Northwest Express February 9 2012

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9 February 2012 Issue 3 - Volume 13

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Disposable incomes down almost 25% Ballina fights to retain beds and jobs

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Protestors outside St. Augustine’s Community Nursing Home in Ballina prior to last Sunday’s demonstration march against bed closures in local healthcare facilities. See full story on page 4

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f the drop in disposable incomes recorded in the West, and elsewhere in the country between 2008 and 2009 is replicated in 2010 and 2011 it can be estimated that our income levels have fallen by close to 25% since the start of the downturn.

The latest CSO figures, which show results for 2009, indicate that average disposable income per person nationally dropped by 8.1% from 2008. The figures themselves, which indicate residual incomes after tax and housing costs, show a drop of €1,833, from €23,239 to €21,356.

In Connacht, where the drop was below the national average, Leitrim recorded the most significant fall with incomes dropping from €21,359 to €19,814, a consequence, perhaps, of the end of the housing boom in the region. In Sligo, which still has the eighth highest average disposable income of any county in the state, the drop was in the region of 6.6%. The county’s estimated disposable income in 2009 was €20,677. As mirrored nationwide, disposable incomes in Sligo back in 2000 were €12,368, increasing gradually over the Celtic Tiger years, with the first recorded drop in 2009.

The average drop in Connacht was 6.5%, with the lowest drop recorded in Mayo, where figures fell from €20,642 to €19,562, or just over 5%.The drop in Roscommon reflected the region’s average at 6.5% with the county’s disposable income just below Mayo’s level at €19,435. Galway, while experiencing a drop of almost 6.5%, still tops the table in Connacht with disposable incomes per person of €21,071.

Generally, the largest drops were recorded in the South East and Mid-west regions with average falls of around 9.5%. The average disposable income per person in Dublin, at €24,316 (falling from €26,414 in 2008) is still 13.9% above the national average. The only other county to exceed the average is Kildare at €21,877. Cork, Limerick and Galway are the only other counties to exceed the €21,000 mark.

Kerry, Donegal, Offaly and Monaghan, are registered a s the poorest counties with average disposable incomes less than 90% of the national average. Furthermore, the first three aforementioned counties have been in this position for more than a decade.

Ironically, the Washington-based Brookings Institute last week positioned Dubliners as being the 4th richest people in Europe and the 14th richest in the world.

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Charities get on board Trap's mountain climb TAOISEACH Enda Kenny's ramble with soccer boss Giovanni Trapattoni to the summit of Croagh Patrick on April 28 is to become a major fundraiser for local charities.

It was revealed at the weekend that Mr Kenny confirmed the climb and said he hopes other walkers will join them.

FAI president John Delaney will also take part in the climb.

Mr Trapattoni paid a fleeting visit to the base of the mountain at Murrisk last year and was presented with a blackthorn climbing stick by local trader Kevin Maloney.

Later, the Italian expressed a desire to make the climb in thanksgiving if Ireland was lucky enough to reach the finals.

A group known as 'The Kilimanjaro Nine' -- who climbed the highest mountain in Africa with Mr Kenny some years ago -- is also preparing to remobilise for the Croagh Patrick challenge.

The climb will be made just three weeks before Ireland's first game in the Euro 2012 championships.

After an artery operation last year, Mr Trappatoni (70) is said to be fighting fit for the challenge.

Retirements could up waiting lists HEALTH Minister James Reilly has admitted that planned hospital procedures may have to be postponed as a result of the expected 3,500 early retirements from the health service at the end of this month.

The effect of the expected retirement of around 1,600 nurses, 85 consultants and other frontline staff from the health service may stall the Minister's waiting list initiative, which has so far seen some reductions in treatment waiting times.

The Minister said recently it would be necessary to slow down on the number

of planned procedures carried out in hospitals, and increase productivity later in the year.

He said contingency plans to deal with the impact of the early retirements were well advanced.

It was recently announced that the numbers waiting over 12 months for operations dropped from around 1,200 in the middle of last year to 370 at the end of the year. Currently, there are around 26,000 on waiting lists for over three months, compared to over 30,000 back in September.

The Minister's Special Delivery Unit managed to cut waiting lists in the latter part of last year through use of unused capacity in the system and greater efficiency. It has also managed to reduce ED trolley numbers so far this year.

However, it is feared that both waiting lists and trolley waits could rise again as a result of staff shortages and the impact of €750 million in health budget cuts this year. Dr Reilly has pledged that by the end of this year, no-one should have been waiting more than nine months for a planned hospital procedure.

Low income families struggling to cover everyday needs – new report LOW-income households are struggling to meet a basic standard of living.

A new report revealed people who rely on social welfare or the national minimum wage do not have enough money to cover everyday needs.

Co-author Sr Bernadette Mac Mahon, of the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice, said the study shines a light on the income that is needed for a minimum essential standard of living across a spectrum of household types.

"It demonstrates that many households in situations of reliance on social welfare or the national minimum wage live with an insufficient income," she said.

"Income inadequacy means many households live below a level which has been defined as socially acceptable by Irish society."

The year-long study by Trinity College's Policy Institute and the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice was part funded by the Department of Social Protection.

It found the income of an urban household with two adults and two children who live on unemployment benefits is only sufficient when both youngsters are of preschool age.

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At all other stages income is inadequate and peaks at a weekly shortfall of €168 when one child is at second level and one is 19.

But for a single income family, the combination of the minimum wage and benefits is adequate until at least one child reaches the second level school age group.

Meanwhile the shortfall for a single, female pensioner can be as much as €105.

Sr Bernadette added: "Failure to ground the national

minimum wage and social welfare transfers in a tangible measure of adequacy, such as defined in this research, means that poverty and social exclusion will continue to be a reality in Ireland."

The study - A Minimum Income Standard for Ireland researched the weekly cost of living for a single person, a two parent household with two children, a single parent household with two children, a pensioner couple, and a female pensioner living alone.

It calculated the minimum income households need to afford a minimum standard of living, which is defined by the United Nations as one which meets a person's physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs.

Budgets based on needs, rather than wants, spanned over 2,000 goods and included 16 areas of expenditure like food, clothing, personal and health care, household goods and services, education and transport.

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regionalnews Ballina fights to retain beds and jobs

International probe into disgraced Tubbercurry bankers finances

Former Irish nationwide Boss and Tubbercurry native, Michael Fingleton, is currently the subject of an international probe into his finances.

The Jobs for Ballina theme was to the forefront at the demonstration march in the town on Sunday.

DESPITE competition from sporting events on Sunday last in excess of 1,000 demonstrators took to the street in Ballina to protest against the closure of beds in local healthcare facilities. Placards at the march also revealed the town’s determination to create and retain jobs and preserve the local economy.

Three TDs from the county, Fine Gael’s Deputy Michelle Mulherin and John O’Mahony, in addition to Fianna Fail’s Dara Calleary (who has been outspoken on the reduction in beds) were present, with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Deputy Michael Ring the notable absentees.

Ballina Trade Council Chairman Matt Farrell, speaking at the march, said the protests had only begun in Ballina. The cost of restoring the 14 beds at St. Joseph’s would be in the region of €14,000.

The event was organised by the Trades Council and marchers were addressed by representatives of the Active Retirement Association, Croi, Friends of St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Ballina Mental Health Association. The voiced their concern and anger over the implications of the closures at the hospital, in ad-

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dition to the residential psychiatric unit and the local community nursing home, St. Augustine’s.

In response to a recent statement by Deputy Michelle Mulherin concerning progress on the Ballina hospital issue and that the hospital would retain its 50 beds, Mr. Farrell made it clear the community wanted the beds back and the hospital to remain a 62-bed facility.

Deputy Mulherin said the problems at the hospital had been inherited from the previous government, but thanks to the work of the HSE, hospital staff,TDs, the Minister and Taoiseach, the remaining beds would be retained. No one has been left without treatment in Ballina, she said.

