North West Express by northwest express

March 2021 Issue 3 - Volume 22

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INTERNATIONAL SHRINE STATUS A DESERVED HONOUR FOR KNOCK T

HERE is much celebration in Knock and the north-west generally at this time with the formal elevation of the Marian Shrine by Pope Francis from a national to an international sanctuary. The shrine is now to be known as an International Sanctuary of Special Eucharistic and Marian Devotion. Speaking (via a special video link from the Vatican) at a virtual Mass on Friday evening last, 19th March, the pope said the event marked an “important moment” in the life of the Marian Shrine at Knock. The missionary people of Ireland must accept to “always have your arms wide open as a sign of welcome to every pilgrim who may arrive from any part of the world, asking nothing in return”, Pope Francis said. Normally, an event of this nature would draw a large number of pilgrims, but on this occasion the designation was brought about via streaming and on-line link-ups – a massive transformation from the genesis of it all. The story of Knock began on August 21st, 1879, when 15 people claimed to have seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist at the south gable of Knock church. The witnesses stood in front of the apparition for two hours in the rain, reciting the rosary. Ever since, Pope Francis said, the Irish people, wherever they have found themselves, have “expressed their faith and devotion to Our Lady of Knock”. Pope Francis visited the site three years ago as part of the World Meeting of Families. Continued on Page 2

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Ballina Arts Centre Launches Music Makers

S the pandemic, and its attendant lockdown, drags on and continues to establish itself as some kind of ‘new normal’ – for now anyway – the world keeps turning. Artists and creatives continue to make their art and their work, adapting as well as they can to the new reality. To facilitate this, Ballina Arts Centre is launching a new series of online programming platforms. First among these will be Music Makers, an online programme for singer-songwriters to showcase their work. Launching later this year, Music Makers will be fronted by Ballina-based songwriter Brendan Farrell, and will features interviews and performances by songwriters from Mayo and beyond. Farrell is well known in songwriting circles for his online performances and his Writer’s Block series, as well as his show Take Me Home, Colleen, a suite of songs telling a story of the Irish Famine through the lives of two star-crossed lovers. The show was performed in Ireland and the US in 2019. Sean Walsh, Director of Ballina Arts Centre, says: “We are delighted to be

launching Music Makers, offering songwriters a chance to get their music out there. In the absence of real, live performance opportunities for artists and audiences alike, this is something of a next-best-thing. I know that there is a lot of online programming out there nowadays, but we hope people will tune in. There is a huge amount of great songwriting talent in this area and Music Makers will have a lot of local artists featured. People can support them by tuning in and watching the performances.” The show will be a mix of chat and music and will feature songwriters who are emerging as well as those who are established in their careers. “I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to get involved in this project,” says Brendan Farrell, the man who will be the ‘face’ of Music Makers. “To create a platform where our up-and-coming artists can improve their profiles, and engage with the already established Irish and international acts can only be a good thing. I am passionate about developing and encouraging new talent. Ireland has some

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Archbishop Neary. He also said it was fitting the designation was being made on the Feast day of St. Joseph in the year of St. Joseph. The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Richard Gibbons, parish priest and rector of the shrine, and now first rector of Knock International Sanctuary of Special Eucharistic and Marian Devotion. Father Gibbons said it was an historic day. Speaking earlier to RTE he said international recognition was the highest honour you can achieve as a shrine in the worldwide family

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of the best emerging songwriters on the planet, and I hope that we can bring this to our audience. The use of Ballina, as the backdrop to this show is also important to me. Recognised recently as Other Voices’ location of choice, the music scene in the Mayo/Sligo area is clearly a vibrant and exciting thing to watch. “The pandemic may have closed our venues somewhat, but this has led to an increased focus on the homework, the actual writing, from creators like myself, as we have had more ‘me’ time to play with. We look forward to sharing the songs and stories in our first series of Music Makers.” Music Makers is expected to launch in late April/early May. Keep an eye on Ballina Arts Centre’s website (www.ballinaartscentre.com) and Facebook page for updates and announcements.

International shrine status a deserved honour for Knock - continued from front page

On Friday, the pope asked: “How many families in the course of almost a century and a half have handed on the faith to their children and gathered their daily labours around the prayer of the Rosary, with the image of Our Lady of Knock at its centre?” The message from Knock is that of the “great value of silence for our faith”, he added. Custodian of the shrine, Archbishop Michael Neary, who celebrated the special mass on Friday evening, said the shift of status was a “momentous event”. He said it was “fitting” that Knock would become an established international shrine, and he expressed his “profound gratitude” to the pope for acceding to the request that the apparition of 1879 be confirmed. A substantial amount of work went into preparing material for the elevated designation, the archbishop added and he commended all involved. Friday’s event was a culmination of a long campaign. “I pray that pilgrims from all over Ireland and from across the world who come here, carrying their crosses, will experience deeply God’s closeness, the tenderness of the Virgin Mary and the company of the saints, so as to be encouraged and enabled to return home with a more buoyant faith, with hope in their hearts and a more ardent love for God and neighbour,” said

Northwest Express March, 2021

of the church. “However, we have demonstrated we can handle international pilgrimages before. We had pilgrimages in recent years from New York and Boston and a pilgrimage from Cologne was planned just before the pandemic”. At another level, of course, Knock is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ireland and attracts one and a half million people every year. The latest upgrade elevates the shrine to the same status as Lourdes and Fatima.

