Northwest Express 22nd March 2012 by northwest express

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22 March 2012 Issue 6 - Volume 13

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FARMING FEATURE

PAGE 12

Final bid to enforce Household Charge A

S the 31st March deadline approaches it looks like the government is embarking on some last-minute desperate measures to entice the remainder of the 1.6 million householders in the country to pay the €100 Household Charge. It is taking the form of a major advertising campaign and a second leaflet drop by An Post (all at a cost to the taxpayer, of course) after some complaints that the previous delivery was ineffective or had not reached every home. With so many politicians expressing their objections to the charge, for political reasons or otherwise, and the uncertainty in the minds of some householders on the most appropriate way to make the payment, not to mention the concerted efforts by various interest groups against the charge, time may be running out for the government on this legislation. Ballina F.G. deputy Michelle Mulherin has criticised the local councils for not co-operating with people who wish to pay the charge at the local offices. Deputy Dara Calleary, F.F., stating the charge as drafted was unfair, had called on the Minister to extend the deadline date. However, this option was ruled out by a Cabinet Minister this week. Continued on Page 2

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THOUSANDS lined the streets of villages and towns throughout the West with people availing of the fine weather to enjoy a day out with families and catch the parades.The same story was recorded in Ballina last Sunday in what has been described by many as the “best parade ever” witnessed in the town. Further photographs from the Ballina parade can be seen on Page 11.

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

news

Top Restaurants in Connaught Announced at Santa Rita Irish Restaurants Awards

he Connaught Regional Final for the Restaurant Awards 2012 sponsored by Santa Rita / Sunday Independent Life Magazine took place in The House Hotel, Tuesday 20th March 2012. All County winners will now compete for the Regional and All Ireland Title which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards in the Burlington Hotel Dublin on Wednesday 14th May 2012 2. The following are the winners for each category. Customer service • Sligo, Davis Restaurant • Roscommon, The Purple Onion • Leitrim, The Cottage

• Mayo, Cafe Rua • Galway, Renvyle House Casual Dining, kindly sponsored by Joseph Drouhin • Sligo, Ait Eile • Roscommon, Meet You Here Coffee House • Leitrim, The Boardwalk Cafe • Mayo, Sol Rio • Galway, Mulberrys Gastro Pub, kindly sponsored by Faustino • Sligo, Langs • Roscommon, The Purple Onion • Leitrim, The Oarsman • Mayo, Bar One • Galway, The Pins Bar

Best Chef kindly sponsored by Tipperary Water • Sligo, Julian Regeneres, Tra Ban • Roscommon, Vincent Meldrum The Purple Onion • Leitrim, Shamzuri Hanifa, The Cottage • Mayo, Philippe Farineau, Mount Falcon • Galway, Regis Herviaux The G Hotel Hotel Restaurant • Sligo, Moiras Restaurant @ Cromleach Lodge • Roscommon, The Abbey Hotel • Leitrim, Sandstone Restaurant @ Lough Rynn Castle • Mayo, Kitchen Restaurant @ Mount Falcon Hotel

• Galway, Ballynahinch Castle Restaurant, kindly sponsored by Santa Rita • Sligo, Coach Lane • Roscommon, The Yew Tree • Leitrim, The Courthouse • Mayo, Market Kitchen • Galway, Artisan Wine Experience Connaught West @ The Twelve, Galway Kids Size Me Connaught Davis Restaurant @ Yeats Tavern For further details please contact Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive, Rai, 086 8263311.

THOUSANDS swapped the recession blues for the colour and craic across Donegal for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Ardara created a world record for having 229 St Patrick’s in their colourful parade while hopes are still high the town of Glenties may also have snatched a world record for the greatest number of Leprechauns.

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Final bid to enforce Household Charge Continued from front page Ironically, many commentators now contend that if it wasn’t for the seeming arrogance of Minister Phil Hogan the campaign for payment would be more successful. With just 9 days to go to the deadline for payment, the numbers who have paid the charge now stand at just 280,000 out of the 1.6 million houses in the country. Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said everybody has to pay their taxes. However, he also acknowledged there were many who object to the charge. "People have the right to object to something if they don't agree with it. "But people also do have responsibility to obey the law, and you can't break the law one day and expect the law to be there to protect you the next day, and you can't refuse to pay your taxes one day and expect then to be able to draw on other people's taxes when you need to avail of services the next day or later on in your life. "I'm confident that the vast majority of people will have paid it before the Exchequer returns have to be done at the end of the year," he said. The trade unions, UNITE and the Civil and Public Service Union (CPSU), along with the Dublin Council of Trade Unions, are opposing the charge. A national protest rally will be held in the National Stadium in Dublin next Saturday afternoon.

Farming Feature

Page 22 to 25

All 95 Jobs Saved At McSweeney Group All 95 jobs are to be saved at a Sligo-based pharmacy group after the High Court approved a scheme which will bring it out of examinership on March 28. The McSweeney Group will continue to have the protection of the court until then. The scheme of arrangement was proposed by examiner Declan McDonald of Price Waterhouse Cooper. The group's pharmacies are Tohers in Sligo, Collooney Pharmacy, Charlotte Quay Pharmacy in Limerick, Bermingham's Pharmacy in Fermoy, Cassidy's Pharmacy in Ennis, Dromahair Pharmacy in Leitrim, O'Hara's Pharmacy and Medical in Dublin and Cleary's Pharmacy, also in Dublin. The McSweeney Group pharmacies in Northern Ireland were not affected. The group says it plans to expand with the addition of a number of medical centres "in the near future". The interim examiner was appointed last October by the High Court to 11 companies in the McSweeney Pharmacy Group employing 95 people and with debts of more than €17 million.

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

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Major Lions Fundraiser for Aware

LIONS clubs from Mayo and Sligo are joining forces in a major fund-raiser on 23rd May to raise money for Suicide Awareness. It is a unique event which will involve a sponsored cycle from Westport to Bundoran, in conjunction with Ras Ireland 2012. Through “Race the Ras Charity cycle” it is planned to raise €10,000 for Aware, to be presented at the end of the stage in Bundoran. This major event is planned by Ballina Lions, in conjunction with Sligo, Castlebar, Westport, Claremorris and Belmullet clubs. Cyclists will have

the opportunity to raise money from sponsorship cards and businesses will also have an opportunity to support this worthy cause and have their business name/logo included on a Ras jersey. Ras Ireland will provide vehicle support vans to the participants; similarily, all food and water stops will be looked after by An Ras. This unique fund-raising event will receive much publicity in the coming weeks. Cyclists who wish to become involved or obtain sponsorship cards cancontact MAttie Coleman on 087-6296914 or email mattie@colemanelectronics.ie or other Lions.

Lions Club Presidents from Mayo and Sligo who met recently to discuss the forthcoming Ras fundraiser. From Left: John O’Meara, Claremorris; Martin Moylette (former President), Belmullet; Blaise Bruncker, Ballina; Jock Jackson, Westport; Mattie Coleman, Event Organiser, Ballina Lions Club; Billy Irwin, Castlebar, and Bryan Corcoran, Sligo.

