Northwest Express March 7th 2012

CK MONUMENTAL LTD

8 March 2012 Issue 5 - Volume 13

Abrodella

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FOCUS ON CASTLEBAR FEATURE INSIDE!

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Thieves raid Glentoran football fans buses Ballina students scoop top award

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Ballina's St Mary's Secondary School scooped one of the country's major national awards for Enterprise in winning the prestigious An Taoiseach's "Sean Lemass 2011 National Enterprise Award". Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD. presented the award to the 2011 Transition Year class, which was accepted on behalf of the class by the school's Enterprise teacher, Niamh Daly. Also included at the award presentation were, seated left to right: Louise Ward, County and City Enterprise Boards, Anne Kelleher CEO "CEIST" , Transition Year National Co-ordinator Michael O'Leary, School Principal Patsy Sweeney, Deputy Principal Fatima O'Flaherty, Chairperson of the school's Board of Management Sister Mary Corr, and standing far right, Caroline McHale, Dept of Education's LCV programme National Co-ordinator. Members of the school's award winning Enterprise class included standing from left right: Nicola Horan, Laura O'Rourke, Ellen Keane, Shauna Reape, Lorraine Gilmartin, Alison Corr, Rebecca Mulherne, Leona Bourke, Claire Dolan, Amy Lowther Deirdre Chambers, Bronagh Foley, Megan Nolan, Keri Knox. Absent from picture are Asling Heffernan, Rebecca Mc Donnell and Rachel Keavney. Picture by Henry Wills.

Nun to face 87 charges of sex abuse see page 2

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LIGO ROVERS officials and fans in general have expressed their disgust and outrage following news of a break-in to buses carrying Belfast club Glentoran supporters to the Setanta Cup game in the Showgrounds, Sligo, on Monday night.

During the break-in, which took place during the match itself, a woman’s handbag, house and car keys were stolen. However, the most disgusting aspect of the break-in was the fact that human excrement was smeared up the aisle of one of the coaches. It is believed the thieves gained access to the buses through the emergency exits.

Sligo Rovers officials were, understandably shocked by the incident, particularly since buses carrying fans from Glentoran supporters’ clubs were escorted inside the Showgrounds to what was believed to be a secure car park before the match.

They confirmed in a club statement that the club and the Gardai are investigating reports from Glentoran supporters.

"Sligo Rovers are appalled and disgusted by the alleged incidents and we wish to offer our deepest apologies to Glentoran Football Club and their supporters. The occasion, being enjoyed by both sets of fans, was ruined by the action of a very small minority that clearly have no respect for visitors to Sligo or the football clubs. Continued on Page 2

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Thieves raid Glentoran football fan buses

Ballina Seminar highlights alternatives for dispute resolution

Pictured at the Mediation Solutions Northwest Seminar in Ballina: Keenan Johnson, Mr. Justice Michael Peart, Rosemary Loftus, Joan Clarke, Marion Ahern, Ross Maguire, Sabine Walsh and John Mc Cormack Photo: Corinne Beattie Photography

A

special seminar hosted by Mediation Solutions North West last week, and addressed by some leading figures from the legal profession, highlighted the process of mediation as a more efficient and less costly method of resolving many disputes.

Justice Michael Peart, in a wide-ranging address to a packed audience in Ballina Arts Centre,highlighted the disastrous effects that long drawn-out legal quarrels can have on parties and the limitations of the legal process in some cases. These cases can also take up a lot of valuable court time when they might easily be resolved through mediation.

Senior Counsel Ross Maguire, initiator of the New Beginnings organisation, said he was drawn into

the need for mediation after he encountered so many borrowers who could not afford to defend themselves against financial institution who were threatening to possess their properties. As a consequence, banks are now agreeing to negotiate and accept that mediation may provide a more satisfactory outcome for all parties.

Solicitor Sabine Walsh, Sligo, who has now turned to mediation on a full-time basis, revealed how much the mediation service and the legal profession needed each other in the process and there was no conflict of interest in such matters. Sabine is secretary of Mediation Solutions Northwest.

Mediation can be effective in relation to the following: Commercial disputes, employment disputes, school disputes (be-

tween pupils, teachers, management and parents), debt management, agricultural and land disputes, family disputes and building contract disputes, etc.

Mediation Solutions Northwest was established to provide a mediation service in the North West of Ireland. The Association was founded by people who practice in the area of dispute resolution.

Lawyers, accountants and doctors, in particular, felt there was a need to promote mediation as an alternative dispute resolution process. The Association, however, has membership from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including, in addition to the above, architecture, engineering, industry and construction.

The reception was sponsored by Clarke & Flynn, solicitors, Ballina.

Joan Clarke, solicitor, is also an Accredited Mediator.

Further information on the operations of Mediation Solutions Northwest can be obtained from Sabine Walsh at 071-91-42123 or email sabinewalsh@eircom.net.

Nun to face 87 charges of sex abuse Rosemary Loftus, solicitor and Michelle Mulherin TD Photo: Corinne Beattie Photography

Launch of Diversity Week at North Connaught College Bridge St, Ballina

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Continued from front page: “We pride ourselves on welcoming all clubs to Sligo and believe the matter last night is not the actions of those associated with Sligo Rovers. However, we take responsibility as it occurred in our ground and it is extremely disappointing to us.“We are currently investigating the matter with the match night’s stewards and security to develop a full report on what happened and we await the result of the Gardai investigation."

Sligo Rovers have offered to pay for the cleaning of the Glentoran Supporters Bus, the cost of the items stolen from the bus and will make a donation to a charity tied with Glentoran FC. "We will endeavour to show our regret at what must have been a hugely upsetting night for all associated with Glentoran and hope to repair relations between the clubs."

A spokesperson for Sligo Borough Council condemned the vandalism at the Showgrounds, and urged anyone with information to report it to the Gardai. “Sligo Rovers’ excellent reputation should not be tarnished by people who have no association with the club or have any regard for its good name. It is important that the person who carried out this mindless act is found and appropriate action taken.”

There was in excess of 2,200 in attendance and Glentoran were beaten 2-0 by Sligo Rovers in the quarter-final tie.

JUDGE Rory McCabe has ordered a special sitting of the Circuit Court to hear a case against a nun facing 87 charges relating to the alleged sex abuse of primary school girls.

The woman appeared at Sligo Circuit Court earlier this week in what is believed to be the first case of its kind in the State. Publication of her name has been banned.

The judge listed the case for mention again on May 22 and ordered that publication of her name be banned.. Several of the nun's alleged victims were in court for the brief hearing. They heard the barrister for the accused woman complain about the delay in the trial and that her client had been initially charged in January 2010. However, barrister Dara Foynes, for the DPP, said a "voluminous" number of files had only been given to prosecution solicitor Hugh Sheridan last week after the case was transferred from another county.

Shauna Gillan of the Irish Refugee Council (at front) with Mary Madden (Principal at North Connaught College) Margaret Scollen ( Vice Principal) Secretary of Diversity week committee, Cllr. Darragh Mulvey of Board of Management at North Connaught College and Petina Feeley of the Diversity Committee Photo by Tom Callanan.

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A project is underway in North Connaught College dealing with EQUALITY A working group of staff and students are guiding this process.

The aim is to explore attitudes to diversity and to learn more about inclusiveness leading to forming a policy on equality tailor-made to North Connaught College.

A survey will be carried out within the next two weeks involving staff and students and honest and open opinions will be invited.

Email: info@theexpress.ie Web: www.theexpress.ie Free Classifieds: info@theexpress.ie or visit www.theexpress.ie and click free classifieds.

