, very young children can end up carrying a much heavier burden when parents became incapacitated for a variety of reasons. “It can affect schooling, and indeed lead to social isolation for
children if they can no longer get to football training, music lessons, or meet up with friends”, stressed Ms Doonan. Brendan Tonry stressed that parents, like his mother Mary who passed away in 2006, would never want to put the burden of caring on their children. “My mother was a lovely woman who wanted the best for all of us but unfortunately through circumstances she could not control, Denise ended up in that situation” he said. The money raised through the Dare 2 Care challenge will go towards providing supports for young carers such as “pamper days” and the setting up of social networking outlets which will allow them to stay in touch with their friends and other carers. After seeing the documentary “Children in Charge” on RTE television in November 2010, Brendan realized his sister’s experience was not unique and he decided to do something to help other children in the same situation. IT Sligo lecturer, Joanna Sweeney, said the project was a classic example of students being involved in the community while also getting invaluable practical experience. “The students are delighted to help Brendan and the Carers Association on such a worthy project and by helping to market and organise the challenge they are getting invaluable experience in event management,” she added.
Connaught Indoor Athletic Championships THE long road to Nenagh paid dividends again for Ballina Athletic Club athletes when they took home four gold, one silver and three bronze medals at the second day of the Connaught Indoor Athletic Championships recently. Bridget Mills ran the race of her young life to take home a silver medal in the U12 girls 600m. Bradley Nealon added a gold in the 60m to the gold he won in the long jump two weeks previously in Claremorris. Following on from her cross country exploits Emma Loftus won gold in the U14 girls 800m. John Timlin was in action in the U14 800m also and took home a bronze medal after a hard fought race. Anthony Neville was in great running form taking gold in the U16 200m and bronze in the 60m. His sister Natasha continues to impress winning a bronze medal in the U17 200m and finished in 4th place in the 60m sprint. Simon Gillespie continues to lead the walkers and won a gold medal in the U17 1500m Walk. Caoimhe Loftus and Peter Timlin put in good performances in the U12 600m.
Simon Gillespie continues to lead the walkers and won a gold medal in the U17 1500m Walk.
Abbott Sligo raise €3000 for Cancer Care
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Employees of Abbott's diagnostics manufacturing facility in Finisklin, Sligo recently raised €3,000 through a cake and book event for Cancer Care West to support the services they provide in the North West region. Pictured left to right are Richard Flaherty, Cancer Care West; Abbott employees Miriam Reilly, Brenda Gordon, Niamh Conroy and Fiona O'Brien ; and David O'Donnell, Cancer Care West. Photo: James Burke
Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
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Clamping rules to be overhauled
Surfing Intervarsity success at Strandhill
The IT Sligo Surf Team that competed in the College Surfing Intervarsities at Strandhill, Co. Sligo Photo: James Connolly / PicSell8
H
undreds of surfing enthusiasts descended on Strandhill, Co Sligo for the 2012 National Student Surfing Intervarsities from March 2 to 4.
As holders of the national title last year, the IT Sligo Surf Club hosted the event. NUI, Galway managed to narrowly steal the national title from the IT Sligo team,
but a number of gold medals were won by the club nonetheless. Third year archaeology student and sport scholarship recipient Ione Byrne, won a Gold Medal in the Women's
Long Board category; Ryan McEnroe was placed first in the Men’s Body Board category, and Daniela Attard came second in Women's Body Board category. There was also some great new emerging talent in the novice division with Michael Callaghan, Sean Costello and Cian Corrigan putting in great performances. The event saw male and female surfers competeing in 7 divisions, using bodyboards, surfboards and stand up surfboards. 150 surfers entered the event from 12 third level educational institutions across the country in what was described as a welcome ‘early start to the season’ for Strandhill. The IT Sligo Surf Club has extended its sincere thanks to all the sponsors for supplying the prizes, to County Sligo Surf Club for providing hot showers and changing facilities, to the lifegaurds who patrolled the beach, the emergency services for keeping everyone safe and to the Strand Bar for looking after the catering and entertainment. The sponsors of the event were as follows: IT Sligo; Surf World; The Strand Bar; Shells Café; 7th Waves Surf School; Strandhill Surf School; Perfect Day Surf School; Surf n' Surf; Donegal Adventure Centre; Bundoran Surf Company; Wax On Surfboards; Huku Training Boards; and Sunset Sail
Mayo Tourism drive hailed a major success in Manchester MANCHESTER’S newly formed ‘Manchester-Mayo Tourism & Business Group’ turned the city ‘Green & Red’ during Manchester’s annual Irish Festival in March. The Festival which is Europe’s biggest Irish Festival outside of the Emerald Isle runs from Friday 2 to Sunday 18 March. Tony and Lawrence Hennigan who are the founding members of the Tourism & Business group and are also the Press and Marketing officers for the Manchester Irish Festival decided to stage a special ‘Manchester-Mayo’ weekend. The two brothers have very strong links to Mayo and still own a cottage in their parents’ home Parish in Attymass. When asked about how the weekend went, Tony replied “It was a fantastic success, we even managed to get the TV film crew from ITV to put on a Mayo hat!. Our aim was to put the ‘West of Ireland’ on the tourist map in Manchester and generate more tourism for the area. It was great to see so many companies and individuals involved in the weekend, they in-
The two brothers have very strong links to Mayo and still own a cottage in their parents’ home Parish in Attymass.
cluded: Mayo.ie, Discover Ireland, Flybe, Ireland West Airport, Knock, Ireland West TV, Midwest Radio, Achill Tourism and Ballina Photographer, Richenda Barrett. The weekend attracted a great deal of publicity and was featured in national newspapers over in the UK and in Ireland. We even got a special mention on the BBC News bulletins.” Martina Hughes the project manager for the Mayo Diaspora Project – www.Mayo.ie at Mayo County Council flew over to run a tourism stall at the popular Manchester Irish Festival Market in Albert Square, which is located in the centre of Manchester. She added “The team at Mayo.ie were delighted to be involved with the 2012 Manchester Irish Festival. This family-friendly festival gave the Mayo.ie team an excellent opportunity to connect with the Mayo Diaspora, both first and subsequent generations. We were given a unique chance to raise awareness both of our website and of our efforts to forge connections amongst the global Mayo family.” “The atmosphere of the festival was very upbeat and the Manchester community were very welcoming. Having met with thousands of people over the weekend , there is no question regarding the Irish connection in Manchester and indeed with the numbers of people interested in www.mayo.ie it’s clear that the Mayo Connection is particularly strong.” “The organisers, did an excellent job in rolling out this event
FINALLY some good news for motorists -- drivers returning to their car while a wheel clamp is being applied may escape a fine under new proposals from a Dail Committee. Politicians are considering introducing laws where if the clamping process isn't completed by the time a motorist returns to their car, parking enforcement officers will have to remove it without imposing a release fee. The Dail Transport Committee will issue a series of recommendations this week on regulating the clamping industry, which will also include a proposal to ban the use of wheel clamps at hospitals. They will also consider introducing an independent appeals process, a ban on companies charging more to release vehicles than the local authority rates and having all clamping staff subjected to Garda vetting. Labour TD Ciaran Lynch, who chairs the committee, said that members would meet this week to finalise a series of legislative changes on regulating the industry. "Clamping should only be operated as an enforcement tool but some operators in the past have been overly zealous in their clamping of cars and this is to curtail it," he said last night.