New services at Ballina Primary Care Centre

Ballina tree-planting ceremony

Ballina Town Council Mayor, Cllr. Peter Clarke, plants a set of trees in Barrett St, Ballina, Co. Mayo, continuing the council's campaign to enhance the town's streets. At the tree-plating ceremony were Town Council Gardener, Peter Regan, Town Council Architect, Kevin Keegan, Town Clerk, Carmel Murphy, Cllr. Josie Egan, Ballina Tidy Towns Chairman Jim Friel, Town Council Foreman Sean McNulty, and Deputy Mayor Collr Willie Nolan. Picture Henry Wills.

MAYO Fine Gael TD Michelle Mulherin has welcomed the announcement that a second Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Psychiatrist and Team is to be appointed in Mayo and based in the HSE Primary Care Centre in Ballina. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Psychiatrist and Team will comprise one consultant, one clerical and five healthcare professionals Deputy Mulherin said the approval of a second team for Mayo will be welcomed by parents and children who are experiencing mental health difficulties, and in the recent past have had to cope with the added stress of being on a waiting list. The Deputy said the Ballina-based consultant and multi-disciplinary team will provide a vital service to children, particularly, in the area of early diagnosis which is vital in treating any form of illness. “This is an issue I have pursued with the HSE management and the Minister and I am delighted with the outcome. I want to compliment all involved. It is so important that we have adequate professional supports through our health service for vulnerable young people when they experience emotional and psychological distress with which they are unable to cope,” Deputy Mulherin added.

Further searches planned for Mary Boyle

ANOTHER search is planned for Mary Boyle who went missing 35 years ago this month. The six-year old girl vanished from Cashelard in Donegal on the 18th March 1977. Although numerous searches have taken the place over the years, the surrounding marsh land has never yielded any signs of where she disappeared or any clues as to what happened to her. In the days before Mary went missing, her family had gone to her mother’s homeplace to attend an anniversary mass for her uncle on St Patrick’s Day. On the fateful day she disappeared, Mary had begun to follow her uncle and godfather, Gerry, to a neighbour’s house across a stretch of bogland. Her uncle asked her to go back to the house rather than follow him. She was never seen again. At the time of her disappearence an extensive search took place followed by an intense Garda investigation but no trace of the young girl was ever found. Over the years numerous searches have borne no results. Last year a Dutch psychic visited the area in an attempt to find her body. Margo O’Donnell, a sister of country singer Daniel O’Donnell and a cousin of the missing girl, had organised the search. Margo has vowed to keep on searching for her cousin with the help of Ann Doherty, Mary’s twin sister. Margo has invited the Dutch psychic to return again as she believes that they are close to finding her cousin’s body. She has also appealled for anyone with any information that could help them locate Mary’s body to come forward as the family are still grieving for the loss of their family member.

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

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Liam needs our votes for “Voice of Ireland” THE coming weeks will be a very important time for young Ballina native, Liam Geddes, 21, who, at this point in time, is one of the favourites to win the new TV show, "The Voice of Ireland". The show, which goes out on RTE 1 every Sunday night at 6.30 pm., is a huge hit with its totally different style to all other talent shows. Liam is the only representative from The West of Ireland. Liam is no stranger to singing competitions at this level. He competed in Eurosong in 2008 and was the youngest competitor at that time. Indeed, Louis Walsh, who was a judge on Eurosong 2008, said that "Liam was the BEST NEW SINGER in Ireland". He has always dreamt of being a singer and this is his big chance because the winner takes away a massive Recording deal with Universal Music. His mentor is Kian Egan (of Westlife fame) from Co. Sligo. However, he really needs the West of Ireland to get behind him and vote him through. He will be on again on your TV screens on Sunday, 25th March, and with your help again on 8th April. We urge our readers across the region to get on the phone and give your votes to Liam. To date, he has done us proud and has succeeded against strong opposition. With your help, this talented young man will get the break he deserves.

Choral Festival Public Meeting

Pictured at Mayo International Choral Festival’s Public Meeting last week were, left to right: Steven Brady, treasurer; Declan Durcan, festival director, Gayle Smyth, Breaffy House Resport, Gerry Walsh, Mature Living/North West Express; Councillor Eugene McCormack, committee; Eamon Horkan, chairman.

AT Mayo International Choral Festival committee’s public meeting last week festival chairman Edward Horkan outlined some details of the schedule of events for a bumper weekend of song throughout the county on the weekend of May 24th to 27th. While the competitive events will take place in Castlebar (TF Royal, GalwayMayo IT, Linenhall, etc.), a highlight of the weekend will be a series of concerts at venues throughout the county on Friday, 25th when local, national and international choirs will entertain local audiences. A Gala Concert will take place in the Royal Theatre on Saturday night,

25th, during which all participating choirs will appear together on stage (and on balconies) to perform some well-known pieces. As some of the choirs have in excess of eighty singers, the scale of such performances can only be appreciated. The visiting groups will also be entertained by a gathering of Mayo’s top traditional performers and dancers. On Sunday, the final day, choirs will perform at church services and hospitals/nursing homes throughout Mayo. It is expected groups of singers may turn up anywhere . . . in pubs and public places . . . to complement a fabulous weekend of song.

Choirs from Finland, the US, Slovenia, Norway, Russia and elsewhere have already entered, in addition to national performers including choirs from Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Wexford, Sligo, Derry, Galway, and several Mayobased choirs. It is expected that up to 30 choirs will register for the festival. The committee is grateful to Joe Kelly, Mayo native, and director of Sligo’s Choral Festival for many years, who attended the public meeting, for his help and guidance. Look out for further details of the Mayo International Choral Festival in the weeks ahead.

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

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MBNA may have a buyer!

Abbott Success at Irish Institute of Training and Development's National Training Awards

Pictured at the Irish Institute of Training and Development's National Training Awards 2012 are l-r Yvonne Early, Senior Consultant, Abbott Ireland, Sinead Marron, President of the Irish Institute of Training and Development, Margaret Morrissey, Country HR Director, Abbott Ireland, and Martin Golden, Abbott Diagnostics, Sligo. Photographed by Geraldine O'Driscoll

bbott has won the Overall Award at the Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD) National Training Awards 2012, which acknowledges bestin-class performance and outstanding achievements in organisational learning and devel-

opment. Abbott also won the Best Work Placement Graduate and Non Graduate Category for its innovative Professional Development Programme (PDP), a country-wide programme which identifies the highest performing graduates with

leadership potential from a variety of disciplines. Participants are offered structured and defined development opportunities and apply their skills in various roles in different divisions over a twoyear period, which gives them a broad breadth of experience in different operations and locations. On completion, graduates have a sound understanding of Abbott as a company, in addition to developing management, technical and interpersonal skills along the way. The PDP programme vision is integral in developing leaders of the future within Abbott. "At Abbott Ireland we provide an environment that enables employees to grow and succeed at every level of the organisation, investing in learning and development programmes for each employee annually. It is a testament to this investment that we have been honoured with the Overall Training & Development Award, which is awarded to the company which has excelled across a range of aspects of training and development and have added value in an innovative way,” said Margaret Morrissey, Country HR Director, Abbott Ireland. “Attracting, developing and retaining skilled employees is instrumental in Abbott's success and we have a very strong training and development culture integrated through all our facilities around the country. Now more than ever it is imperative that we continue to equip our em-

ployees with the skills required for high performance, ensuring that we as a company can maintain our competitive edge," she said. The company won the Overall Award and was also recognised in the Large Enterprises – Life Sciences Organisations Category for its programme, “Moving to a High Performing Organisation” which was implemented at its vascular facility in Clonmel, the largest Abbott manufacturing facility in Ireland. This leader-led communications initiative developed behaviours and competences that led to better communication flows between managers and their teams and created an environment which engages all employees, further sustaining the business success of the organisation. The commitment of the senior management team onsite was instrumental to the success of the programme. The awards were presented by the Minister of State for Training and Skills, Ciaran Cannon T.D. and Sinead Marron, President of the IITD at a reception in Killashee House Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare. The IITD National Training Awards 2012 recognise engagement, collaboration, participative management, excellence in training initiatives, transparency, innovation and learning and development of both individuals and organisations.