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Minister Deenihan launches heritage strategy focused on job creation, education & tourism Pictured at the launch of the Heritage Council Strategic Plan 2012-2016 were Sean Carolan from Mulranny Tourism Mayo; Deirdre Cunningham Heritage Officer Mayo; Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan T.D.; Siobhan Ryan, Heritage Officer Sligo; Brendan McSharry, Heritage Officer Louth; and Conor Newman, Heritage Council Chairperson. The Heritage Council’s Strategic Plan 2012 – 2016 focuses on developing the value of the heritage sector to employment, education and the quality of heritage tourism.

Achill-henge targetted by graffiti ‘artists’ THE graffiti artists have been at work at the controversial Achill-henge development which has been daubed with all sorts of references in recent weeks.

The Stonehenge-esque development on a hilltop in Pollagh has been before the courts ever since it was constructed, without planning permission, over a weekend in late November last year.

The man behind the project is controversial property developer Joe McNamara. Mayo County Council took a High Court enforcement order against McNamara to cease work on Achill-henge at the time and the High Court proceedings are still ongoing. The council have since applied for McNamara to take the structure down while McNamara himself has appealed to An Bord Pleanála the council’s refusal to rule that the structure is exempt from planning permission. While the structure has remained untouched by McNamara or the council since McNamara completed the outer circle of concrete columns on Sunday, November 27 last, the site has become a target for graffiti. A number of images and words have been daubed on the inside of the columns in a mixture of paint and marker.

Crystal Trophy for Boyle Musical Society and Boyle Arts Festival BOYLE Musical Society and Boyle Arts Festival each received a crystal trophy for their efforts in bringing Art and Entertainment to the North West region in the 3rd annual Arts and Entertainment Awards, hosted by Shannonside and Northern Sound Radio on Tues, Feb. 28th. Charlie McGettigan presented the awards.

Emergency Response Cards available in Roscommon THERE has been a general welcome to the Emergency Response cards now available for households in rural areas of County Roscommon. The move is an attempt to speed up access in the event of a medical crisis.

The launch of the Emergency Response cards took place at Gleeson’s Townhouse, Roscommon Town last Friday morning. A total of 10,000 cards have been printed thanks to the generous sponsorship of Mary and Eamon Gleeson from Gleeson’s Townhouse and Restaurant. Now members of the public are being urged to fill out the cards and keep them beside their telephones in the event of an emergency. The cards were the brainchild of Eamon Gleeson, a member of the County Roscommon Health Services Response Forum.

It takes the form of a postcard and householders will be asked to fill in their location, using their Local Road Number together with directions to their house. The card can then be placed in a prominent position in each house, e.g. by the phone.

The Forum encourages all households in rural areas to have these details close to hand at all times should they be required for emergency purposes.

Marie Gillooly said that cards would be available in local libraries, churches, GPs and through the IFA, Carers Association and various other organisations while a team of dedicated volunteers and individuals has also agreed to distribute the cards.

See our

Collooney Feature Page 14 & 15

Fashion Show Boyle Ladies GAA BOYLE Ladies GAA Club will hold a Fashion Show in St. Joseph's Hall, Boyle on Friday 30th March, starting at 8.30pm. Fashions by Magees Fashions, Aidan Ray Menswear, & Corrigans Footwear.

Wine Bar by Dalys. Tickets €10 available from Magees Fashions or any committee member. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

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Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

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An Taoiseach Presents RSA with NSAI Accreditation T

he Road Safety Authority (RSA) on Monday 27th February 2012 welcomed An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD to their Headquarters in Ballina, Co. Mayo for a ceremony to mark the awarding of Quality, Environmental, and Health and Safety Management System certification to the RSA. The certifications recognise the efforts of the RSA to improve the efficiency, environmental performance and health and safety of the organisation. An Taoiseach also dedicated two meeting rooms in memory of two members of RSA staff who died tragically.

Speaking at the ceremony, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD said: "It is with great pleasure that I am here today to present these certificates to the Road Safety Authority. These certificates are a tribute to the hard work of the Board, Management and staff of the RSA to receive this important accreditation. As the RSA faces into the future, in dealing with the public and with other state and non state entities, awards such as these show that it can measure up with best national and international practices."

The Taoiseach was greeted by Gay Byrne, Chairman, RSA, Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA and Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI. Mr. Gay Byrne, Chairman, RSA, said: “We are delighted to welcome An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD to the RSA Offices here in Ballina. It gives us a great opportunity to recognise the excellent work that was done by RSA employees to receive these awards and will contribute to our goal of providing best value for money whilst providing the highest possible service to our customers.”

The certifications awarded to the RSA are the Quality Management System ISO

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD during his visit to the Roado Safety Authority Headquarters in Ballina to present the Quality, Environmental, and Health and Safety Management System certifications to the authourity. Pictured with An taoiseach are RSA Chairman Gay Byrne, Noel Brett CEO., John O'Mahony, TD , Michelle Mulherin TD., and Ballina Town Council Deputy Mayor, Colle Willie Nolan. Picture Henry Wills

9001, Environmental Management Systems ISO 14001 and Health and Safety Management Systems OHSAS 18001.

Mr. Maurice Buckley, Chief Executive, NSAI said: “The general public are acutely aware of the life-saving driver and pedestrian activities that the RSA undertake on a daily basis. The commitment they have to improving these activities is, I believe, reflected today in the awarding of these Quality, Environmental, and Health and Safety Management standards. They clearly

demonstrate that the RSA is operating to best international practices and standards, while responding to the ever changing needs of the organisation. The RSA is the first public sector body to be certified to these three standards simultaneously and in doing so are making assurances to their staff and to their users that they are firmly committed to making real differences in the way the organisation thinks and operates, as well as spending public money wisely and in an efficient manner.”

Connacht Success for Ballina’s Rugby U-14s

The victorious Ballina U-14 rugby team, winners over Ballinasloe in last Saturday’s Connacht A Final in Ballyhaunis.

THE future looks bright for Ballina rugby if the performance of the Under-14 squad in this year’s Connacht League is anything to go by.

The young men from Ballina capped an unbeaten run this season with a fully-deserved win over Ballinasloe in the U-14 League Final held in Ballyhaunis on Sat-

urday last.

There was little to separate the sides in this tough encounter and the Ballina boys found themselves 3-0 in arrears at half time, following a fine score from Ballinasloe’s Danny Reddin. However, they pulled out all the stops in the second half and a fine opportunist try by

Jason Walsh (after Ballinasloe’s fullback, fumbled the ball), converted by E. Fleming, gave the Moysiders the lead with just 10 minutes to go.

Ballina held on during an exciting last ten minutes to gain a super victory, much to the delight of their many supporters.

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Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

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Knock Pilgrimage company turn Green for Manchester's Irish Festival

Pictured above are: Back row, Paul Millen, Desmond Deignan (Director) Mary Doyle, Front row, Bernie Dolan, Mary Galloway, Charlene Simpkin ‘MANCUNIATRAVEL’ , who are one of the leading Pilgrimage tour companies to Knock in County Mayo are to re-launch their world famous retro travel bag and turn it 'Green' for this year’s Manchester Irish Festival. The company, which was founded in 1966, are determined to celebrate their 45th anniversary in style this year

and have teamed up with the Manchester-Mayo Tourism and Business group to promote their pilgrimages to Knock during the Manchester-Mayo weekend at the festival.

The highly collectable bags will be available for purchase for the first time ever at the company’s stall as part of the Manchester

Irish Festival Market, which is being staged in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall.

Company director, Desmond Deignan, said “Everyone is really excited about being part of the Manchester Irish Festival, which is Europe’s biggest Irish Festival outside of the Emerald Isle. Our company was founded by Monica

Byrne. Most of the staff have Irish roots, so we thought it was an ideal opportunity to celebrate our anniversary at the festival! As well as turning our famous bags green, we will be turning the company website green as well for the festival’s duration.”