Deputy Dara Calleary reiterated his point that no effort had yet been made to collect the €13m that is owed by private insurance companies which would more than cover the cost of restoring hospital beds nationwide. It’s all about choices now, he said, in terms of where money is spent, and he vowed to stand up for his town in order to retain the full complement of beds in Ballina.

MONTENEGRO'S top state prosecutor -- the equivalent of Ireland's DPP - has sanctioned the investigation after receiving a report from the country's anti-money-laundering unit.

A spokesperson for Montenegro's Administration for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (APMLTF) indicated that this would involve the assistance of foreign banks and police forces.

According to an Irish Independent report, the special unit, reporting to Montenegro's Supreme State Prosecutor (SSP), investigated the accounts of a company founded by the Tubbercurry man in the eastern European country.

It raised concerns about a number of cash transfers by Mr Fingleton and an associated company -- in and out of Montenegro between 2006 and 2011.

The red flags were raised during a routine inspection completed last December after Mr Fingleton's company, New Fjord Developments, had been placed into bankruptcy.

The company had been set up by Mr Fingleton and a business partner to redevelop a hotel in the Balkan state, but the deal went sour.

It is understood that the SSP has ordered further investigations based on that report before deciding what action -- if any -- should follow.

Cash transfers at the centre of the investigation include a sum of €500,000 moved by Mr Fingleton to an account in his name at the Atlas Mont Bank in Podgorica, Montenegro, in November 2010.

Most of this was moved weeks later, on January 21, 2011, when Mr Fingleton transferred €480,000 to the London Barclays Bank account of his son, Michael Fingleton Jnr. Also under scrutiny is €128,498 transferred by Mr Fingleton from a separate, company account in Montenegro to his son's London bank account.

Both transfers occurred shortly after Mr Fingleton had been hit with a €13.6m debt judgment by Ulster Bank over a failed land deal in Co Cavan.

Last night the APMLTF said it had rejected, as "unfounded," objections to its preliminary report raised by Mr Fingleton's Belgrade lawyers.

Dentists give thumbs down to scheme THE country's dentists say they can no longer endorse the medical card free dental scheme.

The Irish Dental Union says following recent cutbacks to entitlements under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS), the dental profession no longer has any confidence in the operation of the scheme.

Over the past two years, treatment entitlements under the DTSS have been cut back, with the result that medical card patients can effectively only receive emergency care under the DTSS. In a letter to the HSE and the Department of Health, the Union says the scheme no longer provides treatments deemed necessary within patients' treatment plans and dentists are forbidden by the HSE from providing these treatments to patients.

The union says the cuts to the

scheme are having an adverse effect on both the oral and general health of the population.

It has called for a new State-funded dental scheme providing timely and accessible care, with priority given to preventive dental treatment.

Dentists say they are also dissatisfied with the current administration of the scheme by the HSE. The Dental Union's Chief Executive Fintan Hourihan told irishhealth.com that the union could not instruct dentists to quit the scheme en masse.

However, he said dentists were so dissatisfied with the current resourcing of the DTSS that they felt they could no longer endorse it.

The Union recently pointed out that although the HSE allocated €63 million to the medical card dental scheme in 2011, only €51 milliion was actually spent on the scheme.

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Cheapest house in Ireland goes under the hammer for €7,500

IT'S the cheapest house in Ireland. A cottage in Co Leitrim is to go under the hammer next month with a reserve price of just €7,500.

The two-bed rural retreat is one of 100 lots to be auctioned in the next Allsop Space auction on March 1.

The cottage is situated near Gallough's Lough, 2km outside the south Leitrim village of Carrigallen and features a reception room, two bedrooms, kitchen, dining room and bathroom.

Also three holiday homes up for auction are located at the Marella Holiday Village in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.

The reserve on each property is not

to exceed €55,000.

Lot 6 is 34 Marella Holiday Village is a detached house, arranged over 2 floors, containing reception room, kitchen area, bedroom with en-suite and cloakroom.

The other two houses are Lot no 66 which is located at 49 Marella Holiday Village; and Lot no 85 situated at 25 Marella Holiday Village, both of which are four bedroomed units.

The best-known property up for auction is the Sandhouse Hotel in Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal, which has a guide price of €650,000 -- a drop of 89pc on the price sought for the hotel

when it was offered for sale in 2008.

Last year, the price was cut to €1.5m, but it failed to secure a buyer.

Overlooking a long stretch of sandy beach, the 55-bedroom hotel has hosted a range of film stars and historic figures. Former British prime minister Tony Blair spent some childhood holidays there and it was once a holidayhideaway spot for Mia Farrow and Woody Allen before their marriage hit the rocks.

Paul Diver, who had managed the hotel for the Britton family before it went into liquidation in 2009, has continued to manage it for the liquidator KPMG. He plans to re-open it this weekend prior to Valentine's Day after its closure for the traditional winter break. The 100 properties up for auction have a combined target value of €10.3m Some 74 of the 100 properties to go under the hammer will be residential, including 41 apartments and 33 houses.

Nine of the houses are in Dublin, with prices ranging from only €35,000 to €100,000.

The cheapest Dublin house is a fourbedroom, mid-terrace period house with a reserve of €35,000 on Dublin's Seville Place, close to Connolly Station, and is the street where film producer brothers Jim and Peter Sheridan grew up.

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“But the truth is that all the information they require is easily accessible on the internet.”

Interestingly, none of the 25 elected members who went to conferences last year availed of the opportunity to attend one in their own county.

The expenses figure is made up of €68,223 in travel and subsistence as well as €20,897 in conference fees.

A total of 145 separate trips to conferences were made during the course of the year as a car pooling system was not in operation.

The expenditure for the Cork trip in question was: Tom Connolly (626), Councillor Blackie Gavin (648), Councillor Henry Kenny (668), Councillor Damian Ryan (518), Councillor Richard Finn (647), Councillor Jimmy Maloney (683) and Councillor Johnny O’Malley (662).

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AN Independent member of Mayo County Council has condemned as ‘a complete scandal’ the spending of €89,120 by the authority last year to send 25 elected members to conferences throughout the country.

Councillor Gerry Ginty, who failed in a bid at the 2012 budget meeting earlier this month to halt such an outlay, said he is amazed by the lack of public outrage over the matter.

The Ballina-based representative stated the payment of €5,152 to cover the cost of seven councillors who travelled separately to a conference on the future of local politics at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery, Co. Cork, from April 15th to17th last raised serious questions.

“It is particularly unacceptable at a time when the social welfare benefits being paid to people with disabilities are being targeted by the government.

“This outlandish spending is also happening at a time when the council is struggling to find money to maintain its existing services.

“There is an onus on elected representatives to show leadership and responsibility. But a proper example is not being set at the highest level of politics.

“What is also disturbing is that the public at large don’t seem to care because they keep electing these people every five years.

“And when a councillor like myself raises concerns over travel and conference expenses, we are shouted down by the main political parties because their members are involved in the conference circuit.

“Councillors who attend conferences will argue they are educational and provide valuable assistance to them in their work.

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Innovative Marketing the focus of IT Sligo Marketing Conference

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Staff from the Masters in Marketing at IT Sligo are organising a conference on Innovative Marketing. Pictured from left to right, are: Suzanne Ryan, Ann Higgins, Nicola Lacey, Dr Catherine McGuinn and Joanna Sweeney.

THE 4th Annual IT Sligo Contemporary Marketing Conference will take place at the Institute on Friday, February 17th from 10am to 3pm.

The theme of this year’s conference, which is organised by marketing lecturers at the Institute for the regional business community and for students of the Masters in Marketing, is ‘Innovative Marketing’.

Guest speakers will include Dr. Aidan Daly, Adjunct Professor of Marketing, NUI Galway; Ms. Heather-Ann MacSharry, Director of IDA Ireland and Chairman of the Trustee Board of Bank of Ireland pension fund, former General

Manager of Reckitt Benckiser and former Managing Director of Boots Healthcare; and Mr. David Bunworth, former Marketing Director of Bord Gáis Energy, former Head of Sales and Marketing at Esat BT Ireland and former Commercial Director of Aer Lingus.