Tribal Chamber Choir to perform at Famine Remembrance Concert TRIBAL Chamber Choir will perform at the European Premiere of the Patrick Cassidy Famine Remembrance Concert which commemorates the centenary of St. Colman’s Church, Claremorris. The much-anticpated concert takes place on Friday, April 13th at 8pm. Tribal Chamber Choir is based in Galway City and named after the City of the Tribes. The choir strives for excellence in choral performance both in concert and on the competition platform. The choir enjoys a varied repertoire from unaccompanied choral works through to major oratorios. They have performed Brahms Requiem with the Charnwood Symphony Orchestra, UK; Mozart Spatzen Messe in

Tickets cost €25 and can be booked through 086 1797569 or purchased from Smyth's Newsagents, Main Street or at Curam on the Church Grounds.

Westminster Cathedral, London; Mozart Requiem in St. Nicholas’ Church, Galway; Mikkleborg A Noone of Night in Chartres Cathedral, France; Faure Requiem in St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Belgium; Sweeney Hymn to Gaia in Galway, Waterford and Dublin; Vivaldi Gloria and Mozart Regina Coeli with the Opera Orchestra of Rome in the Irish College, Rome. To commemorate the centenary of St. Colman’s Church, Claremorris, the Parish Pastoral Team is pleased to announce the European Premiere of Patrick Cassidy’s Famine Remembrance Concert. This is the first occasion that this musical masterpiece has been performed outside the United States. What is also unique about this event is that it marks a big welcome home to Claremorris born Patrick Cassidy who has made his name in North America as a successful composer of musical scores for Hollywood Movies. The two hour performance, accompanied by the RTE Concert Orchestra and the Tribal Chamber Choir (from Galway), will be held at St. Colman’s Church, Claremorris on Friday 13 April at 8 p.m. Further details from Orla Sweeney, Secretary, St. Colman’s Church, Claremorris, Parish Pastoral Team on 086 2439239.

NEW York based private equity firm Apollo Global Management may be close to buying the MBNA credit card operation in Carrickon-Shannon. The Sunday Business Post reported that the company is about to buy the Irish Credit Card business of a US bank in a clearly identified statement, though not naming Bank of America. Apollo bought the Spanish business of Bank of America last August and may now be about to buy its Irish business in Carrick.

Jobs for North Roscommon BOYLE man John Mulligan is involved in a national initiative to bring 5,000 new jobs to Ireland's tourism sector by making Ireland the cycling and walking capital of Europe. The proposal seeks to create a linked network of trails utilising canal towpaths and disused rail lines, as well as minor roads to build a network that will bring back the touring cyclists and long distance walkers to this country, and creating hundreds of jobs to north Roscommon.Details at www.sensiblegovernment.com

Supporters include tourism providers and community groups, as well as prominent politicians.

Drugs seized in Boyle INVESTIGATIONS are continuing following the seizure of €14,000 worth of cocaine in Boyle last week. The drugs were seized during a planned operation and a man in his twenties was arrested. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

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lot of white rice in the diet could increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, according to a new US study. Researchers at Harvard University in Massachusetts looked at four studies, carried out in China, Japan, Australia and the United States. The studies followed approximately 350,000 people over a period of four to 22 years. More than 13,000 of the participants developed Type 2 diabetes. The experts discovered that the more white rice that people ate, the higher their chance of developing Type 2 diabetes. Asian people had a much higher white rice consumption than those in the West, averaging three to four servings a day compared with one or two servings per week. Researchers found that Asian people had a higher chance of developing Type 2 diabetes, with those who ate the most at the

highest risk. In the studies carried out in China and Japan, those who ate most rice were 55% likelier to develop the disease than those who ate least. In the US and Australia, where rice intake is far lower, the difference was 12%. People in the Asian countries ate three or four servings of rice a day on average, compared to just one or two servings a week in the Western countries. White rice is the most popular rice eaten in the world. The foodstuff is processed in machines to achieve its polished look by hulling and milling, leaving a grain that is predominantly starch. By comparison, brown rice has more fibre, magnesium and vitamins, and a lower sugar content than white rice. Diabetes affects nearly 350 million adults worldwide, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong disease, in which there are high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It is the most common form of diabetes, and symptoms include frequent bladder, kidney, skin, or other infections that are slow to heal, and also fatigue, hunger and increased thirst and urination. The study was published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

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Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship launch

Brenda Flynn, Arthur Kierans, Andrew Mullen, Mac Kierans and Elain Doherty at the launch of the 2012 Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship. Photo: James Connolly PicSell8

n the run up to the opening round of the Border Rally championship, which kicked off in Claremorris on Sunday with the Mayo Stages Rally, Sligo Park Hotel hosted the launching of the 2012 Championship and its sponsor Sligo Pallets on Sunday March 4th. Bringing together

representatives of all six participant clubs, Mayo and District, Monaghan, Cavan, Connacht, Newry & Mourne and Donegal, to celebrate the emerging 21st year of the highly successful regional based championship, which last year saw over 200 crews registered for

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points. Among those present were Motorsport Ireland President Joe Corcoran, Championship sponsor Andrew and Elaine Mullen, and the membership of the Championship committee. This championship is unique in that the overall winner is determined solely on their

Ballina Tennis Club looking for new members performances in their respective class which gives crews in all classes an equal chance of winning the overall title.The 2011 title was won by father and son crew, Arthur and Mac Kierans in a class 12 Escort. For the second successive year, Ballisodare based business, Sligo Palletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have come on board as main sponsor of the Championship which includes as a highlight a prizgiving ceremony at the end of the season, but also features at each round awarding the drive of the day to an individual crew from a randomly chosen class. Owner of Sligo Pallets, Andrew Mullen, is not alone committed as a sponsor but also has been a dedicated competitor with his wife Elaine navigating to the championship for many years and is also contesting it again this year. The opening round run out of Claremorris saw the previous National title holder, Niall Maguire come out on top by a mere nine seconds ahead of Kevin Barrett and the reigning Border title holder Arthur Kierans comfortably set another class twelve win. Sadly Championship sponsor Andrew and Elaine in their Evo were forced to retire on the Mayo event when they ran into some technical issues with the car. Our own Sligo Stages Rally which is round 5 of the Border championship takes place on Saturday July 7th and planning is already at an advanced stage.