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Pope Francis lighting a candle at Knock’s shrine during his trip to Ireland in August 2018. Also in photo is Knock Shrine rector Fr. Richard Gibbons. Photograph: Ciro Fusco/pool photo via AP

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The information in Northwest Express is carefully researched and believed to be accurate, but the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Statements or opinions expressed herein are not necessary those of the editor or publisher. Advertisements within the publication are not endorsed by the publisher. Neither are any claims made within the advertisements. Before consuming any products mentioned in the publication readers are advised to consult with their general practitioner or equivalent professional for opinion or advice. The publisher will not be held liable for any mistakes or omissions to any advertisements. Publishers decision is final as to what appears in our publication

Northwest Express March, 2021

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Northwest Express March, 2021

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Mayo writer’s four-book launch a world record

he launch of a book is a momentous event in anybody’s life. For Westport author, poet and artist, Liam Friel, his decision to launch has been certified as a world record for the number of books published by the same writer in one day. The prolific writer launched his four books online on Sunday evening, March 21st. As with so much of our lives these days, the launch was held on Zoom The Westport man was born in Oughty, Drummin in 1961, the youngest in a family of five boys born to Patrick J and Mairéad Friel. Liam’s talent confirms the saying that the apple seldom falls far from the tree. He is a third-generation poet and historian. His grandfather Patrick Tunney was one of the most renowned Irish poets and writers of the last century. He was born in Derrykillew, Westport, in 1879. He was a prolific writer, and over his lifetime he penned and published over two-hundred ballads and poems which have been recited, recorded, and performed many times. He captured the history of Ireland’s struggle for freedom as it unfolded in front of him and of his time spent in prison. That portion of his writings was included in ‘’Tis Érin I Love Best’, first published by Liam Friel in 2016. Liam Friel’s, mother, Mairéad Friel (nee Tunney) was a gifted poet. much loved by all who read and recited her lyrical poems and ballads. Mairéad was born in Derrykillew, Westport, on March 21, 1921. Liam published a full collection of her work in ‘The Poetry and Life of Mairéad Friel’ in 2014. This Sunday launch date marked the centenary of Mairéad Friel’s birth, and it is the reason why he chose this date for the these launches. Liam told The Mayo News: “She was born on March 21st, 1921, in an Ireland that was gripped in fear, where the RIC policed the land, where The Black and Tans terrorised the people. Ireland was a divided nation. “My mother’s dad, Pat Tunney, was in jail in Galway, but he got a ten-day release. The Black and Tans raided their home just hours

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after Nora Tunney had given birth to a little baby girl. The Black and Tans threatened to execute Pat Tunney, they beat his mother (Margaret Tunney) with the butts of their guns, they broke her delph from the dresser, they smashed and burned her spinning-wheel. They pulled the bedclothes of the mother and her new born baby. That baby was my mother. “And that’s why I honour her by commemorating her birth, her life and her inspiration. I dedicate these books and this launch to her memory.” The books The four books are ‘Gaeldom is Bleeding with Emigration’, ‘Freedom and Right Will Conquer Might’, ‘Taking Cover’ and ‘In The Balance’. ‘Gaeldom is Bleeding with Emigration’ and

Sligo’s Elva takes on new role with Mayo-Roscommon Hospice

EARLIER this month Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation were happy to announce the appointment of Sligo native ELVA Donlon as head of fundraising and communications at the Foundation. After graduating from Sligo IT with an Honours Degree in Business, she spent some years in the United States and Dublin, spending most of her time in a commercial role with retail giants Primark. In 2017, missing the rural life, she decided to move back home to the west of Ireland. After moving home, she started working with St. Jarlath's Credit Union in a business development role. It was through this experience that she discovered the incredible power of local communities in the west of Ireland. While in this role, Elva worked on numerous projects to merge that local community spirit with the online digital space. Elva has recently graduated from UCD with a professional diploma in digital. In welcoming Elva to the foundation, CEO Martina Jennings said she is looking forward to working with Elva, in bringing

her wealth of experience to the changing world of digital and community fundraising. Martina also thanked Angelina Nugent for her work and commitment over the last 19 months, and wished her every success as she pursues her career in media. Mrs. Jennings continued: “Covid-19 has changed all our lives, has posed real challenges in fundraising to all charities, and has forced us to change from raising funds in the traditional ways to online platforms. Despite the challenges faced, we have continued to fund palliative care services in the community, along with progressing the build of our Roscommon Hospice. “This would not have been possible without the generosity of so many communities and individuals who donated online at hospice.ie or organised virtual fundraisers. We are committed to continuing to fund and develop palliative care services in the community and in both our hospices in Mayo and Roscommon.” Elva can be contacted at elva@hospice.ie or on (094) 9388666.

‘Freedom and Right will Conquer Might’ are books written by Liam Friel about his grandfather, Patrick Tunney. These books detail his grandfather’s fight to save the Gaeltacht, his desire to halt emigration, his support for Gaelic football, his drive to resurrect Irish industries, factories, and commerce, the ideals of Ireland’s dead, Mayo’s fighting story and more. ‘In The Balance’ and ‘Taking Cover’ are a social history in verse. They record the characters and events, the fun and the frolics of work, rest and play. Over 600 characters and events feature, alongside plenty of humour. The poems are composed in the old metre of An Amhráin, with four stressed syllables in each line, giving them that recognisable Irish lilt.

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Trade figures show ‘immediate impact’ of Brexit

Northwest Express March, 2021

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Fianna Fáil Senator and Spokesperson on Foreign and EU affairs, Lisa Chambers,

ayo-based Fianna Fáil Senator and Spokesperson on Foreign and EU affairs, Lisa Chambers, has stated that the latest CSO figures released on goods exports and imports in January 2021 shows the “immediate impact” of Brexit on trade. Imports of goods from Great Britain in January 2021 were €497 million, a fall of €906 million compared with January 2020, while exports to Great Britain decreased by 14% to €946 million in January 2021 when compared with January 2020. Senator Chambers commented, “The drop in exports and imports to and from

Britain is significant and higher than many expected. This shows the immediate impact of Brexit on trade with a number of factors contributing to these figures.” Senator Chambers continued: “We know there would have been some stockpiling in the run up to Christmas and also businesses increasing imports and exports before the new customs regulations kicked in. “What we have to do now is monitor these figures as we progress through the remainder of the year to get a clearer picture of the true impact of Brexit on trade with Britain but it is expected this

fall in trade will persist to a degree as businesses adjust to the new trading environment,” concluded Senator Chambers. Traders reported that a combination of factors contributed to the large reduction in imports from Great Britain in January 2021. These included the challenges of complying with customs requirements. Other factors identified by traders were stockpiling of goods in Q4 2020 in preparation for Brexit, substitution with goods from other countries, and a reduction in trade volumes due to the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions throughout January.

