Northwest Express October 20th 2011

Page 1

CK MONUMENTAL LTD

20 October 2011 Issue 29 - Volume 12

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‘Secret’ €2m profit deal before Court

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Arthur Grady, Damien Tansey (solicitor) John Grady and Kieran Grady leaving the court on Tuesday following the first day of the hearing. Photo Credit: Courtpix

A

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The case which was instigated in 2009 is going to prove expensive as eight weeks have been allocated for the proceedings. Three businessmen, through their solicitor, Damien Tansey claim they suf-

fered a loss of €2.4m on the purchase of the Hazelwood House site from Saehan Media Group by Foresthaze Developments, a company of which former EU Commissioner Ray Mac Sharry was chairman.

Arthur, Kieran and John Grady of TJ Grady Ltd. Brackloon, Co Mayo, have taken the case against Kenneth McMoreland, formerly of Gilroy Gannon accountants, and quantity surveyor Jack McMahon, plus a number of other named defendants including Foresthaze. They claimed Mr McMoreland and Gilroy Gannon offered them the investment opportunity in 2006. They had previously invested with, and received advice from, Gilroy Gannon. They were invited as part of a consortium to take part in the €11.5m euro deal, and at one meeting were told Ray McSharry would be involved in the investment as chair of Foresthaze. Mr McMoreland last year secured orders joining seven persons -- Ray MacSharry Senior, Alcantar, Pearse Road, Sligo; Ray MacSharry Junior, Weston House, Johnstown, Naas, Co Kildare; Marc MacSharry, Fatima, Pearse Road, Sligo; Gerard Healy, c/o Kevinsfort Ltd, Castle Street, Sligo; Damien Torsney, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4; and Edward Donaghy and Jacqueline Donaghy, Castletown, Drumcliffe, Co Sligo -- as third parties to the case. The court heard yesterday the plaintiffs would claim, that unknown to the Grady's, Mr McMoreland had entered a contract to buy the site for €9.5m and it was then to be sold for €11.5m to the consortium. Continued on Page 2

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‘Secret’ €2m profit deal before Court continued from front page It was also claimed a deposit was paid to Saehan for €985,000 and a deadline of August 2006 had been set for the sale, which it claimed put time pressure on the deal to involve investors and complete the purchase. The Grady's senior counsel Michael Cush said his clients knew nothing of

these arrangements. The Grady's are seeking over €2m in damages alleging fraudulent claims had been made by Mr McMoreland. Foresthaze was formed in 2006 with Mr McMoreland then holding 56% of shares, there were also other shareholders at that time including Mr McSharry as chairman who had 18pc with his son Marc McSharry holding 6pc. The land was to be developed into housing by Foresthaze. Senior counsel Mr. Cush said his clients were not "original investors" and that the extent any of the original investors knew about these arrangements was a "matter of dispute among them". Ray MacSharry had made the headlines in January last year when he described as “a complete fraud” the accountant who allegedly sought to make secret profits from the deal. The case continues. Story courtesy of sligotoday.ie

Ken McMoreland, accountant and tax specialist, outside the court this week.

Sligo businessman withdraws from ‘Dragon’ Deal A ROW has broken out over the collapse of one of presidential candidate Sean Gallagher's 'Dragons' Den' investment offers after the contestants withdrew from the deal. David Roberts and Martin Hendriken featured on 'Dragons' Den' in February this year, pitching their company Grow Rings. The pair manufactures flexible containers for potting plants, but after initially agreeing to an offer of €40,000 for 40pc by dragons Sean Gallagher and Bobby Kerr, they rejected the deal. Mr Roberts explained why he and his business partner cancelled the investment, saying the dragons were slow to sign the contracts. The Sligo-based businessman also complained that Mr Gallagher and Mr Kerr were seeking ownership of too much of the company. Mr Roberts was quoted in the Independent as saying: "Looking back on what they asked for, I know it's TV but

they kind of had us over a barrel ... afterwards we thought, 40pc isn't really that fair. "I got the impression that they were a little taken aback." Mr Gallagher's spokeswoman did not address questions on the failure of the deal with Grow Rings. However, Bobby Kerr last night called Mr Roberts's view on how the deal played out "rubbish" and said: "Sean and I were shafted." He said he was "shocked" by their treatment. On the accusation that they were slow to invest he said: "I'm never going to give anybody any money until I know where it's being spent." Mr Kerr added: "They used us, they used our contacts, got their introduction, got the benefit of the show and then backed out of a deal that they'd shaken hands on." On Mr Roberts's complaint that the dragons were seeking too much, Mr Kerr said: "Well, why did they agree if they thought it was unfair? That's rubbish."

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regionalnews

Scary weekend planned for Ballina around with younger children during the day and tell their own s stories of fairies and witches”, she said. To add to the occasion the festival will also feature a mixture of Hallowe’en themed film and theatre, thanks to the Ballina Arts Centre. It will include a special staging of the Edgar Allen Poe classic “The Tell Tale Heart” by Ballina’s Stephen Doyle. Indeed, it is acknowledged that the intermingling of ideas between the Chamber and the Arts Centre has been both innovative and beneficial and will add a new dimension to this year’s event. The Arts Centre will host a workshop for young people on Saturday, October 29th, from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., which will provide the children with an opportunity to make their very own stop motion horror film. There will also be a monster-making workshop. iRadio are offering 30 days prime advertising in a special Frightening Fuineogo competition for businesses in the town. This will entice businesses/retailers, etc to get into the spirit of the festival by decorating their windows. There will also be a Creepy Caca competition in which amateur bakers will get a chance to win a prize for the most frightening cake (not referring to taste, of course). Booking is important for all events and more information can be obtained from Ballina Arts Centre, Barrett St. (096) 73593 or Ballina Chamber of Commerce on 09672300.    

Dear Editor,

I would like to offer a very sincere THOSE who participated in the scary woods “Thank You” to the people of the walk last year as part of the Samhain Abhainn West and Northwest. festival will have much to look forward to This summer, Oxfam appealed to the next weekend. Irish public to help people suffering Ballina Chamber’s annual festival (Samhain from the effects of famine in Somalia; Abhainn) takes place this year from October and an extreme food crisis in Kenya 28th to 31st. Belleek Woods will, once again and Ethiopia, as East Africa experi- become the focus for the scary woods walk enced its worst drought in 60 years. which proved so frighteningly popular last The people of the west and north- year. west immediately responded and did According to Ballina Chamber of Comso with extraordinary generosity. merce PRO Sandra Cribbin, this year’s event Because of the overwhelming pub- will be the best yet:”This year we have lic support, Oxfam has so far been worked to make the scary walks more accesable to help more than 1.8 million sible to all ages. With the help of members people across the region, and we are from the local dramatic society and panaiming to scale up programmes to tomime group, we really hope to bring the reach 3.5 million people in the com- fear factor to haunt those brave enough to ing months. come on the tour from 6 p.m. onwards. Oxfam has supported more than 1 “We are also inviting parents to walk million pastoralists and refugees by    expanding our essential water, sanita    tion and hygiene activities – including   reaching 64,000 Somalis in Dadaab        refugee camp alone by digging and re        pairing wells and boreholes, and pro      viding latrines. As well as providing      desperately-needed food distribu$;564#2!*'5')7+6#45#4'  tions and cash transfers, Oxfam is 4#4'#0&%#0016$'$17)*6  also helping those who have livestock  +0 5*125 #0;/14' 4+%'  to keep them healthy and vaccinated. >!'. With our local partners we are imHUNDREDS are expected to descend on IT Sligo later this plementing the single largest nutrition       programme in South Central Somalia, week to attend a major conference on children. Among them will be Minister for Children Frances Fitzger    treating more than 12,000 severely be just  Finlay, who will  01/#66'4*19$+)145/#.. malnourished children and pregnant ald and the CEO of Barnardo’s, Fergus some of the keynote speakers at the conference.  9*; 016 #&8'46+5' 6*'/ and breast-feeding mothers per Up to 100 practitioners, policy  makers , academics and stu (149+6*75 month in Mogadishu.   conference  +/2.;6':6;174#&8'4661 Right now 13 million people   are af- dents will attend the “Our Children- our future”      fected and unfortunately the   crisis  is this Thursday and Friday. The conference is organised by PLE – a network of 17     expected to get  worse.  Below aver third level in early child    colleges   that provide degree courses age rainfall is  predicted  in the region  hood  to be discussed   care and education.   Among the issues from now to December.    arethe impact of media violence on children, the early sex     This is a man-made crisis as much      health  impacts  of child- %7561/)7+6#4!*+5  children  and the mental as it is a natural disaster. As well as ualisation of hood adversity. )7+6#4 *#5 0'8'4 $''0       saving livestoday, Oxfam is looking to   The Irish social science platform, the Re2.#;'&+6+5+02'4('%6%10  Border Midlands  4+%'> make sure people in the area will have gion committees, the HSE and IT Sligo a better future.That starts &+6+104+%'>101 !  of County Childcare   with deliv- are all involved in hosting the forum. ering humanitarian assistance to !'.    help communities to build back their resilience. It continues by investing in  ways to help small scale farmers  and  pastoralists improve productivity and improve food security so they are better prepared for the future. It also involves campaigning on a whole   range of issues that keep people such   as those affected trapped in poverty  and vulnerable to these kinds of      crises. Drought will inevitably strike    the region again, but the crisis need  Maintenance    Cards • Grave • Memorial not be repeated. If communities and    • Unique Headstones   countries in the region are more re• Personalised Granite Plaques & Hearts silient they will be better able to react  of drought.  2&-/) • Headstones & Additional Inscriptions to sustained periods With    your support Oxfam will continue to         work in the region and beyond to       GET YOUR MEMORIAL CARDS FOR FREE when you achieve that goal.  