See our Home & Garden Feature
Page 22 to 25
Percussion workshop at the Linenhall
Lawrence Hennigan (Manchester - Mayo Tourism Group - Irish roots from Attymass) with Marcella Wilkinson - Chair of Manchester Mayo Association at St Patrick's Day Parade in Manchester
and the whole festival serves to illustrate just what a committed and enthusiastic group of volunteers can accomplish.” The weekend started with a VIP reception at Manchester Town Hall, where the team from Mayo.ie, the managing director of Ireland West Airport – Joe Gilmore and Richenda Barrett met the Lord Mayor of Manchester – Cllr Harry Lyons and other VIPs which included TV presenter – Terry Christian at the star studded reception. The voice of Ireland ‘Tommy Fleming’ officially opened the festival along with Manchester United starlet – Joe Coll. The evening also saw performances from Mayo singer - Sean Ruane from Foxford, who performed with
two schools choir who were even dressed in ‘Green and Red’ for the occasion. During the same weekend, Richenda Barrett staged her ‘I Love Manchester Mayo Exhibition’ with a collective of photographers from the Festival. On the Sunday the city staged its annual Manchester Irish Festival Parade which attracted over 100,000 visitors and featured a whole host of Mayo groups. Finally the weekend visitors were treated to a series of Tradfest concerts in Levenshulme village which is home to the biggest Mayo community outside of London. For more information visit www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk
BODHRÁN player and percussionist Robbie Harris presents a Rhythms of the World Percussion Workshop for 16yrs+ and adults at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Thursday 3rd May from 7.30pm-9.30pm. This interactive and fun workshop will introduce participants to rhythms from all over the world and will teach them to explore their own abilities through a hands-on drumming experience. Rhythms from a wide variety of locations including Ireland, Africa, Latin America and Asia will be explored, as well as a range of ensemble drumming pieces. Percussion instruments will be provided for all participants. No experience necessary. Robbie has recorded and performed with artists including Bobby McFerrin, Clannad, Bob Geldof, Dónal Lunny and Rodrigo y Gabriela. He toured extensively with Riverdance The Show, and has been a guest lecturer at The Julliard and The New School, New York. Rhythms of the World Workshop for 16yrs+ and adults takes place on Thursday May 3rd from 7.30pm-9.30pm. The cost for the session is 6 euro. Booking is ESSENTIAL. Booking and further information from the Linenhall. Tel: 094 9023733
Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
9
DIGITAL IRISH STATIONS RTE ONE, RTE TWO HD, TV3, TG4 & 3e over aerial system
*One TV point supplied & installed with aerial and set top box
Tone Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Tel: 096-21196
€120
DIGITAL UK STATIONS VIA SAT TV BBC STATIONS, UTV, CH4, FIVE, ITV STATIONS, NEWS, CARTOONS, MOVIES, RELIGIOUS DOCUMENTRIES, MUSIC AND MANY MORE - OVER 200 STATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM *One TV point supplied and installed with satellite dish and digibox of your choice:
€130 €160 High Definition Box
Standard Definition Box
COMBINED IRISH & BRITISH PACKAGE
€220
NEED EXTRA TV POINTS? PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE
Applies to Senior Citizens and Students
A101
A101
One TV point supplied and installed with satellite dish, aerial and High Definition Digibox
You must present this ticket to avail of this offer Applies to all products and services
Page 22 to 25
1st Class Sheds Tel: 048-67-738087 • Mobile: 0044 7745141971 Visit us online at www.1stclasssheds.com
Beat the recession - work from home! • PVC coated cladded Sheds • 40mm X 40mm Box Section • Sizes from 2m x 2m - 9m x 21m • Various colours Available • Non-drip roof • Fitted with roller door and personnel door • Guttering and downpipes supplied and fitted • Can be Dismantled and Re-Assembled • No planning permission required • Free estimates • 25 Year Guarantee
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Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
10
Did you know?
Word Puzzle!
Here is a game that you can play to test your skill. This game will present you with a matrix filled with letters. The objective is to form words by concatenating adjacent letters. Letters that are to the left, right, on top, bottom, or on a diagonal to each other are all acceptable.
SAMPLE PUZZLE Here are some words that can be found in this sample matrix: any chant panel path trench Here are some words that are not valid in this puzzle: chance - uses the 'c' twice chaps - 's' is not adjacent
PUZZLE TIME ACROSS
by Megan Fennell
Leonardo da Vinci the genius Leonardo da Vinci, who was born in Vinci, near Florence in 1452, is known for his visionary ideas. He made sketches of scissors, the parachute, helicopter, airplanes, and engineering designs, some of which came into use 400 years after his death in 1519. But his notebooks never provided an explanation on the mechanics of his inventions. In fact, it is not known if he ever even constructed any of the ideas himself. What is known is that he could write with the one hand and draw with the other simultaneously. In his last 6 years, Leonardo da Vinci worked for King Francis I of France.The king bought one of Leonardo’s paintings, which he hung in his bathroom. Called La Gioconda, this portrait of Lisa Gherandini was the first painting to feature fading colors to create a sense of aerial perspective.Today it is better known as the Mona Lisa.
WIN! €25
1. Rib about right to go to Offaly town with a famous observatory where the existence of other galaxies was first discovered. (4) 3. I call on sad blend in old Tyrone mining town connected by canal with Newry and Belfast. (9) 9. Cook with fat outside circulated air in monks' abode. (6) 11. "Don't be breaking your --- on a stool that's not in your way." Irish Proverb. (4) 12. Boat in which German eight follow the penultimate. (5) 14.Take part in competition in Inishowen territory. (5) 15. "But where's the wild --- that has praised its fleas?" Yeats. (3) 16. Old copper back, how poetically gloomy! (5) 17. "A young ------, golden haired, Stands dreaming on the verge of strife" Frances Cornford. (6) 18. Daughter of the King of Leinster, and Mrs. Strongbow, returns the greeting. (3) 20. A gullible fool, and how he drinks! (3) 22. Art nut has gone A.W.O.L. (6) 24. Create this for a row, but only in play? (5) 25. Possesses short laughs? (3) 26. Dryly consolidates the sweet loaves. and gets the sack around the fifth (5) 27.Tenth month, and French, all eight of them. (5) 29. Standard adhered to in Liscannor mostly. (4) 30. Star in turmoil as a result of stress. (6) 31. Crowd aisle in crush to see Irish writer (1854-1900) who had only his genius to declare. (5,5) 32. Negative reference to Kilkenny flower! (4)
DOWN 1. Sound of donkey heard in Wicklow seaside resort. (4) 2. Or cares about Tipperary town under the Slieve Bloom mountains noted for antiquities. (7) 4. Till never up O.K. (anag.) Blessed, and has a shrine at Ballybarrack, near Dundalk. (6,7) 5. Clinging to this league for Yale and Havard. (3) 6. Go ahead up Kerry hill overlooking Killarney, and having a round tower, church and castle. (7) 7. Age had done damage to popular Down resort near the entrance to Belfast Lough. (10) 8. " ----- the first death, there is no other." Dylan Thomas. (5) 10. This land rails about the offshore spot in Antrim
First female doctor In the period known as the “Old Kingdom” in Ancient Egypt, from 2600-2100 BC, all professions were open to men and women, including the clergy, business, and medicine. In fact, records show that there were more than 100 prominent female physicians in Ancient Egypt, with Peseshet as their director. She was known as “lady overseer of the female physicians” – although it is not established that Lady Peseshet was a doctor herself and even if she was she was not the first known female physician.That title goes to someone who practiced medicine almost 100 years earlier: the world’s first known female doctor was Merit-Ptah (2700 BC). As with mathematics and astronomy, medicine was well-developed in Ancient Egypt, with physicians specializing in various medical fields, including eye care and dentistry. Midwifery was also a practiced profession.
where Robert Bruce met the spider in the cave. (7,6) 13. One hundred space for Limerick salmon angling village noted for the Maigue poets. (5) 16. Dan's hob rum is spilled in Leitrim village on the Roscommon border. (10) 19. "An aged man is but a paltry thing, A tattered coat upon a -----" Yeats. (5) 21. Cats rig up description of stomach. (7) 23. E.g. to tip over in border Donegal gateway to Lough Derg of pilgrimage fame. (7) 24. "Too long a sacrifice Can make a ----- of the heart" Yeats. (5) 28. Note about United Irishman, born 1763, and recognised as the first Irish Republican. (4) 30. "Ireland is the old --- that eats her farrow." James Joyce (3)
English kings did not speak English for 300 years Edward the Confessor grew up in Normandy, France while his half-brother Hardicanute was ruling England. At Hardicanute’s death in 1042, Edward took the throne and surrounded himself with his Norman favorites. In 1051, he named William, Duke of Normandy, heir to the English throne but it was taken by Harold II in January 1066. Nine months later, at the Battle of Hastings,William conquered England, hence William the Conqueror. For the next 300 years, the rulers and nobility of England spoke French, not English. The picture depicts William invading England, from Le Miroir Historial (Vol. IV) by the Dominican friar Vincent of Beauvais (c. 1190 – 1264?).Vincent wrote Speculum Maius (The Great Mirror), the main encyclopedia of the middle ages.