All interested members of the business community are invited to attend; no registration fee will apply.

If you have any queries, or would like to book a place contact Andrew Lang by email at lang.andrew@itsligo.ie Please note that places are limited.

Boyle B&B gets top award LOUGH KEY House B&B has been named in the top 25 B&Bs in Ireland, according to Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2012.

The Boyle B&B business won the award based on customer reviews. Proprietor Frances McDonagh was pleasantly surprised and thrilled when contacted. “We put a big emphasis on service and on ensuring the people have everything they need when they stay here. It is always great to get such positive reviews, but we won’t be resting on our laurels. To be recognised is a great reward for us and shows that we are doing something right,” she said.

The success of the business is testament to Frances’ passion and determination, which saw her totally restore the house, after she purchased it in 2001.

“I moved from Galway and wanted to live in an old house and this 200-year-old Georgian Period house instantly appealed to me. People at the time said that I was crazy opening a B&B in a Boyle in a recession, but fortunately, things are going really well and this accolade is just wonderful.After working on the house for a number of years, I opened it up to the public in May 2007, to coincide with the opening of Lough Key Forest Park and thankfully things are going well for me,” she explained.

“I’ve had people staying here from places as far away as Japan and Korea and

everywhere in between! After we were featured on the RTE programme, ‘At Your Service’ we saw a great increase in numbers also and people from all over Ireland have come,” she said.

22 out of the 25 award winners are based towards the south of the country.The tourist areas such as Dingle and Killarney have come out tops on the list for 2012.

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Music Festival planned for Westport House WHILE details have yet to be revealed it now seems certain that a two-day music festival will take place at Westport House in June of this year. This, in addition to the traditional Westport Music Festival means that the West Mayo town will be really buzzing this Summer.The popularity of such an event was demonstated in Sligo in 2010 when thousands flocked to see Leonard Cohen at Lissadell House.

Fáilte Ireland revealed the good news when they announced that €40,000 in funding has been allocated for a music festival in Westport this summer. Minister for State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, is quoted in the statement welcoming the development, and says he is delighted that through Fáilte Ireland his Department were able to provide support to this latest music event in Westport.

It is understood the funding is for a new two day music and arts festival to be hosted on the grounds of Westport House, and reportedly being planned for the second last

weekend in June. A spokesperson for Westport House confirmed that ‘The Westport Festival of Music and Performing Arts’ was being planned for later this year.

Speculation is rife as to who will feature at the event, with names such as Imelda May, The Waterboys and even Van Morrison being touted around Westport. It is understood that the event will have an official launch in the coming weeks where all will be revealed, and that it will be advertised nationally with promotion for the event being looked after outside Westport.

In additional to the planned two-day event and the traditional Music Festival, a further free open-air concert is being discussed by Westport Town Council after Cllr Michael McLaughlin proposed the idea at the recent budget meeting of the council. He was successful in securing dedicated funding of €20,000 for the proposal, and has stated that he favours a traditional Irish music themed event. Certainly, much to look forward to in Westport this Summer.

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regionalnews Further exposure for Tuam’s “Secret Millionaire” JOHN CONCANNON, the genial man from Tuam, who captured the hearts of the nation when he appeared on RTE’s “Secret Millionnaire” programme last year, may be in line for additional accolades shortly.

John, who owns JFC Manufacturing in Tuam, participated in a novel programme where he went undercover in West Dublin to find charities or organisations in need of financial assistance and support.

The show in question was watched by an average of 644,000 viewers, making it the most watched television programme of that day. The event concluded with the millionaire benefactor handing over three cheques to causes close to his heart. The largest sum went to Pieta House in Lucan, a centre for the prevention of self-harm and suicide.

Now, to his surprise, John returns to the limelight and is in line to feature in

the Irish Film and Television Awards, due to be announced this SAturday night. It will also mean valuable exposure for another Tuam native, Barry Egan, who directed the programme series, filmed by Animo TV.The series has been nominated in the Factual Programme category.

While John is, of course delighted, and surprised that the programme was so popular he has been continuing his energies in working close with Pieta House founder Joan Freeman and the HSE with a view to setting up a Pieta House in the West of Ireland.

“Several public meetings have been planned in Galway,Tuam and Roscommon and the next meeting is in Castlebar.

John is currently raising funds to modify a house in Tuam to establish a Pieta House. According to Joan Freeman, Tuam is a central location and ideal to service the west of Ireland.

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CFAI Finals coming to IT Sligo

Gerry Dalton IT Sligo Knocknarea Arena Manager, Emma Mullin FAI Development Officer at IT Sligo, Padraig Carney CFAI Chairman, Ross Lappin Sports Development Officer, IT Sligo, Paul Powell, IT Sligo Manager Men’s Soccer Club IT Sligo will host the College Football Association of competition. The UMBRO Colleges plate is a comIreland Finals 2012 on March 7th and 8th. petition for teams who are defeated in the first The CFAI Finals destination will remain in the west round of the Colleges Cup. The Robert Eustace Cup, for a second year with IT Sligo succeeding GMIT now in it’s sixth year, is limited to teams which comCastlebar as the host for the annual finale to the pete in Division two of the Colleges and Universities College’s soccer season.

Football League, and will be contested by 16 teams The event will see 2 semi-finals and 4 finals con- this year.The cup is played in honour of Bob Eustace, tested by 10 colleges from across the island who the association’s former Chairman and current Preshave won their way through to the latter stages of ident. The third cup is The B-Teams Cup, which is a the college’s cup competitions. The UMBRO Col- competition for the second teams of colleges who leges Cup which has been running since 1973 saw compete in the UMBRO Colleges Cup. Also in it’s 26 third level colleges from across the island of Ire- sixth year, this year’s competition will be contested land compete in the largest third level knockout by a further 16 teams.

Westport to get €5m in Smarter Travel Programme WESTPORT will be one of just three towns to benefit from a new initiative announced last week by Public & Commuter Transport Minister, Alan Kelly, who announced the results of a major new sustainable transport investment programme – the Smarter Travel Demonstration Areas.

Limerick City, Dungarvan and Westport have officially become Ireland’s Smarter Travel Demonstration Areas 2012-2016 representing a city area, medium-sized town and small town.

The three areas will see a combined investment of €23 million over the next five years that will encourage a behavioural switch to more sustainable forms of transport.

“These three places will become pioneering towns for sustainable transport in Ireland. Limerick, Dungarvan and Westport will be among the most innovative leaders in Ireland in terms of transport policy and investment,” stated Minister Kelly.

“The three areas submitted excellent proposals for transforming people’s travel behaviour, with support from local businesses and communities. The governments’ investment in Smarter Travel Areas will reshape and transform these areas, reducing congestion and pollution, improving road safety, creating local employment opportunities, and improving people’s health and fitness, as well as enhancing town and streetscapes locally.

Smarter Travel Areas is a €23 million investment programme pioneering initiatives to look at different approaches to transport and spatial planning to encourage people out of their cars.

A competition for investment was initiated in 2009 with local authorities invited to submit bids to become Ireland’s first Smarter Travel Demonstration Areas. €5m will be invested in Westport, €9m in Limer-

ick, while Dungarvan will get €7.2m.

In broad terms, the funding will be spent on: • Improved cycling ways, including safe routes to school and to key business and workplace zones; • Secure cycle parking in town centres or at public transport nodes; • Better walking facilities, inc. pedestrianisation; • lower speed limits: residential & town centre areas; • School and workplace travel planning • E-working • Car clubs

“These were high quality bids with very strong community, business and public support in these areas,” stated Minister Kelly.

A measure of Westport’s success can be gleaned from the fact there were 39 initial applications received from Local Authorities. 11 of these proposals were shortlisted, including Galway and Loughrea.