Festival Press officer Tony Hennigan said “It is great to have a travel company such as ‘Mancunia’ involved in this year’s market to promote tourism in places like the holy shrine at Knock in the West of Ireland. There are a number of companies involved in promoting Tourism in Ireland at this year’s festival such as Mayo County Council, Flybe, Ireland West Airport Knock and Discover Ireland. It also coincides with the festival Manchester-Mayo weekend which is highlighting Tourism in the West of Ireland” Mancunia will be launching the bags and a chance to win free flights and accommodation at Knock, courtesy of Flybe and the Knock House Hotel, at their stall at this year’s Manchester Irish Festival Market. The popular market attracts over 100,000 visitors to Albert Square in the city centre when it is staged for the St Patrick’s Day Parade weekend. The market starts on Thursday 8th March and runs through to the Parade Day on Sunday 11th March. It features a whole host of tourism stalls and Irish crafts and goods, as well as Festival Entertainment marquee and licensed bar. For more information log onto manchesteririshfestival.co.uk

North Connaught College offers a wide range of courses NORTH Connaught College situated on the Sligo Road in Tubbercurry provides education and training programmes of the highest quality. They offer adults of all ages the opportunity to take advantage of professional courses, mostly one year, leading to qualifications which are nationally accredited, and which are delivered by experienced staff in a caring and supportive atmosphere. Students receive encouragement and guidance to progress to degree programmes, maybe to start their own business or to pursue employment opportunities

Come along to the OPEN EVENING on Wednesday 14th March from 4 to 7pm. with their new qualifications.

New this year was an advanced Certificate in Security Management

and Administration at FETAC level 6, which appealed to those who have already achieved level 5 qualifications in security studies and were interested in advancing their career at management level.

Other courses range from the very popular Beauty Therapy 2 year course to nursing studies, childcare and childcare supervision, business and advanced administration, community development and security studies.

Beauty Therapy students are able to qualify in three examination boards, including the prestigious Swiss awarding body CISESCO and the college’s facilities and training have been warmly praised.

So if you are a school leaver this year, or an adult considering returning to education or indeed just curious about what education opportunities are available locally visit their web site www.northconnaugthcollege.net or phone the college on 0719185035.

Come along to the OPEN EVENING on Wednesday 14th March from 4 to 7pm. Meet the tutors, see the facilities and get an opportunity to take part in various demonstrations.

Mayo looks forward to International Choral Festival “He who sings scares away his woes.” That’s according to Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, a Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright in the 17th c. The same can still be said today and this will, very much, be the case when 30 choirs perform all over Mayo at the end of May this year.

Plans are at an advanced stage for the hosting of the first countywide Mayo International Choral Festival 24th to 27th May, and the organising committee met recently to review all choir entries. The committee members are delighted with the response – entries include choirs from Finland, the US, Wales, Slovenia and Norway, and those from Ireland include, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Wexford, Sligo, Derry, Galway and several Mayo based choirs.

The festival will take the form of concerts throughout Mayo on the Thursday and Friday nights, competitions on Saturday and a Gala Concert in the Royal Theatre on Saturday night. On Sunday, choirs will perform at church services and nursing homes, in addition to a few surprise performances. A full programme of events and details of participating choirs will be announced in March.

The committee held a general public meeting on Wednesday evening, 8.30pm, March 7th, TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar, and which was attended by representatives of the Mayo choirs, Mayo Lions groups, Chambers of Commerce, accommodation providers, tourism marketing groups and anyone with an interest in the festival.

Bundoran woman elected to ‘Committee of 20’

BUNDORAN woman Claudia Kennedy has been elected to the ‘Committee of 20’ at the weekend’s Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in Dublin. The teacher at the Finn Valley College in Stranolar has been working hard to earn a place on the party’s powerful Committee that helps shape Fianna Fáil’s policies. Last week she said that she had always been active in Fianna Fáil and she was always close at hand during Mícheal Martin’s visit to Bundoran and Ballyshannon last week.

Mothers Day

Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

Sunday 18th March

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Citrix and IT Sligo join forces for direct education to jobs project

Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD pictured with President of IT Sligo, Professor Terri Scott and John Kelly, senior director, Customer Technical Support and Education Services, EMEA at at the launch of the first Cirtix Academy in Ireland at IT Sligo.

MINISTER for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD was at IT Sligo last Friday to officially launch the Citrix Academy Network in Ireland, designed to equip students with advanced technical skills essential for an IT career in virtualisation or networking. IT Sligo is the first Higher Education Institution in Ireland to join the Academy Network, offering the course to third level students.

The Citrix Academy Network

will see current students of the computing programmes at IT Sligo take a skills-led course to achieve industry certification across emerging technologies such as virtualisation and cloud computing.

The accreditation also includes potential opportunities to undertake valuable work experience with channel partners which will allow students to put theory into practice. The first 25 students have recently started the course

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at the Institute and a further 55 students are expected to begin the accreditation process by the end of the year. It is thought that over 100 students will complete the modules this year. Further, by September 2012, the course will also be available to those that wish to take the accreditation as a standalone course, without studying for a degree.

Through this initiative Citrix is investing in the education and skills progression of the next generation and enabling graduates to develop the core skills necessary for a career in cloud computing.

IT Sligo is also investing in infrastructure to support a range of computing qualifications.

Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD said “Technology is one of our most promising and critical sectors. We currently have widespread demand from IT employers for skilled workers in the areas of virtualisation and networking. I welcome this initiative by Citrix and IT Sligo in joining forces to create a direct education to jobs opportunity. I believe it is an excellent example of how industry and education can work together to create this direct opportunity for employment and that it is a great incentive for students to work towards.”

John Kelly, senior director, Customer Technical Support and Education Services, EMEA at Citrix said: “This comprehensive course will be highly valued by the ICT

industry in Ireland and we are delighted to be investing in Ireland’s next generation of IT professionals. Ireland is an attractive location for technical services due to the talented and highly skilled workforce and it is critically important that we continue to meet the skills need of industry.

There is an obligation on industry and third level institutions to proactively work together to reach out and achieve shared goals. By doing this, we can fill knowledge jobs, drive higher value, help automate processes and lower costs - all of which will help steer Ireland’s competitiveness and efficiency forward as a place to do business.”

Professor Terri Scott, President of IT Sligo, said: “We are thrilled to be the first higher education institution in Ireland to offer this accreditation which will benefit students, employers and industry.

This is a win-win situation – the students gain qualifications in an area which has considerable job prospects and industry is provided with graduates that are immediately fit for purpose. Higher education has a duty to adapt and work with industry in the best interests of the student and at IT Sligo we have a strong reputation of delivering for the needs of our stakeholders, whether it’s through the delivery of bespoke online courses or by tailoring existing full time programmes, like we have done with the Citrix Academy.”

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ou may have a maiden aunt, but nothing like the one in Cloonacool Players hilarious 3-act comedy, The Maiden Aunt

by Westmeath playwright Jimmy Keary, will be performed in Cloonacool Community Centre for 3 nights: Friday 23, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 March at 8.30p.m. When wealthy retired teacher and spinster, Gertie O’Grady, comes to stay with her niece and family. Things don’t go quite to plan and Gertie’s loving family proves more concerned about the welfare of her money than aunty’s health!

Cloonacool Players capture all the hilarity and audiences will be delighted to see well known comedy actors: Geraldine Lundy, Mary Kathleen Johnston, John McIntyre and Dennis Ross – all on great form in this side-splitting production directed by Sean Walsh. So make a date in your diary for the weekend of 23rd – 25th March.

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All the money raised from this event will help the charity to further fund vital research, boost awareness of the disease, operate our Freefone 24 hour helpline and support those affected.