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Halloween at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park October 28th – November 6th Special Halloween Themed activities will run over the Bank Holiday weekend and right through the Halloween week The Lough Key Visitor Centre will be scarily themed for the occasion. We encourage all our visitors to dress for the Halloween Fest!!! •The Conor Lambert Custard Pie Puppet Show • Boda Booo! • Pumpkin Carving • Costume Competition • Face painting • Craft Classes • Festive Menu with Ghoulish Delights For more details on all the above please log onto www.loughkey.ie Autumn and winter at Lough Key is every bit as beautiful as the summer which is why the new visitor centre and attractions at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park will be open through the seasons.

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regionalnews

Do You Have any news or photos for us? Email them into us at

email: info@theexpress.ie

24 October 2012 is digital TV switchover day

Sligo Council support Gael Scoil teachers MEMBERS of Sligo Borough Council have come out to support the campaign by management of the Gael Scoil in the town to prevent the imminent loss of two permanent teaching staff at the end of this month. At its meeting on Monday night, the Council unanimously adopted a motion calling for solidarity and support for the school in its bid to overturn the decision by the Department of Education. From the end this month, Gael Scoil Cnoc Na Ri in Ballydoogan will lose its seven teacher complement ofstaff, and will bereduced to six teachers, with the school principal  returning to teaching duties. The parents of pupils attending the school also attended a separate meeting on the issue on Mon   Cawley, who is day night. Borough Councillor, David    also a parent of a pupil at the Gael Scoil, says the support of the local authority on the matter is im portant. The parents are fighting  to retain the school’s status and the employment of the full com   plement ofteachers.

off in Northern Ireland on 24 October 2012, Digital UK announced today, in order to make the transition to digital as straightforward as possible for TV viewers and broadcasters. “The availability of digital television and the switching off of the analogue TV network in a year’s   time is avery positive thing for Ireland and will offer TV viewers a number of   benefits, such as clearer picture   additional and sound quality, more TV channels, radio    channels,  information services and high-definition    TV,” Rabbitte said.   “Importantly, digital TV also uses less space  in the broadcast spectrum band which means    that Ireland will join many other countries throughout Europe and the rest of the world    in freeing up space for other purposes, such as the provision of mobile or broadband  services,” Rabbitte added. Rabbitte said it is Important that we help people, particularly the 23pc of people still unaware of the digital TV switchover,   to un-  +%' derstand what it5is, its many COMMUNICATIONS Minister Pat Rabbitte services.  benefits,  when it they can go for guidhas revealed that 24 October 2012 will be TV viewers have a number of options, they is happening and where   the official date for Ireland’s digital TV can switch to the new national digital TV net- ance. “Our campaign will focus, in particular, on switchover – the date when analogue TV will work Saorview launched nationally by RTẾ in across   be switched off. May, or they can choose to move to a pay-TV ensuring that the250,000 households country whoare reliant on the analogue '4; As part of the campaign to inform the pub-  service,  such as Sky  or UPC, or broadband the TV service get the message. We are confilic, veteran broadcaster Gay Byrne will be services like Magnet’s Aertv.ie. 0     1&  the face of the Government’s campaign.  Plans to switchover work in concert with dent that our communications campaign will %      help us do this.We will also be engaging with *'..   NI switchover   Anyone who currently relies on an aerial community groups, organisations % voluntary    #&     to watch TV - about 250,000 households   Both Saorview  and the analogue networks and charities throughout the country,” Rab- '& across Ireland - will need to take action be- will operate in parallel 24 October next year. ,         fore 24 October 2012 to retain access to TV The analogue TV network will also be 8     #;5  turned  bitte said.

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However, she insisted that it is essential that students act responsibly if they are drinking at home as the practice can pose certain BBC STATIONS, UTV, CH4, FIVE, ITV STATIONS, NEWS, CARTOONS, MOVIES, RELIGIOUS risks. For example, at home, DOCUMENTRIES, MUSIC AND MANY MORE - OVER 200 STATIONS  TO CHOOSE FROM people rarely measure how *One TV point supplied and installed with satellite dish and much they are drinking,  digibox.     particularly in relation to    wine and spirits.     NEED EXTRA As a result, they are     TV POINTS? probably drinking far more   than they would in a pub or PLEASE ASK club. US  2&-/) Ms Sheehan also noted    FOR A that ‘there  is no closing      QUOTE time when it comes to home drinking'.  Furthermore, buy alcohol   when students  from an off-licence, ‘they tend to consume      everything they have bought'. One TV point supplied andinstalled with satellite dish, aerial and digibox  "So,  whether  it's a four-pack   of beer or a  is it will all be pol-  bottle ofwine,  the likelihood        ished off," she insisted.  She explained that all of these along   factors,  with increasing reports of anti-social behaviour    on college campuses, are the reasons why this Applies to Senior  theme was chosen for the 2012 competition. Citizens and Students It is open to all third-level students over the age of 18. Entries can be produced in the form You must present this ticket to avail of this offer Applies to all products and services of an advertisement or as a tool to be used as part of a public information campaign.This can include, for example, a short film or a phone app. Students interested in submitting an entry have until November 25 to complete  a short  WESTCOASTSATELLITES@IRELAND.COM proposal, outlining the idea behind their entry. / They will then have until March 2012 to deServing counties BY velop and complete their entry.There is a prize   Sligo,   INSURED Roscommon and Mayo AVIVA  fund of €5,000.

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IRISH people are now significantly more likely to drink alcohol in their own homes compared to a few years ago, drinkaware.ie has warned.  Drinkaware.ie is an initiative of MEAS (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society) and according to its chief executive, Fionnuala Sheehan, drinking at home ‘now constitutes more than 50% of alcohol consumption in Ireland, up from 30% a few years ago'. The website has just launched its annual film and multimedia competition for third level students, which is aimed at promoting the responsible consumption of alcohol. Dare2bdrinkaware.ie has been run for the last five years and the theme of the 2012 competition is ‘drinking in a home environment'. "Students, who are usually living off limited budgets, have always had a tendency to favour home drinking, or to combine having a few drinks at home with a night out in the pub. They consider it cheaper to drink at home than to drink in a bar," Ms Sheehan explained.

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Halloween and Keeping your Pets Safe! lost pet information as their pets have run off after being scared by fireworks. The ISPCA will Microchip your pet for you or any vet practice can arrange this quickly and easily. • DON’T leave animals in a room with lit candles or pumpkins. Dogs can have lethal tails, wagging all over the place. Make sure that lighted candles are kept where they cannot be knocked over by a wagging tail or by a curious cat. Not only could your pet start a fire, but they could severely burn themselves in the process. UNFORTUNATELY Halloween can be a very distressing time for animals.The ISPCA would like to remind owners to be especially vigilant about their pets at this time. • DON'T keep pets outdoors during Halloween and ensure that they have a safe, quiet place inside where they aren't frightened by all of the noise and excitement and where they cannot escape through the constantly open door. A quiet, inner room where they can't hear much of the noise from fireworks and loud bangs can help. Putting a radio or television on in the room can also be effective. When children are coming to the door to trick and treat, cats can quickly slip out the front door, and dogs sometimes try to bite unsuspecting kids, thinking that they're intruders. For everyone's safety, it's best to keep animals inside a bedroom or family room, away from all the commotion. Try and make sure that the dog isn’t left alone if its distressed. Ask your vet for more advise on keeping your pets calm. • DO ensure that pets always have effective identification. The ISPCA recommends that you have your pet microchipped and ensure that it is wearing a collar with identification in the event that it escapes from the house. Every year we get calls and visits from upset owners with

• DON'T dress animals up in costumes as many pets find this uncomfortable and stressful. DON'T take pets trick-or-treating. Dogs can become very distressed and confused by all the noise and activity with strange smells, costumes and loud bangs from fireworks. • DON'T let animals near bonfires, candles or other dangerous items. DO make sure that rabbits and other caged animals are safely secured in a garage or outbuilding, away from the sight and sound of fireworks. As an alternative, the cage can be covered with thick fabric to muffle the sound, making sure there is sufficient ventilation. Horses should be securely stabled or moved to a different location during fireworks displays in the area. • DO keep pets away from Halloween decorations and tell children not to share any sweets and chocolate with their pets. Chocolate is very bad for pets, read more.. • DO take a pet suspected of ingesting a harmful item or substance immediately to a veterinarian. • DON'T ignore animals in need. Report animal abuse and neglect immediately to An Gardai Siochana or contact the ISPCA at 1890 515 515.