NOW that evenings are getting brighter, and the weather is improving why not try tennis as a fun way of getting fit. Ballina Tennis Club has four floodlit courts, which are sited at the side of the swimming pool, off Cathedral Road, in Ballina. Leagues, competitions, fun days/evenings and instruction take place throughout the year. Club Coach, Olwyn, is on hand to provide advice and coaching for Seniors and Juniors. On Tuesdays at 8pm beginners, improvers and people thinking of taking up tennis, are cordially invited to come along and join in the fun sessions for an hour. If you are interested in trying please call Marie 087 4109060. The League starts on Monday March 12th. This league is held annually and is sponsored by Hollister Ballina. 53 players form 6 teams with subs to play men's ladies and mixed doubles. The format is the best of three sets and tie-break rules apply in all sets. This league is open to members and non-members alike. If you would like to be included in the future please contact 087 7955593. Membership forms for adults and juniors and information on Leagues etc, are available at the Tennis Club noticeboard in the Sports and Leisure Centre, Cathedral Road.Join us on Facebook for updates and news at Ballina Tennis Club. If you have any questions or queries, please ask any club member or contact Club phone 087 7955593.

Achill Avenger ordered to demolish his Stonehenge like structure in Co Mayo

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Builder Joe McNamara, 'The Anglo Avenger', was ordered to tear down his Achill-henge structure by the High Court. They ruled that the building, which is described as an ornamental garden, is in breach of planning laws.

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A DEVELOPER has been ordered by a judge to demolish a Stonehenge-like structure on Achill Island, Co Mayo. Mr Justice Brian McGovern, in the High Court, ordered Joe McNamara (41), with addresses at Achill Island, Co Mayo and Salthill, Co Galway, to restore the site to its original state if An Bord Pleanala finds that it is not an exempted development. The orders had been sought by Mayo County Council, which says the structure is an unauthorised

development. It consists of a ring with 30 large columns, with tapping stones placed on top. Mr McNamara had applied to An Bord Pleanala to have the structure deemed an exempted development. The judge agreed toput a stay on his order until An Bord Pleanala has made its decision. Mr McNamara was dubbed the 'Anglo Avenger' when he hit the headlines last year after driving a cement lorry emblazoned with the words "Anglo" and "toxic bank" to the gates of Leinster House.

Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

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Sligo Students Enjoy Doodle 4 Google Event

75 students descended on Google European HQ in Dublin this week to find out if their doodle had been selected as the overall winner of Google’s Irish Doodle 4 Google competition. Google doodler Sophia FosterDimino, travelled from the Google Headquarters in California to announce Limerick student Patrick

Horan, from St. Munchin’s College as the overall winner. The 75 regional winners attending the event were given the opportunity to take part in creative art and doodle classes with Sophia Foster-Dimino. Each student was also presented with a framed copy of their doodle and a Google goody bag.

Pictured at the Doodle 4 Google event are: Alisha and David both from Carraroe National School. Also representing Sligo were Amber Doyle from Ransboro National School and Ellie Gavin from Rathlee National School who also received a framed copy of their doodles from John Herlihy, head of Google Ireland.

Pictured at the Doodle 4 Google event are students Alisha and David both from Carraroe National School receiving a framed copy of their doodles from John Herlihy, head of Google Ireland.

f o g n i h t l Kel l y A e a h c a R T y b LE N ? t s a P e th abstinence of forty Defined by many as ‘a period of rch season of days, directly preceding the Chu the prominence of ding oun surr Easter’, the debate dominant in the Lenten tradition is ever more nt neutral Rece ety. soci Irish twenty first century Irish populathe of 67% over that est sugg surveys vices during this tion intend to abstain from various s prove otheristic Stat ? past the of g thin period. A wise. ire in which secIn a recent classroom questionna to list the items ired ond class children were requ for Lent, top of up’ e ’giv to en chos had which they eating fast and es gam the list were playing video that despite the arears app y icall iron it , way century living food. In this y it is the rapid pace of twenty first toda ure cult guably secular nature of Irish . val of this age old Christian tradition that has resulted in the near revi and traditional hobbies are l gadgets in place of more active The hours spent on technologica eve and maintain a achi to ing the Lenten practice. Striv in ease incr nt rece the to ral cent Lent as the required kick many of us are determined to use healthier, more balanced lifestyle y contribute to the daily atel rtun food take aways which unfo fast g enin fatt the , larly Simi t. star of society today, are integral d in response to the hectic pace diet of many Irish today, develope s that it is in fact the naseem It oin the Lenten movement. re-j to s sand thou of sion deci in the abstinence that just years ired the regrowth in the season of ture of society today that has insp n. old fashioned, dying phenomeno previously had been dubbed ‘an

So what are the benefits that Lent incurs, if any? As a nineteen year old College Student I am exposed to the valuable multi ethnic and diverse nature of Irish society on a daily basis. As a result of this, I believe the value of such abstinence is irreplaceable, regardless of its religious significance. As a generation raised during the plentiful Celtic Tiger Era, the characteristic of willpower is notably absent in so many of us nowadays. Surely Lent is the perfect opportunity to restore this vital trait in many of Ireland’s youths? Similarly with the ever increasing cases of sedentary lifestyle related conditions in Ireland today, a break from such unbeneficial activities can only be a welcome boost, no matter how brief it may be? The individual’s sense of appreciation is also heightened considerably as one is encouraged to contemplate the affluent nature Irish society on a normal basis, despite the current crippling economic situation in comparison to the deprived conditions of so many worldwide. A recent development in the Lenten tradition is one which I am a particular fan of. The trend of beginning something, old or new, in place of finishing an old habit is one which I believe is equally effective. As a relatively healthy eater who has managed to date, avoid the caffeine- fuelled Tea/ Coffee worshipping gene enclosed within the stereotypical genetic make- up of the Irish citizen, I was left with one obvious optionTo make exercise a part of my daily routine. Although the task sounds a perfectly achievable one, it has incurred numerous complications. With a hectic college schedule combined with the various demands of family and friends and the obligatory Rest and Relaxation time weekly, fitting in sixty minutes of physical activity daily is proving quite the challenge. A challenge.. Without doubt, but one which is allowing me to consider various aspects of my own lifestyle choices which otherwise would have silently gone unnoticed, muffled by the bustling demands of society today. In my own experience to date I have found the Lenten period of abstinence a real struggle but a time of self –achievement and self -satisfaction. It is based on my own discoveries that I now clearly understand the importance of Lent in society today, religious or religion free!

Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

Ballina, Co. Mayo

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Following the stunning success of his third album “The Awakening” JAMES MORRISON is set to play the Royal Theatre, Castlebar.

s the title of James Morrison’s third and by far best album suggests, The Awakening is the sound of an artist coming of age. In his personal

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life, Morrison has become a father, while losing his own father after the latter’s long battle with alcoholism and depression. At the same time, Morrison, 26, has matured as a singer, songwriter and musician, enabling him to channel all of that emotion into his most accomplished collection of songs yet. “My first two albums felt like practice shots,” he says, “and now I’ve graduated. In many ways this feels like my first proper album.” Practice shots they may have been, but those first two albums – Undiscovered (2006) and Songs for You, Truths for Me (2008) – have sold a combined total of 4.5m copies and yielded an astonishing ten singles, including You Give Me Something, Wonderful World,The Pieces Don’t Fit Anymore and the global smash Broken Strings, featuring Nelly Furtado. Those practice shots turned Morrison into an international star. He has sold out arena tours, gigged coast-to-coast in America as well as in Australia, Japan and across Europe; he has performed on Jimmy Kimmel’s and Jay Leno’s TV shows in the States; sung in front of tens of thousands at London’s Hyde Park supporting both Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder; he has been voted Best Male at the 2007 Brit Awards;

and – at just 21 – was the biggest-selling British male solo artist the year his debut album, Undiscovered, came out. His third album, The Awakening is a warm, live-sounding collection of classic but contemporary folk-soul songs. There are musical similarities with Morrison’s debut, but with added panache and selfbelief. There are soaring strings, uplifting harmonies, soulful ballads and, in Slave to the Music, a hand-clapping dancefloor groover – a new string to his bow. There are nods to Motown, gospel, country and a hint of Latin. Technically, Morrison remains one of the finest white soul singers, equal parts Stevie Wonder and Paul Young. James Morrison said; “Working with Bernard Butler on this album has brought a whole new dimension to the songs. For me this album combines influences stemming from my deep love for classic soul – Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding – with a sound that is contemporary. Tickets €39 standing or €44 seated are available from the Royal Theatre Box office on 0818 300 000 or 094 9023111. Also from www.RoyalTheatre.ie or ticketmaster.

DARA O'BRIAIN DARA O’ Briain returns for one night only at The Royal Theatre Castlebar on Friday 21st September. Dara O Briain is the biggest Irish comic to have emerged in recent years. Already a huge star in Ireland where he produces and presents the hit TV comedy review show The Panel, Dara has now moved from being a sold-out festival favourite in Edinburgh to selling out theatres across the UK and mainstream television success including hosting popular TV shows such as “Mock the Week”, which he has just finished filming the 10th series of and another one is scheduled for Autumn. He has also been hosting “The Apprentice: You're Fired!” on BBC 2 and this finishes up this week. In addition he has filmed “Three Men go to Venice” with Griff Rhys Jones and Rory Mc Grath which went out on BBC recently and is the 5th one they have done together. Dara also presented “Have I Got News for You”,“QI”,“Never Mind the Buzzcoks” and “Live at the Apollo”. The basis for his success is Dara’s premier place at top of the stand-up circuit. Winner of the Chortle award for ‘Best Headline Act’ in both 2003 and 2004,

Dara has performed virtually all over the world, from Dublin to Shanghai, and at all the major festivals from Melbourne to Montreal. He has performed at the world famous Just for Laughs Festival Gala, and has appeared in the UK’s ultimate showcase for entertainers, The Royal Variety Performance.

Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.ie as well as from the Royal Theatre Box Office on 0818 300 000. Tickets are €30.00, 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 March 22nd, 2012

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

Leap Year It takes the earth one day to complete one spin on its axis. The time it takes the earth to complete one trip around the sun is a year. But these units of time don’t divide evenly, resulting in our calendar year being 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and a little over 45 seconds long. Every 4 years we take those extra hours and minutes and fit it in an extra day, on February 29th, which we call Leap Day. Every fourth year thus is Leap Year. If we did not have the extra day every 4 years, in 100 years our calendar would be off by 24 days. 2012 is a Leap Year. As was 2008 and 2004 and the year 2000. Normally, a year that can be evenly divided by 100 is not a Leap Year but if it is divisible by 400 then it is.Thus the year 2000 was a Leap Year but the year 1000 was not and neither would be the year 3000.

WIN! €25

Funny words in the computer world There are some funny words in the computer world. A brouter is a network bridge and a router combined in a single product. Aglyph is a graphic symbol that provides the appearance or form for an alphabetic or numeric font. (“Glyph” is from a Greek word for “carving.”) A moof monster is a vague and indefinable source of trouble for users of information technology. A jughead is a tool used by researchers for searching information on gopher sites. Not gopher the squirrel but the old information retrieval system called Gopher, predecessor to the World Wide Web. A kludge (pronounced kloodzh) is an awkward or clumsy (but at least temporarily effective) solution to a programming or hardware design or implementation problem. A Flying Ice Cube is what lives inside computers of scientists trying to simulate molecules. At the office, a Boss Key is the key you hit to quickly hide something when you see your boss or uninvited coworker approaching.

1. "It is a symbol of ----- art. The cracked lookingglass of a servant." James Joyce (5) 4. I hand meal over in the most northerly point in Ireland, (which is in the "south"!) (5,4)) 9. I am put out by French friend. (3) 10. Tin up and about to start process. (5) 11. Celt ran off in the middle area. (7) 13. Tidy in Slane atmosphere. (4) 14. Gas tune! (3) 15. Suites put together with thin paper. (6) 17. A commercial vehicle trails behind a century in Ulster's most southerly county with many lakes. (5) 19. Nothing can get into the teetotaller to produce a small drink! (3) 22. Real danger of din. (anag.) Food producing region from Wicklow to Wexford. (6,2,7) 24. Alternatively, east for a mineral. (3) 25. Happening in Ballymote venture. (5) 29. Ate bad mixture but the effect lessened. (6) 30. Apparently get a reward for work with a jug. (3) 31. Catch sight of in Thurles pyrotechnics. (4) 33. Red van I turned over as a hostile tourist! (7) 35. So cur is disposed to clean out thoroughly. (5) 36. Estimated time of arrival, shortly; is 'e Greek? (3) 37. Alley rink. (anag.) World famous Kerry beauty spot known as 'Heaven's Reflex'. (9) 38. Dry queen inside, in ancient Ulster city founded by Colmcille in 546, scene of many a battle. (5)

DOWN

1. I.e. I to sing out of harmony in charming Kilkenny village in the Nore valley. (9) 2. Prim toes uncurled by one who is not as he seems. (8) 3. "He can't think without his ---." Samuel Becket (Waiting for Godot). (3) 4. Rodents discovered embedded in Dundrum icefloe. (4) 5, Given for a short while just before Easter. (4) 6. Neither partner seen in Marino road. (3) 7. An able alteration made to the ancient name of Dublin. (6) 8.Where the milk is produced back in Castlemartyr, I admit. (5) 12. Roof sealers upset for the inhabitant of Birr Castle with a world famous observatory. (4,2,5) 13. Not a grossly reticulated trap? (3) 16. Reach out for the ancient Irish fort. (5)

18. Fronded plants in small Wexford town, founded by St. Aidan, and once the capital of Leinster. (5) 19. "--- civil by half." Sheridan (The Rivals) (3) 20. Get knotted, that is after a sound tea. (3) 21. Dry need re- alterations in Offaly town where Fr.Kearns and Anthony Perry were hanged in 1798. (9) 23. Boat rat I disturbed where the cattle died. (8) 26. Live an eccentric way, but it is pardonable. (6) 27.This be perhaps the month? (3) 28. Lust dissipated before the king in Roscommon site of castle built by O'Connor Roe in 1406. (5) 31. Need upheaval to the west of the Land of Nod. (4) 32. "Ill fares the land, to hast'ning ills a ----." Goldsmith. (4) 34. Dublin's watery Anna loses 51 through this. (3) 35. "For the great Gaels of Ireland are the men that God made mad, For all their wars are merry and all their songs are ---." Chesterton. (3)

Congratulations!