The shortlisted Areas were asked to submit detailed bids and business cases for government investment for consideration by a selection panel, involving representatives from DTTAS, DEHLG and an independent expert in sustainable travel. At the competition launch in 2009, the intended programme expenditure was €50 million over 5 years, but in the current economic climate, this has been reduced to €23 million.

Although the very high quality bid submitted by Galway city and county was highly regarded and ranked second by the selection committee other factors meant it was excluded from the final selection. However, Galway will benefit from between €20-25 million in transport investment over the next five years through the regional cities programme and will be treated as a major priority for transport investment.

CO. SLIGO VEC FAMILY LEARNING PROJECT

“My Baby and Me” Are you expecting a baby?

Are you the mum of a baby 0 – 12 months?

If so, a five week course just for you.

Tubbercurry Family Resource Centre beginning Wed 25th Jan 11am – 1pm. or Sligo Methodist Hall beginning Tues 7th Feb 10am – 12 *Baby can come too – Bring baby blanket & some toys for your baby.*

Places are limited. For more details please contact: Telephone Joan or Cathy on 9138415/6 E-mail jmoffitt@sligovec.ie or cpowell@sligovec.ie

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Enter the Fair Trade Fortnight Art Competition Dragon’s Den Star to deliver Fair Trade lecture at IT Sligo

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ixth class students in Sligo are invited to enter a special art competition which is being organised by students of the Bachelor of Business in Marketing at IT Sligo and Sligo Fair Trade as part of Fair Trade Fortnight 2012.

Fair Trade Fortnight will run throughout Sligo from February 27 to March 11, and the star of Dragon’s Den and owner of Insomnia coffee shop outlets, Bobby Kerr, will speak about his business experience with fair trade suppliers at a public lecture in IT Sligo on Thursday March 1st.

Head of Department of Business at IT Sligo, Dr Catherine McGuinn, is encouraging members of the public to get involved in Fair Trade Fortnight; “Sligo Fair Trade will be holding a number of events around town during the fortnight and I want to encourage as Pictured at the launch of Fair Trade Fortnight at IT Sligo are: Paul O'Donnell, many people as possible to get in- marketing student; Nicola Allan (Fair Trade Sligo), Kevin Meehan, marketing stuvolved in this very worthy initiative.” dent; Dr Catherine McGuinn Head of Dept of Business at IT Sligo), marketing Marketing students at the Institute student, Paddy King. are coordinating the Institute’s events, she explained; “Our class students have until February 24th to enter their Bachelor of Business in Marketing in- pictures; “We’re looking for pictures with a theme of volves a strong project based learning el- ‘Fair Trade’. The entries will be displayed in the Johnement to allow students experience real ston’s Court Shopping Centre and there are some life projects and Fair Trade Fortnight is great prizes up for grabs,” said Dr McGuinn. just one of the campaigns The public lecture by Bobby Kerr will take place they’re involved in during at 1pm on Thursday, March 1st in the Institute’s the year.” Sligo sixth Main Building and all are welcome to attend

o t t o n r o l e v a r lly t e K l o e a h c T a

by R ? l e v a tr do not travel read only one “The world is a book and those who icularly poignantly this week part s ring te quo d page.” This renowne lving the luxury cruise ship following the devastating tragedy invo Italian quote. At my time of the off ulty diffic re which ran into seve , as a result of this event rewriting, the number of injured and dead ous news reports from the semains unconfirmed; however the vari nching tales of near death wre t lect few survivors all involve hear scenarios. experience as “the most horOne survivor openly speaks of their couple’s dream honeymoon ng rifying ordeal imaginable”, as this youcapable nightmare. The couple ines an me beca enly sudd ion expedit desperation became wideexplain how scenes of sheer panic and the few available lifeboats and even more sparse over spread as passengers began to fight survival. Efforts which were all too often, proven futile. lifejackets in a final attempt to ensure this ordeal the importance of travel in today’s society is, in However, despite the tragic nature ofe. my opinion one of irreplaceable valu ent I have been privileged enough to have been afforded As a nineteen year old college stud of different cultures through a combination of family ety the opportunity to experience a vari ions. I have found such opportunities integral in providing edit exp d nise orga p grou and ’ daily life, in today’s holidays n monotonous and hectic routines of a welcome break from the all too ofte opportunity to sunbathe make up free with less than hike through the picever increasing materialistic society. The Southern Spain or a fresh air fuelled perfect hair under the leafy palms of from the often, recession dominated atmosphere of Irish turesque Alps are all welcome breaks awarded with a culture today. the traditional tourist resorts, one is Similarly by exploring areas outside nature of our world today, through gaining a valuable first chance to recognize the multi diverse

hand insight into the different cultures, traditions, lifestyles and habits of our multicultural, tradition rich world of today. I have also found the experience of travel extremely valuable as an effective means of escapism. Through traveling, one is allowed to immerse themselves completely in a contrasting world from that of their usual mundane existence, as I discovered in comparing the charismatic Sligo with the considerably more upbeat Paris city. This, in itself, is a unique experience and it often concludes with one’s renewed appreciation for one’s own hometown. For despite the undeniable architectural and historical superiority of Paris in comparison to this rural Irish county, having spent two weeks in the French capital as an eager tourist I was only too glad to return to cosy Sligo, in which the anonymity which envelopes the French culture is pleasantly absent.

However such an unfamiliar environment provides an admirable feeling of mystery to explore new things at every upcoming step and in doing so allows the tourist to experience some of the world’s greatest glories, be it structurally, linguistically or geographically. Traveling also effectively brings to reality the various aspects of certain cultures that we have read and heard. Seeing and knowing the truth for ourselves so as to not be led by rumours is one of the most beneficial aspects of travel in today’s society. For example if I had heeded other people's fear about safety in South Africa, I would not have discovered the friendliness of the locals and the beauty of the place for myself as well as its numerous unique cultural traditions.

Although fully aware of the fore mentioned recessive era that remains prevalent in Irish society today I believe that through careful organisation it’s never been this cheap to travel. Admittedly with soaring oil prices the end of this cheap travel era appears somewhat imminent. However for now, there are still many budget airlines fighting for your euro, allowing you to plan your trip exactly the way you want it.

Although there are certain risks and dangers involved in travel, this is mirrored throughout many of life’s most enjoyable experiences and in my opinion should not act as a deterrent from this valuable commodity of today’s society. Mark Twain’s belief mirrors my own sentiments exactly as he reminds us that: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.

So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

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Concert for Mayo legend kick starts Europe's biggest Irish Festival in Manchester from: Debbie Garvey, Steve Johnston, Dónal Maguire, Mike McGoldrick, Emma Sweeney and special guest singer Dick Gaughan. Tickets for the concert are just £10 and the event starts at 8.15pm The Gala concert will kick start Manchester’s annual 2012 Irish Festival which is now in its 17th year. The 17 day festival with over 200 events at 80 different venues runs until Sunday 18 March and is one of Europe’s biggest celebrations of Irish Culture outside of the Emerald Isle.

Tony Hennigan the Press Officer for the Manchester Irish Festival and one of the directors of the Manchester-Mayo Tourism and Business group said “It is great to Michael Davitt Statue see such a fantastic conAward winning fiddle player - Emma Sweeney cert commemorating one Steve Johnston (Irish roots stem from Charlestown, cousin of special Traditional Irish Music con- of Ireland’s and Mayo’s Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame) Maguire, who when asked about cert in aid of a film project to great legends. The concert is packed why he wanted to create a film commemorate the life and times with an array of world class talent and about Davitt replied “Davitt lived of Ireland and Mayo’s legendary hero it should be a fantastic evening. There For information about the Michael in Haslingden when his family moved Michael Davitt will be held on Friday 2 are a number of events with a Mayo Davitt film logo onto www.chasinghere from Mayo, which is where I am March at the Irish World Heritage Centheme in this year’s festival. Other michaelfilms.com living at present. My first London adtre in Manchester. The film about one Mayo highlights include the launching dress in Battersea, as a student, was of Ireland’s greatest Heroes is the of www.Mayo.ie. ,during a special Manbrainchild of Irish musician Donal chester-Mayo weekend which runs from across the road from where Davitt lived during his brief spell as an elected MP. I Maguire and film maker Paul Vernon Ly- Friday 9th March to Sunday 11th seem to have been chasing him all my diate. The special concert which feaMarch.” life thus the name of the film project tures a host of award winning The concert and the film project has has been selected as ‘Chasing Michael musicians and includes performances come from Irish Musician Dónal Davitt.’We feel that Davitt's part in the course of Irish history is largely underplayed and we hope to highlight the remarkable contribution he made not only through his work with the Land league but as a social reformer generally.