Congratulations!
Our Latest Winner Eamon Waters of Ballina, Co. Mayo
To be in with a chance of winning, fill out the crossword and your your name, telephone number and address and post to Puzzle Time Competition, Northwest Express, Unit 3, Riverview House, Barret Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo. - Good Luck!!
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St Patrick’s Day The Patron Saint of Ireland was born into either a Scottish or English family in the fourth century. He was captured as a teenager by Niall of the Nine Hostages who was to become a King of all Ireland. He was sold into slavery in Ireland and put to work as a shepherd. He worked in terrible conditions for six years drawing comfort in the Christian faith that so many of his people had abandoned under Roman rule. Patrick had a dream that encouraged him to flee his captivity and to head South where a ship was to be waiting for him. He traveled over 200 miles from his Northern captivity to Wexford town where, sure enough, a ship was waiting to enable his escape. Upon arrival in England he was captured by brigands and returned to slavery. He escaped after two months and spent the Temponext Roadseven Bus. Park years traveling Europe seeking his destiny. Enniskillen, BT74 During this6HR time he furthered his education and studied ChrisT tianity in the Lerin Monastery in France. He returned to England as a priest. Again a dream greatly influenced him when he besjsdiner@btconnect.com came convinced that the Irish people were calling out to him to sarahjanescakes.co.uk return to the land of his servitude.
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Emmy Award first called “Immy” Members of The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) rejected 47 proposal before selecting the current Emmy statuette in 1948. ATAS founder Syd Cassyd first suggested to call the symbol “Ike”, a nickname for a television iconoscope tube. But being similar to that of war hero Dwight D Ike Eisenhower, the Academy rejected the name. The third Academy president and pioneer television engineer, Harry Lubcke, suggested “Immy”, after the orthicon camera tube. The name “Immy” was used for a number of years until Academy members changed it to Emmy, as more appropriate for a female statuette. The Emmy statuette was created by television engineer Louis McManus, who modeled it after his wife.
s
Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
11
SAMPLE OF PRICES: The following are some of very competitive prices available at Trisha’s Cutting Alley: • • • •
COLOURS: The following colours are available in the salon: Alfaparf and Echosline! Alfaparf treatments are available from only €25.00 with wash and blowdry or curls.
E
ASTER weekend will mark a milestone for Trisha Reilly in her salon, Trisha’s Cutting Alley (Unisex Hair Salon) in Dromore-West, Co. Sligo. The popular, experienced hairdresser will be celebrating her 5th anniversary in business in the west Sligo town. Trisha has been hairdressing since 2000, having completed an initial training course with FAS in Sligo and continuing to obtain her teaching diploma. She is available to
travel to clients’ houses or hotels for bridal parties at very competitive rates of €25 €40 (she simply requires a minimum of four heads for this quality service). Wedding Fayre: Trisha will also be styling the bridal models’ hair in the Diamond Coast Hotel Wedding Fayre on Sunday, 8th April, and will be there to give advice and answer any bride’s questions from 2 to 5 p.m.
Dromore West, Co. Sligo Tel: (096) 47254
Dromore-West, Co. Sligo All Blowdries: €15.00 All Wash and Cuts: €25.00; €5 off any colour or highlights
Trisha says a sincere thank you to her many customers for giving her business over the past five years. She hopes to be able to serve them well in the years ahead.
Open Tues. – Saturday. Tel. 096-47901.
SPECIALS this weekend, Friday, 6th and 7th of April, and also on Friday,13th and Saturday, 14th April: All Blowdries: €15.00 All Wash and Cuts: €25.00; €5 off any colour or highlights
OPENING TIMES: Trish’s Cutting Alley is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Appointments outside this can be booked by calling. Sunday weddings or communions are catered for. Late or early bookings also welcome.
Feeneys Fairgreen Butchers Bar
TRISHA’S CUTTING ALLEY 5th ANNIVERSARY SPECIALS:
Thanks Trisha is grateful to her many customers for their business over the past five years. Trisha has Dante Couture Extensions available (12”, 16” 18”) from €140 - €180, depending on the lengths. No clips or glue used. Clients can protect their hair while adding length and volume. For any further information simply call Trisha at (096) 47901.
• • • •
Wash and Dry: €17.00 Wash, cut and Dry: €27.00 Root Masking and Dry: €30.00 Wrap Hilights and Dry (half head): from €47.00 Upstyles : From €20.00 GHD Curls: €20.00 Gent’s Cuts: €8.00 Kids’ Cuts: €5.00
Best wishes to Trisha’s Cutting Alley, Dromore West on 5 successful years in business from all at Feeneys
Dromore West Tel: 096-47099
We guarantee both fresh meat and a friendly service Freezer orders catered for Best Wishes to Trisha and all at Trisha’s Cutting Alley on 5 years in business from all at Fairgreen Butchers
The Coffee Shop DROMORE WEST Vanessa Beglin
AND POST OFFICE • DROMORE-WEST
Cong!at"lates Trisha and Cu#ing Alley on her 5th Anniversar$ and wishes her ever$ success for the f"t"re.
Congratulates Trisha Reilly on her 5th anniversary and wishes her every success for the future. Quality Food Open Six Days Tel: 087-1603015
Dromore West, Co. Sligo
Sunday Lunches only €10 Catering for 21st, Family Gatherings, Birthdays, Emigration Parties, Etc
Best Wishes to Trisha on 5 Successful Years in Business
Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
12
news
Do You Have any news or photos for us? Email them into us at
email: info@theexpress.ie
Discovery by Sligo lecturer gives rare insight into Bronze Age
A rare hammerhead, believed to have been fashioned from the antler of a red stag deer thousands of years ago, has been discovered in a cave in the Burren by a team of archaeologists led by IT Sligo lecturer, Dr Marion Dowd. The hammerhead, possibly the only one of its kind found in this country, is likely to be prehistoric but radiocarbon dating will be carried out to confirm that, according to Dr Dowd, a lecturer in prehistoric archaeology at the Institute. She and her team
also found shards of pottery from six Bronze-Age pots which were placed in the small cave on top of Moneen Mountain, near Ballyvaughan, around 1,000 BC. But the most poignant discovery was the skeletal remains of a teenager, aged from 14 to 16 years ago which were found in a recess in the cave and which dates to the 16th or 17th century. “We don’t know what sex the teenager was but DNA tests will tell us that,” explained Dr Dowd. “What we do know is that there is evidence of stunted growth, possibly due to malnourishment”.