SVP works with Electric Ireland to reduce electricity bills

Electric Ireland has established a Covid Hardship Fund of €2 million to help alleviate the financial pressures of some of their customers who are in difficult circumstances because of the Covid crisis. To ensure this support reaches those most in need as quickly as possible, Electric Ireland is partnering with MABS and the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP), leveraging MABS’ and the SVP’s good name and relationships within the community and their experience of assessing need. There is no time limit on the fund, it will end when the credit has been distributed. Funding is available to Electric Ireland customers who have an electricity and/or gas account. The payment will be in the form of a credit against the customer’s account and this credit will be used against the customer’s usage and cannot be refunded as a cash amount.

Credit can also be provided for Electric or Gas ‘Pay as You Go’ (PAYG) metres. Customers must be an Electric Ireland customer for at least 12 months and customers who are not in arrears may also receive help from the fund, if it’s obvious that a credit on their next bill/PAYG credit will help make monies available for other important items – education, food, etcetera. Only one credit can be provided per household and Electric Ireland has systems in place to ensure there will be no duplication of requests between SVP and MABS. The SVP volunteers in Castlebar are delighted with this opportunity to bring warmth and light to the homes of those struggling in these darkened times. For further information call Castlebar SVP on 094 902 3207 (10am-1pm) Ballina 096-72905 or Sligo 071-9160713. For other areas visit www.svp.ie.

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Northwest Express March, 2021

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Roscommon woman publishes first book on 95th birthday

Brigid Kavanagh

t’s a truly amazing story, not just in the book itself, but the fact the author is aged 95. Strokestown native Brigid Kavanagh has just published her first book, a collection of short stories and poems, written over a 40 year period. 'In My Mind’s Eye – Walking Amongst Ghosts' paints a vivid picture of both harsh and happy times – folklore, customs, social and local history - all in her own vivid and often humourous style. Brigid was born on February 17, 1926, in the townland of Bunnamuca, near Strokestown in Co Roscommon, and reared on a small farm by her parents, John Shiel, a carpenter, and Mai (Gilleran), a housewife and farmer. She was one of 10 surviving children. She left home for England in late 1944 where she commenced nursing training in St. Albans, London. It was there that she met her husband, Michael Kavanagh, a Galway native. They married on July 30, 1947 and returned home in December 1948, settling in Dublin. The young couple lived in Baggot Street for four years before buying a house in Ranelagh in 1953. Twenty years later they moved house to Windy Arbour, Dundrum,

where Brigid still lives today. They had six children and after 56 years of marriage, Michael passed away in 2003. It was Michael who was the inspiration behind Brigid's first foray into the publishing world. The first story Brigid had published was in praise of her husband, and appeared in the Evening Press newspaper in 1978. He wasn’t aware of the piece and she signed it ‘BK’ so as not to embarrass him. However this was not her first piece of writing . Aged 12, as part of the 1938 Folklore Collection in schools, she wrote a story, given to her by her father, about the Mahon landlords who ruled Strokestown from their Demesne in the town. She attended writers’ classes courtesy of DATE (Dundrum Adult Training & Education) from 1984, and continued to write over the next decade. It was in the early 1990s that she submitted insightful recollections of her

rural childhood to the Ireland’s Eye magazine. This was followed by contributions to Ireland’s Own and many of her stories have since been published in both magazines. These stories form the basis of her book, intermingled with biographical and historical accounts of people and events mainly connected to her native Roscommon. She has also written some fiction, both serious and humorous, and her poems are usually linked to a story in each of the book’s 19 segments. This collection puts most of Brigid’s work, published and unpublished, under the one roof, so to speak – 95 stories and poems, one for every year of her life so far. Her success is a lesson for all of us to never give up when it comes to achieving goals. She recently appeared on RTE news where her positive story helped to cheer the whole nation.

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Mayo Drugs task force to focus on big dealers So far this year the Mayo Divisional Drugs Task Force has seized €394,000 worth of drugs in addition to €45,000 in associated cash. Such is the extent of the problem the force have decided to change their strategy and will now focus on big dealers and their assets. This is what the head of the Mayo Divisional Drugs Task Force, Supt. Joe McKenna, has told members of the Mayo Joint Policing Committee (JPC). The move illustrates how serious they are taking the current drugs problem. The task force is comprised of two sergeants and ten garda members. Since it was established in December 2019 it has seized €1.7 million worth of drugs. It is already poised to exceed the number of detections in 2021, with detections of drugs for sale and supply up by 75 percent on the same period last year. Det. Supt McKenna explained that because of the success of the last 12 months they are now ready to start targeting the main drug dealers in the county and go after their assets. “There is huge work taking place but our focus has adapted and changed in that we are now targeting the bigger teams involved in the sale and supply of drugs. We are reaping the reward from the good base work we did last year and now concentrating on the main suppliers in Co Mayo.

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“On top of that, we are also focusing on accounts, property and assets these people may have,” he explained. Members of the JPC were informed that the drug of choice among the public has moved from cannabis to cocaine, with the majority of detections in 2021 involving cocaine. Det. Supt McKenna thanked the public for their assistance and intelligence. He added that threats by drug dealers to the family members of people who owe money will not be tolerated. “We do work on intimidation offences and people targeted in respect to their families and monies they may own. If people have issues or concerns about family members or themselves, please contact us. We have already two cases before the courts and another two cases we are investigating, and we would only be too delighted [to follow up any report],” he explained. The work of the task force was lauded by the JPC members, who welcomed the Gardaí’s new direction. Ballinrobe-based councillor Damien Ryan suggested that a drug unit be based in Ballinrobe to tackle the cross-border trade of drugs from Galway into Mayo. The members were also informed that uniformed gardaí from different parts of the county are being seconded into the task

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Northwest Express March, 2021