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Enzyme ups infertility, miscarriage risk SCIENTISTS have discovered an enzyme, which in high doses is linked to infertility in women and in low doses, increases the risk of a miscarriage. According to researchers from Imperial College London, this enzyme, SGK1, appears to act as a ‘fertility switch' in women.They studied samples of tissue from the lining of over 100 women's wombs. All of the women were being treated for unexplained infertility or for recurrent miscarriage, which is defined as the loss of three or more consecutive pregnancies. The scientists found that the lining of the wombs of the women with unexplained infertility had high levels of SGK1. However, the lining of the wombs of those who had suffered recurrent miscarriages had low levels of the enzyme. Meanwhile, further tests in mice showed that a fall in SGK1 levels is essential for making the womb receptive to embryos.When extra copies of the SGK1 gene were implanted into the womb lining of the mice, they were unable to get pregnant. According to the researchers, this could have major implications for infertility treatment and may even lead to the development of new contraceptive options. "I can envisage that in the future, we might treat the womb lining by flushing it with drugs that block SGK1 before women undergo IVF. Another potential application is that increasing SGK1 levels might be used as a new method of contraception," explained lead researcher, Prof Jan Brosens. However, he warned that any infertility treatment that blocks SGK1 would have to produce only a short-term effect, as low levels after conception appear to increase the risk of miscarriage. "In the future, we might take biopsies of women's womb linings to identify abnormalities that might give them a higher risk of pregnancy complications, so that we can start treating them before they get pregnant," the researchers added. Details of these findings are published in the journal, Nature Medicine.

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Missing Killala woman features in calendar

Sandra Collins, missing for 10 years

MISSING Mayo woman, Sandra Collins, and many other missing persons will be highlighted due to an innovative project by a group of students from Co. Cork. The Transition Year students of Davis College in Mallow, Co Cork, have just produced the Forget Me Not calendar for 2012 to raise funds for the various groups involved in supporting the families of Ireland’s missing people. The calendar also highlights the date the people disappeared and, in some cases, includes messages and tributes from their families. Sandra Collins will be missing for eleven years on December 4th of this year. Her brother, Patrick, gave an emotional interview to local radio last week in which he appealed

for any help which might provide a clue to Sandra’s disappearance in order to provide closure for her distraught family. Patrick, travelled to Mallow on September 26th last for the official launch of the calendar which included a special vigil in remembrance of the country’s many missing people. The project was undertaken as Davis College’s entry into the Young Social Innovators (YSI) competition which challenges secondary school students to be active citizens within their community. The calendar represents just one aspect of a three part plan, which also involved the creation of a bumper sticker promoting the various organisations involved in assisting the searches for missing people nationally and the creation of a phone application outlining the steps to take if someone goes missing. The Forget Me Not project captured imaginations everywhere and evolved into a national campaign. The calendars will retail at €10 each with the proceeds going to national organisations involved in supporting and assisting families like the Collins family who are searching for their missing loved ones. Patrick could empathise with the suffering of the other families, but he remarked that it was lovely to think that this class of young people had been thinking of them. The Forget Me Not calendars will be on sale in Tesco stores nationwide from the end of October. Buying one will assist organisations helping the Collins and other such families throughout Ireland.

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Telephone: 09842758 Mobile: 0876472461 Taoiseach’s commitment to Mayo questioned A Castlebar councillor believes that Taoiseach Enda Kenny should be doing more for his own county and spend more time there rather than cutting tapes and raising Green Flags. Fianna Fáil’s Councillor Blackie Gavin has claimed that Enda Kenny has not delivered for his home town of Castlebar but Fine Gael’s Ger Deere has argued that Kenny is doing all he can in austere economic times. The row emerged after the Fine Gael led government last week announced that the new VEC regional headquarters for Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim would be located in Castlebar. Prior to that news Cllr Gavin had slammed the Taoiseach for not knowing what was happening in his own town and being too busy performing openings, which prompted a press release from Cllr Deere slamming Cllr Gavin’s quotes. Councillor Deere said Mr. Kenny was committed to Mayo and he was confident that when there is money to be distributed that Mayo and Castlebar would get their fare share. Councillolr Gavin questioned as to what the Taoiseach is doing for his home town. It is time he delivered.Young people are leaving the town in their droves because

there’s no work for them. “Sure, money might be tight but it seems to be dished out in other quarters and let Enda Kenny not be afraid to deliver to his own town. You saw Brian Cowan when he was Taoiseach bringing stuff to Offaly. I was up in Tullamore and their IDA Park is buzzing with activity and the gates are closed on the IDA Park in Castlebar. ‘’ “There is a lot you can do when you are sitting around the government table and that’s where Enda Kenny is. It is time something positive came to Castlebar. Enda Kenny was long enough in opposition criticising the government, let him deliver now that he’s leading the government.” Councillor Deere said: “Enda has over 30 councillors in Mayo and he meets them on a regular basis and very much stays in touch with what is happening on the ground.” He felt that Councillor Gavin’s criticism was incredible and unfair. But Councillor Gavin was sticking to his guns saying it would be a very serious issue if Castlebar lost the VEC. Michelle Mulherin [TD] was looking for the VEC to be located to Ballina and I wasn’t going to sit there like a dummy and say nothing, he said.

Cancer Lobby Group to target presidential candidates

THE Save Our Cancer Service Lobby Group in the North West is now targeting the Presidential Election in a bid to highlight their campaign for the full restoration of breast cancer services at Sligo General hospital. The group is vowing to stage protests once a month starting with a pink protest on O'Connell Street in Sligo on Saturday October 22nd from 2-5pm. The group also wishes to highlight the fact that Mammography services were to be in place in Sligo this month but the government representatives say mammography services will be in place by the end of 2011.

Catriona McGoldrick says the group members are stepping up their campaign and targeting the presidential candidates. During the protests the members will be distributing flyers outlining which political parties have made promises about the cancer services and the parties which have failed. Meanwhile, Minister of State and Sligo North Leitrim TD John Perry says that the mammography services will be in place in Sligo General. While he could not give a deadline the previous statement issued by the Health Minister that the service will be in place in the Fourth quarter still stands.

Councillor urges support for local businesses

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SLIGO’S Councillor Hubert Keaney (Fine Gael) has urged shoppers in Sligo and the north west to support smaller retail outlets. To do so, he is encouraging households to divert 10 -20 euro per week of their weekly shopping budget from the larger retailers to smaller local shops. “Everybody is aware off the difficult financial problems that are facing many off our local businesses. Particularly hard hit is the retail sector such as local shops, butchers, and greengrocer. These businesses are put under pressure by the large retailers with below cost selling and huge marketing budgets,” said Councillor Keaney. “Many consumers now have less disposable income and it is only natural that they are more price sensitive and thus attracted to the

large retailers. However, many off our small retailers offer excellent value for money, quality, and are generally supplying locally produced food. These business people are our neighbours; they are part off our community, and are generally very supportive of volunteer organisation within our communities. They deserve our support for the service they give to our communities and the employment they create.” Diverting 10 -20 euro per week to the small retailers from now until Christmas has the potential to give our local businesses a potential €5 million boost over this period. This €5 million of our money would be retained in our local communities and not transported out off the country by the multi nationals, according to the Councillor.


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Too many health facilities in west HSE West Chief

AGAINST a background of continuing cut-backs in the health service, and an announcement early this week that this trend was set to continue, a statement by a health chief in the west is certain to generate additional fears among those in need of health care in the region. The Director of Operations in the HSE West area, John Hennessy, has stated that “there are too many health facilities in the west and we are going to have to rationalise and streamline them”. Mr Hennessy confirmed that outside the acute hospital network stretching from Limerick to Donegal, there are 43 residential facilities scattered across the west. While Mr. Hennessy didn’t anticipate closures as such he pointed out that since the HSE west serves such a wide and disparate area in terms of geography he questioned whether the facilities would continue to operate on the same level and same scale as at present. The senior HSE official stated that the landscape had changed in relation to choice for patients for access to long-stay care. Mr Hennessy made his comments as the HSE’s assistant national director for finance, Liam Minihan, confirmed that HSE West would be seeking cost cuts totalling €33 million between now and the end of the year across all sectors. This is in order to bridge a €49 million shortfall which was identified at the end of July, made up of a €46.3 million hospital deficit and €3 million deficit in primary community continuing care. Mr Minihan said the savings would be made in the hospitals across the west through addressing overtime, agency and absenteeism costs along with seasonal closures. At national level the HSE’s recruitment

John Hennessy, RDO HSE West

freeze, originally intended for the duration of September, will now continue until the end of October.While the plan has to date led to cutbacks in jobs, beds and some services, the HSE and the Minister for Health has denied that the savings measures are directly affecting patient care or frontline services. Opposition parties, health service unions and others have claimed the cutbacks are affecting frontline care. But the Minister has claimed the cutbacks are marginal and has said it is up to the HSE to manage its budget. The concern now in the west is whether the possible “scaling down” alluded to by Mr. Hennessy will impact on the quality of service provided.