r e m Sum e n i h s n Su
Dr. Dowd said this unexpected discovery, completely unrelated to the prehistoric artefacts which were placed in the cave thousands of years earlier, had struck a chord with people in the locality because of the human connection. “The body was found in a little recess – it was not dumped,” she explained. “This teenager may have crawled into the chamber and died. It was possibly somebody who had a difficult life. We read about warfare and pestilence during the 16th and 17th centuries but when you find somebody who lived during this period, and died in this place, it is very moving”. Dr Dowd, an expert in cave archaeology, was called in after cavers discovered the hammerhead and a skull in the small cave in June 2011. The National Monuments Service inspected the site and commissioned and funded an archaeological excavation which was led by Dr. Dowd. “We are still trying to work out why these objects would have been placed in a cave on top of a mountain. We will probably never know for sure,” said Dr Dowd. IT Sligo offers the only sciencebased Degree programme in Applied Archaeology in Ireland. For more information, see www.itsligo.ie
y l l e K l e a h c by Ra
hter mornings and Evening walks on the beach, brig has instilled hope elongating evenings of this week that was 2011 of er wint for so many after the y. man so for dull and dreary long rainy days, inTrying economic circumstances, coughs and cold mon com the and cuts job creasing y were all too man nt mea od associated with the peri through the med bea that rays ht brig the ready for curtains this week. ts upon hearing of As my dear Grandad always insis ‘sure isn’t it a ther wea people complaining of the ’s bad’ yet this that ther wea the only it’s lovely day, an influence of tive posi week has proven just how . have can the weather above 20deWhile temperatures didn’t increase on your sun the of mth war the k grees this wee ows and the abilback, the shine through the wind rella created a ity to leave home without an umb week before. the little buzz that hadn’t existed ting and deisola an be can er For the elderly, wint s and ition or the effort of pressing time. Poor travelling cond knock on their door in the evening that d drea y man n le as being able to simp darker evenings mea as ng ethi s to meet their peers. Yet som ture pera tem zero subin king trek a day immensely. short midday walk can brighten up sit out on the decking or go for a classroom all day are no ded ed up in a stuffy, overcrow coop g bein of d bore , dren chil Likewise
longer are confined to evenings of reading, indoor games and video games. The fact that it is still bright after homework has been completed means football on the lawn, tennis in the park or even a basic game of tag in the street become the welcome norm. People working the average nine to five routine are no longer leaving and returning their home in darkness. Bundles of umbrellas, jackets and anoraks are replaced by those brave enough, sunglasses. Students, beginning to study for the dreaded end of year exams escape the deafening silence of the library to sprawl on the lawns for well-earned breaks. Even retail stores, plagued from the on-going economic recession seem to have been uplifted by the suns appearance in the past week. Larger branches have released their Spring-Summer range, floral patterns, bright chiffons and colourful sandals replacing the darker winter alternatives. Suddenly after the three months of winter, summer doesn’t seem so far away. Summer holidays become a topic of conversation, summer exams become alarmingly nearer and shorts reappear(admittedly, with leggings). While many worry that it’s “too early”, “it’s our summer” for every few bright days or remark “I hear summers on a Thursday in Ireland this year” we really should cherish the hope, joy and energy that such rays bring into our lives, even if only momentarily. For too many days we complain of the rain, the wind and the dark evenings it is now our chance to avail of the glorious sunshine, the warm breeze and the brighter evenings. In such challenging and uncertain economic times, few can afford the luxuries commonplace in Celtic Tiger years, yet sunshine remains one of life’s simplest pleasures.
Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
Ballina, Co. Mayo
entertainment guide
Who?
Weddings, Private Parties, Communions, etc. Full Packages available, see Website for details
Where?
Dance Floors - Bar Units - Toilets - Lighting - Tables & Chairs - Catering Nationwide Service
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Marquees for all seasons: • Weddings • Shows • Race Meetings • Corporate Events • Parties • Staging, Dance Floor and Lighting Provided.
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Weddings, Communions, Confirmations, Private Parties etc John Barrett Mobile: 087-9827298 Email: jjbarrett50ie@yahoo.ie www.cateredforyou.net
CARNIVAL MARQUEES contact Niall on 086-1595093
Sligo Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Telephone: 086-3106632
• Par 3 Golf Course • Amusement Arcade • Go-Karting • New “Crazy” Golf • Budget accomodation B&B Just €15 per person
Tel: 096-76838
Just 5 mins from Ballina
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CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTATION! Phone: 353 (0)96 32042 Mobile: 086-2692630 Farmhill, Kincon, Ballina, Co. Mayo www.toonsandballoons.com
When?
Tel: 086 8773635
13
I
t is already being hailed as one of the funniest Irish comedy plays to ever hit the stage.After sell-out shows in Claremorris, Tubbercurry and other venues as well as a US tour that includes Chicago and Milwaulkee, Midwest Radio presenter Tommy Marren brings his action-packed
play “Its the Real McCoy” the Royal Theatre , Castlebar. The play is set in rural Ireland in the mid 1960’s and its main character is Madge Mulloy (Eileen Slevin) who has spent over 40 years of her life in despair following the disappearance of her hus-
band for no apparent reason. What unfolds on stage has to be seen to be believed. The new parish curate Fr. Michael McCoy (Tommy Marren) gets news about her husband Tom (Ollie Rouse) and his wishes to return to her to explain why he left. However, Madge has to contend with the fact that her only child Maura (Collette McHale) has fallen in love with the local postman Martin Daly (Gerry Glennon) and she doesn’t approve. She also has regular full blown confrontations with the two nosiest neighbours in Ireland – namely Nora O’Hora (Deirdre O’Meara) and her daughter Cora (Mary Marren). The play is packed with plots and sub-plots, two love stories, a confused curate, a gormless postman and a woman who has a lot of anger and frustration to release! Tickets for this show will sell fast as the word on the street is that this is one show all theatre lovers will just have to witness. Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.ie as well as from the Royal Theatre Box Office on 0818 300 000. Tickets are priced €18.00 incl. booking fee, other service charges may apply. For further information please check the Royal Theatre website on: www.theroyal.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie
Sesame Street comes to the Northwest MARK your calendar for a musical event like no other—monsters making music! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, Bert, Ernie and all their Sesame Street friends are taking to the stage to share their love of music in Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music” at the Royal Theatre on Easter Monday 9th April. Abby Cadabby loves to sing and wants to start a new band on Sesame Street! Join the fun as Abby, Elmo and friends discover ‘instruments’ they never knew existed…pots and spoons, "Big Bird “tweets”, Oscar the Grouch’s stomping trash can lids, Cookie Monster’s crumbling cookie jars and more become instruments of beautiful music and noisy fun! Everyone’s favourite fun, furry and feathered friends teach children that we can make and enjoy beautiful music together. The universal appeal of a Sesame Street Live production continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the hightech stagecraft, cleverly written scripts, and music they’ll recognize and enjoy sharing with children, such as “The Hustle,” “You Should Be Dancing” and “Rockin’ Robin.” “Elmo Makes Music” features nearly two dozen songs, including classics that children will love to sing along with such as “C Is for Cookie” and
“The Alphabet Song.” Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.ie as well as from the Royal Theatre Box Office on 0818 300 000. Tickets are €17.50, family ticket €50, incl. booking
fee other service charges may apply. For further information please check the Royal Theatre website on: www.royaltheatre.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie
Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
14 • Business Cards • Letterheads • Compliment Slips • Brochures • Posters • Flyers
Wedding Stationery • Memorial Cards knockmore, ballina, mayo office: 094-9258408 mobiles: 086-8586572/ 086-8271764
plus all the usual suspects OFFICE STATIONERY OFFICE FURNITURE SCHOOL SUPPLIES SCHOOL FURNITURE
FAX MACHINES DESKTOP PRINTERS FILING CABINETS VINYL LABELS
PRICING GUNS COMPUTER SUPPLIES TILL ROLLS
For adventures on horseback involved with horse all their lives, and as Aiden’s puts it “It’s in the blood”, and you follow that natural path. It’s sure not a 9- 5 job, but i love what I do and i enjoy my work. Aiden and Christina have four small children who are all involved in the running of the yard. Three years ago they saw the opportunity to open a riding school business which has gone from strength to strength, and
now with the completion of their new purpose built indoor arena, all camps, group lessons and private lessons can be provided all year round without worrying about the weather.
This AIRE-approved Riding School with BHS Instructors provides riding lessons for all ages, ranging from the complete beginner to the more advanced rider wishing to brush up on their skills.
Turlough, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Commercial and Agricultural Structural Steel Work Supplied and Fitted Best Wishes to Aiden, Christina and family on the opening of their new indoor arena.
Telephone: 087-4178388
M
OST people living in the proximity of Ballina and Enniscrone would be familiar with Iceford Stables, a family-run business operating at Quay Road, Ballina, owned by Aiden and Christina Anderson. Horses and ponies have been a part of both their lives for many years as Aiden’s family have been
Specialists in manufacturing of uPVC, Timber and Aluminium Doors, Staircases, Shop Fronts, Conservatories, Vertical Sliding Windows and Patios.