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St. Angela’s College launch National Centre of Excellence for Home Economics

he new National Centre of Excellence for Home Economics is built on a strong and solid foundation of Higher Education in Home Economics at St Angela’s College, which spans 69 years. Today in 2021, there are over 650 students of the discipline Home Economics at Honours Bachelor’s degree and Masters level – an increase of 130% in students studying Home Economics at the College since 2012, and a long way from the 12 original students who commenced study in Home Economics in 1952. These students are part of a total student population of 1,300 students including other programmes delivered across the School of Education and the School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability. Speaking at the recent launch of the Centre Amanda McCloat, College President, explained “This National Centre of Excellence will provide a key platform and foundation for the future growth and development of the academic discipline Home Economics and acknowledges the historical importance and existing prominence of the discipline at St Angela’s as the College moves towards full incorporation within an ever changing higher education landscape”. With the launch of the new Centre St. Angelas College, as the sole provider of Home Economics in Higher Education in Ireland, is building on its legacy in delivering valuable life skills to students, developing quality, collaborative research and innovation projects and continuing to focus on local, regional and national community engagement initiatives. Helen Maguire, Head of School of Home Economics acknowledged “We are the only Higher Education institution in Ireland to have a significant critical mass and expertise in the discipline Home Economics, indeed we have the largest School of Home Economics in Europe with 30 academic

Amanda McCloat (President St. Angela's College), Frank Feighan (Minister of State at the Department of Health), Helen Maguire (Head of School of Home Economics, St. Angela’s College)

staff involved in teaching and specialist research. It is a privilege to work with such committed and capable academics who are passionate about the capacity of Home Economics to improve the quality of life for all”. The launch of the National Centre of Excellence coincided with World Home Economics Day 2021 (21st March 2021) with this year’s focus being on home as an environment for healthy ageing. The President of the International Federation for Home Economics, Professor Gwendolyn Hustvedt took the opportunity, in her launch speech, to convey the exciting news that, following a lengthy proposal process, St. Angela’s College has won the bid to host the 25th IFHE World Congress in 2024. This is the largest, most prestigious event for Home Economics in the world and the international conference attracts up to 1500 international delegates. Planning for the event will commence imminently and the event will be support by Fáilte Ireland. The National Centre of Excellence for

Home Economics was launched virtually on Friday 19th March by Minister Frank Feighan (Minister of State responsible for Public Health, Wellbeing and National Drugs Strategy), with Amanda McCloat (President, St. Angela’s College) and Helen Maguire (Head of School of Home Economics) in attendance. The College were honoured to have a number of prestigious international guest speakers from the field contribute virtually. Speaking at the launch Minister Feighan noted ‘the Colleges excellent standing in the delivery of Home Economics education is recognised nationally and internationally. Minister Feighan also recognised that ‘ one of the recommendations of the Report on tackling childhood obesity published by the Joint Committee on Children and Youth affairs is to consider making Home economics a compulsory Post Primary subject and I look forward to working alongside you to achieve this’. The launch event will be available to view for a limited time on the College website www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie

Harkin backs easing of Covid restrictions on a county basis “NPHET and the Government should consider relaxing Covid restrictions on a county basis in counties where the 14day incidence rate is low, for example, below 50 per 100,000, or below 100 per 100,000, depending on the scientific analysis”. This was stated by Independent TD, Marian Harkin, in the context of the most recent Covid figures. She said she was not speaking about a full relaxation of restrictions, rather a certain flexibility for people around travel within their own county, around training or individual sporting activity outside, around some re-opening of places of worship. She said: “People need hope, people need to have something they can work towards. People need a timeline of some sort. Counties like Leitrim have the lowest 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 in the country, at 34. Kilkenny and Cork are also below 50 per 100,000. These statistics need to be taken into consideration when NPHET and the Cabinet review Covid restrictions post April 5th”. She continued, “throughout Covid, I have received emails, calls and texts

from people, but the tone has changed in the last few weeks. More and more people are becoming desperate to see a pathway towards a new normal. We are

locked down since Christmas and some people are very close to breaking point. For too many, especially young people, their mental health is deteriorating”.

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Northwest Express March, 2021

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Public urged to consider alternatives to pesticides

ifteen exceedance for the pesticides MCPA and glyphosate were detected in the public drinking water supplies in Louisburgh and Newport in 2019 and 2020. MCPA is an active substance present in many commonly used herbicide products used to control the growth of thistles, docks and rushes and remains the most commonly detected pesticide in Ireland. These exceedances were detected as part of Irish Water’s public water supply monitoring programme. The Newport water supply abstracts raw water from the Newport River and the Louisburgh drinking water supply is abstracted from the Bunnahowen River both of which are vulnerable to runoff from land. Irish Water is asking users of any herbicide or pesticide products in these catchments to consider the vulnerability of the water supplies to pesticide contamination and the importance of these supplies to the local homes and businesses in the community. Irish Water, working in partnership with a range of organisations involved in the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG), is asking the farming community, greens keepers, grounds keepers, and domestic users, to consider in each case whether they need to use pesticides at all. Minimising pesticide use not only helps to protect water quality but also has wider environmental benefits. For example, leaving areas unsprayed can help native flowering plant species to grow and support a range of insects including bees and other vital pollinators. One third of Ireland’s bee species are threatened with extinction and by helping the bee population survive and thrive we are also

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helping to protect our precious water sources. For more information on practical ways to help bees and other pollinators, check out the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan at www.pollinators.ie Where pesticide use is considered necessary, the NPDWAG is working with the community to ensure that best practice measures to protect drinking water sources and biodiversity are always followed. Farmers and other landholders dealing with the challenge of tackling rushes should note that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has developed new guidance on the sustainable management of rushes. The new approach is based on the concepts of containment or suppression, and aims to minimise the use of pesticides. More information on this can be obtained from your

local farm advisor or on www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/ waterprotection The efforts to reduce the incidence and level of these detections are being coordinated by the NPDWAG. This group is chaired by the DAFM. All of the key stakeholders are represented in this group and include other Government departments and agencies; local authorities; industry representative bodies; farming organisations; water sector organisations; and amenity sector organisations. Dr Pat O’Sullivan, Irish Water’s Regional Drinking Water Compliance Specialist said: “In Co Mayo, the exceedances of the drinking water regulations for MCPA and glyphosate were noted in the Newport and Louisburgh public water supplies following routine sampling. What’s disappointing is that there were no exceedances in the Louisburgh catchment in 2019, however there were three in 2020. “While our consultation with the HSE has concluded that the levels seen do not represent a threat to public health, it is however undesirable and therefore imperative that users of pesticides are mindful of best practice when using herbicides or pesticides and seek out alternatives.” Recent drinking water monitoring results for Ireland show that a number of active substances contained in herbicide products used in agriculture, amenity and gardens, such as 2,4-D, fluroxypyr, glyphosate, MCPA, mecoprop and triclopyr, are being regularly detected. If pesticides have to be used, the basic steps to reduce