e h t f o e r u t u T he F lly e K l e a h c a R y b y c n e d i s e Pr try set on acres on most breath-taking house in the coun ew job advertisements can offer the ed lawns, guarantee a new car at the beginning of every ses paid trips amongst lush green grass and perfectly manicur g with an array of overseas all-expen year and an unlimited wardrobe alon the upcoming General Election has attracted a record that their benefits so is it really any wonder s? idate cand upbringing and beliefs number of hopeful e deep into the backgrounds, history, While the media are choosing to delv ar to be becoming increasingly disgruntled at the candidates appe of the candidates the general public position of Irish President. seeking our votes for the prestigiouss are members of the regular 80% who make up the Irish popug away from all the conAdmittedly, none of the candidate has enjoyed a relatively calm upbringin lation- the working class spouse whoour canvassers. But we, the population of 21st century society age citizen?? Eighty troversy that seems so rife amongst that perhaps there is no longer the aver d rsifie dive so mic, dyna so ety , many women soci ities a activ live in were employed in primary economic years ago many of the country’s menr families and the vast majority of Ireland’s population were chose to stay at home and raise thei y those employed in farming, fishing and forestry have greatly many communities and our Catholic regular mass- goers.Yet toda -earning and religion is absent in so declined many families are now dual e to many immigrants and travellers. beautiful island has also become hom appeal and please every social group and each individual’s bethat is active in our sociDo we really expect a candidate to each represent a group or community liefs? The seven declared candidates past. ety either today or in our country’s election race has descended into a “joke, almost laughable” each obviously from their While people may argue that the support to enter the competition and of these candidates have gained enough the ability and feel strongly enough to guide our country own life experiences feel that they have President can. into the future, in a way that only the re economic challenges can we really afford to maintain the Many wonder in times of such seve but I wonder can we afford not to? Unlike the ministers and elite lifestyle typical of the Presidency on a daily basis engage in political agendas or advise our State the Taoiseach the President does not

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Departments on spending cuts yet I feel that in the last six months the invaluable role played by the President of Ireland has been displayed. Ireland and England have for obvious reasons endured huge periods of absolute turmoil and tension yet the recent visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland’s shores are a tribute to the years of talks and discussions organised between two hurt countries. The images of Queen Elizabeth in emerald green as she admired the renowned countryside of Ireland would not have been possible without the influence and presence of our current President Mary McAleese. While on the many occasions all that is required of her is to shake the hands of footballers before the biggest game of their career Mary McAleese does that, behind the red carpets and Army bands the President herself has apparently devoted many hours of her Presidency to amending tears and wounds that were hindering both country’s relationships. Likewise the President on behalf of our 6million plus residents welcomed Barack Obama with the dignity and respect that has enhanced our trading and economic relationship with one of the world’s most influential trading countries. Mary McAleese surpassed what her job title entails in ensuring that the President’s visit to Ireland would be a beneficial and momentous occasion. We have undoubtedly been extremely fortunate to have had a President do dignified, flawless and hard-working as Mary McAleese for the past fourteen years yet it is now time for a new beginning. With the barriers between us and our closest neighbours greatly reduced and ties with the USA the strongest they’ve ever been our future President enters a much healthier Aras than McAleese entered almost fourteen years before. Mary Davis, Sean Gallagher, Michael D.Higgins, Martin McGuinness, Gay Mitchell, David Norris and Dana Scanlonn are all confident that they have the ability to assist our Dail in developing our country and making it a better place for the people of Ireland to live and visitors to Ireland to enjoy. So while they all may have a shadow in the past or not have an abundance of political experience who in this world hasn’t made a mistake or started all over? Each candidate deserves to be listened to and then a decision made. The beauty of living in a democracy is that we, the voters, ultimately have the power to determine who the next President of our beloved Ireland will be and it is in time so challenging and pressurised as these that we need a President’s presence. As one of the world’s most famous and recognised President’s in history insisted “We cannot pretend somehow that because Barack Hussein Obama got elected as president, suddenly everything is going to be OK”, by electing one of the above candidates as President our recession isn’t going to conclude overnight, our soccer team win the next World Cup or our Health Service transform but we have elected the person who we, as a country, see best to represent our idyllic island of Ireland.


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Sligo Garda awarded Road Safety Ambassador status

Pictured at Farmleigh House on Wednesday were (l-r) Tommy Ryan, Catherine Keegan, Gay Byrne, Imelda Ryan-Jones of An Taisce, Jackie Molloy - Andrew's sister, Andrew Keegan & Deirdre O'Connor of Scoil Chrióst Rí.

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arda Andrew Keegan, based in Enniscrone, Co Sligo, has won the Road Safety Authority Leading Light Road Safety Ambassador of the Year Award for his dedicated work with Scoil Chriost Rí in Enniscrone who are working on the Green-Schools Travel theme. Imelda Ryan-Jones, An Taisce Travel Education Officer in the Green-Schools programme, who nominated Andrew for the Award said “It was such a pleasure to telephone Andrew, following a call I received from the RSA, to tell him he

was the overall National winner. Naturally he was absolutely delighted and it certainly is a well deserved win”. Imelda has been working with Scoil Chrióst Rí in Enniscrone on the Travel theme since September 2010 and was very impressed with various road safety initiatives that Andrew was carrying out at the school and decided to include him in the nominations she put forward for the 2011 Leading Light Awards. Andrew Keegan has been working closely with his local primary school

in Enniscrone for many, many years helping to instil good road safety skills in all pupils, which will last them a life time. He regularly gives advice on how to stay safe when out and about near the road and also gives cycle safety lessons to the older pupils too. He organises, trains and oversees the running of the Junior School Warden Scheme that has a hugely beneficial effect on raising awareness of how to cross the road safely, as well as high lighting to the wider community of the need to slow down when children are out near the road. The Junior Warden system is in operation in Scoil Chriost Rí for all of the 5th and 6th class pupils, and they all get turns to be leader and helpers. They have a number of teams who rotate the jobs and these children help ensure that all pupils and parents are able to cross the road safely every day outside their school. This also has a very positive effect on the driving habits of the local community. Deirdre O’Connor, the GreenSchools Coordinator in the school who works closely with Imelda on the Travel theme said “As a past pupil myself who enjoyed being a Junior Warden, I am particularly pleased to be able to help Andrew and share this beneficial experience with children who attend our school”. Andrew, his wife Catherine, his sister Jackie, Imelda and Deirdre all attended the official Award Ceremony at Farmleigh House in the Pheonix Park on Wednesday 12th October during National Road Safety Week.

Sligo-based Garda Andrew Keegan at Farmleigh House following the RSA Leading Light Awards when he was presented this week with his Road Safety Ambassador of the Year Award

Pupils from Scoil Chríost Rí in Enniscrone with Garda Andrew Keegan in the background monitoring the Junior Warden Patrol.

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New departure for IT Sligo’s Knocknarea Arena with major Sligo Live events 1,200 seat venue to host international acts Elvis Costello and KT Tunstall

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HE two headline acts for this year’s Sligo Live Festival, Elvis Costello and KT Tunstall, will take the stage at IT Sligo’s Knocknarea Arena, the region’s newest large-scale venue, during the October bank holiday weekend. This is the first time the 1,200seat arena has hosted an event on this scale, and the collaboration between the increasingly popular festival and the Institute, is one that has been welcomed by local tourist and business interests as well as by the Sligo Live promoters and the college. Sligo Live producer, Shane Mitchell said that having access to a venue like the Knocknarea Arena had opened the way for Sligo Live to attract bigger acts.“

This is a wonderful opportunity for Sligo, not just during Sligo Live, but throughout the year”, said Mr Mitchell who described the arena as “a warm intimate venue”. Since it opened in 2007, the Knocknarea Arena has established a reputation as a top class sports facility which has been used by Sligo Rovers and the under-21 Irish soccer team. The installation of international standard sound equipment, stage lighting and soundproofing for the renowned festival, will in the future ensure that that for music and live entertainment fans, it will also now be synonymous with an excellent concert experience, as well as a top-rate conference facility. The President of IT Sligo Professor Terri Scott said that partnerships with community and regional organisations are central to the Institute’s mission. She said it was fitting that college facilities such as the

Knocknarea Arena were being exploited as an asset for the region and a source of pleasure for the community. “Our first priority is always our students, but it’s fitting that our facilities are being used to help maximise outreach, business and tourism ventures, such as Sligo Live, “ said Professor Scott. “Regional engagement is a crucial part of our Strategic Plan and this development at the Knocknarea Arena is very exciting.” Welcoming the partnership with IT Sligo, The Mayor of Sligo Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady described ‘Sligo Live’ as one of the most exciting and popular music festivals in the country. “Sligo’s unique musical culture is renowned far and wide, and the diversity and range of the ‘Sligo Live’ programme is a credit to the outstanding organising committee,” said the Mayor. “With over one hundred events and a host of world renowned performers, all roads will lead to Sligo in the last week of October.” Sligo County Manager Hubert Kearns said that the ‘Sligo Live’ experience was a major factor in progressing Sligo’s reputation as a cultural and tourism destination. ‘Sligo Live is a vibrant celebration of Sligo’s rich musical tradition, and one that is eagerly anticipated by the people of Sligo and the Northwest”, said Mr Kearns. “The Festival is also a significant boost to the local economy, and the organising committee and their team of dedicated volunteers deserve the support and goodwill of the business community and general population as they finalise their plans for this flagship event for Sligo.” Last year the folk, roots and indie music festival had an attendance of nearly 30,000 people at the 100 different concert, club, session, café culture, street entertainment and market events that made up the programme, providing an economic bonanza for the region.