• Europe’s most advanced uPVC System • High Security Internal Glazing • Energy Efficient low E 28mm Double glazing • Mult Point Locking • All Designs available • Range of Colours • 10 Year Guarantee
Sligo Road, Ballina, Co, Mayo Telephone: 096-22147
Easter Camps 2012 April 4 & 5 - 2 day teenagers camp. April 10,11,12 - 3 day childrens camp. Summer Camps July 10, 11, 12 - 24, 25, 26. August 7, 8, 9 - 21, 22, 23. Places limited - so book early to secure your place. Camps run from 9am to 2pm daily.
www.icefordstables.com • info@icefordstables.com Best wishes to Aidan & Christina from
Bonniconlon, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel: 087-9239838
• Building & Plumbing • Home & Garden • Farm feeds & Equestrian supplies Best Wishes to Aiden, Christina and family on the opening of their new indoor arena.
Telephone: 096-72777 Web: www.archers.ie
Best wishes to Aiden, Christina and family on the opening of their new indoor arena from all at
• Sawdust and Shavings • Loose & Bales Available • Delivered Nationwide Contact David Moore for more info. Tel: 086-2579366
Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
15
Enniscrone, Co. Sligo Tel: 096-267000 www.theoceansandshotel.ie Quay Road, Ballina,Tel: (096) 70776 or 087-0555770 • www.icefordstables.com
Best Wishes to Aiden, Christina and family on the opening of their new indoor arena. Book online reser!ations@theoceansandshotel.ie or call reser!ations at 096-26700
RosellenÊs Flowers Main Street, Enniscone, Co. Sligo
“From a single stem to an entire wedding” It is easily accessible and mid-way between Ballina and Enniscrone (3 miles from either location). To complement its riding school service it provides a further range of options for locals or visitors: • Hacking on the horse farm or on quiet country roads near Ballina and Enniscrone; • Children’s horse riding camps outside all school terms • Birthday Parties • Beach Rides on the beautiful sandy beach in Enniscrone. • Horse riding lessons to all age
groups, from beginners to advanced. • New purpose built Indoor Arena. Horse riding: Undoubtedly Iceford Stables’ core competence is exemplified in its range of riding services which include horse-back riding, horse riding camps, horse riding lessons, summer camps, horse riding trails, riding classes, all against the background of the natural beauty to be found near Ballina and Enniscrone.
It is the only riding school offering beach rides in the Ennscrone area. With such a variety of riding programmes to accommodate every level of skill Iceford is, undoubtedly, the place where dreams of adventure on horseback come to life. Mums’ morning: To confirm this progressive riding school is thinking outside the box they will shortly provide group lessons for busy mums, to be held in the mornings when the kids have been dropped to school. This onehour session will give mum a great opportunity to relax and enjoy herself while keeping fit. High standards: Iceford Stables’ key competitive advantage lies in the high standard of horses and ponies and the quality of instruction. High priority is placed on safety and all the ponies are schooled to the highest standard before they enter the lessons. In addition, all the instructors are qualified to AIRE, BHS and FEI standard and hold current child protection and first aid certificates.
Best Wishes to Aiden, Christina and family on the opening of their new indoor arena from all at
DAVY’S LAWNMOWER AND TOOL HIRE
Ambrose Lavin
Architectural & Surveying Services
Behy Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo • Tel: 096-77989 / 76537 / 77000
rosellensflowers@hotmail.com
Alan Egan Farrier Telephone: 087-7683228 Best Wishes to Aiden, Christina and family on the opening of their new indoor arena.
Covering Mayo & Sligo Areas
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Phone: 096-37546 • Mobile: 087-2753254
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Sole Agents for Castelgarden, Stiga, Masport, Kawasaki, Milwaukee, Hilti, Solo, Makita, Festool, Bosch, Draper Expert, Warrior and Shindaiwa
Best Wishes to all at Iceford Stables
Telephone: 087-2931697 Email: lavinsurveying@eircom.net
Meelick, Swinford, Co. Mayo Best Wishes to Aiden, Christina and family on the opening of their new indoor arena.
• Domestic • Commercial • Industrial Best Wishes to Aiden, Christina and family on the opening of their new indoor arena.
Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
16
naturalhealth By Megan Fennell
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.
Raw Food Nutritional Coaching: The Latest Trend in Raw Food Living
By Megan Fennell
W
hile the raw food movement was once considered trendy, many have discovered the amazing benefits of this lifestyle. With health issues plaguing our country, many people have transformed their lives by adopting a raw food lifestyle and literally reversing diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and chronic digestive problems just to name a few. Some choose to eat a 100% raw food diet, while others deem it practical to consume raw food at a more moderate level. Whatever the preference and no matter what “diet” one chooses, the one common factor all experts agree on is this: We all need more raw food such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds in our diet!
More often than not, many think of raw food as nothing but a plate of veggies with ranch dip dressing. The latest trend in the raw movement The latest trend in the raw movement is Raw Food Nutritional Coaching. Raw food coaching is specifically designed to give people the information and support they need by learning how to adopt the lifestyle and make lasting changes that can positively impact their health. Many diets don’t work well because folks lack support and one on one coaching to help them stay motivated, continue learning and addressing underlying issues which keep them from achieving success. It might seem simple enough to start adding more raw food such as fruits and vegetables to your daily diet, yet so many people don’t eat enough, get bored, or don’t know how to make raw food interesting. For the most part, our minds have been trained to cook and prepare food using traditional methods. Raw Food Nutritional Coaching provides all the es-
sential information to make transitioning to raw food easy, fun and healthy. More often than not, many think of raw food as nothing but a plate of veggies with ranch dip dressing. Surprisingly, incredible foods can be made from using the four basic food groups of the plant based variety: fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Favourite foods such as pizza, veggie burgers, pâté’s, desserts and soups are just some of the recipes raw foodies enjoy on a daily basis. Once the basic raw food skills are
mastered, the recipes and ideas are endless! Raw Food Nutritional Coaching helps to restructure the “recipe bank” and bring out the creative chef inside of all us. With the help of a trained Raw Food Nutritional Coach, making raw foods will become second nature. Whether adopting a 100% raw food lifestyle or simply adding more raw food to any dietary theory, a Raw Food Nutrition
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Coach can help make transitioning from traditional foods to more raw food easy, fun and creative while making positive lasting changes for a healthier and happier life. Anyone looking to truly increase vitality, reverse disease, achieve overall optimum health and wellness can benefit from the expertise of a Raw Food Nutrition Coach.
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S.T.O.P. is a registered charity which was set up to assist and support individuals who feel suicidal, are in distress or those who have been bereaved by suicide. Currently S.T.O.P. provide the following services • Provides bereavement support through a suicide bereavement group which meets monthly. • Support and outreach to those bereaved by suicide. • Promotes positive mental health and related issues by attending information evenings and also visiting (when requested) schools, communities and organisations throughout Ireland. • Counselling for those who are feeling suicidal / depressed or have been bereaved by suicide.
If you feel that you could benefit from any of the above support please call Mary on 087-4188053.
Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
17
Yoga for Depression and Anxiety By Megan Fennell
Y
oga is an ancient mind-body practice with origins in Eastern Indian Philosophy. The word yoga in Sanskrit actually means to yoke or unite. Yoga combines physical postures (asanas) with breath-work (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana), concentration (dharana), relaxation, balance, strength, and stamina. Current research on yoga suggests that it improves mood and gives a general sense of well-being. It is beneficial in counteracting stress and reducing heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Yoga for Anxiety Many people suffer from anxiety and panic
attacks. Anxiety can be a useful emotion if it heightens your awareness to make healthier choices. However, when anxiety becomes more than a little nervousness, it can be very debilitating. Sufferers of anxiety and panic disorders complain of exhaustion and mental fatigue. Some of these symptoms include obsessive thinking, insomnia, migraines, intestinal problems, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath and heart palpitations. The appearance of anxiety in your daily life can drastically influence your lifestyle. Research suggests that excessive worry sabotages the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight off disease and heal. Yoga is effective in treating anxiety by reducing the symptoms. One of yoga’s basic
tenants is to turn your focus inward, letting the external world go. Focusing within facilitates recognition of what may be triggering the anxiety, which is usually those habitual thoughts and unresolved conflicts. Yoga breath work is one of the key methods in counteracting anxiety. Breath is life and puts us in touch with our essence. When threatened, real or imagined, our bodies react. Therefore, during an anxiety attack the body reacts to what is perceived as a threat. This results in tension, rigidity, and choppy, constricted or cessation of breath. Yoga teaches you to slow down your breath, relax your body, and look inward at the precipitating event. Yoga for Depression The benefit of yoga on depression is another area being explored. One of the biggest contributing factors to depression is stress. Depression increases the fight or flight response in the sympathetic nervous system. Persistent/chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system elevates the stress hormone cortisol. It is a well-known fact that cortisol has a major influence on stress related illnesses. Part of yoga’s effectiveness is its ability to decrease stress and increase a sense of well-being. Yoga breath work boosts the oxygen level to the brain; the postures alleviate tension, promoting introspection, and in conjunction with deep relaxation and meditation techniques, produces a calming effect. Among yoga’s anti-stress benefits are positive levels of certain brain chemicals that decrease catecholamine. Findings also suggest lower levels of the hormone neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (when elevated, all of these neurotransmitters are involved in fight or flight response and increase fear and anger and decrease the ability to think realistically), which facilitate a calming feeling. There is also an increase in oxytocin, the hormone that is released during childbirth, maternal bonding and during orgasm, sometimes referred to as the “love hormone.” Students who practice yoga on a regular basis report a feeling of increased trust and a heightened sense of connectedness and bonding with others.
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Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
18 Do You Have any news or views for us? email: info@theexpress.ie
Pizza express!
tech news & science
New EU roaming cuts on the way M
WELCOME to the most dangerous fridge magnet in the world. With one touch it can order your favourite pizza. The pizza box-shaped device from Dubaibased fast food company Red Tomato works by sending your order by Bluetooth. You simply set-up your favourite pizza order online once and it can then be beamed to the restaurant whenever you activate the magnet. You receive an SMS conformation and the restaurant starts preparing your meal for delivery. The company say: "At Red Tomato, our loyal pizza patrons are important to us. And Very Important Pizza lovers like these deserve very special treatment. "So next time you're hungry, just push the button and we'll bring your Red Tomato favourite direct to your door, lickety-split."
ore cuts in mobile phone roaming charges are on the way this summer - the latest move towards reducing the gap between domestic and foreign call rates to almost nothing by 2015. Compulsory maximum roaming rates were first imposed on mobile network operators five years
ago to tackle what the Commission called the "roaming rip-off" the operators were said to be making profits of more than 200% for mobile calls made while in another EU country, and 300% or 400% for calls received. The gap between domestic and "roaming" call charges has fallen by about 75% compared
Harry Potter breaks e-book lockdown NEW Harry Potter e-books have gone on sale over the internet without being locked down by encryption. The move breaks with industry practice and means consumers can move them between devices and read them anywhere they like. If Pottermore, JK Rowling's new online store, proves a success, it could provide a model for other authors and publishers and undermine the clout of Amazon, which dominates e-book sales. E-books from major publishers are sold in encrypted form. The text of a book is scrambled so that only authorised devices and software can read it. For instance, a book bought from Amazon can be read only on the company's Kindle e-readers and on its Kindle applications for smartphones, tablets and PCs. It cannot be read on Barnes & Noble's Nook e-readers. Charles Redmayne, CEO of Pottermore, said that Harry Potter books are probably the most pirated in the world already, even though - or rather because - there have been no legal electronic versions until now. Fans have scanned or even retyped the printed books to make them available in electronic form. "We believe that people should have the right, once they've bought the book, to read it on any device that they choose to," he said.
with 2007. Now, after talks between MEPs, EU governments and the European Commission, final agreement is expected in May for further cuts to come into force from July this year. EU Commissioner for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes, who took on the sector when calls for voluntary reductions were considered not good enough, said: "Consumers are fed up with being ripped off by high roaming charges. "The new roaming deal gives us a long-term structural solution, with lower prices, more choice and a new smart approach for data and internet browsing. The benefits will be felt in time for the summer break - and by summer 2014, people can shop around for the best deal." Ms Kroes voiced frustration earlier this year at the fact that all operators are sticking to the high end of the call charges ceilings, effectively blocking wider competition which should drive down prices even further. The Commission said that,
until competition does reduce retail prices even further than the rates imposed by EU law, the roaming rules will progressively lower current retail price caps on voice and texting (SMS) services, with a new retail price cap for mobile data services. The caps will stay in force as "a safeguard for consumers" until June 2017. Under the new rules applicable from July this year, consumers travelling in another EU country than their own will pay no more than 29 euro cents (24p) per minute to make a mobile call and nine cents (8p) to send a text message. A Commission statement said: "These regulated price caps will progressively go down so that by July 1 2014, roaming consumers will be paying no more than 19 cents per minute to make a call, a maximum 5 cents per minute to receive a call, maximum 6 cents to send a text message and maximum 20 cents per Megabyte to download data or browse the Internet whilst travelling abroad".
Teachers issue video games warning VIOLENT computer games are having a damaging effect on the "tender young minds" of children, a teachers' union has warned. The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) raised concerns about the negative impact of children spending hours a day playing computer games that are inappropriate for their age. The warning came as a survey found more than a quarter of parents say their child gets less than half-an-hour of physical activity outside of school. ATL members are due to debate a resolution at their annual conference in Manchester next week which says some computer games have a negative effect on very young children. It calls for the union's executive to commission research which will allow it to lobby government for the introduction of "stringent legislation" on computer games. ATL general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said: "I think what we are talking about, first of all, is the amount of time children spend locked in their room. The fact that children spend hours locked in their rooms playing computer
games, which means they're not interacting, they're not playing and not taking exercise." Some of these games are "very violent", she said, and have an effect on "tender young minds" of children and young people. "If you have got a game in the house it's very difficult to police who's playing it," she said. Age restrictions are "extremely difficult to enforce, just like films, like TV," she said. "The watershed tends to work quite well, but with online TV and video children and young people are probably watching inappropriate content over a range of media." A survey of 1,000 parents, commissioned by the British Toy and Hobby Association, found that 28.2% say their child gets 30 min-
utes or less of physical activity after school. Just 5.3% of parents said their child gets more than two hours of exercise outside school, while 14.5% said they get between an hour and an hour-and-a-half. Almost half of those questioned (45%) said their child should get an hour or more of exercise in a day.
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Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
19
w rldnews
Do You Have any news or views for us? email us: info@theexpress.ie
Man saws off his own foot to avoid work
Batman pulled over by traffic officers for having wrong plates on Batmobile
An Austrian man has taken extreme measures in a bid to avoid work, sawing off his own foot and throwing the appendage into an oven.
T
HE unemployed man was due to attend a meeting at the Labour Office to assess his health in order to see if he was fit to work, according to Austrian broadcaster ORF. Police in Mitterlabill, southern Austria, said the 56year-old sliced his foot off above the ankle with a mechanical saw, before throwing it into an oven. He then hobbled into his garage bleeding profusely and called the emergency services. Local police chief Franz Fasching said the man had lost a lot of blood but was still conscious when officers arrived at the scene. Emergency services 'looked in the oven and were able to recover the foot', Mr Fasching said. 'The foot was taken the hospital but it was so badly burned that it cannot be sewn back on.' Last week, Stuart Frain, 50 cut off his own arm while attempting to carry out some DIY in his isolated home. Luckily, for Mr Frain he was able to pick up his severed limb and reach a hospital in time for surgeons to reattach the arm during a seven-hour operation.