“The music/song will play a significant role in the film and I decided to invite northwest based musicians to take part, not only in the fundraising concert, but to include excerpts from the concert in the film itself. We are lucky to have some of the finest talents in the Irish milieu on our doorstep.”

The concert and film has a significant number of musicians with Mayo connections within it. Fiddle player Emma Sweeney's whose father comes from Charlestown Mayo, flute player Mike McGoldrick's grandfather comes from Castlebar. Accordion player Debbie Garvey's father comes from Roscommon and her partner's family hails from Mayo too, as does the grandfather of Scots singer Dick Gaughan. Banjo player Donal Maguire comes from Drogheda in County Louth. Whilst Uilleann piper Steve Johnston comes from Clitheroe and has no Irish connections that he is aware of, but like so many others around the world, he simply loves the music and the culture.

For information about the concert log Multi Award winning flute player - Michael Mconto Goldrick (Irish roots stem from Castlebar) Donal Maguire www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk

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App to show alcohol's ageing effect

A phone app which illustrates the impact alcohol has on personal appearance aims to "shock people into drinking just a little bit less", its creator has said.

The Drinking Time Machine app, part of the Scottish Government's alcohol behaviour campaign, shows users how drink can speed up the ageing process.

Consuming alcohol can give people poor skin, brittle nails and hair, disrupted sleep and poor mental health. More serious problems can be caused long term, such as chronic liver disease, with one in 30 female deaths in Scotland linked to alcohol.

The app is available for free throughout February.

Its designer Auriole Price said: "Working with the Scottish Government to launch the first-ever app will help to show people how they will look if they drink too much alcohol.

The main aim of the app is to shock people into drinking just a little bit less.

"We are appealing to people's vanity as the effects of alcohol can include red broken veins on the cheeks, bloodshot eyes, a bloated face and deeper wrinkles."

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "With Scots drinking more than (people in) any other part of the UK, this campaign aims to encourage adults in Scotland, particularly women, to recognise how much they are actually drinking and to help them make small changes to the way they drink, which can improve their health and well-being."

On Tuesday, the day the alcohol behaviour campaign is launched, Ms Sturgeon will head to Brussels to discuss the Scottish Government's plans for minimum unit pricing with the European Commission for Health John Dalli and Scottish MEPs. She said: "Whilst encouraging people to make better choices about their alcohol consumption are important, I still believe there is more that can be done and that is why I will continue to press the case for minimum pricing.

"Doctors, nurses, the police, academics and politicians, as well as growing numbers of the general population, have now recognised the harm that alcohol is doing to our communities and the benefit minimum pricing will bring: saving lives and reducing crime."

technology news Make online safety 'top priority' & science

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preading the word on the threats posed by malicious software and cyber crime should be a Government priority, MPs have said.

A new report by the Science and Technology Select Committee urges the Government to launch a "prolonged" awareness campaign on

internet safety for everyday users.

With state benefits and services increasingly being provided online due to a "digital by default" policy, the report says more needs to be done to help people protect themselves when they surf the web.

Committee chairman Andrew Miller said:

"Knowledge is the best defence against fear, so the Government should focus on raising awareness of how to stay safe online rather than scaring people about the dangers of cyber crime.

"In response to this report, we are asking the Government to provide details of how they intend to engender greater trust in online products and services within the UK population.

"We are also demanding an assurance that the 'digital by default' approach will mean better and more secure, rather than merely cheaper, Government services."

The committee says the launch of a TV ad campaign with a message of online safety is "crucial".

It also calls for more to be done to promote an existing Get Safe Online website to provide an accessible first point of help and advice on the matter which is not filled with jargon.

At the end of last year the Government published a Cyber Security Strategy, but the committee found that it focuses too heavily on the highest level of threats rather than the concerns of everyday internet users.

According to the report, 80% of protection against cyber attacks is down to "routine IT hygiene".

Facebook in massive stock flotation FACEBOOK could be heading for a record stock flotation after unveiling plans to sell shares to the public.

The social networking site aims to raise five billion US dollars (£3.15 billion) in what is expected to be the biggest initial public offering (IPO) from an internet company.

Eight years after it began, the company now has 845 million monthly users worldwide and last year made a profit of one billion dollars (£631 million).

Registration documents filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also reveal that founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, 27, owns 28.4% of Facebook.The documents do not include Facebook's market value, but reports suggest it could be as much as 100 billion dollars (£63 billion). Facebook hopes to raise five billion dollars in its IPO, which would be the most for an internet company since Google raised 1.9 billion dollars in 2004.

In a personal letter, Mr Zuckerberg stressed that Facebook's "social mission" was to "make the world more open and connected". He added: "We don't wake up in the morning with the primary goal of making money, but we understand that the best way to achieve our

mission is to build a strong and valuable company.

"This is how we think about our IPO as well. We're going public for our employees and our investors. We made a commitment to them when we gave them equity that we'd work hard to make it worth a lot and make it liquid, and this IPO is fulfilling our commitment.

"As we become a public company, we're

making a similar commitment to our new investors and we will work just as hard to fulfil it."

In its most recent survey of the richest people in the US, Forbes magazine estimated Mr Zuckerberg's wealth at 17.5 billion dollars (£11 billion). The documents make clear that he will retain majority control of the business after the flotation and will be paid a reduced salary of one dollar from January 2013.

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Flock of sheep terrorising Russian farmer video goes viral

THE rowdy rabble of sheep were caught on a camera phone running amok in the farmer's yard as he attempted to navigate his way out of his driveway and away from the funny farm.

The 23 second clip shows the frustrated farmer caught in a woolly whirlwind of sheep as the furry animals create an impenetrable shield around the vehicle.

The novice cameraman can be heard laughing hysterically at his friend's misfortune as he records the strange event, while the unlucky driver furiously hoots his horn attempting to bulldoze his way past the problematic herd.

The video, dubbed 'Sheep Cyclone', has now been viewed over 800,000 times on video sharing website Youtube with the caption: 'We have surrounded you. Come out with your hands up'.

Many YouTube users believe they know the reason why the dizzy animals were in such a spin, claiming that sheep run together in a circular motion when they are scared.

Brewing formula from 1825 lets you make your own beer for just 15 cents

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Asda launches bargain Valentine's Day Smart Price card costing just 7p Asda have created their own Smart Price Valentine's Day card priced at 7p and branded with the value supermarket's logo.

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ive this Valentine’s card to a lover and you might find it’s more than your heart that ends up broken. The economy brand card in green and brown costs just 7p but features a most unromantic ‘Smart Price’ logo from seller Asda. As if to make up for that detail, the words 'Be My Valentine' feature on the front, and the 'Smart Price' logo is inside a heart shape.

The amazingly low price means that those with more than one special someone in their lives can send six of the cards for the price of a first class stamp.

But the cut-price cards proved a big hit on internet forum hotukdeals.com, where one user wrote: ‘I think it should come with a warning on the packet – guaranteed to get you a quickie divorce.’

Another user wrote: 'Excellent, now buy myself as many as I like - never get any! Best start practicing writing left-handed!'

This isn't Asda's first foray into bargain items, with the supermarket chain coming under fire for selling Budweiser at just 50p a bottle, and whole wild salmon for a snip at £3 each.