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To obtain T-shirt and your sponsorship pack, call us on (01) 819 69 31 or emailinfo@menigitisireland.org . Thank you!?

Monastic Ireland - a gift of the nile!

In rehearsals: Enda McCarrick, John McIntyre and Mary Kathleen Johnston as the well-meaning relatives of The Maiden Aunt in Cloonacool Players production of Jimmy Keary’s hilarious comedy at Cloonacool Community Centre for 3 nights, Fri, Sat and Sun 23-25 March at 8.30p.m.

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON & District Historical Society invites you to their next lecture in the Bush Hotel on Wednesday March 14th @8.30pm Alf Monaghan’s presentation looks at the history of early Irish Christianity from a different perspective - a Mediterranean perspective. It provides a tantalizing glimpse under the veil of history. It asks many questions and confounds some of the accepted theories about the history of early Christianity in Ireland. It traces links with ancient Egypt, connects Irish monasticism with the Desert Fathers and the early Irish Church with the Coptic Church.

Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

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Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

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Abbott Receives “Best Workplace” Award

Company Recognised by the Great Place to Work Institute ABBOTT, the global health care company, has been recognised as one of Ireland’s Best Workplaces.

The annual Best Workplaces Awards, hosted by the Great Place to Work Institute, were presented

by Chief Executive, John Ryan at a gala dinner in the Burlington Hotel on the 22nd February 2012.

Calum Park, Site Director, Abbott Ireland Pharmacuetical Operations Sligo said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Great Place to Work Institute. Being named one of Ireland’s Best Workplaces is a fitting acknowledgment of our dedication to progressive work practices and commitment to providing learning and development opportunities for each employee.”

“Throughout our 13 facilities in Ireland we are constantly looking to attract, develop and retain skilled employees. Talented and engaged employees are our greatest asset and we strive to provide them with the best work environment possible. We seek to instil a common sense of purpose amongst our workforce throughout Ireland, demonstrating to employees how their contributions make a real difference in the lives of patients, customers and all our stakeholders.”

This recogni-

Pictured at the Best Workplaces Awards 2012 are l-r Bob Lee, Great Place to Work Institute, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D, Margaret Morrissey, Country HR Director Abbott Ireland, James McGuinness, QA Project Co-ordinator, Caroline McClafferty, HR Manager and Breege O’Hara, Senior Systems Analyst, Abbott Ireland.

tion follows a comprehensive audit of Abbott's culture and employment policies by the Great Place to Work Institute. Abbott prides itself on being an employer of choice around the world. In Ireland, the company has received numerous local, national and international accolades for workplace excellence: • European Employee Volunteering Award 2011 - presented to mark the European Year of Volunteering and was supported by the European Commission.

Graduate Employer of the Year Award – gradireland 2011 and 2010.

Overall Award for Human Resource Development – International Federation of Training and Development Organisations (IFTDO) 2010.

Overall Multinational Sector Award for outstanding training and development practices – Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD) National Training Awards 2010 & 2009.

O2 Ability Award – Overall Winner in the Private Sector for supporting people with disabilities and other diverse needs in the workplace 2010.

T S R I F Y T N E l Kel l y e W a h c a T R y b T HE R Y C HI L D CEN T U Bird Johnson what you believe of them’-Lady ‘Children are likely to live up to ited young individuals’, while a spir ed, rmin dete of n ratio gene David Coleman insists they are ‘a er to define the era’s gists and infancy specialists pref number of his fellow child psycholo sed to the realities of adult expo e adults who have been littl lt spoi ed, sess f-ob ‘sel as rs youngste s is all they know’. So the more cynical nature of grown-up children in Ireland living from such a young age that ury rate description of twenty first cent which portrayal really is an accu today? great interest to me pering this debate is one which is of Primary Schools is curAs a Primary School teacher in- train Irish in number of disciplinary problems ined to our tiny conf sonally. Lecturers insist that the not y ainl cert t mos critical situation is ess coupled with ingn rently at an all-time high and this will ict the severity of extreme strong Century Child.

21st island. Last year’s London riots dep ical’ ‘typ the by d rise lity arguably characte have been s sure mea boredom and a sense of invincibi ary arkably bleak as harsher disciplin tioned men fore the If this is so, the future appears rem t Mus rol. cont in erate attempt to reta ner? man sanctioned across the UK in a desp ive ruct ed in such an aggressive and dest ‘determination and spirit’ be evok pients of the ‘Children of aviour are Ireland’s very own reci In stark contrast to such unruly beh nation’s recognition of the ess witn and fitting ceremony we hing touc this In ’ rds.

Awa Year the cipal carer in their home eng as five years of age act as prin heroic actions as children as youn deserving recipients include er Oth ter of necessity not choice. mat A s. basi y dail a on nt nme viro . Surely such heroic beall under the tender age of eighteen -absorbed imps? It life savers and charity advocates self of ons erasing any pre-existing noti haviour is more than sufficient in seems that society doesn’t agree..

Undeniably the age old psychological debate of the influence of nature versus nurture is one which lies principally within the controversy surrounding the characteristics of twenty first century children today.

Many argue that children, in particular those under eight years of age, are simply living products of their respective social cultures. Certain experts suggest that by raising a child in the materialistic Western World of the 21st Century age, that same infant is destined to follow their care givers footsteps in valuing the superficial components and assets of such a society. Similarly they suggest that impossible though it may seem, by allowing children to flourish in an influence -limited environment in a neutral social culture the child will respond with similar neutrality and a greater ability to appreciate the various aspects of alternating situations.

In contrast the ‘Nature’ component of this fore- mentioned debate suggests that the personality of a child is predetermined from birth and that the environment in which an infant is raised is matter less.

Arguably, it is the genetic combination of the child’s parents that determine the extent of the resulting individual’s sense of morality, their social conscience and the value which they place on the lives and feelings of others. All components which are undeniably apparent in the children of twenty first century Ireland although in contrasting quantities.

The role of parents is also a major consideration in the debate of 21st Century Children. Is the result of the hectic pace of living, a generation of guilty parents who struggle to accept their role as disciplinarians? Obliged to work due to the ever increasing cost of living, arguably many parents act as facilitators to their children’s behaviour, no matter how undesirable in a desperate attempt to consulate for their frequent absence. This explains recently published survey results which suggest that when questioned, over 37% of Irish children were unable to name the once famous ‘Magic Words.’ Generation Impolite? Let’s hope not!

Despite the various surveys and publications that suggest otherwise I whole heartedly believe with the words of my Grandad ‘there is no such thing as a bad child.’ Spirited? Definitely! Self-obsessed? Perhaps, but surely all generations are as children? Mischievous and inquisitive?

Without doubt, but that’s all part of what makes them what they are…

A generation of determined and inquisitive youngsters who fail to cower in ignorant submission before higher powers. This is, after all, just what our sleepy Emerald Isle really needs given current conditions. It would benefit us all to remember that ‘Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate!’

Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

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he village of Collooney is located on a small hill in a picturesque setting 7 miles south of Sligo town. Sitting in the 'Gap of Collooney', it looks out on the Ox Mountains, Knocknarea, Ben Bulben, Slieve Deane, the Curlews and Kesh Corran. Dominating all is the spire of the Catholic Church.

The rising of 1798, a milestone in Irish history is commemorated by the Teeling monument in the village.

If shopping is your guilty pleasure Collooney does not disapoint. From your local grocers to bars with live music or indeed if it is a new car you are after or maybe a new dining room suite, well Colloooney has it all.