Our Latest Winner Vera McGreal of Palmerstown, Dublin

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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Most typing was once done by men The keyboard layout as we know it today was invented by Christopher Sholes in 1868. His first typewriters had the letters arranged in alphabetical order but he changed it to the QWERTY arrangement. In 1873, he contracted the Remington Arms Company to build and market the typewriter. It did not sell well for the first 15 years. In those days, most typing was done by men as the representation of women in the workplace was very low. Today, women do most of the typing jobs – although an equal number of men use a keyboard because of personal computers, laptops and other suchlike electronic devices. The QWERTY arrangement is by no means the most efficient. It also favors left-handed people.The DVORAK keyboard layout is more efficient. But QWERTY has remained the standard layout. 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 ambassador from the planet Vulcan. 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 system Epsilon Eridani, about 10 light years, or 62 trillion miles away from earth. Invention of Velcro After a walk in the Swiss woods with his dog one day in 1941, Georges de Mestral was astounded by the ability of burrs to  coat and his own clothes.When he got home, stick to his dog’s he shoved burrs under a microscope and saw that its barbed seed pods hooked easily with the looped fibers of his coat. He realized that he could produce a new type of fastening product. It was not an easy task, though, eventually taking him 10 years to perfect the product, using cotton but settling on nylon. At first people laughed at the idea but by the timeGeorges de Mestral (1907 – 1990) received a patent for the product in 1955 the idea for the “zipperless zipper” was well received. He named the product Velcro, from the French wordsvelours (velvet) and crochet (hook). Today,Velcro is used almost everywhere: apparel, shoes, leashes, nuclear power plants, battle tanks, in the space shuttle and many more. All thanks to the burr plant. 

Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

Furbo, Co. Galway. Tel: 086-2592345 Instant, reliable communication between users. No future bills.No hassle, Specialists in two-way programming, repairs, parts supplied for radios, aerial masts etc.Trade enquries welcome.

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Mobile signal booster - increase the reception for your entire building to stop your missed or dropped calls.

Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

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

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!

We all need more raw food such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds in our diet!

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 essential 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 Coach can help make transitioning from

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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. Sometimes the idea of big change is overwhelming, yet unfortunately, big changes are needed and help is available.

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

Metabolic Syndrome – Are Hormones Making you Fat? By Megan Fennell T

his year millions will set out to become thinner, stronger and healthier. Wouldn’t it be nice to know if your weight problem was really from a hormone imbalance or metabolic sydrome? Maybe that is why you’re having so much trouble losing weight. Metabolic syndrome is for real. What is Metabolic Syndrome? There is a hormone imbalance that 44% of the adult population over the age of 50 have and it is called syndrome X or metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is more common in women than men and is seen in most populations around the world. The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is unknown, but the general consensus is that it is a result

of the Standard American Diet (SAD) combined with a sedentary lifestyle. The SAD diet is low in essential fatty acids, fiber and high in saturated fats and sugar, which promotes many glucose disorders or insulin resistance. Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms of metabolic syndrome include, but are not limited to the following: • Fatigue • Sugar cravings • Inability to lose weight (especially abdominal obesity) • High cholesterol or if you are on cholesterol mediations

• High blood pressure (hypertension) or if you are on blood pressure medications • High blood sugar (pre-diabetes and diabetes) or if you are on diabetes medications • Constant hunger • Fatigue after meals • Chronic pain If you are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome you may feel like your life is over, but there is good news because this can be corrected relatively easily with a change in lifestyle. Simply by increasing your physical activity level, changing your diet, supplementing with the appropriate nutrients and balancing your hormones, you can get this under control.

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

18 Do You Have any news or views for us? email: info@theexpress.ie

Pupils can message school nurse

tech news & science

Magic Mirror for clothes shoppers T

Pupils will be able to book appointments with school nurses by text messages and emails, it has been announced. Young people sometimes feel too embarrassed or shy to approach teachers and health professionals directly, according to the Government. The Department of Health said it hopes the scheme will improve the health of children because school nurses teach them about obesity, teenage pregnancy and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Three hundred schoolchildren have offered to become school nurse champions to work with the department to come up with ideas to help pupils make more use of their school nurses and the health advice they provide. Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary, said: "We want young people to be able to speak to their school nurses more often so they get sound health advice. "Pupils have told us they want to be able to make appointments by text rather than going through the teacher, so that's something we're going to put into action. "We're going to work with school pupils to look at more innovative ways to get advice and support from school nurses." Young people told the British Youth Council that nurses are friendly and trusting and suggested pupils should have the choice of seeing male or female nurses. They said the health professionals should attend assemblies and classrooms to make themselves known to all pupils. Liam Preston, chair of the council, said: "As a youth-led charity, the British Youth Council know that health services for young people work best when they are shaped by young people. "Young people have told the Department of Health in their own words, that school nurses need to be visible, accessible and confidential, and that young people should be able to feed back on the service they receive. At the moment too many young people are missing out on getting help from their school nurse."

HE way people shop for clothes is being transformed with a Magic Mirror. The mirror is a TV screen that lets customers view a real-time image of themselves with digital outfits superimposed on their bodies. Shoppers can switch their outfits at a wave of their hand and save time popping in and out of changing rooms. Users will also be able to post the images instantly to Facebook for feedback from friends before they purchase. The new technology is being used at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester, with plans for it to be installed in other shopping centres across the UK. Trafford Centre spokeswoman Caroline Aikman said: "With such a huge range of fashion at the Trafford Centre, with clothes of every colour, size and style, it makes sense to look at technologies that allow the shopper to quickly and easily get a handle on what's out there, what suits them and what doesn't. "We want to add some fun to the process of trying on clothes and add the social aspect of sharing your choices with your friends in an instant on Facebook. "Of course, we could never replace the experience of picking clothes up and feeling the material, seeing how the piece flows on the body. But as a fashion snapshot we think the Magic Mirror could work wonders for people who want the choice, but don't have the time to see it all."

Viewers surf web while watching TV

ne third of viewers in Northern Ireland watch television while posting and monitoring comments on social media sites, a new report has claimed. Some spend up to 32 hours a week sitting in front of the screen, according to a nationwide study. But a growing number of addicts with smartphones and iPads at the ready are just as interested in what other viewers think as they follow online comments about the same

programmes - a phenomenon called "Chatterboxing". Latest research on TV viewing habits disclosed that almost one third of adults (31%) in Northern Ireland have expressed their opinions on Twitter and other social media sites. The UK average is 26%. More than half (54%) were aged under 35, according to a study conducted for TeleScope 2012. The report claimed that social media sites

influenced viewing choices and 46% of young adults preferred to watch a live scheduled programme because they enjoyed following the online comments by other viewers. One in five said it enhanced their TV viewing experience. Northern Ireland viewers watch TV for an average 29 hours a week, including three hours monitoring programmes on a second screen such as laptops and smartphones. With the London Olympics due later this year, over half surveyed for the report which was commissioned by TV Licensing, said they planned to upgrade viewing technology. Last year 38% watched TV content on the move and catch up viewing is also on the increase, the report said. While live viewing is still hugely dominant, a growing number (6.75%) last year created their own schedules. Deborah King, TV licensing spokesperson for Northern Ireland, said: "This report points to the fact that people are taking advantage of new technologies to ensure they can enjoy TV in more ways than ever before, whether watching on bigger sets at home, via mobile technologies on the go, or on catch-up. And, of course, the chatterboxing phenomenon is bringing a new dimension to TV as a collective, social experience."