Amazing table tennis baby Jamie a smash hit on YouTube A table tennis-playing baby has become a smashing success on YouTube after wowing viewers with ping pong skills way ahead of his young years.

APPEARING in a video named 'Jamie playing multiball', wonderkid Jamie returns shot after shot while perched on the left hand side of the table.

He calmly swats the balls back at his dad and trainer, pausing only to regain his Zenlike composure.

On 44 seconds he displays a wholly unconventional backhand before gleefully launching into a series of powerful smashes aimed straight at his dad.

In fact so efficient is Jamie in his Forrest Gump-esque whiff waff skills that his dad has to refill the box of table tennis balls halfway through.

While most of the praise online has understandably been reserved for Jamie, one commenter on YouTube remarked on his father, saying 'that is an awesome dad'.

Jamie's dad may have his work out however in coaching him to greatness, however; since table tennis became an Olympic sport in 1988 Chinese athletes have dominated, winning 20 out of 24 gold medals available

A recipe for beer made with treacle has been discovered – but no one knows just how strong it really is. It was written by ale lover Thomas Denton, who was determined to recreate his favourite tipple, London Porter.

For 72 pints of stout, you will need a peck of barley, 4oz of hops, 7lb of treacle and several gallons of boiling water.

Mr Denton, of Goole, east Yorkshire, also recommended letting the potent brew ferment for seven days.Sam Bartle, from East Riding’s archive service, said: 'The instructions are quite simple but anyone wanting to try out the recipe would have to do so at their own risk. 'Following the recipe would produce a huge amount of beer, 72 pints, and it actually recommends a nine gallon cask for brewing.

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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.

CranioSacral Therapy: The Relaxing, Uplifting Healing Choice and behavioural problems.

Adults: In between birth and death, there is a vast array of injuries or traumas that impact the human body. CST can provide deep, lasting relief in these cases as well.

Some clients call me with complicated, inexplicable complaints after they had tried

C

ranioSacral Therapy (CST for short) is truly a holistic therapeutic practice:The practitioner works with the patient for guidance in order to effect positive and sustainable health improvements. In most cases a client commits to a number of sessions, allowing the practitioner to gently “nudge” the client’s system back to healthy functioning.

Practitioners of CST use their hands to work with the patient’s skull, spine, cerebrospinal fluid and connecting tissues. We are only now beginning to understand – scientifically – the importance of cerebrospinal fluid in its function as a support and cushion to our neural tissues.

CST enhances the functioning of the patient’s entirecraniosacral system, which significantly improves overall patient health and wellbeing. The craniosacral system extends from your head down to the sacrum and coccyx at the end of your spine. The system includes compartments comprised of dura mater membranes, bones that attach to membranes, cerebrospinal fluid as well as joints and sutures.

CST focuses on ensuring that all craniosacral system components work properly together. Therapists find and release restrictions or misalignments that limit the system.

Restrictions can be caused by past or present compression, contusion, lesion, torsion or any other injuries or conditions.

Manufactured in the brain, practitioners pay particular attention to the cerebrospinal fluid, which, as mentioned, cushions the brain, spine and compartment structures. Any restriction in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid leads to suboptimal function. Pain, muscle tension and other symptoms are typically the result.

Skilled practitioners feel for and release these fluid restrictions.The therapy tunes the entire nervous system and has been proven to be effective in facilitating the body’s natural ability to heal itself. The therapy is very relaxing and uplifting, and is practiced on a table with the patient fully clothed.

Who Can Benefit Due to the non-invasive nature of the work, CranioSacral Therapy is useful in all stages of life and for all types of conditions. Therapists treat stress, neck and back pain, migraines, scoliosis, whiplash, fibromyalgia, insomnia, chronic migraines, emotional disorders, sinus and respiratory issues, and many other conditions.

many other treatments. And chronic diseases often require continual CST work over weeks or even months to reach positive resolution.

But by activating the body’s innate healing potential for balance and harmony, CranioSacral Therapy can return you to higher levels of performance and health.

New-borns: Babies thrive when they receive the gentle healing touch of CST after the dramatic transition from womb into our world. It is becoming common knowledge that all babies benefit from receiving cranial work after birth. Many discomforts like colic, latching problems or sleep difficulties disappear after sessions with little ones.

Children: Cranial work is also useful for many childhood problems such as congestive issues like asthma. It’s also helpful in cases of dyslexia, learning difficulties, borderline autism

STOP SMOKING IN ONE HOUR AND STAY STOPPED FOR GOOD

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What You Save

20 per day = €3150 per year N.B. REMEMBER, HALF OF ALL REGULAR SMOKERS WILL BE KILLED BY THEIR HABIT

Don’t be a stastisitc Phone 087-7838780 TODAY

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.

Aesthetic clinic - Aesthetic Treatments Available - Laser Vascular Treatment - Reduce redness, flushing & broken veins - Skin Rejuvenation - Revive your skin Chemical Blue Peel

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7 Daily Habits That Can Halt Heartburn

By Megan Fennell

Eat Right, Ease Heartburn Over-the-counter antacids and prescription medications are the most common treatments forgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In the most severe cases,surgery may even be required. But regardless of how bad your GERD symptoms are, successfully fighting heartburn and acid reflux also requires some changes in lifestyle, ranging from the food you eat to the clothes you wear.

addiction counselling • Alcohol • Drug & Substance Abuse • Smoking • Gambling • Overeating • Addictive Sexual Behaviours • Addictive Compulsive Habits

If you stick to them every day, these seven habits may help minimize GERD symptoms.

We give a personal guarantee that we will get to the root cause of your problem, and we are totally committed to helping our clients achieve their goals.

Small, frequent meals Meals are often a trigger for GERD symptoms. In fact, all-you-can-eat buffets are almost always a recipe for heartburn.

Eat several small meals throughout the day rather than the standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Don’t make that last meal too late, though: Eating close to bedtime can trigger GERD symptoms as well.)

Cut the cake Be it chocolate or caffeine, certain foods and drinks are notorious for exacerbating GERD symptoms.

Don't drink alcohol Alcohol is a bad idea for most people with GERD, especially if you drink too much, or on a regular basis.

Another reason to shed pounds Excess weight can contribute to heartburn and acid reflux. A 2003 study of more than 10,000 people in the International Journal of

For more information or bookings call Patricia Heneghan on 087-6886239 Email: info@galway-counselling.ie Visit: www.galway-counselling.ie

Epidemiologyfound a strong link between GERD symptoms and body mass index(BMI).

Obese people are nearly three times more likely than people of normal weight to have heartburn and acid reflux.

Don't wear tight clothing Much like excess belly fat, clothing that's a tight fit around the midsection can push against your stomach and force acid into the esophagus.

Head up, sleep better What does sleep have to do with heartburn?

More than you might think. Avoid eating before bedtime and elevate your head six to eight inches while you sleep.

Quit smoking Everyone knows thatsmoking damages your heart and lungs. But what about your digestive system? Yep, that too.

ARE YOU OVERWEIGHT? Something special coming up - Safe Herbal Programme. Paddy and Mena MrDermott looking after your weight for over 14 years. Call: 04866327490 - Herbalife Distributors

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Counselling for people with addictions eg. Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling • Relapse Programme • One-to-one Counselling • Referral system for private clients to White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre • Addiction and General counselling available Afternoon, evening and weekend appointments available

Counsellors are professionally trained and are fully accredited or working towards accreditation.