Sligo Live 2011 will take place over the October Bank Holiday weekend 26th – 31st October with the main attraction Elvis Costello taking the stage in the Knocknarea on Saturday night October 29th while the other headline act, KT Tunstall, will be there on the Friday night. Development and Business Operations Manager at IT Sligo, Gordon Ryan explained that the multifunctional nature of the Knocknarea Arena was a huge advantage. “We are providing an international class auditorium which we can speedily convert back to a multi-sports facility,” he stressed. “This allows the Institute to obtain maximum use from a valuable asset all year round, for the students and the wider community.” As well as a multipurpose gymnasium, the Knocknarea Arena

boasts state of the art outdoor facilities including 3G Astro Turf, an international standard running track, and a GAA pitch, all of them floodlit. Previous events in the Arena have included the annual Charity Christmas Concert, Conferrings and the annual SciFest event. Fáilte Ireland, one of Sligo Live’s main sponsors, said that as one of the county's top events it attracted large numbers to Sligo in what is considered to be the shoulder period for tourism businesses. “Sligo is a premier host for this type of event, having as it does a wide range of high quality accommodation, fantastic pubs and restaurants and a state of the art venue such as The Knocknarea at IT Sligo,” said Fáilte Ireland manager Martina Bromley.


Analogue TV era to end next October

The UK & Ireland’s analogue TV era will come to an end on October 24 2012, it has been announced. Eighty years from the first experimental broadcasts, the old five-channel system will be switched off for good. The date will also signal the completion of digital television switchover which started in 2008, since when millions of viewers have seen coverage boosted with extra channels and clearer pictures. Announcing the end-date for analogue TV and switchover, David Scott, Digital UK chief executive, said: "The analogue era was a defining period for TV but the fully digital age will be even better, with a greater choice of channels for viewers everywhere. I'm looking forward to October next year when we will have brought the benefits of digital to every corner of the country." The first experimental analogue television broadcasts started in August 1932. The technology was officially launched by the BBC in 1936 and went on to inform and entertain viewers with coverage of landmark events such as the moon landings and classic shows from Nationwide to Morecambe and Wise. The UK's switchover programme started in 2008. At its conclusion in 2012, inside the timetable set out by Government, more than 15 million new viewers will have been brought into coverage for Freeview services, Digital UK said. The organisation added it was on course to complete the project at least £53 million under budget. The last analogue TV signals will be switched off in Northern Ireland where "virtually all" households will receive the new digital signal "including half-a-million viewers who cannot receive it now".

technology news & science

YouTube shows full-length films FILM fans can now watch full-length movies on the video-sharing website YouTube. Around 1,000 films are available on the site, which is owned by internet search firm Google, after it signed a deal with studios including Warner Bros and Universal. Among the available titles are Reservoir Dogs, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, and Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels. A spokeswoman for YouTube said: "Today we announced another step in the direction of becoming an entertainment destination for all things video. In addition to the short form, user and professionally produced content that you know and have come to expect from YouTube, full-length feature films have been added to YouTube in the UK." Films will cost from £2.49, will normally be rented for 30 days, and viewers will typically have 48 hours to finish watching the film once they have started. The scheme was introduced in the United States in May and Canada in September. Google boss Dr Eric Schmidt told this year's

Edinburgh International Television Festival that programme makers should use YouTube to try out shows to see if they will be hits before putting them on television. The firm has faced criticism in the past and has been accused of "trying to take over the world". Google is locked in a lawsuit with Viacom, which owns MTV, over what Viacom says is "rampant infringement" of copyright on YouTube. Dr Schmidt said the television industry should use YouTube to test its products. He said: "The stuff you do is very expensive and you do pilots

Monkeys 'feel' items via brainwaves

Gadget world honours Attenborough BROADCASTER Sir David Attenborough has been honoured for his achievements - by the gadget world. He was given an award for his outstanding contribution to technology, recognising the way he has championed innovation over his 60-year career. Sir David received the prize at the T3 Gadget Awards which were staged in east London. The award, presented by T3 magazine, was in recognition of the way his natural history films have continually harnessed cutting edge technology, embracing the early days of colour TV and latterly using HD. Earlier this year his Flying Monsters documentary became the first 3D programme to win a Bafta. He said: "I've been at this game rather a long time, so this award from T3 is a culmination. It means a lot to me." And he predicted there could be further TV innovations: "Smell-o-vision is a definite possibility and the idea of hologram TV, where an animal can hop out of a television set and you can see all the way round it, is a mind-blowing concept." Previous winners of the prize have included Jon Rubinstein, who developed the iPod. Google was named "Tech Brand of the Year".

and trials and so on. "Wouldn't it be better if you could release inexpensive versions on YouTube and see if they took ... let's say you could build something for YouTube for 100,000 dollars, it was 10 minutes long and it was fun and it was interesting and then the cost of the proper production for a halfan-hour show was a million dollars, so something where there is an order of magnitude, or some difference. "You could have 10 different shots at, if you will, trying an idea, trying a star, trying a construction and then measure what happens on YouTube."

MONKEYS have been trained to move and feel virtual objects using thought alone in a scientific breakthrough that could help paralysed patients. Two rhesus monkeys learned to operate a virtual arm with their brain power and were able to differentiate between the textures of virtual objects. It is hoped this could pave the way for the development of a "robotic exoskeleton" to be worn by severely paralysed people, helping

them move and experience the world around them using brainwaves, the senior author of the American study said. Miguel Nicolelis, co-director of the Duke University Centre for Neuroengineering in Durham, North Carolina, said: "Someday in the near future, quadriplegic patients will take advantage of this technology not only to move their arms and hands and to walk again, but also to sense the texture of objects placed in

their hands, or experience the nuances of the terrain on which they stroll with the help of a wearable robotic exoskeleton." The electrical brain activity of the two rhesus monkeys trained at the centre was used to direct the hands of a virtual monkey shown on a screen - without them moving any part of their real bodies. The virtual hands were then used to explore the surface of three virtual objects, which looked the same but had been designed to have different textures, which were expressed as tiny electrical signals sent back to the monkeys' brains. In the task, the monkeys had to search for a virtual object with a particular texture and were rewarded with fruit juice if they correctly identified it. One of the monkeys needed only four attempts before it learned to select the correct object in the test, while the other took nine attempts. Prof Nicolelis added: "The remarkable success with non-human primates is what makes us believe that humans could accomplish the same task much more easily in the near future." The Walk Again Project, led by the Duke Centre for Neuroengineering, wants to carry out a public demonstration of a robotic exoskeleton, which could allow quadriplegic people to move again, at the opening game of the 2014 Football World Cup in Brazil.

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Biker caught speeding without bike

A biker is in trouble after being caught speeding - while sliding along the ground without his motorcycle. Police in Switzerland say Boris Maier, 38, from Bern, set off a speed camera while careering helplessly at 67mph in a 50mph zone. The speed camera failed to record what speed the bike was travelling as it slid down the road in a shower of sparks - focusing instead on the unlucky biker. Traffic police believe he would have been going a great deal faster when he first saw the camera. A police spokesman said: "It appears that he suddenly saw the traffic control measure ahead and lost control as he tried to slow down." Police say the motorcyclist, who was wearing protective leathers, was unhurt apart from minor cuts and bruises. He faces a fine and a police spokesman said he was lucky not only in surviving unhurt but also as he would have lost his licence if he had been going a fraction faster. The incident happened between the towns of Cibourg and La Chaux-de-fonds, close to Bern and the French border.

Mum 'taught tot to smoke', says Dad

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China Orphanages 'Buy Babies' For Adoption CHINESE orphanages may still be buying babies and offering them for foreign adoption despite a series of recent scandals, Sky News has discovered. The revelations come after China's foreign adoption programme was linked to baby trafficking and the illegal confiscation of children. Since international adoptions began in China in the early 1990s, more than 100,000 children have been adopted by foreign nationals. More than 1,000 of them have gone to British citizens. Adoptive couples are told by the Chinese authorities that the babies they adopt are either orphaned or abandoned. But an undercover investigation by Sky News found more than one government orphanage would happily buy a baby that could have been kidnapped. Though some orphanages said they no longer pay money for children, one worker at an orphanage in Hunan Province said they would pay £300 for a baby. The child required no identification. "We'll arrange to meet somewhere at 4am or 5am, you abandon the baby there, and then I'll pick her up. That's how it works," she said, during a recorded telephone call. When asked where the child would end up, she said that most adoptive couples were foreign. Chinese families, she said, were "not rich enough". The investigation follows claims by several Chi-

nese families that their children were seized by government officials against their will and later adopted by foreigners. Yuan Zanhua said her 18-month-old daughter Xiao Fang was taken by local officials because she and her husband already had four children and were in breach of the country's one-child rule. Confiscating a child is illegal in China, where the law stipulates a fine for those who break the country's family planning regulations. "I've been to the family planning office to ask for my daughter several times," she told Sky News. "That's all I want." Several other families in the village also say they watched powerlessly as officials seized their children. It is thought they were all taken to the local orphanage, which has sent several hundred children for international adoption. Ms Yuan and her husband believe that a photograph briefly posted on the website of an American adoption agency is Xiao Fang. But they have no way of contacting her, and local officials have told them to stay silent on the matter. Following a report by Chinese journalists, the Chinese government finally investigated the case and punished 12 officials for "negligence". However, no effort has been made to assist the parents in tracing their lost children. Similar confiscations have also been reported in neighbouring Guizhou Province.