Collooney is located just off the N4 (Dublin to Sligo) and N17 (Sligo to Galway) roads, having been bypassed twice, by the N4 in 1998, and the N17 in 1992, and is the meeting point of both roads. The town was a significant railway centre, with no less than three railway stations. In addition to the one remaining Collooney railway station, opened on 3 December 1862,[1] (on the railway from Dublin to Sligo) there was a station on the line to Claremorris (The Western Railway Corridor) and on the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway line to Enniskillen.

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Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

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Mini-computer flies off shelves

A ÂŁ22 credit card-sized computer designed to help children learn programming skills has been launched in the UK - before it sold out within hours of going on sale.

The Raspberry Pi is a basic mini-computer that has been developed by a network of volunteers over the last six years.

The device is sold without a keyboard, mouse or monitor and uncased, the chip motherboard is the size of a credit card.

The unit can be plugged into any TV, needs a keyboard and has built-in wi-fi for internet access.

Demand for the device caused problems for websites selling it, forcing The Raspberry Pi Foundation, which developed the device, to replace its site with a static page offering links to sales partners Premier Farnell and RS Components.

Eben Upton, co-founder of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, who commented in a news release on Premier Farnell's website, said: "The decline in core computing skills is something we really want to address with Raspberry Pi. "Overcoming students' fear of programming for the first time is a critical step in unlocking the full potential of the smartest people in any industry."

A spokesman for Premier Farnell said: "It has been a phenomenal morning. We have had a huge amount of traffic, almost half a million hits in 15 minutes at one point.

Clearly there were a few issues but we are resolving them. This device is a phenomenal opportunity. It is a hugely powerful device; we are so excited about it."

The spokesman said that although the initial batch of computers had sold out, Premier Farnell would continue to take orders that would be fulfilled when the next batch arrived.

RS Components are offering customers a chance to register their interest in buying the Pi. The foundation said on their website that any profits it made from sales of the Pi would be given to charity.

A statement on the website read: "This first launch is aimed at software and hardware enthusiasts, makers, teachers and others who want to build exciting things with the Raspberry Pi before the official educational launch, which will happen later in 2012."

The Model B version of the computer can be used for various purposes with two USB slots, an HDMI slot, an SD memory card slot and an Ethernet port.

Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

technology news Microsoft unveils Windows 8 system & science

M

icrosoft has let consumers start trying out its upcoming touch-based operating system.

Windows 8 aims to power a new wave of computer tablets and traditional PCs and is designed to counter Apple's big gains in the market through its Macs and iPads.

The test "beta" version of the revamped

system was introduced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the world's largest mobile phone trade show, and borrows some of the look of Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 software for Windows 8.

Windows 8 does not have the traditional "Start" menu, and applications are spread across a mosaic of tiles in a design Microsoft calls "Metro" - seen as an attempt by the company as a scramble to preserve its market share.

Executives said it powers up on PCs in eight seconds, much faster than the previous version.

The tiles, which resemble road signs, can be navigated with a finger swipe on the screen or with a keyboard and mouse. But those testing out the new operating system will not be able to try out the finger swiping unless they already have systems enabled for touch use, and the system is not expected to make its official debut until September or October.

Microsoft executives in Barcelona showed

off how users can use their fingertips to swipe in and out of applications, and tilt upright computer screens to a flat position so they can be used as two-person gaming boards or big drawing tablets. A slim laptop had a hinge allowing it to be turned inside out so it could be used as a tablet instead.

"It's beautiful, it's modern, it's fast, it's fluid," said Steven Sinofsky, president of Microsoft's Windows division. "Windows 8 is a generational change in the windows operating system."

Microsoft is also opening an internet Windows Store where users can download applications for the operating system. Applications are free for those testing out the beta version, but would include both free and paid versions after the operating system is released.

The test version was downloaded by people from more than 70 countries as Microsoft gave its presentation about Windows 8, but the company did not immediately disclose the number of downloads.

Warning over Google privacy changes CIVIL rights campaigners have warned that people are "in the dark" about how Google's new privacy policy could affect them.

The policy has come into effect on Thursday, despite warnings it might violate the European Union's data protection rules. The change means private data collected by one Google service can be shared with its other platforms including YouTube, Gmail and Blogger.

Nick Pickles, director of privacy and civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch, warned that not enough had been done to ensure users were aware of what the changes meant for them. Google has said the changes will allows users to navigate between different services more easily and make search results more relevant.

But the EU's data protection authorities are concerned about the privacy effects of the policy and have asked French regulator CNIL to investigate. CNIL said its "preliminary analysis shows that Google's new policy does not meet the requirements of the European Directive on Data Protection".

In a letter posted on its website, CNIL said Google's explanation of how it will use the data was too vague and difficult to understand "even for trained privacy professionals". Google have said they are happy to discuss any concerns over the changes.

Peter Fleischer, Google's global privacy counsel, said: "Over the past month we have asked to meet with the CNIL on several occasions to answer any questions they might have, and that offer remains open.

"We are committed to providing our users with a seamless experience across Google's services, and to making our privacy commitments to them easy to understand."

But Mr Pickles said there needed to be more transparency from companies such as Google on how they used customers' personal information.

He said: "If people don't understand what is happening to their personal information, how can they make an informed choice about using a service?"

Conservative MP David Davis, a prominent campaigner on civil liberties, said: "If the state collected the amount of information on individuals as Google does there would be uproar. If Google continues to deliberately and sometimes covertly intrude on people's privacy then they are inviting countries to legislate to limit the freedom of action of all web companies."

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Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

Laughing owl seems to find life a hoot

w rldnews

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

Hank the cat running for US Senate seat in Virginia THE snowy owl appears to be throwing back his head, closing his eyes and letting out a huge belly laugh as he perches on a branch.

The image was taken by photographer Tin Man Lee, who hiked for miles to capture shots of the beautiful birds in their natural mountain habitat.

He said: ‘I think the owl was actually yawning – but it looks like its smiling. Owls usually have their eyes shut during the daytime, so it was really incredible to see this one pulling such a funny face.’

Mr Lee, from Los Angeles, timed his visit to the Olympic national park in Washington, US, so that he had the best chance of seeing the birds hunting in early February.

But his challenging 8km (five-mile) hike in strong Pacific Ocean winds to reach the spot was anything but funny. ‘I was walking on rotten tree branches when one of them broke,’ he said. ‘I was carrying my camera gear so I had to land on my knees. It was painful, but worth it to get this shot.’

The image is the latest to capture animals in apparent stages of mirth. Riley the dog won many fans when his ‘glee’ was captured at a birthday party, while other shots show a ‘smiling’ bumble bee and a ‘grinning’ Thornback ray.

Leap Day proposal goes wrong on air AIMEE surprised her boyfriend, a Bendigobased 3BO breakfast presenter, with the call on February 29th - the day on which women are traditionally 'allowed' to ask a man to marry them. With the help of Jones' colleague, Aimee rang the station to ask her beloved an 'important question'.

'I'm really nervous, I've been playing this over in my head,' she said. 'I really want to ask you a question, Ben ... that I've waited for years for you to ask, but obviously now I have to ask ... will you marry me?'

Yet her brave public proposal did not get the response she wanted, when after a short hesitation (and some cheering and whooping from his colleagues) Ben said: 'Aimee, you might as well get up off your knee.' Referring to the tradition that any man rejecting a proposal on February 29th must gift the woman a silk gown and a kiss, he added: 'You'll have a silk gown and a kiss when you get home from work. Sorry sweetie.' Through shocked laughter, Aimee said: 'But I don't have my dignity, do I?' Since the incident, radio host has admitted to doing some desperate grovelling, saying: 'It may not have been my greatest move.' However, he insists that he refused the marriage proposal only because he is a traditionalist and feels he should do the asking.

Hank, a nine-year-old former street cat, has a strong presence on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter while also having his own website.

W

ith a slogan of 'milk in every bowl', Hank's run for election is based around job creation with the feline candidate described as a 'proud independent'.