For appointments ring: 087-2879707, 086-4000555 or 074-9723822 Email: tabourhouse2004@eircom.net Tabor House, Drimark, Donegal Town

Helping people to recover

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

WIN! €25

1. Chain lad's ill. (anag.) In Mayo where the three mountains Slievemore, Croaghaun and Minaun rise.

(6,6) 10. Hard water found in Celtic environment? (3) 11. Love I disturbed with oily drupe. (5) 12. U-boat makes a turn all around. (5) 14. Tap up the Irishman! (3) 15. I'm in old pound for an arm and a leg. (4) 16. Faeroes lose safe components of fish eggs. (3) 19. Lead tide out in a fully itemised way. (8) 21. Grand one seen twice in opera with tiny frozen hands. (4) 22. Drawn last on order in Antrim linen bleaching town on the River Main. (11) 24. Has possession of in Draperstown street. (4) 25. See back after to assign whistle-blowers. (8) 27. Regal symbol seen in Corballymore environs. (3) 28. "For nothing can be ---- or whole That has not been rent." Yeats (4) 29. Mine returns to dump. (3) 32. "Too long a sacrifice can make a ----- of the heart."

Yeats. (5) 33. Rental agreement in Feakle as effective. (5) 34. By leaving oval-balled game to cover the floor. (3) 35. Gentry that ran. (anag.) Leader of Protestant Patriot Party forming a Dublin parliament in 1782. (5,7)

20. King of Leinster's daughter, wife of the Earl of Pembroke, seen in Newgrange valediction. (3) 22. Hang Earl up in south Dublin area. (8) 23. "Of the --- six I sing.... and whatever you say, you say nothing." Seamus Heaney (3) 26. Sat on a confusion about composition for instrument. (6) 29. O try to assemble Donegal island 9 miles offshore with many antiquities. (4) 30.Take a glance at an equal. (4) 31. Southern auctioneer's item, that's where the money went. (4) 32. Around this once a year at 64,000 mph. (3)

Congratulations!

Our Latest Winner Alyson Moffatt of Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo your prize is on it’s way to you!

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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25. hypo (2) 26. lobe (2) 27. lope (2) 28. mesh (2) 29. opes (2) 30. oyes (2) 31. pees (2) 32. pehs (2)

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Rocky Horror Picture Show flopped on release When the Rocky Horror Picture Show was released in 1975, it was a commercial flop. The producers then decided to screen it only at midnight shows. It became a cult movie and for long held the record for continuous running. It grossed more $200 million. It also is one of the world’s most staged productions and is considered one of the best examples of pop culture.

The planet Vulcan, home of Spock If you’re a Star Trek fan then you would know that the parents of Spock are Amanda, a human, and Sarek, an am :*+)* bassador from  the planet Vulcan.

3    Where is the planet Vulcan? In 1845, French astronomer Jean Joseph Leverrier proposed that Vulcan existed between Mercury and the sun as an explanation of a discrepancy in Mercury’s orbit. At certain times, Mercury appears to move backward. Einstein’s theory of relativity later explained Mercury’s orbit.

In the mean time,Vulcan seem to have moved and is now thought to be in the inner asteroid belt of the planetary '#5; &4; 176&114 %*#+45 system Epsilon Eridani, about 10 light years, or 62 tril7+6#$.' (14 &1/'56+% #0& lion miles away from earth.

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What cigarettes contain Tobacco is a $200 billion industry, producing six trillion cigarettes a year – about 1,000 cigarettes for each person on earth. And this is what you’ll find in cigarettes: ~ Formaldehyde, which embalmer use to preserve dead bodies; ~ Toluene, which is commonly used as an ingredient in paint thinner; ~ Acetone, an active ingredient in nail polish remover; ~ Ammonia, which scientists have discovered lets you absorb more nicotine, keeping you hooked on smoking.

If you smoke, you and those around you also inhaling arsenic, benzene, cadmium, hydrogen cyanide, lead, mercury and phonol. In all, 4000 harmful chemicals, including 44 types of poison, of which 43 are proven cancer-causing substances.That should be reason enough why a person should stop smoking immediately.

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Name: Address: number:  Telephone   

For her 80th birthday in 1947, Queen Mary requested a radio play be written for her by Agatha Christie.The play – broadcast on May 30, 1947 – was called Three Blind Mice but when Christie adapted it to a stage play in 1951 it was renamed The Mousetrap. It debuted on November 25, 1952. Agatha Christie donated the rights to the play to her grandson, Matthew Prichard, as a present for his 7th birthday. The movie rights were sold in 1956 – to British producer John Woolf – but on condition that a film version won’t be released within 6 months after the staging. Woolf passed away in 1999 and The Mousetrap is, after more than 50 years after its debut, still staged at the St Martin’s theater in London. Having passed the 24,000th performance, it is the longest-running show of any type in history.And, obviously, there won’t be a movie version until at least 6 months after the last stage performance in London.

Human bones for furniture The characters in the movies Psycho and Silence of the Lambs are based on a real person, Ed Gein. He died on July 26, 1984 of respiratory failure in the Mendota Mental Health Institute, Wisconsin. His victims were not so lucky. Ed was a grave robber who had developed a taste for slicing up people. He murdered his victims, cut them up, and then used their bones to make furniture. When caught in 1957, his room featured lampshades and chair seats made of human skin.

DOWN 2. Do nice revision, having made money. (6) 3. Dice thrown, having finished off the cake. (4) 4. Plea about attractive West Cork village. (4) 5. Post up in this place. (4) 6. Put cat out, do it! (3) 7. Sharing result of how often one number contains another in a number of regiments. (8) 8. Gee, I'd cry babble. (anag.) Kildare home of Dean Jonathan Swift's 'Vanessa', (Esther Vanhomrigh). (9,5) 9. Robin is so sorry about Laois site of a Fitzpatrick Castle 5 miles west of Aghaboe. (6-2-6) 13. Final fill by upheaval in secluded Donegal resort near Pollan Strand. (11) 17. Snakes and these for the game. (7) 18. I do rest in contorted manner seeing the blue pencillers. (7)

The Mousetrap

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Tel: 086 8773635

Weddings, Private Parties, Communions, etc.

Full Packages available, see Website for details Dance Floors - Bar Units - Toilets - Lighting - Tables & Chairs - Catering Nationwide Service

We make your dreams come true - to have a hell of a do...

Who?

Where?

When?

Ballina, Co. Mayo

entertainment guide

Opera Theatre Company presents THE MAGIC FLUTE by Mozart

Marquees for all seasons: • Weddings • Shows • Race Meetings • Corporate Events • Parties • Staging, Dance Floor and Lighting Provided.

Birdhill, Co. Tipperary Ph: 061-379328 Mob: 086-2520576 Email: podmarquees@eircom.net www.odonovanmarquees.com

Catered for You

0711

OUTDOOR CATERING All Events Catered For

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

Friday 3rd February, 8pm €25/€20 Enchanting and evocative, Mozart's final masterpiece The Magic Flute, is a lyrical love story, set against an atmospheric backdrop of fantasy and mischief.

This profound but light-hearted tale is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages combining moments of high comedy with intrigue, kidnap, and initiation rituals.

Opera Theatre Company is delighted to celebrate 25 years of touring opera

We cover them all! Professional marquees all sizes including flooring, lighting, carpets, tables & chairs, heaters etc. tailored to your requirements.

CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTATION! Phone: 353 (0)96 32042 Mobile: 086-2692630 Farmhill, Kincon, Ballina, Co. Mayo www.toonsandballoons.com

Cast includes: Allison Bell (Queen of the Night), Adrian Dwyer (Tamino), Owen Gilhooly (Papageno), Emma Morwood (Pamina), Matthew Trevino (Sarastro), Mary O'Sullivan (Papagena & First Lady), Laurence Thackeray (Monstatos), with Marcella Walsh (YAA), Eoin Hynes (YAA), Nathan Morrison (YAA), Mihaela Chirvase. A terrific night's entertainment... this company is driven by ideas, takes risks, and always a fresh and interesting approach - Sunday Business Post At The Hawkswell Theatre, Sligo

Jedward at the Royal Theatre S'up people!

The hair raising duo are back in The Royal Theatre Castlebar on Tuesday 14th February 2012 as the demand for Jedward concerts shows no signs of slowing down.