It follows an earlier scandal in which several state-run orphanages were found to have bought babies from child traffickers. Duan Yuelin was one of those convicted in the case, after he and his relatives sold 85 children to the orphanages for as little as £80 each. He believes all of the children were later given for foreign adoption. "Supply couldn't keep up with demand," he said. "If I didn't have any babies, the orphanages would ring me and ask me to find more. "Several orphanages would all want the same baby. I didn't know who to give them to." Foreign couples who adopt in China must pay a "voluntary donation" of around £2,000 to the authorities. Most of the money goes directly to the state-run orphanage that has cared for the child. Some believe this creates a dangerous incentive for corrupt local officials to engage in baby buying. Duan said the children he sold were all abandoned. But Chinese government statistics show that every year several thousand children are abducted from their parents. In a few cases, the children are found by the police and reunited with their parents. But most disappear for good. Neither the China Centre of Adoption Affairs, nor the Chinese Ministry for Civil Affairs, would respond to Sky News' request for an interview.

The leaning tower of London A Romanian dad is demanding custody of his daughter after his ex wife taught the two-yearold to smoke. She then uploaded the video onto the internet and admits that she has also taught the youngster to like coffee at their home in Bughea de Sus, in Arges. The couple spilt a year ago and the court ordered custody to Elena Ursu, 28, but that may now be reviewed if dad Gabriel Burulea, 30, gets his way. Mr Burulea said: "She wants to taunt me by showing me how she is treating our child, but I hope it will backfire and be what I need to win custody. Our daughter doesn't want milk - just coffee - and instead of sweets she wants cigarettes. It's terrible. "When I am allowed to visit her I can see that she is so desperate for a cigarette that she even grabs the ends of cigarettes and puts them in her mouth. It's sick." The video shows the girl smoking and her mother Elena Ursu, 28, encouraging her to do so. Toddler Elena Burulea, aged two years and seven months, is also addicted to coffee said dad Gabriel.

ENGINEERS say Big Ben is now leaning so much that its tilt can be seen with the naked eye. The top of the clock tower is now almost one-and-a-half feet off the perpendicular, reports the Daily Telegraph. However, at its current speed, it would take some 4,000 years to reach the angle of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and even longer to hit tipping-point. In the unlikely event that the tower falls, it

will land on MPs' offices over the road in Portcullis House. Civil engineers believe that the tower known colloquially as Big Ben after the main bell it houses - is gradually "sinking" or settling into the land on which it is built. But the pattern is uneven, with the sinking occuring more quickly on the north side than the south. John Burland, emeritus professor and senior research investigator from Imperial College

London who has worked on the Big Ben tower - as well as the one in Pisa - said: "The tilt is now just about visible. "You can see it if you stand on Parliament Square and look east, towards the river. I have heard tourists there taking photographs saying 'I don't think it is quite vertical' - and they are quite right. "If it started greater acceleration, we would have to look at doing something but I don't think we need to do anything for a few years yet."

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Do Not Panic! Breathing Techniques Can Help You Exercise

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To get out of the rut, Michael Berry, PhD, chair of the department of health and exercise science at Wake Forest University, in WinstonSalem, N.C., recommends walking, stationary biking, and elliptical training.They work well for people with COPD, but strength and resistance training are playing an increasing role in patients’ regimens. As we age, people—particularly those over the age of 60—lose muscle fibers, according to Berry. Healthy people lose fast-twitch muscles, which are used for short bursts of energy. But individuals with COPD tend to lose slow-twitch muscles, which are used for endurance activities as well. Weight training helps to improve skeletal muscle function so patients can remain active longer. Exercise of the lower legs—frequently walking or cycling—is the main focus of any organized exercise program for COPD, says Gail Weinmann, MD, the deputy director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s Division of Lung Diseases, but exercising the upper arms through resistance training is also helpful. (Like anyone starting an exercise program, a person with COPD should be cleared for exercise by a health care provider, Dr. Weinmann cautions.) If you have COPD, another advantage of exercising the respiratory system is to learn how to cope with the panic that can occur with shortness of breath. “I have heard it described as when Laser Teeth Whitening Fast someone is hit in the stomach and can’t their breath,” Berry says. “Exercise Becoming a Regular Treatment get teaches people how to deal with that sensation, to work through it.They know they are going to get up the steps, and they will get short of breath, but now they know, ‘I’m not going to keel over and die.’” Breathing techniques can fight panicky feelings Mike McBride, a COPD patient from

f you've got chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it's more important than ever to get some exercise—it can save your lung function and slow down the progression of COPD. The problem? The shortness of breath that comes with exertion can make it tempting to move less than you did before.This sets up a vicious cycle: shortness of breath leads to inactivity, which leads to a decline in fitness, which leads to further shortness of breath and inactivity.

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Arvada, Colo., who racewalks with oxygen in tow, says the first time he walked around his neighborhood for exercise, he thought he was going to have to call someone to pick him up. Over the years he has had setbacks and has learned his limits, but he continues to exercise at the gym and walks at least three times a week. “Learning to deal with the panic is the first thing to get past,” McBride says. Respiratory therapists offer two common breathing techniques: pursed lip and diaphragm breathing. Pursed lip breathing is performed by inhaling through the nose and then exhaling through pursed lips (as if one is going to whistle). The exhale should be longer than the inhale, but air should not be forced out. This breathing helps people relax and reduces the amount of air trapped in the lungs. Diaphragm breathing helps to strengthen this important muscle and is accomplished by lying on one’s back

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with knees bent and making the stomach, rather than the chest, move out while inhaling and in while exhaling. Patients are typically introduced to breathing exercises only when they visit a respiratory therapist or participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, Berry says, mainly because timecrunched primary care physicians focus on exercise and smoking cessation. McBride’s insurance would not pay for respiratory therapy, so he utilized breathing techniques he learned during Lamaze classes years ago. He visualizes wringing out a towel when he starts to panic and concentrates on breathing out twice as long as he breathes in. “A lot of people don’t want to do anything because they are afraid of getting short of breath," he says. "It doesn’t scare me anymore because I have had enough experience with the distress part.”

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surance, and done on an outpatient basis. Here are key facts to know if you're considering urinary incontinence surgery.

These days, operations to treat stress incontinence are often successful, covered by health in-

Success is variable Think about your goals, and whether you might be able to achieve them without an operation. "Everyone needs to make their own decision," says Harvey Win-

hen you leak urine when you sneeze, cough, or laugh, it's known as stress incontinence. If you aren't having much luck controlling your symptoms with non-invasive approaches, you may be considering surgery.

kler, MD, co-chief of urogynecology and director of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at North Shore–Long Island Jewish Health System in Great Neck, N.Y. Surgery is the best approach, he says, "if you're looking for the one-shot deal that's going to give you the best dryness option." It's no guarantee of a cure, but studies have found that 85% to

90% of women are completely dry within a year after surgery. Try Kegels first Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, known as Kegels, are the most basic and noninvasive approach to treating stress incontinence. If you're willing to do these exercises several times a day, indefinitely, you can expect a 70% improvement in your symptoms, says Dr. Winkler. Consider bulking agents There are outpatient procedures in which bulking materials like collagen or silicone are injected around the urethra. Although these procedures can offer short-term relief, especially for people who don't respond to surgery, they have to be done repeatedly because your body will eventually eliminate the injected material. There also are several medications that are sometimes prescribed, including drugs for treating muscle spasms and antidepressants, but they tend to be more effective for treating mild or moderate stress incontinence.

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Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Wednes26th day October at 8.00pm as part of a Music Network tour. Winner Music of Network’s Young Musicwide Award for 2010-13, ThoughtYoung, gifted and Jazz: Thought-Fox performing at the Linenhall Arts Centre on Wednesday 26th October at 8.00pm Fox is a serendipiSo Jazz is dead? Not while there are still tous collaboration of some of the freshest young people with creative voices yearning improvisers on the Irish and UK jazz scene. to be heard. Proof positive is top jazz Taking its name from a Ted Hughes poem, combo Thought-Fox, performing at the Thought-Fox’s often other-worldly com-

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positions pivot around the powerful yet hauntingly gorgeous voice of Lauren Kinsella, who uses text and poetry to stunning effect alongside vocal techniques blending jazz, South Indian and European folk influences. Fellow Foxes include trombonist Colm O’Hara, who has performed with luminaries such as Kenny Wheeler and Michael Brecker, and pianist Tom Gibbs, a stalwart of the Scottish jazz scene. Rhythmic propulsion comes courtesy of Waterford bassist Mick Coady and drummer Simon Roth, who between them have appeared with the likes of Louis Stewart, Ronnie Cuber, Scott Hamilton, Julian Arguelles, Tina May and John Taylor. A fine night of jazz energy for your delectation. Thought-Fox performs at the Linenhall Arts Centre on Wednesday 26th October at 8.00pm. Booking advised. Tel: 094 9023733 The Linenhall Arts Centre acknowledges the financial support of the Arts Council in making this performance possible.