risks to drinking water sources and the aquatic environment are: Choose the right pesticide product (note that products containing MCPA are NOT approved for use in weedwipers.) Read and follow the product label Determine the right amount to purchase and use Don’t use pesticides if rain is forecast in the next 48 hours Make sure you are aware of the location of all nearby water courses Comply with any buffer zone specified on the product label to protect the aquatic environment. Mark out the specified buffer zone from the edge of the river or lake or other water course and drainage ditches Avoid spills, stay well back from open drains and rinse empty containers 3 times into the sprayer. Store and dispose of pesticides and their containers properly. Never fill a sprayer directly from a water course or carry out mixing, loading or other handling operations beside a water course Further guidance: A video on the best practice use and application of products containing MCPA can be viewed on Irish Water’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/xQqtZ7jifUs Information leaflets on pesticide use are also available to download from the Teagasc website at teagasc.ie/environment/water -quality/assap-farming-forwater-quality/improving-my-w ater-quality/protectingdrinking-water-from-pesticides

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Northwest Express March, 2021

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Magic of Belleek Woods

With the improvement in the weather many local people (bored, perhaps due to Covid restrictions) have been enjoying the beauty and magic of Belleek Woods in Ballina. Sean Noone, while taking a leisurely walk through the Fairy Trail with his wife and two-month old baby recently, decided to take a few photographs. He pays tribute, particularly, to Ballina Men’s Shed group for their fine work in enhancing the magic of this special space.

Going Solo in Sligo Solo is a brilliant mini company set up as part of a TY project by Corey O’Dowd, a transition year student in Summerhill College, Sligo. This is a self training kit for players to use when they are going down to their local GAA pitch to practice their skills and develop as a player. The kit consists of either a Size 4 or a size 5 GAA ball depending on your preference, 8 cones, a skipping rope, a resistance band with a strength of your choice . . . and last of all a custom solo drawstring bag which is perfect for transporting the kit and your own equipment to and from the pitch. This training kit, Solo, is a brilliant initiative and perfect for all the young aspiring players out there. By using this kit the players will learn to develop their skills and fitness and overall it will help them become much better players and improve their game. Along with the equipment provided there are online skill videos that the players can replicate and can be found on a facebook page @solominicomany. These skill drills will focus on different aspects of a player’s game and will help them improve their weaker side, catching, shooting and in game scenarios. This kit comes highly recommended by Sligo GAA,

Saint John’s GAA club and even two Sligo senior players, Paul McNamara and Brian Mc Gowan. The kit is priced at an affordable price of just €35 and with all the equipment and the online videos this is a real bargain. To get your hands on one of these brilliant kits go to the instagram and facebook page @solominicompany.

Detour to Pub in Frenchpark IT’S something many of us have been accustomed to – in better times. That detour to the pub on the way home. It could be coming from a funeral, a party . . . or even from work. Because of Covid19, however, such a luxury has become a distant memory. Rural pubs have been shut for over a year and with some of latest uncertainties the possibilities of re-opening in the near future, if ever remains in the balance. That’s why a photo sent to the Roscommon Herald by eagle-eyed photographer Bernie O’Farrell took us on a trip down memory lane — the way things once were. Only this time, the detour sign leads directly to a front door of a well-known and popular pub in

Frenchpark. Claire and Gerry Queenan run Higgins’ pub in the North Roscommon village. Located just across the road from Nash Park, it’s a cosy, friendly place where people often dissect the performances of Western Gaels, and Roscommon, after big matches. It’s the quintessential rural pub — a place to meet, have a chat and enjoy a quiet pint. With ongoing roadworks in Frenchpark, the “detour” sign couldn’t have been more succinctly placed as people’s patience begins to wear thin with the current restrictions. During these tough times, the irony won’t be lost on anyone who misses the way things used to be.

Sligo said ‘Yes’! - Sligo BID gets voted in for a new term

Over past few weeks, businesses received ballot papers to vote on extending the BID scheme. The results of the ballot have now been released with a vote of 80% in favour of a continuation of the scheme. Sligo made history in 2016 by becoming the first Business Improvement District (BID) in the West of Ireland. Since 2016, Sligo BID has been helping the town reinvent itself, tackle issues and thrive as a tourism and business hub. A BID is a defined area within which businesses pay a levy to fund projects within the district’s boundaries. There are five BIDs in Ireland and more than 1,500 in the US and 345 in the UK and, after five years, all BIDs must ask their business community to vote for a continuation of the scheme. Over the next five years, Sligo BID had many plans including increasing the promotion of Sligo to attract new business and increase footfall as well as supporting events that drive Sligo’s brand. We will be working on ensuring urban renewal and regeneration alongside promoting Sligo’s retail, hospitality, cultural and social attributes. We will be focussing on new projects selected as a priority by BID members. Sligo BID CEO Gail McGibbon said: “We want to extend our sincerest thanks to all of the businesses who voted for a continuation of Sligo BID. We know that the past year in particular has been extraordinarily difficult and all businesses have suffered, some significantly more than others, and there are still tough times ahead. But we are determined to help Sligo recover from the current economic downturn and to continue to thrive as a tourism and business hub.” Sligo BID Ballot Committee Chair, Ann Clinton, said: “Because of Covid-19, we were not able to visit businesses or hold public meeting in the way we would have normally done. Instead, we reached out to our members through letters, phone calls and social media which proved very effective. We are delighted that Sligo businesses have put their confidence in us and this vote empowers us to continue the work that we started and allow us to progress new projects and improvements.”