Fat cats and podgy puppies among pets in weight loss competition Fat cats are known for being greedy but Fifi Bottomley takes the biscuit. The morbidly obese moggy is just one of the family pets hoping to get in shape for a national competition. WEIGHING in at a hefty 9.3kg (1st 7lb), Fifi is double the size she should be. The eight-year-old piled on the pounds after stealing food from other cats – but now she is one of the finalists in the PDSA’s Pet Fit Club competition. Fifi will be joining other flabby felines and portly pups to receive tailored diet advice and exercise – with the winner receiving a year’s supply of pet food. The animal losing the most weight over the next six months will also win their owner a pet-friendly holiday worth £500. Fifi, from Bradford, is going up against ten other contestants including a roast dinner-loving labrador, a border collie whose excess pounds play havoc with his arthritis and a rabbit who weighs more than the average cat. Combined, the animals are more than 152kg (24st) overweight. The PDSA says about 2.9million dogs and 3million cats are losing the battle of the bulge in Britain after 90 per cent of owners admitted feeding them cheese, crisps and takeaways. But the charity’s Sean Wensley said: ‘It’s never too late to make positive changes to a pet’s diet and lifestyle.’
Fifi the Cat
www.brusnaenergysolutions.com
COPS in Montgomery, Maryland, had to do a double take after spotting a man dressed as Batman driving a black Lamborghini sports car on Wednesday. Gotham city's Dark Knight was taking his Batmobile for a spin when police officers spotted that the vehicle wasn't displaying any valid license plates and pulled him over. A department policeman explained: 'Batman was stopped by Montgomery County officers on Wednesday, March 21, on southbound Route 29 at Prelude Drive, Silver Spring, for no tags on Batmobile.' Officers posted pictures of the incident on their official Facebook page where they have received thousands of likes from amused users. The caped crusader was able to produce valid number plates on demand and registration documents for the vehicle, however they weren't under the name of Bruce Wayne. He has since been identified as Lenny B. Robinson, a local resident who regularly dresses up in full Batman attire while visiting kids at a local children's hospital. An officer explained that Batman was released after being given an unofficial warning, saying: 'They had a discussion about the law, and he let him fly so to speak. ‘The police officer and Batman had a discussion, and he said next time, get IT RIGHT.'
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Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
update your
kitchen with new worktops
• You can also buy upstands and splashbacks to complete the look. You can opt for a varity of materials including wood, composite and natural materials. Deciding what worktop will work best in your new kitchen can be a little hit and miss. This is where you want to find a supplier who is willing to send you samples. You will want to see how it works against your new kitchen doors and whether it catches the light or absorbs it. A new worktop is an investment, so getting the colour and material right is important. Fitting your worktop It is true that fitting a worktop can be a difficult task, but only if you are attempting to make invisible corner joints. If you are an experienced DIYer you may be able to attempt this yourself. Worktop fitting jigs can be purchased from DIY stores or even hired especially for the job. The jig
allows you to cut the perfect angle for your worktop corners allowing you to fit two sections together at a ninety degree angle. You will also need coloured adhesive to disguise the joints. Having your previous worktop as a template will help you to make the right cuts. Of course if you feel this may be too difficult for you, getting a tradesman in to do this one job may not be too expensive. It is unlikely to take a good tradesman longer than one or two days to fit your new worktop and this might even be a cost which is met by the savings you have made on your new kitchen. Adding new worktops and kitchen doors to your existing kitchen design will give you the best of both worlds. You will get a great looking kitchen which feels new and looks stylish and you will be getting it at a fraction of the cost of a brand new kitchen where everything is replaced. The choice is yours!
Add Table Lamps Put table lamps on your island or dining table to make your kitchen feel like a room, not a laboratory
H
ow do you get a brand new looking kitchen without paying brand new kitchen prices? The answer is replace your kitchen doors and your kitchen worktops. You may be wondering how this is any different to installing an entirely new kitchen and how it could possibly be any cheaper. Well, read on for an explanation of exactly how this can work for you. Many of us expect that a new kitchen means that all the units, worktops, appliances and sinks needs to be ripped out and new versions put back in. It doesn’t have to be this way. In fact most of your kitchen can be reused or even left exactly where it is. You can replace just your kitchen doors and the worktops and you kitchen will look like it has had a complete makeover. You may consider that replacing the kitchen doors via an online kitchen door replacement company is enough to get the wow factor. If your worktops are still in great condition this may be the case. But
often the simple act of replacing your kitchen doors can highlight the fact that your worktop has seen better days too. So replacing both together is a great idea. New worktop benefits Getting your worktop from your kitchen door supplier is a good move for lots of reasons: • They will have worktops which match well with the doors they sell. • They often sell worktops which come in a variety of lengths. This eliminates or reduces waste compared to the larger DIY stores where you must buy one standard length regardless of how much you actually require. • You can get a variety of thicknesses to suit the profile of your units and the position of your tiles.
Special offer for April Nordmende 32" HD ready LCD tv for €295. Panel & Worktop Cutting Service Available Unit 3 Abbey Business Park, Ballina Tel: 096-79590 • Email: aiden@creankitchens.ie Web: www.creankitchens.ie
Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
21
St. Enda’s Villas, Ballina. Tel/Fax: 096 70621 E-mail:brookinteriors@eircom.net Web: www.brookinterior.com • Specialists in quality fitted kitchens & wardrobes. • Quality workmanship by local craftsmen • Personal service • Reasonable Rates • Free Design & Quotation. • Range of appliances from all leading manufactures Solid Oak Doors, evoking a feeling of “Home”. The traditional • Registered Sub-contractors kitchen is still the most popular choice for many customers.
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Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
6 tips on updating your
programs we have, you often see how designers transform a house on the brink of demolition to a fresh, new and modern pad without the need of heavy workloads or builders! So remember you do not need to spend a fortune on updating your home, choosing the right paint can add life and most importantly value to your property. Before under going a paint job, remember to cover up or move your sofas to another area of your house to avoid the disappointment of getting drips of paint forever marking your expensive furniture!
living room I
f your home needs a little updating, here are a few ideas that could give your home that much needed facelift!
1. Leather Sofas: As most people know, a leather sofa can bring that look of elegance into your living room. With a wide range of leather furniture to select from in your local high street stores, any style can match a look. With leather being a very contemporary look, it can modernize and transform the look of your living room for as little as €500. By looking after your sofa well by using recommended cleaning products, your leather sofa could last you a lifetime 2. Lick of paint: Going for bright colours in your living room can help bring that that extra bit of life back into your house. When you have decided on a perfect colour for your living room, you will also be inspired to purchase new ornaments and furniture to help bring your living room up to date. Getting inspiration from the vast amount of home designs
3. De-Clutter: This is the most important step that most people need to bear in mind when they are looking to update their property. Some people (or even people you know) do not know how to let the past go! To start off the mission of de-cluttering your home, take time out by exploring every room in your house going through cupboards and drawers making a list of any old junk that you come across. Also make note of those items you think will be useful in other rooms and keep and eye out for the junk you may have thrown in the corner of the room; telling yourself that you will deal with it in the near future, but never got round to throwing it away! 4. Floors: If you have a carpet that may have lost its colour over the years or if you have a visible stain that you just cannot remove with the best stain removers on the market, make
that all important decision and throw that old carpet out! Also, if you notice that you have wooden flooring under your carpet, tear the carpet out, and get to work making that wooden floor stand out. Rent a Sander and sand down the wooden floor and wax to give it a smooth finish. To maintain the finish, sweep and vacuum the floor on a regular basis; if you want, place rugs and mats to prevent dirt, grit and sand from easily appearing 5. Lighting: Lighting can make a huge difference to the way your living room looks. If you find that your living room may be a dull or dark, buy a few more stylish lamps that will add character to your living room at the same
time. Or alternatively, changing the brightness of your bulb could also work. e.g. Going from 60 to 120 watts. 6. Re-arranging Your Furniture: Re-arranging your furniture can also make a difference in the way your home looks and most importanly the way you feel about your home. Try moving your furniture to spots that your guests will notice, for example moving your sofas around the fire place or bring items from other rooms which are better suited for the living room. Use as much items as you can to characterise your living room and always remember to leave some open space as a room always needs room to breath! It will feel like moving home all over again!