Pssst! Don’t tell anyone, but award-winning Irish stand-up and sit-down comedian David O’Doherty is performing at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Friday 28th October at 8.00pm. The 2008 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, 2010 Hot Press Irish Comedian of the Year, 1990 East Leinster under 14 triple jump bronze medallist, founder member of Destiny's Child, inventor of the iPad and star of 2Fast 2Furious appears in the intimate setting of the Linenhall for a night of offbeat hilarity “with small keyboards/talking”. Don’t say we didn’t tell you. “A beautiful mix of acute observation and startling invention.” - The Irish Times “A delightfully soft focus from a mild superhero.” - The Evening Standard, London The Linenhall Arts Centre acknowledges the financial support of the Arts Council in making this performance possible. David O’Doherty appears at the Linenhall Arts Centre on Friday 28th October at 8.00pm. Booking advised. Tel: 094 9023733 The Linenhall Arts Centre acknowledges the financial support of the Arts Council in making this performance possible.

THE HIGH KINGS play the TF ROYAL The most exciting Irish ballad group to come along in years, The High Kings. Comprising Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and Martin Furey are set to Play The Royal Theatre Thursday 12th November 2011. Tickets are on Sale now at €30.00 inc booking fee. Platinum selling The High Kings have just returned from USA where they played to critical acclaim.They are returning to Ireland for short summer tour and to launch their new CD launch – LIVE IN IRELAND Their third album Live In Ireland is filled with 16 Classic tracks including 7 un?released tracks. This album captures the essence of the ensemble’s energetic sound of 'folk n roll', serving up laughter, good times and even the occasional sing?a?long. The High Kings rule... The Pittsburgh Tribune?Review Irish Supergroup... Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Unique style of folk ’n’ roll... Boston Globe Fantastic, I loved that.... Kelly from the Regis Live Show

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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

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1. Rib about right to go to Offaly town with a famous observatory where the existence of other galaxies was first discovered. (4) 3. I call on sad blend in old Tyrone mining town connected by canal with Newry and Belfast. (9) 9. Cook with fat outside circulated air in monks' abode. (6) 11. "Don't be breaking your --- on a stool that's not in your way." Irish Proverb. (4) 12. Boat in which German eight follow the penultimate. (5) 14.Take part in competition in Inishowen territory. (5) 15. "But where's the wild --- that has praised its fleas?" Yeats. (3) 16. Old copper back, how poetically gloomy! (5) 17. "A young ------, golden haired, Stands dreaming on the verge of strife" Frances Cornford. (6) 18. Daughter of the King of Leinster, and Mrs. Strongbow, returns the greeting. (3) 20. A gullible fool, and how he drinks! (3) 22. Art nut has gone A.W.O.L. (6) 24. Create this for a row, but only in play? (5) 25. Possesses short laughs? (3) 26. Dryly consolidates the sweet loaves. and gets the sack around the fifth (5) 27.Tenth month, and French, all eight of them. (5) 29. Standard adhered to in Liscannor mostly. (4) 30. Star in turmoil as a result of stress. (6) 31. Crowd aisle in crush to see Irish writer (1854-1900) who had only his genius to declare. (5,5) 32. Negative reference to Kilkenny flower! (4)

DOWN 1. Sound of donkey heard in Wicklow seaside resort. (4) 2. Or cares about Tipperary town under the Slieve Bloom mountains noted for antiquities. (7) 4. Till never up O.K. (anag.) Blessed, and has a shrine at Ballybarrack, near Dundalk. (6,7) 5. Clinging to this league for Yale and Havard. (3) 6. Go ahead up Kerry hill overlooking Killarney, and having a round tower, church and castle. (7) 7. Age had done damage to popular Down resort near the entrance to Belfast Lough. (10) 8. " ----- the first death, there is no other." Dylan Thomas. (5) 10. This land rails about the offshore spot in Antrim

In pagan times Friday was the luckiest day of the week because it was ruled by the planet Venus, the symbol of love and fortune. In fact, Friday is named in honor of Freya, goddess of Love. But for Christians, Friday has not been a good day. Adam and Eve is said to have eaten the forbidden fruit on a Friday and died on a Friday. Jesus was crucified on a Friday. The number 13

where Robert Bruce met the spider in the cave. (7,6) 13. One hundred space for Limerick salmon angling village noted for the Maigue poets. (5) 16. Dan's hob rum is spilled in Leitrim village on the Roscommon border. (10) 19. "An aged man is but a paltry thing, A tattered coat upon a -----" Yeats. (5) 21. Cats rig up description of stomach. (7) 23. E.g. to tip over in border Donegal gateway to Lough Derg of pilgrimage fame. (7) 24. "Too long a sacrifice Can make a ----- of the heart" Yeats. (5) 28. Note about United Irishman, born 1763, and recognised as the first Irish Republican. (4) 30. "Ireland is the old --- that eats her farrow." James Joyce (3)

It is believed that the fear for the number 13 stems from primitive man being unable to count past 12. Numbers beyond 12 do now have an individual and independent name but are a combination of the first 12 numbers. With 12 being the end of the line, 13 was moving into unknown territory. The baker’s dozen The “unlucky 13″ is the reason why the thirteen loaves that bakers once supplied were never called by the number, but described as “a baker’s dozen.” The thirteenth loaf was regarded as a special bribe for the devil not to spoil the sale or the bread.

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. ago (1) 56. ala (1) 57. ale (1) 58. alp (1) 59. alt (1) 60. ant (1) 61. ape (1) 62. eat (1) 63. elk (1)

64. gae (1) 65. gal (1) 66. gap (1) 67. gat (1) 68. got (1) 69. goy (1) 70. kae (1) 71. kat (1) 72. lag (1)

73. lap (1) 74. lat (1) 75. lea (1) 76. oak (1) 77. oat (1) 78. oka (1) 79. ole (1) 80. pal (1) 81. pat (1)

82. pea (1) 83. tae (1) 84. tag (1) 85. tan (1) 86. tao (1) 87. tap (1) 88. tog (1) 89. toy (1) 90. yok (1)

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46. plea (2) 47. tael (2) 48. tala (2) 49. tale (2) 50. talk (2) 51. tape (2) 52. toga (2) 53. yoga (2) 54. aal (1)

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28. kale (2) 29. kata (2) 30. laky (2) 31. leak (2) 32. leal (2) 33. leap (2) 34. loan (2) 35. nala (2) 36. oaky (2)

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10. natal (3) 11. peaky (3) 12. pleat (3) 13. talky (3) 14. togae (3) 15. alae (2) 16. alan (2) 17. alga (2) 18. alky (2)

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The lucky number 13 But 13 is not unlucky for all. The Mayas worshiped the 13 gods of the upper world.The Aztecs climbed 13 steps to their sacred places. Buddhists paid homage to 13 Buddhas. In Jewish faith, God revealed Himself by 13 attributes of bountiful mercy (Exodus 34: 6-7). The orthodox Jewish prayer book hold the Thirteen Principles of Faith. Jewish boys celebrate their Bar Mitzvah at age 13. No animal has killed as many people as the Hippo The hippo is the third biggest land animal, slightly smaller but heavier than a white rhino – the elephant is the biggest. But no :*+)* animal has killed more people than the hippo.

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SOVIET COURT FINDS US PLOT GUILTY OF SPYING A SOVIET court today sentenced Francis Gary Powers, the American U-2 pilot, to ten years' detention for flying a spy mission over the Soviet Union. Powers, who was shot down near Sverdlovsk, the Soviet armaments centre in the Urals, will spend three years in prison and the rest in a labour camp. Powers, pleading guilty at the three-day trial, said he was sorry and had acted on orders from the Central Intelligence Agency. His high-flying reconnaissance aircraft was shot down in May by a ground-to-air missile after flying over Soviet missile sites and arms factories from a US base in Pakistan. The flight led to the collapse of the summit in Paris, between President and Premier Eisenhower Khrushchev, and the cancellation of the president's planned visit to the Soviet Union.

EX-PREMIER TO HEAD LAOS AGAIN AFTER COUP PRINCE Souvanna Phouma is to head a new government in Laos, following today's coup led by paratrooper Captain Kong Le. The Prince was briefly Prime Minister three years ago, when he formed a coalition with the procommunist. Laos Patriotic Front. Since then Lao has been pro-western, but it now seems that the government will be neutral. Captain Kong Le has pledged to "keep the nation, its religion, King and constitution in progress".