The detour sign outside Higgins’ pub, Frenchpark, last week

THOMAS GABRIEL

Northwest Express March, 2021

GRANDSON OF JOHNNY CASH TRACING WEST SLIGO ROOTS

Story by Catherine Gilmartin

XCITEMENT is rife in West Sligo, where Johnny Cash’s oldest grandson, Thomas Gabriel, arrived earlier this month to trace his roots, and release his new recording ‘The Treehouse Sessions’, is a mixture of his own and his grandfather’s songs. “The album is raw in format and just straight from my mouth to recording – it’s just my voice and guitar – no processing, no retakes. That’s how my granddad recorded his songs in the ‘50s. The songs that I share mean something to me – I chose songs that I wanted, and with my grandfather in mind.” Hearing Thomas Gabriel sing is just like listening to The Man in Black; he has the same deep baritone range and tone of voice. He says: “I don’t mind people comparing me to granddad; as I’m carrying on his tradition, whatever has been passed down genetically, like painters or writers.” “I have definitely got the Cash genes, and I’ve got the vocals; but unfortunately I also inherited the addictions.” This exclusive interview is a refreshingly honest and inspiring story of how Thomas Gabriel, who spent 10 years in prison, reaching the depths of despair, managed to turned his life around, to continue the legacy of his beloved grandfather. Thomas was brought up by the

iconic Johnny Cash, as his mother, Kathy Cash, had him when she was only 16 years of age. This meant he spent a lot of his childhood touring with him and his second wife, June Carter. He says: “It was a lonely life for a kid. When I was on tour with granddad it was like you’re in a moving circus. I felt like I was a fish in a fish tank – you see all these people and they become like a bunch of dots. You don’t remember where you have been, or where you are going to, when you are travelling from place to place. Being a kid I was on the outside of what was going on, everyone was concentrating on the productions, and you don’t really have a place in society, you’re watching everything from the side-lines. It didn’t really dawn on me until I went to high school that I didn’t know how to relate to others or situations. I also had a sense of entitlement, as my needs had been catered to - to a certain extent.” Thomas’ life has not been easy and he has hit the self-destruct button many times, resulting in hurt for others as well as himself. He has made mistakes in life; but is open about them and says to be honest with oneself is the only way to break free from your demons. “When I was in bad shape with my chemical addictions my grandfather was great - I could tell him anything and I never held anything back. Ironically, I

was a police officer for a while and started to take pills to keep myself awake when I was working nights, then I was taking pills to come down and drinking a lot. I got myself into a whole lot of problems, ending up in getting divorced, and it didn’t help that I was drinking. In fact I had been drinking daily since I was eleven years old. It was already an issue when I was 13 and my granddad took me to AA amongst other things. Granddad’s way of counselling me, if you like, was to share his own experiences and hurt. He had a lot of pain himself around his past and he felt guilt about his daughters.” Thomas says: “My granddad never judged me, he was never disrespectful and never looked down on me. Even when I stole from him, he called me into his office and said: “I want to talk to you. Do you know anything about some of my stuff going missing?” And I said: “Yes sir I do. It was me, and I’m extremely sorry and beg your forgiveness.” He said: “I already forgave you, because I knew it was you. You must have needed it more than I did.” Maybe part of why Johnny Cash never gave up on his grandson was because he was a very spiritual man. “It was a huge part of him and you can hear that when you listen to his last recordings.

Johnny Cash pictured with his oldest grandson, Thomas Gabriel.

Northwest Express March, 2021 It was the dominant side of him and you can hear everything he stood for coming through in his music. He was able to paint a picture with his voice just like an artist - soul talking to soul. You don’t even have to know it was him to hear that this person singing was very wise.” Thomas comes across to me as very wise also: “I don’t see myself as being as wise as my granddad, he had so much wisdom and how he presented himself on stage was how he was. He had the substance and then some to back everything he shared which was real.” Thomas has worked hard to finally let go of the guilt he carried about not being there for his beloved granddad when he died. “My granddad had asked me to come and see him in hospital as he needed to talk to me. At the time, I was dope-sick and thought I would sleep it off and then go and see him in an hour or so. Unfortunately, I slept through and was woken by my mother at 5 am to tell me Granddad had gone - so I never did get to know what he wanted to say to me.” ON PRISON It was when he was sent to prison that Gabriel really learnt how to take care of himself. “If you ever have any doubt about where your breaking point is, you are going to find it in there. I have a strong threshold and I never got raped or anything like that in prison; but some did. I saw a lot of people fall to the wayside, become suicidal - they just couldn’t deal with it.” One of the songs in ‘The Treehouse Sessions’ is entitled ‘Cell’. Thomas wrote it whilst in solitary confinement in prison and

it is a real sharing of the heart. “I wrote ‘Cell’ in solitude, not thinking that anyone would hear it – it’s very dark and it’s my favourite song out of all the songs we did in Treehouse.”

As I listen to it I can hear that beautiful honesty that resonates deep in the soul, similar to the truthfulness and sincerity heard in his grandfather’s songs, especially ‘Hurt’. I tell him he’s a tough cookie, he laughs..: “I can be. The irony in the situation I was in - is that my grandfather sang songs about prison, but he didn’t live it - but I did, and I, and other prisoners, can totally relate to those songs.” In October, 2018, 50 years after his grandfather’s legendary live performance at Folsom State Prison, in California, Gabriel proudly followed in his footsteps and with his guitarist, Derek Toa, performed two shows for prison inmates. One of the prisoners in the front row had been at his grandfather’s show, 50 years earlier, and was still there 50 years later. The prison sentences in America are tough - Thomas tells me that guy was arrested one month after his 18th birthday. On mental health issues he says: “I’ve been misunderstood; I was diagnosed as having bipolar but that wasn’t true. I just got a bit manic and confused at times. Lots of times these psychotherapists just want to fit you into a category, so many people are misunderstood – and it’s like you are being dumbed down with medication. I believe your brain really can heal by itself, if you have the capacity to be really honest with yourself. Abstaining from taking anything that would change my thoughts is of course painful and uncomfortable; but I make myself go through it. Unfortunately, a lot of people haven’t got the patience and pain

tolerance to go through it for as long as it takes.” Thomas is proud to say he hasn’t had a drink for nearly a year. When I ask him if he smokes he answers: “I don’t see the point in smoking - I’ve never got high on a cigarette!”