Hank's promotional materials paint a picture of him having 'real world experience, a unique point of view, and limitless energy'.

On his official website Hank states: 'If I had to sum up my feelings for Virginia's future, I would have to say: Meow.'

'When I'm elected to the Senate, I'm going to work hard to make sure that there is milk in every bowl across this great nation.'

Also in the race for election are two former Virginia governors, Republican George Allen and Democrat Tim Kaine.

However, with all the buzz surrounding him, Hank will certainly be feline confident that he can compete well for the seat vacated by Democrat senator Jim Webb.

Virginia voters have even been treated to an advert as part of the 'cat-paign', in an attempt to usher Hank into power.

Double yellow lines painted across middle of road confuse residents Residents of Headington, Oxfordshire, have been left perplexed after council workers decided to paint double yellow lines across the middle of local roads.

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LOCALS have no idea why the lines have been placed there, as there is no problem with people parking in the middle of roads.

Dominic Francis, of Stephen Road, Oxford told the Daily Mail: 'They are really baffling.

'What I would take from it is you cannot park in the middle of the road.

'But I cannot understand what the council is doing. It must be some sort of mistake.'

However, Oxfordshire County Council says the lines, which are now crossing highways on a number of local streets, are part of a trial

scheme to try and discourage drivers from cutting through residential areas.

'The aim is to make the junction look more residential and deter drivers who are less familiar with the area from using side roads as a rat run,' said a spokesman for the authority.

It is just one way the council is spending part of the £500,000 set aside for the New Headington Transport Improvements scheme.

Local city councillor Ruth Wilkinson was not impressed, telling the Mail: 'It makes you wonder what they will think of next.'

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Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

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naturalhealth How to Fall Asleep Fast

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.

1. Take a deep breath and choose some mundane external sound to focus on. It could be the sound of a fan, or of distant traffic, the refrigerator motor, the air conditioner – any consistent and mundane sound.

2. Do nothing but tune into that sound. Just listen to it.That is all!

When you engage your attention toward an external, meaningless noise, the brain’s autopilot function turns off. Your mind calms down.

You sleep.Try it.

How to fall asleep fast – conclusion By turning off the part of your brain responsi-

FALLING asleep quickly involves two things: a tired body and a calm mind. Without both of these things, you will not fall asleep! No matter how tired your body is, if your mind is not calm, you will lie awake in your own private hell. Learning how to fall asleep fast requires calming your mind.

The massive problem here is there are a million mind-calming methods out there, from self-hypnosis to meditation to breath work protocols, but rarely do they help the chronic insomniac.Why? Because a cranky little brain region called the Default Mode Network(DMN), responsible for what is commonly known as autopilot thinking, is more powerful than mind management techniques.

Autopilot thinking: Lying in bed with your mind churning endlessly on the problems of the day. Scientists have discovered that the DMN is responsible for this steady stream of thoughts that won’t turn off, according to the March 2010 issue of Scientific American.With the DMN active and creating an ocean of mental commotion, sleep is impossible, no matter how tired your body is.

How to fall asleep fast – the key The key to how to fall asleep fast, then, is to turn off the DMN. When you do, your mind instantly calms down and your body relaxes.

Can this be done? It turns out that it can be done quite simply. In fact, it is so simple to turn off this powerful brain network that medical researchers did not believe the results of studies that proved it (Scientific American) Better still, when you do turn it off, you fall asleep quickly.

The key is to find what series of events deactivate the DMN so you can rest.

How to fall asleep fast – the technique It turns out the key to calming the mind and learning how to fall asleep fast is not an internal process. It is an external process. In other words, you cannot quiet the mind with the noisy mind.You have to go elsewhere! In this case, you need to stop focusing your attention

ble for creating the inner commotion, noise, tension and mental activity associated with primary insomnia, you can learn how to fall asleep fast.

If this simple technique does not work for you after some practice, then one of the following may apply: 1. You do not have primary insomnia, but another issue, such as RLS, sleep apnoea, etc…

2.You have slightly more complex internal concerns, which require one level deeper intervention with the DMN.

on your inner mind and begin to tune in to where it is calm and quiet – outside the mind.

When you do, the DMN disengages (yes, this major brain network actually turns off, as measured by fMRI scans) and you fall asleep.

Here’s the method for how to fall asleep fast:

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Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

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Overeating Linked to Memory Loss, Mental Decline

OLDER people who consume a diet very high in calories may be increasing their risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the memory loss and mental-function problems that sometimes precede Alzheimer’s disease.

In a new study of more than 1,200 people in their 70s and 80s, Mayo Clinic researchers found that men and women who consumed at least 2,143 calories per day had more than double the odds of having MCI compared with those who consumed 1,526 calories per day or less.

Federal health officials recommend that women over age 50 consume between 1,600 and 2,200 calories per day, depending on how physically active they are, and that men in the same age group aim for between 2,000 and 2,800 calories. But the guidelines emphasize the importance of balancing calorie intake and physical activity in order to maintain a healthy weight, not specific calorie amounts.

This emphasis on calorie balance points to a key limitation of the new study: Although Geda and his colleagues took into account

extenuating factors such as body mass index, genetic susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease, and medical history (including heart disease, strokes, and diabetes), they had no data on exercise and physical activity. Future studies will need to examine both sides of the calorie equation, Geda says.

The study participants, all of whom hailed from Olmsted County, Minn., filled out a detailed questionnaire about their typical diet over the previous year.They also underwent a series of memory and cognitive tests.

None had dementia, but the researchers determined from the test results that 163 had MCI. MCI is “the gray zone between normal aging and dementia,” Geda says.“People with MCI are not demented [but] they are forgetful a little more than expected for their age.” This forgetfulness goes beyond senior moments (such as misplacing car keys), and might include forgetting airplane flights and other important appointments, he adds.

Although it remains to be proven, there is a plausible scientific explanation for how overeating might erode mental function.

Consuming a high-calorie diet may spur production of harmful, oxygen-containing molecules, and these so-called oxidative radicals may accumulate in cells and cause neurons to break down, Geda says.

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Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

20

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

Surfing was once banned

WIN! €25

1. Bond an alternative way in West Cork angling centre, with much of archaeological interest. (6) 3. Ever a lad in turmoil, he founded Fianna Fáil in 1926 and later wrote the Irish Constitution. (2,6) 8. Cardinal in the six counties? (5) 10. Do well at, what, apparently, a toothless bird might do? (7) 11. Eggs hidden in a Mayo valley. (3) 12. No, it returns after 11 across to get approving cheers. (7) 13. Politician picker in overt disorder. .....(5) 14. ....... and the celebration he chooses? (5) 17. Turn article in front of commercial vehicle in prosperous Meath town, a Pale outpost with no name. (5) 18. "Ah, fill the ---: what boots it to repeat How time is slipping underneath our feet." Fitzgerald. (3) 19. Harmoniously in tune with medicine? (5) 21. Move stealthily when snake uncoils. (5) 25. Stimulate happiness in Clonmel at Easter. (5) 27. Drag elf over to famous song written by James M. Connell of Roscommon in 1889. (3,4) 28. Cold runner seen in Tulsk incident. (3) 29. Tear V.I.P. to shreds, but not in public. (7) 30. Put up pikes on Cork Island used as a prison. (5) 31. His Irene travelled over to the smallest of the three Aran Islands. (8) 32. Help up in Roscommon seat of bishopric founded by 10 down. (6)

Surfing was noticed by Europeans for the first time in 1767 at Tahiti. In 1777, English discoverer Captain James Cook (1728 – 1779) wrote that he saw how inhabitants of the islands around Tahiti and Oahu were riding the waves on boards. Later, when missionaries were sent to the islands they banned surfingbecause they thought it immoral. No explanation was given. But the sport of surfing would return soon.