KENNEDY SCRAPES HOME AFTER a night of uncertainty John Fitzgerald Kennedy emerged as the new President of the United States by a narrow margin. Early returns favoured Kennedy, and shortly after midnight the several thousand Republicans waiting in the Los Angeles ballroom feared the worst. Standing next to his tearful wife, Pat, Nixon told them he thought he had lost. However, the pendulum then began to swing, and he did not formally concede until midday. Kennedy walked into the Cape Cod Armoury at Hyannis, Massachusetts to accept. His pregnant wife, Jacqueline, was with him. He grinned and said: "So now my wife and I prepare for a new administration and a new baby." At 43 Kennedy is the youngest man to win the Presidency. He is also the first Roman Catholic. His father is a self-made millionaire.

blast past from the

Looking back at s the 1960’

POLICE KILL 56 AT SHARPEVILLE MASSACRE IN ONE OF the worst civilian massacres in South African history, 56 Africans died and 162 were injured when police opened fire today in the black township of Sharpeville in the Transvaal. In other disturbances, seven died and 209 were injured at the Langa township near Cape Town. It happened on the first day of a campaign of civil disobedience against the pass laws, which require Africans always to carry identity cards. Instead of leaving their pass books at home and quietly surrendering to police, as directed by the Pan-African Congress, people gathered in crowds and went through townships kicking in doors and ordering those inside to join the demonstrations. At Sharpeville, a crowd of 15,000 converged on the police station, to be met by a line of 75 armed police. When stones were thrown, and the crowd began to rush forward, the police opened fire. In a matter of minutes, the scene was like "a world var battlefield, with bodies sprawled all around," said one policeman. The African hospital at nearby Vereenigning was soon overflowing as ambulances, escorted by police motor cyclists, raced back and forth. Some injured were laid out on verandahs. The police commander, Colonel D.H. Pienaar, said: "It started when hordes of natives surrounded the police station. If they do these things, they must learn their lesson the hard way".

SOVIETS CLAIM US PLANE  WAS SPYING THE RUSSIANS today admitted shooting down an American U-2 aircraft which, they claimed, had deliberately violated Soviet air space to wreck the forthcoming Summit talks.

The announcement by the Soviet leader, Mr Khrushchev, has prompted a sharp reaction in Washington where senators say the incident means a grim future for US-Soviet relations. In Moscow the belief is that the plane was on a spying mission, but the Americans claim that the aircraft, piloted by Francis Gary Powers, a 30-year-old civilian, must have strayed off course, and was only carrying out weather research. Cameras on board were for taking pictures of clouds, according to the State Department in Washington.


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Sonas Village promoting independent living in a friendly and safe environment

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onas Village, located at Enniscrone, Co Sligo promotes independent living in a friendly and safe environment.The village is set in the peaceful yet secure grounds of Sonas Care Centre Ard na Greine and is within a ten minute walk of a town centre offering a range of amenities. The village is an exclusive development of one and two bedroom houses which offers an independent lifestyle but with 24/7 access if required to the care and services available at a nursing home on the same grounds. A central social centre, managed by a residents committee, provides a focal point for activities and services. Managed and maintained by Sonas, the houses, each with a high specification, have a 24 hour emergency call system. Associated services include emergency nurse on call, nursing care, village maintenance, social centre maintenance, grounds and external maintenance of bungalows and insurance. Sonas Village in Enniscrone prides itself in creating a home-from-home for all its residents.These houses, which can be rented, provide a unique opportunity for older people to pursue an independent lifestyle in a safe environment. Care packages to include personal care, meals, cleaning service and house maintenance are available

and can be tailor-made to meet the individual needs of residents. For further information, contact Myra Jordan on 096 37840 / 087 4181182 or go to www.sonas.ie. Open invite to Coffee Morning at Sonas Social Centre on Wednesday 2nd Nov. at 11am.


Caring for the Elderly The Beautifuul located Corrandull Nursing Home offers a home from home for their residents

O

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The original Townhouses were the elegant family homes of two famous playwrights - Dion Boucicault (1829 - 1890) and Lafcadio Hearn (1850 1904). Their memories have been honoured by displays in the lobby of memorabilia, photographs and original playbills. Both men had colorful and singular lives - their histories are re-counted in full in the lobby. Each bedroom is named after one of their works. 1997 saw the addition of The Townhouse Mews - a new wing in a beautiful minimalist style - oak wooden floors, designer furniture, elegant simplicity. It is alternative and complimentary to the Georgian buildings of The Townhouse. The Townhouse is located in the heart of historic Dublin, a short walk from the leafy Trinity College (the second oldest university in Europe), the fashionable shopping streets, the Temple Bar left bank, the International Financial Services Centre, the Point Depot, museums, art galleries and a myriad of pubs and restaurants It is just 100m from the Central Bus and Airport Coach Station and 200m from mainline rail and dart stations. For the budget traveller, we also have a hostel with dormatories ranging from eight beds to twelve beds. These cater for all female, all male and mixed. They cost €24 with full Irish breakfast

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Drumcliff and Rathcormac

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s you drive north along the N15 from Sligo towards Donegal, you gradually approach one of the county’s most distinctive and instantly recognisable landmarks, Benbulben. Like the prow of a great ship, the mountain towers above the flat coastal plain all around, its glacier-gouged sides catching every change of the light. As you pass through Rathcormac, pause to admire the militant statue of local patriot and icon of the Irish revolution, Countess Markievicz. Born in London on 4 February 1868, Constance Georgina Gore-Booth grew up in her family home, Lissadell House which lies not far from Rathcormac. She married Count Casimir Dunin-Markievicz in Paris, but when she later moved to Dublin she soon gave up her frivolous lifestyle and became involved in politics and revolution. She was the leader of the rebellions of 1916 and was condemned to death – a sentence she only commuted because of her sex. Later in life she became the first woman ever elected to the House of Commons in Westminster, and went on to become Ireland’s first female Cabinet Minister. Beyond the Markievicz statue stands the 19th century Roman Catholic Church dedicated to St Colmcille, and a mile or two further along the road you come to Drumcliffe where this same saint founded a monastery in the 6th century. Today only the round tower and high cross still stand as memorials to this ancient foundation. Drumcliffe is internationally famous as the last resting place of the Nobel Prize winning poet William Butler Yeats. His last poem asked

that he be buried here in the Church of Ireland graveyard, ‘under bare Benbulben’s head’. In fact Yeats moved to the South of France in later life, for health reasons, and it was in France that he died, but many years later, his remains were brought to Sligo, the county that had inspired so much of his work, and interred at Drumcliffe.The church itself, St Columba’s, hosts music recitals and concerts throughout the year. In the church precincts you will fi nd an art gallery, Teach Ban Nua and also the Drumcliffe Tea House and Craft Shop. This makes a welcome place to stop for refreshments, with lots of delicious homemade treats on offer.The craft shop is stuffed with lovely things to take home or give away as presents. The art gallery is holding an exhibition right through the summer until 15 September.

Y

Branleys Yard, Rathcormack, Co. Sligo Tel: 087-2644494 / 071-9145589

SPECIALISING IN FINE GEORGIAN, VICTORIAN & EDWARDIAN PERIOD FURNITURE Opening hours: Tues - Sat 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Yeats Country Antiques eats Country Antiques specialises in fine Georgian,Victorian and Edwardian period furniture, particularly walnut, rosewood and mahogany items. Located in the north-west of Ireland, at the foot of Benbulben, Branley's Yard is only a stones throw from the burial site of W. B. Yeats in Drumcliffe, on the main Sligo to Donegal Road. A visit to Yeats Country Antiques is sure to delight as you discover the treasure trove of fine quality antiques currently available in their extensive warehouse. They stock a vast selection of both restored and unrestored items including wardrobes, display cases, dining room tables and chairs and occassional pieces. They also carry a number of rare and unusual items in stock. Yeats Country Antiques is a member of the Irish Antique Dealers Association, the trade association which represents the leading antique dealers in Ireland. A comprehensive restoration and upholstery service

YEATS COUNTRY ANTIQUES

is also available including: . • French Polishing • Upholstery Service • Pine Dipping • Restoration and Repairs • Sourcing Service • Insurance Valuations You can also check out their web-site at www.yeatscountryantiques.ie which displays just a sample of items currently in stock.

Michael Regan Tyres & Warehousing

Drum Road, Rathcormac, Sligo Tel/Fax: 071-9143334 m.regantyres@msn.com

All Makes of new tyres in Stock Punctures & wheel balancing while you wait Open Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm. Sat 9am - 4pm

Warehousing units of various sizes also to let

E-mail: yeatscountryantiques@gmail.com www.yeatscountryantiques.ie

Open 7 days a week from 9am-6pm

T

Food Served until 5pm. Takeaways available to order...

his charming tea house and craft shop offers good wholesome food together with mouth watering home made cakes and desserts. There is a selection of Yeats and Irish interest books to browse through, complimented by a distinctive selection of original quality crafts. Enjoy cheerful service and a relaxed atmosphere with convenient, free parking. Accessible to all. We are Licensed to sell wine.

Drumcliffeteahouse@hotmail.com Phone: 071-9144956


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