Stained Glass Door Panel Replacement BRIGHTEN up a dark space with stained-glass door panels. Shed some light in a dark space by replacing a door panel with stained glass. It's a clever, creative way to bring rich, diffused hues and interesting patterns into a room. Place a stained-glass panel in a door by cutting away door panels or making an opening in a solid door. This eye-catching project will add charm to your doorway, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment every time you walk into the room
Decorating the inside or outside of your home? Now is the time to call at
Papers & Paints 11 Belmore Street, Enniskillen Tel: 048-6632 2966
Decorate the outside of your home We have a large selection of paints to choose from, also for your shed, fencing or decking we have Ronseal, Cuprinol, Sadolin products all in stock. For the inside we have lots of new wallpapers to chose from and paints at very competitive prices. See our selection of Roller, Vertical, Wood, Veneetian & Roman Blinds with 20-50% discount. Measuring and fitting free.
SPECIAL OFFERS 10 Ltr Sandex White Masonary £23.00 10 Ltr White/Magnolia Matt Paint from £13.50
For all your decorating needs call at Jims FIRST
Northwest Express April 5th, 2012
23
The Italian Leather Suite 3+1+1 Available in Black and Chestnut
€899 Nexus 3+1+1 4 Recliner Suite Available in Black And Brown The Country Life Museum
€899
24
25
Choosing the Right
cobbles or clay blocks, or if you prefer a loose surface, choose from slate, gravel or bark.
Driveway
8. How important is cost? If you are after the cheapest solution, concrete is one of best choices for a domestic driveway, particularly if you do most of the work yourself. Tarmac is the cheapest on a large scale, but in a domestic situation it's not that practical. Alternatively, you could look at concrete blocks or perhaps gravel.
for your home
T
he number of different driveway materials that you can choose from is huge. Here we lead you through a host of relevant questions that will help you to pick the best driveway for your situation.
Station road, Carrick on shannon
1. Are your neighbours' driveways all paved in the same material? If you live on an estate where the houses share a similar look, then replacing or installing a driveway in a completely different
material could make your house, not to mention those of your immediate neighbours, less saleable. People won’t be happy. 2. Is there a significant gradient to your driveway? Driveways constructed from solid materials like concrete aren't easy to lay on a gradient. Tarmac is significantly better and Gravel is a waste of time. For a DIY job, small to medium blocks would be the best option.
3. Will you be staying at the house for a long time? If you want to spruce up your driveway in order to sell your home, gravel is the quick, easy and cheap option. It needs frequent topping up and attention to prevent weeds taking over, but in the short term it's perfect. 4. Are you in a conservation area? It's imperative to make sure that you are aware of any planning restrictions on your home or your area. If you install a driveway using the wrong material, the planning office can force you to replace it at your cost. They won't listen to any pleas of ignorance – it's your responsibility to find out. 6. Is it important to have a non-slip surface? If you are unsteady on your feet or have frequent visitors who are, you might want to avoid stone or stone-like block surfaces which can be slippery when wet. Concrete or clay bricks or blocks are better in this respect. You can also go for loose materials such as gravel and bark ,but they aren't so easy to navigate with wheelchairs.
€5 off
any Fabric with this Advert
9. Are you building a new driveway? If you are replacing an existing driveway, the easiest option is to replace like with like. But if you are putting in a new driveway, remember that the groundwork and foundations are likely to take time and therefore money. Bearing that in mind, skimping on the top surface is probably a false economy, so choose the surface you like the most. 10. Do you wish to protect the environment? With the current focus on green issues, products like concrete and tarmac are under fire for the ecological damage done during their manufacture. When laid they can also cause drainage problems and contribute to the warming up of urban areas. Choose natural materials, either loose, such as bark, slate chippings or gravel, or recycled aggregates made from brick, glass or other materials for the greenest option.
7. Is it important to use natural materials? More and more concrete is being used in driveway construction, not just poured concrete but flags and blocks, too. For a solid surface, look for natural stone in flags or
ref: Northwest Express
MULTIPURPOSE GARDEN SHEDS & GARAGES Prop. Niall Conerney 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. “You tell us the size you want and we will price on that exact size” Sheds delivered & Erected Nationwide For no extra cost
• Tarmacadam • Tar Spray & Chips • Paving, Kerbing & Stone Walls Email: niallconerney@eircom.net Mobile: 087-7701604 • Landline: 091-880682
Covering Nationwide
SPECIAL OFFERS
3M X 3M (10’ X 10’)...............................................€850 2M X 2M (7’ X 7’)...................................................€750 2.5M X 1.8M (8’ X 6’)...................................€450 6M X 9M (20’ X 30’).............................................€3900 CALL US TODAY FOR MORE SPECIALS! Contact: Ray Lynch Corlis, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Clare Office - Contact Eugene at the Indoor Market - 085-2188506 Phone: 086-8943034 or 094-9621938 AGENTS REQUIRED
24
25
Choosing the Right
cobbles or clay blocks, or if you prefer a loose surface, choose from slate, gravel or bark.
Driveway
8. How important is cost? If you are after the cheapest solution, concrete is one of best choices for a domestic driveway, particularly if you do most of the work yourself. Tarmac is the cheapest on a large scale, but in a domestic situation it's not that practical. Alternatively, you could look at concrete blocks or perhaps gravel.
for your home
T
he number of different driveway materials that you can choose from is huge. Here we lead you through a host of relevant questions that will help you to pick the best driveway for your situation.
Station road, Carrick on shannon
1. Are your neighbours' driveways all paved in the same material? If you live on an estate where the houses share a similar look, then replacing or installing a driveway in a completely different
material could make your house, not to mention those of your immediate neighbours, less saleable. People won’t be happy. 2. Is there a significant gradient to your driveway? Driveways constructed from solid materials like concrete aren't easy to lay on a gradient. Tarmac is significantly better and Gravel is a waste of time. For a DIY job, small to medium blocks would be the best option.
3. Will you be staying at the house for a long time? If you want to spruce up your driveway in order to sell your home, gravel is the quick, easy and cheap option. It needs frequent topping up and attention to prevent weeds taking over, but in the short term it's perfect. 4. Are you in a conservation area? It's imperative to make sure that you are aware of any planning restrictions on your home or your area. If you install a driveway using the wrong material, the planning office can force you to replace it at your cost. They won't listen to any pleas of ignorance – it's your responsibility to find out. 6. Is it important to have a non-slip surface? If you are unsteady on your feet or have frequent visitors who are, you might want to avoid stone or stone-like block surfaces which can be slippery when wet. Concrete or clay bricks or blocks are better in this respect. You can also go for loose materials such as gravel and bark ,but they aren't so easy to navigate with wheelchairs.
€5 off
any Fabric with this Advert
9. Are you building a new driveway? If you are replacing an existing driveway, the easiest option is to replace like with like. But if you are putting in a new driveway, remember that the groundwork and foundations are likely to take time and therefore money. Bearing that in mind, skimping on the top surface is probably a false economy, so choose the surface you like the most. 10. Do you wish to protect the environment? With the current focus on green issues, products like concrete and tarmac are under fire for the ecological damage done during their manufacture. When laid they can also cause drainage problems and contribute to the warming up of urban areas. Choose natural materials, either loose, such as bark, slate chippings or gravel, or recycled aggregates made from brick, glass or other materials for the greenest option.
7. Is it important to use natural materials? More and more concrete is being used in driveway construction, not just poured concrete but flags and blocks, too. For a solid surface, look for natural stone in flags or
ref: Northwest Express
Prop. Barry Ward
Prop. Niall Conerney
Deerpark, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
Easter Specials • Tarmacadam • Tar Spray & Chips • Paving, Kerbing & Stone Walls Email: niallconerney@eircom.net Mobile: 087-7701604 • Landline: 091-880682
Covering Nationwide
• Wide variety of Bulbs • Excellent Selection of vegetables • Large Selection of Seeds
Wide selection of hedging and trees available. See in store for more Tel: 090-9643787 • Mobile: 086-0673167 Open 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 1-6pm on Sunday