In 1866, Mark Twain visited Hawaii, noting, “In one place we came upon a large company of naked natives, of both sexes and all ages, amusing themselves with the national pastime of surfbathing.” Note that he mentioned that just male and female adults and children surfed.

Surfing became popular worldwide after European and US soldiers who were posted on the Pacific islands took the sport home.

The above image represents an artistic impression of surfing in Hawaii. See the history of surfing at Surfing For Life. The latest international surfing news can be found at Surfing Magazine.

DOWN 1. Bound over, then ran to popular Donegal resort with a famous golf course and lots of entertainment. (8) 2. Avert rain with difficulty, and that's some story. (9) 4.Veal Co. in liquidation due to recess, going to the wall.

(6) 5. Bring force to bear on unknown spot in uprooted tree. (5) 6. In Clonard a rainbow enveloped Donegal village famous for Donegal tweed. (6) 7. Coins calm one confused in Offaly holy place where Rory O'Connor, the last High King, is buried . (12) 9. Locks are concealed in Bansha irrigation. (4) 10. Pick a tin star. (anag.) Welcome visitor to Ireland in 432 A.D. and remembered ever since! (5,7) 15. Foreign street of regret. (3) 16. Flesh in us is wrinkled in an altruistic way. (9)

20. Hence log runs amok in Tipperary village down the Vee road from the Knockmealdown Gap. (8) 22. Help Di up to beautiful Mayo spot in the mountains near Doo Lough, where Prince Charles stayed. (6) 23. Separate and could be had etc. (6) 24. Paradoxicaly, these could be evens, of course. (4) 26. I bail out, but this says I was elsewhere.

Congratulations!

Our Latest Winner Catherine Pettigrew of Castlebar, Co. Mayo

To be in with a chance of winning, fill out the crossword and your your name, telephone number and address and post to Puzzle Time Competition, Northwest Express, Unit 3, Riverview House, Barret Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo. - Good Luck!!

55. zees (2) 56. zeks (2) 57. cee (1) 58. ecu (1) 59. eek (1) 60. ego (1) 61. eke (1) 62. eon (1) 63. fee (1)

64. fen (1) 65. fes (1) 66. fez (1) 67. foe (1) 68. fog (1) 69. fon (1) 70. gee (1) 71. gen (1) 72. gos (1)

73. kef (1) 74. keg (1) 75. ken (1) 76. nee (1) 77. neg (1) 78. nog (1) 79. nos (1) 80. oes (1) 81. one (1)

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46. seen (2) 47. sego (2) 48. segs (2) 49. sene (2) 50. skee (2) 51. skeg (2) 52. sone (2) 53. suck (2) 54. ukes (2)

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82. ose (1) 83. see (1) 84. seg (1) 85. sen (1) 86. six (1) 87. son (1) 88. suk (1) 89. uke (1) 90. xis (1)

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37. keno (2) 38. neck (2) 39. negs (2) 40. noes (2) 41. nogs (2) 42. nose (2) 43. ogee (2) 44. ones (2) 45. seek (2)

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   01/#66'4*19$+)145/#..  9*; 016 #&8'46+5' 6*'/ (149+6*75 +/2.;6':6;174#&8'4661  

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Death penalty for selling sour wine The French Revolution started when revolutionaries stormed the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789. Meant to rid the country of the nobles once and for all, far more members of the general public than the nobles met with the guillotine. Of the approximately 16,000 people killed in the three following years, only 10% were nobles, most having escaped.

A large number of people were executed on the denouncements of jealous friends or neighbors. For instance, selling sour wine was considered against national interest and the merchant was promptly executed.

Biggest ever bail paid by a person When David Hasselhoff’s ex, Pamela Bach, got arrested on DUI the Hoff rushed out and paid her bailof $100,000.That’s a lot of dough. But not as much as loanmoan Al Malnik forked out to get Michael Jackson back into the open air: $3 million. A mere pittance, British billionaire banker Julius Meinl IV will tell you, compared to what he had to post after being arrested by the Austrian authorities in connection with the collapse of value of the investment fund managed by his Meinl Bank: a world record $133 million bail.

Money made from cotton and linen Money notes are not made from paper, it is made mostly from a special blend of cotton and linen.

In 1932, when a shortage of cash occurred in Tenino, Washington, USA, “notes” were made  out of wood for a brief period.   :*+)* The wood notes came in $1, $5  and $10 values.

3    The world’s largest coins, in size and standard value, were copper plates used in Alaska around 1850. They were about 3 ft (1 metre) long, about 2 ft (half-a-metre) wide, weighed 90 lb (40 kg), and were worth $2,500.

A collector of coins, tokens, and (145#.'+02'4('%6%10&+6+10 related objects is called a nu%#0$'6'56'&#0;6+/'(+456 '#5; &4; 176&114 %*#+45 mismatist. A collector of paper 615''9+..$7;4+%'> 7+6#$.' (14 &1/'56+% #0& money is called a notaphilist. !'. %1//'4%+#. 75' 4+%' >       

28. geek (2) 29. gees (2) 30. geez (2) 31. gene (2) 32. goes (2) 33. gone (2) 34. keef (2) 35. keen (2) 36. kegs (2)

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19. cuke (2) 20. cusk (2) 21. ecus (2) 22. egis (2) 23. egos (2) 24. ekes (2) 25. foes (2) 26. fogs (2) 27. geck (2)

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10. necks (3) 11. ogees (3) 12. scene (3) 13. seeks (3) 14. skeen (3) 15. skees (3) 16. skegs (3) 17. skene (3) 18. cees (2)

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1. scenes (4) 2. skenes (4) 3. cukes (3) 4. feeze (3) 5. gecks (3) 6. geeks (3) 7. genes (3) 8. gonef (3) 9. kenos (3)

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

History of football A sport similar to football (called soccer in the United States and elsewhere) was played 3000 years ago in Japan. Chinese text from 50 BC mentions football-type games between teams from Japan and China. A text dating from 611 AD confirms that football was played in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan.

Ancient Greeks and Romans also played a game that resembled football – although the Greeks permitted carrying of the ball.

Olympic games in ancient Rome featured a 50-minute football game with twenty-seven men on a side.

Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

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Just 5 mins from Ballina

JOIN Ballet Theatre UK's internationally acclaimed company of gifted dancers, along with over forty handcrafted costumes and three glittering sets as they reawaken the magic of the world's favourite fairy tale in an enchanted world of castles, curses, forests and fairies.

Be enchanted by Tchaikovsky’s glori-

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

ous music and stunning classical choreography in this timeless classic “Sleeping Beauty” to be staged at the Royal Theatre, on Wednesday 23rd May 2012.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, Princess Aurora lived in an enchanted castle where fairies bestowed her with gifts of beauty, temperament, purity, joy and generosity. The wicked

Fairy Carabosse places a curse on Aurora; to prick her finger on a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday...and die! The beautiful and kind Lilac Fairy casts a spell to counter the curse so that instead of dying Aurora fell asleep for a hundred years. Only the touch of true love's kiss could awaken her and undo the evil spell...

The Ballet Theatre UK is delighted to add that their production of 'The Sleeping Beauty' has already sold out in various venues in the UK, breaking all records and becoming the quickest selling production for their theatre. Many of their international and talented dancers have trained and performed with The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and other major ballet companies both in the UK and abroad. So come along and see them bring the most magical and captivating moments of classical ballet alive, to delight audiences of all ages.

See for yourself whether they live happily ever after at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on Wednesday 23rd May. Tickets €18/€20 are on sale now from the Royal Theatre Box Office on 0818 300 000.