On COVID - Thomas says it has, ironically, been very beneficial to him. “I needed to sober up again and do it properly, without going back to rehab; so it’s been a good thing for me to take time out.” His advice to others who are struggling at this time is: “Use your time wisely, if you have any pain and something needs to be done regarding yourself; deal with it - this is the right time for self- improvement.” Thomas has a lot to look forward to now: “Not only have I got my one-year anniversary of giving up drink coming up, but I am engaged to my lovely fiancée who I met at a show a year ago. She’s also an entertainer, she saw me and wasn’t interested in me; but I was a lot interested in her and I kept on and on until I got her interested!!” Just like his grandfather in more ways than one!! Thomas loves Ireland and the Irish people, he says: “I have a strong connection with the Irish people, they are sincere, family orientated, deep and rooted. You don’t get a lot of that in the US right now. I couldn’t be in a better place.” He continues: “My father’s people, the Coggins, came from Enniscrone, a little place outside Sligo (closer to Ballina, in fact!). They travelled

to Pennsylvania and then settled in Ohio. I am looking forward to connecting with them, once I have done my quarantine.” I can feel him grinning from ear to ear when I say we can’t wait to give him an Enniscrone welcome! “I’m really looking forward to that.” And I know Gabriel means every word, he is just enjoying every moment that he can, meeting and relating to others. “I spent 10 years away from people – and I spent a lot more since. I have been through so much - now the most important thing to me is experiencing the energy that flows between me and others. Having gone through solitary where there’s no fluidity, I want to embrace that fluid energy everywhere I go.” Thomas wishes his granddad was still here to see how he has turned his life around - to continue his legacy. “He wanted me to get myself together and get back into my music, so I think he would be proud.” The Treehouse Sessions’ is a brilliant new recording from Thomas Gabriel – it features six raw, uncut acoustic recordings, along with some of his grandfather’s songs and is available exclusively on www.thomasgabriel.com The genre is Americana/Roots/Country and fans will be excited to hear that the release date WAS 2nd March (it will be out there by the time you read this!) So don’t miss out!! Thomas is touring Ireland and the UK in October – contact Thomasgabriel.com for tickets. We will never have another Johnny Cash, but it’s great to have his grandson continuing the megastar’s legacy.

northwest Express March, 2021

ALL-NEW OPEL CORSA-E IS SIMPLY ELECTRIC. Editorial by brEda Corrigan

here has never been a better time to discover the all-new opel Corsa – the awardwinning, and future-ready, german city car. blending everyday driving fun with exciting big-car technology, the new Corsa is now available with a choice of petrol, diesel or 100% electric power plants.

Elegant Electric Mobility the new opel Corsa-e offers stateof-the-art electric mobility in its most elegant form. With subtle design touches and badging, and a range of 337km (according to the latest, strictest WltP protocol), the all-new Corsa-e benefits from a whole host of technology features to ensure even more driving comfort and enjoyment, while producing no harmful emission in the process. From its expressive front end to its striking rear design, the new Corsa’s big personality emphasises the precision of outstanding german engineering. Possessing a dynamic character, bold exterior design and an eye-catching silhouette, the new Corsa has all the right ingredients to replicate the massive sales success of its predecessors throughout the years, while the option of adding a stylish black or white roof to your chosen exterior colour provides ultimate exclusivity.

Integrated Battery the battery is integrated into the chassis of the Corsa-e and sits below the front and rear seat rows in order to ensure a maximum amount of boot space. the battery pack is protected by special crash guards and is housed in a secure and fireproof encasing that is additionally cooled. the EV dashboard cluster design in the Corsa-e comes complete with transparent and easy-tounderstand vehicle data monitors that provide the driver with the

best possible overview in order to easily achieve efficiency, and ensure maximum range.

Regenerative Braking the regenerative braking system in the Corsa-e enables the passive recovery of energy when in motion. the energy created by the resistance of the brakes against the drivetrain is utilised through the regenerative system and converted into dC voltage to partially recharge the battery. the car’s flow display shows the driver how much of the battery has been used up, and how and when, it is being charged from the

regenerative braking system. Two Trims, One Power Unit the new opel Corsa-e is available in a choice of SC or Elite trim levels, with power supplied by a synchronous electric motor with a permanent magnet and a 50kWh lithium-ion battery for smooth, serene progress on the move. With 280nm of instant torque, and 136bhp available, the Corsa-e can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.1-seconds, on the way to a claimed top speed of 150km/h (where permitted). the 50 kWh battery can be fast-charged to 80 per cent of its capacity in 30 minutes, which means that the new Corsa-e is the fastest charging car in its market segment. a domestic 11kW wall box can add 100km of range in 90 minutes, while a 50kW public charger can provide the same range in 19 minutes, with a 100kW public charger completing the task in just 12 minutes. With the new Corsa-e, simply plug and play for an electrifying, noise-free experience.

Test Car My opel Corsa-e SC test car looked stunning in its Power orange twocoat premium paint, which – along with Voltaic blue two-coat metallic – is exclusively reserved for the Corsa-e. Key standard SC features include lEd headlights with high beam assist, 16” bicolour alloy wheels, aircon, cruise control with speed limiter,

adjustable height driver’s seat, remote central locking, speed sign recognition, lane departure warning with lane assist functionality, driver drowsiness system, abS, automatic emergency city braking, flat bottom steering wheel wrapped in leather, rear parking sensors, electric parking brake, keyless start, 7” colour touchscreen navigation, 7” digital driver information screen, and a Multimedia infotainment system. on the road, the new Corsa-e possesses excellent body control and driving dynamics, while a specially tuned suspension (engineered to cope with the extra weight of the car’s batteries) ensures a comfortable ride quality every time. the cars steering has also been tweaked to cope with the extra weight, while the level of braking regeneration can be altered on the move via the drive selector. an instant rush of torque from the electric motor provides an air of confidence when overtaking slower moving traffic, while a strong brake pedal feel (especially with brake regeneration engaged) ensures stopping distances are easily controlled. the automatic transmission in the Corsa-e is an all-electric single-speed drive unit, which is extremely user friendly in its functionality, while the driver can choose a driving mode (normal, Eco and Sport) to suit their own driving style.