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

w rldnews

Do You Have any news or views for us? email us: info@theexpress.ie

You vs Cat: Friskies iPad app lets owners take on their pets

Daredevil breaks world record after balancing 23 benches on just his teeth

Cat food company Friskies has launched the world's first ever dual-species iPad app which lets owners take on their pets in a game of cat and mouse.

he amazing app was launched this week at the SXSW interactive festival in Austin, Texas, proving a huge hit with tech enthusi-

asts. You vs Cat allows pet owners to take on their feline friends in a game similar to arcade favourite air hockey in a test of speed, dexterity and concentration. As owners flick virtual pieces of food towards a goal, the cat attempts to deflect the objects away. Friskies has already released a series of one player iPad games for cats, proving hugely popular with pet owners last year. However, the new two-player app is thought to be the world's first using tablet technology. The SXSW conference is an annual event which showcases the best new gaming technology. Gaming fans at the event were able to take on Buddy, the world's best feline gamer, who was promoting the new app for cats. Luckily the new iPad 3 offers unbeatable scratch proof screen protection for an evening of entertainment with your cat.

THIRTY-YEAR-OLD Li Hongxiao has been balancing objects in his mouth since he was a child. But the stuntman surpassed all his previous achievements by successfully balancing the unusual load for 11 seconds, as audiences in the Dazu district of southwest China looked on in disbelief. With each bench one metre long, 45 centimeters high and weighing in at 3kg, the combined weight stood at a whopping 69kg - almost as much as his 75kg body weight. Li, from Tianqiao village in Chongqing, began performing a ‘lion dance’ at the tender age of eight to earn money for his family, the Daily Mirror reported. After years of hard work and dedication the stuntman began to refine his performance and in 2000 he began holding up bamboo poles, ladders and benches with his teeth. But it's not always been an easy ride for Li. The first time he attempted to balance 12 benches, Li escaped with 18 stitches in his lower lip. The previous Guinness World Record holder had mastered just 14 benches. Still... OUCH!

Complicated speed limit sign baffles motorists in White Lake, Michigan Speed limits can be difficult for even the most experienced motorist to monitor when there isn't ample signage - however, drivers in White Lake, Michigan, faced a different, but still impossible task, with the most complicated sign we've seen. THE newly installed sign gives drivers detailed, minute-specific speed limit guidelines which alternate six times in the space of just two hours. Road signs are meant to make driving safer, but it seems to be having an opposite effect in this American town as drivers are having to come almost to a standstill to make sense of the baffling instructions. 'You practically have to stop to read it,' said local resident Matt Smith. 'I’m thinking of printing out the speeds and attaching it to my dashboard.' From a very specific 6:497:15am, motorists must keep within the 25mph speed limit. It then switches to 45mph for just 37 minutes before returning

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to the slower limit at 7:52am. Thousands of motorists pass through the route everyday which encompasses three schools spread over just a few miles - and the tailbacks are causing traffic chaos. Internet users have been quick to give their views on the complicated sign, with one saying: 'This sign is absolutely ridiculous! They should just make the speed limit 25mph on all school days.' Another said: 'Nothing like endangering all the kids in the school zone by taking your eyes off the road to read that. It should be taken down.' Local officials have confirmed a meeting has been planned to discuss ways in which to make the system easier for drivers to understand.

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

Easter

activities Glendeer Pet Farm is holding it’s Annual Easter Egg Hunts on Easter Sat 7th, Sun 8th & Mon 9th April @ 3pm

lendeer Pet Farm (5 miles west of Athlone, take exit 13 off M6, & follow the signs for Drum) is a very interactive experience; people can feed, pet & even hold some of the animals, which include deer, pot belly pigs, llamas, alpache, emu, ostrich, goats, donkeys, sheep, jersey cow, monkeys, wallabies, tortoises & much more. Not to mention the new babies that are arriving everyday, including kid goats, lambs & puppies. The Egg Hunts provide great eggcitment & entertainment for kids of all ages. There is a separate egg hunt for children under four to make sure everyone gets a chance to collect some chocolate eggs. Glendeer is suitable for any weather as with a large section of the animals undercover, indoor & outdoor picnic areas & the New indoor Skywalk play area. Groups catered for with guided tour by appointment. Special rate for 20 or more. Open: Everyday from 17th Mar until end Sept Opening times: Mon - Sat 11am - 6pm, Sun 12pm - 6pm Admission: €8 per adult & child

Visit

Ballymote, Co. Sligo

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Sat 7th, Sun 8th & Mon 9th @ 3pm Great Eggcitment and Entertainment for young and Old! Domestic & Exotic Animals Coffee Shop Indoor & Outdoor Picnic and Play areas Open: Everyday from now until end September Mon - Sat 11am - 6pm, Sun 12-6pm Curryroe, Drum, Athlone • www.glendeerpetfarm.ie

Tel: 090 643 7147

The attraction for all the family at affordable prices. Get close-up with Eagles and enjoy our Touch-Zoo!

Bird Shows start at 11 and 3 every day

Gates open 30 minutes earlier From 1st April until 7th November Beat the rain - Now with indoor display area

Tel: 071-918 9310 • www.eaglesflying.com

Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

SPECIAL OFFER €25 entry to include 100 paintballs & €5 for every 100 there after

zorbing

is one of the latest extreme sports to sweep the world & you can now experience it at Battlebridge Zorbing. The longest zorbing track in Ireland which is a staggering 200 metres in length is now open in Battlebridge, • Birthday parties, christmas parties and hen / stag parties catered for • Admittance age 12 years plus

Battlebridge, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon For all enquiries contact 086 166 49 59

Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

focus on farming

Full range of range of grassland machinery includes Mowers, Rakes, Tedders & Harvesters available ex-stock. Call for your genuine parts at our part counter with largest stock in Ireland Vicon Fertiliser Spreader 5 Bag............€350-€600 Vicon Fertiliser Spreader 7 Bag €450............€650 Vicon Fertiliser Spreader 1 Tonne With Hydraulic Shut-off.............................................€1100 Amazon 1402 1.5 Tonne Fertiliser Spreader...€1450 Amazon 804 14 Bag Fertiliser Spreader........€1250 Vicon Fertiliser Spreader with Honda Engine For Quad (New)........................................€1800 Massey Ferguson 2 Furrow Ploughs........€300-€400 3 Furrow Kverneland / Bamford Coiled Spring Plough..............................................€1000 Howard Rotovators 60" ....................€900-€1100 Howard Rotovators 72"....................€900-€1200 Drill Ploughs / Ridgers......................€300-€400 Kuhn 3 Metre Power Harrow. with Packer Roller .......................................................€4750 Maschio 3 Metre Power Harrow..................€2750 Pin Harrow 8ft unfolding to 12ft.................€550 Pin Harrow Ransom.................................€450