MARQUEE & PARTY HIRE Weddings, Parties and Special Events

throughout Ireland with this magical and uplifting opera.The sublime score ripples with irresistible charm; from the stratospheric arias of the Queen of the Night to the glorious melodies of Papageno, both reflecting Mozart's dramatic genius and enthusiasm for life.

Opera Theatre Company's chamber ensemble performs the captivating score with Music Direction by Brenda Hurley.

Sung in English and directed by Annilese Miskimmon, design is by Nicky Shaw with lighting design by Sinead McKenna.

The quirky twins John and Edward - love them or hate them - have had an exceptional year in 2011, starting their own television series, becoming ambassadors for Childline, and the new faces of the 3 Mobile television adverts.

After touring all over Ireland and Europe, performing in pantomimes, finishing in third place in Celebrity Big Brother, and coming in eight position in the Eurovision song contest, Ireland’s best result in the competition for the last eleven year, it’s no wonder the energetic pair are singing “Wow Oh Wow”, the third single from their album “Victory”.

Shortly after the Eurovision, Jedward performed in front of an audience of 60,000 people at College Green in Dublin ahead of the speech by visiting US President Barack Obama. And now this dynamic duo are keen to get back and perform a brand new show for all their beloved fans, at their 10th appearance at the Royal Theatre on a very special night,Valentines!

Tickets for the concert on the 14th February 2012 are now on sale through Ticketmaster and from the Royal Theatre on 0818 300 000 or www.theroyal.ie Priced €27.65. Check out the Royal Theatre Facebook page for continual updates and competition opportunities or get further information from www.theroyal.ie

Whatever it is you’re after you will find it at Carraroe, Sligo

C

arraroe or the area which is also known as the Old Ballisodare road, has become Sligo’s number one out of town commercial centre district. The Sligo Retail Park, together with numerous Car Showrooms, NCT Test Centre and many other commercial developments, is a thriving business location. It is only 1 mile to Sligo town centre and the area is very well served with a very strong network of roads.

Access to Sligo town centre and to the main Galway-Dublin road is straightforward.

The first business heading out from

Sligo town is Cliffords Electrical, which is situated at Carraroe roundabout.

Clifford's being a household name in Sligo for many a year has been trading here since their move from Harmony Hill a number of years ago. Whether it be a light bulb or esquitte chandelier you will find it here in this one stop electrical store.

Adjacent to Carraroe church and community hall is Martin Reilly Motors. Next door to there is Clancy Motors a well respected local dealer who has been trading from Ballast Quays up until last month. Tony has moved into the premises formally occupied by Sligo Renault. If it’s a service that you require or maybe you are on the look out for a bargain Clancy Motors is hard to pass.

Continuing out towards Ballisodare on the right hand side is Molly Fulton's bar and restaurant, which is well regarded throughout the country for its impeccable dining. Whether it’s a lunchtime dinner or a romantic evening meal or indeed a family gets together, Molly Fulton's is number one.

Next is O'Hora precast for all your precast needs. Whether it be lintels or decorative stone O Horas can supply them. About a mile further on is Kevin Egan Motors who always has a bargain or two on his forecourt. In this development one will also find John Scanlon’s car repair centre. From a

simple service to the more complicated end of things, JTS will see you right.

Quinnfix, your one stop shop for all your mechanical needs, is located across the road beside Carraroe Autofactors. If it’s tyres that you need Denis in Quinnfix will give you a price that will be hard to beat. Further out the road is another set of units which house 1st Stop Shop for auto factors, Sligo Windscreens and Anthony Hansberry financial services.

The award winning Feehily Florist is also trading from Dublin Rd Business Park Carraroe. Here they regularly hold flower arranging evenings and demonstration, which are very popular.

Across the road is Colm Burns commercial should your car or van require an NCT or DOE. So next time that you feel like doing a bit of shopping, be it for the garden or your motor head on out to Carraroe on the old Ballisodare road in Sligo.

Carraroe, Sligo • www.quinnfix.ie

FIXED PRICE CAR SERVICING

KNOW YOUR PRICE !! www.quinnfix.ie for more information Dealer style service at a much more resonable cost The NCT one stop shop

Vehicle Recovery & Roadside Assistance Pick up and drop off from garage Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-6.00pm Sat 9.00am-3.00pm

www.quinnfix.ie info@quinnfix.ie

TEL: 071-9161767

O’Brien & D E V O M E V A H E W Associates To Carraroe, Co. Sligo

T: 086-8355536 • E: conor.obrien@obassociates.ie W: www.obassociates.ie

Public Loss Assessors Safety Consultants Engineering Consultants Energy Consultants Dublin - 6-9 Trinity Street, Dublin 2 • Tel: 01-628 4840 Kildare - Shawlock View, Bridge Street, Kilcock, Co Kildare Tel: 01-628 4844 Sligo - Unit 1, Block B, Old Dublin Road Business Park, Carrowroe, Co. Sligo Tel: 071-919 0101

(second garage after the church)

CLANCY MOTORS Tel: 071-9170666 / 071-9170676

We Offer the following services: • Sales • Service • Bodywork • Tyres • Puncture Repairs • Insurance Claims We will collect and deliver if necessary

Whatever it is you’re after you will find it at Carraroe, Sligo

Unit 1, Block B, Dublin Road Business Park, Carrowroe, Sligo Tel: 071-9190100 / 9171001 • Fax: 071-9171001 Email: info@ahfs.ie

• Mortgages • Pensions • Life Assurance • Income Protection • Critical Illness • Savings and Investments • Motor Insurance • Van Insurance • Home Inurance • Commercial Insurance • Farm Insurance • Liability Insurance • Marine Insurance Anthony Henneberry trading as Anthony Henneberry Financial Services is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland

A Man’s Guide to buying flowers Now taking bookings for for your loved on Valentine’s Day Before placing your order ask yourself Communions & what type of flowers you would like to order. At Valentine’s the most popular Confirmations flower’s sent are Roses, so at Feehily’s 4 course menu for €22.00 Menus can be tailored to suit individual groups

For reservations phone 9160027

Telephone: 071 915 8888 / 087 6216413 • Visit our website www.Kevinegancars.ie • Download our smart phone app in the android store & itunes • Find us on facebook - kevinegancarsales • Follow us on twitter - @carsalessligo

and check out the constant value in quality assured used cars

I

f you really want to impress your sweetheart at Valentine’s buy her flowers, if you love her come to Feehilys Florist.

We are located in Bridge Street and Carraroe. We at Feehilys Florist would like to give you a few tips on buying flowers for your loved on Valentines Day. Take a look at our website www.feehilysflorist.com where we have a great selection of beautiful floral Valentine’s gifts for that someone special. If you don’t see what you are looking for on our website, or you are looking for a specific arrangement call us on 071 9170000 or call into us in Bridge Street or Carraroe, and we would be happy to help.

Book early to avoid disappointment. We always have arrangements made up in both shops, but Valentine’s Day tends to be a very busy time for us, so if you book in advance you will be guaranteed what you want.

Florist we get in plenty of Roses! How many flowers would you like to order ½ dozen, 1 dozen, two dozen roses or would you like a hand-bouquet of mixed flowers, colours etc.

Ask yourself what is your budget. If you would really like to impress her don’t stop there, we have beautiful love balloons, teddies and chocolates in stock.

At Feehilys Florist we make your life easier and instead of walking into a flower shop and asking yourself all these questions, we have picked up the best bouquets and arrangement possible and displayed them in our online shop for you to choose. You can easily pick the type of flowers, the quantity and most importantly you will not be pressured by a good florist and pushed into buying the most expensive flowers he has. With Feehilys Florist what you see is what you get and we have made sure to give you an assortment of different type and prices so you could choose while staying at the comfort of your home or office.

Lastly, don't forget to add a nice message something that will make her feel loved and special. If you need help were here. Most importantly though, guys, Valentine's Day is a day to splurge on your loved one, so don't hold back :) Show her how romantic you can be We deliver around the corner and around the world and we Deliver all day Valentine’s Day.