Also available on www.RoyalTheatre.ie and ticketmaster.

For School and Group bookings please call 094 90 23111.

Sligo photographer - Mark Capilitan exhibition

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When?

Ballina, Co. Mayo

21

ligo Wide exhibition is a collection of sixteen panoramic photographs taken by Sligo. Shot almost entirely in County Sligo, all but one of the exhibited images have been shot on film, a format Mark almost always chooses when out looking for panoramic landscape images.

Why panoramic? There is something intrinsically epic about the panoramic format. The panoramic frame (especially when printed large and viewed close) requires the eye to scan from side-to-side and conveys a total visual experience.

Light is the most important aspect of any photograph, but especially when you want to show the gorgeous landscape of County Sligo in a different way! The harsh but fabulous winter of 2010/2011 led to some of the most amazing sunrises and sunsets over Sligo and Sligo Wide showcases some of these moments.

Sligo Wide is Mark Capilitan’s first solo photographic exhi-

bition. Completely self-taught, Mark started his photography career shooting motorsport all over England and Europe, before becoming a senior Formula 1 photographer for a couple of years – the only Irish photographer to do so. Towards the end of 2006 Mark left F1 behind, and moved back to Sligo to specialise in wedding photography! He’s been photographing weddings ever since.

The travel he now does has influenced his venture into panoramic photography. Being inspired by leading panoramic photographers such as Ken Duncan, who showcase the brilliant colour and elegant terrain in nature, Mark decided if they can show the unbelievable conditions around the world, then why not try and do the same around Sligo. It’s just a matter of waiting for the right conditions! Sligo Wide opens on 26th March until 23rd April at The Atrium, Nazareth House, Church Hill, Sligo. Admission is free.

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Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

Focus on Castlebar Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

23

Mayo College: Now Enrolling now for all courses

C

astlebar (Irish: Caisleán an Bharraigh, meaning "Barry's Castle") is the county town of, and at the centre of, County Mayo in Ireland. It is Mayo's largest town by population. The town's population exploded in the late 1990s, increasing by one-third in just six years, though this massive growth has slowed down greatly in recent years. A campus of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and the Country Life section of the National Museum of Ireland are two important local amenities. The town is connected by railway to Dublin and the neighbouring Mayo towns of Westport and Ballina. The town has several small satellite villages around it, such as Breaffy and Parke. The main route by road is the N5. Its economy is primarily service-based. Population as of 2011 is 15,214.

Entertainment Castlebar has a selection of places to eat and drink. There is a broad range of types of food available: Italian (Al Muretto, Portifino Italiano), Indian, Chinese, Irish (An Carraig), Cox's and fast food (Cafollas, Danollas, Blue Thunder, Top Nosh, Supermacs, Dominos Pizza, McDonalds and Apache Pizza) as well as cafes (Cafe Rua, Moka and McCarthys).

A lot of the public houses closed during the building boom during the 1990s. In 1990, Castlebar had 54 licensed premises, although this number had fallen to fewer

than 30 public houses by 2008. Castlebar is a garrison market town; there was a tradition of open air markets mostly selling livestock, which meant there was a healthy daytime drinking trade in Castlebar, but this has disappeared. For a combination of factors since the introduction of the smoking ban and the EU single payment grant to farmers, most public houses offer food to help subsidize the drop in alcohol sales.

One of the oldest pubs in Castlebar is John McHale's pub, located on New Line. The pub is known for its sale of a Meejum of Guinness, which is slightly less than a pint. It once officially had 'the best pint of Guinness in Ireland' according to a national tabloid.

Economy Castlebar is traditionally a market town, and it is still a major destination for shoppers from all over the west of Ireland. It boasts an increasing number of national and international chain stores, and several new shopping areas have been developed in the past 10–12 years on what were considered the outskirts of the town. The modern shopping precinct along Hopkins Road is now the commercial heart of the town, surpassing Main Street. Stores include Argos, Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Aldi, Next and Homebase, as well as smaller names such as McLoughlins Bookshop and Liam Cannons Fruit & Veg. The area known as Moneeen also hosts some leading stores such as Petstop, Ezi Living, Curves Fitness centre, Hurst heating and Plumbing, Jackson engineering, Disability aids direct, Mayo College of hairdreeing, Annre tobins Beauty and Roadstone to namre a few.

Castlebar is the second largest retail centre in Connacht, after Galway city. It comes in ahead of Sligo, despite that town's greater population. A survey by consultants Experian showed that €284 million is spent in by shoppers in Castlebar every year. The Irish Retail Centre Rankings show Castlebar is the 12th largest retail centre in Ireland in terms of retail spend, and 20th on the island of Ireland overall.

Major renovations have taken place on Main Street, Linen Hall Street and Castle Street in recent months. This has resulted in a more pedestrian friendly environment with attractive features.

T

he Mayo College is a private college located in Castlebar. The Mayo College is pleased to introduce its courses on offer that are all accredited internationally and are world wide recognised. City & Guilds, ITEC, FETAC and VTCT. Our beauty courses include Beauty specialist, Holistic Massage, Makeup and nail technology. Our hairdressing courses range from beginners to the more advanced.

Our barbering course range from basic barbering, hot towel shaving to advanced barbering.

Hair Dressing • Fast Track • Full Time • Part Time (stage 1) • Part Time (stage 2) • Junior Hair and Beauty Academy • Assessors Programme for Hairdressing • Wig Making • Wig Styling • Evening Classes • FETAC Level 5 Hairdressing

Barbering Courses • Barbering Stage 1 • Barbering Stage 2 • Assessors Programme for Barbering DUBLIN • Fast Track Barbering

Beauty Courses • • • • •

The Country Life Museum

All our tutors are highly trained in their area of expertise with all student working and training in a salon environment giving you the best training for future demands in the industry.

New to the college in September full time Hairdressing and Barbering combined covering all aspect of ladies hairdressing and mans barbering techniques.

If you are in receipt of any social welfare benefit you may be entitled to funding.

For further information on our courses visit www.mayocollege.ie or call 0940960963

Beautician Holistic Massage Part Time Hot Stone Massage Part time Beauty Theraphy Full Time Beauty Specialist Part Time

Focus on Castlebar Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

24 “Shampoodles” Grooming Parlour NOW OPEN in our Sligo Store

Northwest Express March 8th, 2012

25

Beat the Recession!

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Turf Buckets also available

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Goldfish...............................99 cent each (Castlebar/Sligo only) Complete Dog Food 15kg 2 for.....€20.00 Lazy Bone Dog beds 2 for.............€20.00 Dog Cottages (6 sizes)From........€28.00 Polish Doubles..buy 10 and get 11th free

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NORTHWEST GUTTERING S E RV I C E

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SERVICES AVAILABLE • Aluminium & uPVC Fascias & Soffit Systems • Seamless & uPVC Guttering • Wide Range of Colours Available • Insurance repairs

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Various Sies and Colours, suitable for all roofing works.

uPVC Wall & Ceiling Panelling

Suitable for domestic and business use (i.e hygiene areas) Available in various colours and styles.

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For existing gable barges (concrete or timber) to prevent lifting from wind.

Fascias, Soffit and Guttering Various colours

• Fully Insured • C2 Registered • Certified Installers

C

urves 30 minute fitness and weight loss club castlebar will be joining curves international to benifit our local food banks.Last year the curves foodrive collected over 4.9 million kilos of food for local communities worldwide.

In 2006 curves castlebar collected the 3rd highest amount of food out of 10,000 locations worldwide - a total of 19,590 lbs of which food was distributed to womans shelter, St Vincent de Paul and other local food banks. When you bring two bags of non perisable items you can join Curves for free.

The food drive will run from 1st - 20th March, all food donations are welcome.

Call us on 094 9250805 for more details.