Ransom 3 Metre Disc Harrow...............€1300 Parmiter 8ft Disc Harrow....................€1200 Fort 6ft 6" Disc Mower.......................€1700 Vicon 7ft 6" Disc Mower.....................€2200 Fahr KM22 Rotary Mower....................€1000 PZ Haybobs.............................€900-€1300 Back Loader for Tractor.......................€500 6ft 6" Buck Rake...............................€450 Cement Mixer For Tractor....................€450 2 Furrow Bamford / Kverneland Plough...€750 Massey Ferguson Potato Spinner............€500 Ransom/ Johnston Potato Chain Digger..€1100 20ft Flat Bale Trailer.........................€1500 Nardi Sprayer 44 Gallon......................€750 Hardi Sprayer 66 Gallon......................€850 Chain Harrow 8ft Unfolded to 12ft.........€800 Grubber / Spring tine Harrow...............€500

All above Prices include VAT at 23%

LARGE SELECTION OF OTHER MACHINERY ALSO AVAILABLE ALL MACHINERY IS IMPORTED FROM UK AND IS FULLY SERVICED OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY - BOHOLA, SWINFORD, CO. MAYO

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

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Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

focus on farming

Northwest Express March 22nd, 2012

ICMSA say likely changes in Third Level grants are Student puts antibiotic ‘a sop’ to the anti-farmer group in Irish society threat under scrutiny

he President of ICMSA, the state’s specialist dairy farmer organisation, has promised that his association will immediately begin a campaign of lobbying against the changes they suspect likely to be recommended by the Capital Assets Implementation group whose existence was confirmed by Minister Ruairi Quinn in a letter to ICMSA last week. John Comer said that the farm organisation will have established contact with every Dail deputy by the weekend and set out, in the most unambiguous and trenchant terms, what they say is the manifestly unfair and unjust situation that will result if farmers’ children find themselves declared ineligible for Third Level grants - not on the basis of their family incomes, but on the basis of an arbitrary value attached to the assets or tools used to earn that income. Mr Comer said that it was a fundamental principle of fairness that eligibility in these matters would be decided on the basis of income. It was now becoming appar-

ent, that the Government and Minister Quinn were prepared to move past that principle and decide eligibility on the basis of a certain, very specific – and in this case, very specifically anti-farming – context. “We are absolutely determined that this attempt to effectively disqualify a large number of the children of farming families from any possibility of receiving Third Level grants will be resisted to the utmost. The Minister might like to pretend that that is neither the intention nor the likely effect; but that is to deny the facts of the matter and the logical consequence of the move already announced. Our submission to this Capital Assets Implementation group is that the value of farmland and associated farm buildings must not be included in any formula for assessment for grants eligibility. It should not be included on the simple basis that the market value placed on farm land bears absolutely no relation to the income being earned off that land by the owning farm

family. The only fair and transparent means for assessing eligibility for Third Level grants is income. Bringing the value of farm land ‘into the mix’ is a deliberate move to discriminate against farm families in order to appease those who believe in what Minister Quinn himself is on record as describing as the ‘urban myth’ of farmers’ sons and daughters being over-represented in the numbers of students qualifying for grant assistance”, said Mr Comer. “The Government and all its deputies, where they are intent on introducing a new set of rules in a matter as fundamental as this, are dutybound to ensure that the new system is fair, equitable and transparent. To include the value of agricultural land as an additional component to farm incomes in measuring eligibility is double-counting and it should be called what it is. It’s an affront to fairness and a sop to that very vocal group in Irish society that is antifarmer without any reference to the real financial facts of farming”, concluded the ICMSA President.

LISA Dunne, a UCD Equine Science final year student, is carrying out a study into the risks of antibiotic-associated colitis in horses. Colitis is an inflammation of the membranes lining the large bowel of the intestine. Antibiotic-associated colitis occurs when drugs that are being used to treat a sick horse cause a serious and sometimes fatal colitis. It is believed that the antibiotics kill off the horse's normal gut flora and allow pathogenic bacteria to overgrow.

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Farmers! Do you want to be part of an organisation that concentrates on solutions? Do you want to be part of an organisation that’s sole focus is improving farmers’ incomes? Do you want to be part of an organisation that - alone forecast accurately what would happen to milk price? ICMSA is the farm organisation that concentrates on solutions Ring ICMSA at 061-314677 and your local county officers will contact you

These produce toxins that damage membrane linings. Horses show signs of abdominal pain, colic and sometimes diarrhoea. The study is aimed at determining the level of awareness among horse owners regarding the risks associated with using antibiotics and is being supervised by Dr Emmeline Hill and Dr Vivienne Duggan of UCD. To participate in the study, owners can complete a survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/ s/HQBLYB7

focus on farming

Survivor Stories:

Real Farmers Real Stories THE number of fatal and serious accidents that have occurred in Agriculture over the last number of years has been shocking and disproportionately high. This year the Health and Safety Authority’s inspection and awareness activities will be aiming to foster a strong safety culture in Agriculture from within the farming community itself. This is a potentially high impact way to achieve a sustained reduction in the number of tragic deaths and life changing injuries. Accidents resulting in death are the most serious and tragic of all, but every year many accidents occur that result in serious injury and long-term disability. These accidents receive less attention but the effects can be devastating for those involved and their families. With that in mind, the Health and Safety Authority with the assistance of the Farm Safety Partnership and Macra Na Feirme has

created a series of testimonials, available on DVD and online, called Survivor Stories where real farmers tell their stories about accidents that happened to them and the effects on their families and friends. Pat Griffin Senior Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority says, “The experiences of the farmers in these testimonials are harrowing but there is something that is apparent throughout these stories, there is a resilience and sense of community that is very strong amongst farmers. These farmers have bravely told their stories so that others can learn from their experiences and avoid the same fate.” Pat Griffin continued, “We will be making these DVD’s available to training providers and representative bodies so that they can be shown to farmers at various meetings and discussions groups with the purpose of creat-

Gerety Trailers, Co. Longford GERETY trailers are based in ballymahon in co longford. They are one of Irelands largest importers/distributors of hudson trailers with over 50 second hand trailers in stock at any one time. Gerety trailers has been established in longford for over 35 years. In that period of time they have built up a large and varied customer base. They offer a competitive sales, service and have a tradition within the Farming and Construction industry of being able to tailor each customer needs precisely. At Gerety trailers they pride themselves in providing an excellent aftercare service with a parts and service department that is second to none. For further information contact Enda on 044 9357447

ing discussion and raising awareness.” The HSA has used research to identify that while most farmers understand the hazards of farming, they perceive their own farm as being safe. Many think it won’t happen to them, but when an accident does happen it can take many years, if ever, to recover. The stories can be viewed online at www.hsa.ie/farmaccidents on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/farmaccidents and on the farm accidents Facebook page www.facebook.com/FarmAccidents.

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