Cabin & Boot Space Cabin space within the new Corsae is identical to that on offer in its conventionally-powered siblings, while a standard 60:40 splitfolding rear seat back allows the 309-litre boot space to expand to 1,118-litres when folded flat. Material quality throught the Corsa’s cabin is excellent, while comfortable seats provide just the right amount of support in all of the important areas. Verdict, Pricing & Warranty overall, the all-new opel Corsa-e is a hugely significant principal entrant into opel’s electrification process, and is a car that opel’s designers and engineers can be very proud of. the car is packed with clever technology, is engaging to drive, simple to charge, and has a decent battery range. With the SC model priced at just €26,814 (inclusive of a Vrt rebate and SEai grant), it represents outstanding value for money too. the top-spec Elite model costs an additional €3,335 and offers exquisite luxury, with added features and technology on board. all opel passenger cars come with a 3-year/100,000km warranty, while the Corsa-e also benefits from an 8year/160,000km battery warranty (70% capacity). the amazing new opel Corsa-e is on sale now, with stock ready for immediate delivery.

northwest Express March, 2021

NEW HYUNDAI i10 - FLEXIBILITY TO ENJOY! Editorial by brEda Corrigan

he Hyundai i10 has always been the personification of the classic ‘City Car’ - short in length, tall in height, and with five doors as standard. now Hyundai has launched their allnew i10 in order to keep it fresh in the face of competition from rivals, such as the Kia Picanto, Suzuki ignis, toyota aygo, Škoda Citigo and VW Up! Fresh new design elements adorn the new i10, while advanced driver assistance systems bring it right up-to-date in terms of drivability and safety.

Distinctive Good Looks Featuring a sharp, distinctive exterior look, and a high-quality spacious interior, the Hyundai i10 also benefits from a wonderful platform which reinforces the car’s dynamics and refinement. Measuring just 3.67metres long and 1.68 metres wide, the all-new i10 combines a compact exterior with a roomy interior,with plenty of space and flexibility to live your life in a big way. inspired by the shape of human muscles clothed in athletic sportswear, the smoothly muscled main body is shaped to provide maximum inner space. reflecting this inspiration, the design of the i10 presents a complementary contrast between soft surfaces and sharp lines that give the car a gentle technical look. in the interior, the designers have balanced athletic style with roominess and practicality. Engine, Gearbox & Specification Options three trim levels are available in the new Hyundai i10 – Classic, deluxe, and deluxe Plus, with standard specification across the range including such features as 6 airbags (with a front passenger airbag deactivation switch), seat belt reminder, tyre pressure monitoring, abS, Ebd, lane Keep assist, Forward Collision avoidance, driver attention Warning, Manual Speed limit assist, cruise control, leather steering wheel and gear knob, auto lights, bluetooth™, rear spoiler with lEd brake light and iSoFiX anchorage points on outer rear seats. the 1.0-litre petrol engine in the i10 produces 65bhp and 96nm of torque, and is capable of returning up to 53.1mpg (5.3l/100km) on a WltP (real-world) combined driving cycle. the 0-100km/h sprint can be achieved in 14.6-seconds, with a claimed top speed of 156km/h (where permitted). the standard 5-speed manual gearbox in the Hyundai i10 is perfectly suited to the car’s 3-cylinder engine, which is lively, quick to rev and provides a pleasant sound in return. an automatic gearbox option is also available with the 1.0-litre petrol engine for added driving comfort. the new i10’s multi-point fuel injection petrol engine comes

with idle Stop and go (iSg) as standard, which automatically switches off the engine when the car comes to a halt so you can enjoy lower fuel consumption and lower Co2 emissions.

Test Car My test car was a new Hyundai i10 ‘deluxe Plus’ model, fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox and finished in delightful aqua turquoise metallic paint with a contrasting Phantom black roof. on the road, the i10 offers great refinement on all types of road surfaces – a rarety in the city-car class – while the car’s handling is superb. the car’s capable engine and smooth manual gearbox take the strain out of keeping up with motorway traffic, as the car is quite happy to compete for control of the fast lane when the opportunity presents itself. City streets can get a bit crowded sometimes, so when it comes to navigating narrow intersections and squeezing into tight parking spaces, the maneuverability of the i10 is refreshing. it is possible to have a surprising amount of driving fun in the i10, as its tight turning circle and light steering make town driving truly enjoyable, but the steering weighs up nicely at speed to avoid the i10 feeling uneasy on an open road. the i10’s five-speed manual gearbox has a light, slick and precise action, while the brakes are easy to control in stop-start traffic. Boot & Cabin Space boot space in the Hyundai i10 is competitive in its class, with 252litres available with the back seat rests in the upright position. However, drop the rear seats, and the cargo area increases to an impressive 1,046-litres. Unlike the majority of city cars on the market, the new i10 is a five seater. admittedly, three adults would possibly struggle for shoulder room in the rear, but there is sufficient leg and head room available.

Verdict & Pricing When considering the purchase of a city car, buyers will ultimately look for a car which will attract low running costs, be easy to drive, possess smart looks, have big-car comfort, be well built, spacious, and be fun to drive. Having spent time behind the wheel of the all-new Hyundai i10, i can safely say that Hyundai’s city car is all of the above…and more. Ex-works prices for the new Hyundai i10 start at just €14,800 for the Classic model, while Hyundai’s 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty comes as standard, along with a 5-year roadside assistance package, and free vehicle safety checks for 5 years too.

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Northwest Express March, 2021

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Discoun t with th is Advert

• Servicing • Panel Beating • Tracking • Parts • Light Setting • NCT Preperation • Valeting • Recovery

Ariel Dym 086-376-1953 • 086-8978395 • www.apmotors.ie

auTo Body rePair sligo Crash repair & repainting specialists Tel: 071-9167857 Mobile: 086-2670014 panelbeateroconnell23@gmail.com largan, Collooney, Co.sligo www.autobodyrepairsligo.com

Fast and it's efficient service We guarantee a response within 60 mins We repair approximately 90% of all vehicles attended at the roadside 24 hour call centre Phone: Letterkenny: 074-9139303 Donegal Town: 00353 074-97 40000 (Ballyshannon) Mobile: 086-2289494 Email:info@jdrecoveryservice.com Website: www.jdrecoveryservice.com

JOHN COSGROVE MoTor FaCTors

Tel: 096-21935 • Call out 087-2686360 Phone / Fax: 09672660 • www.coynetyres.ie

Advertise Here! Contact alan@theexpress.ie for details of our excellent rates

• Car & TraCTor ParTs • BaTTeries & FilTers • eleCTriCal ParTs • lighTs & luBriCanTs

We offer a wide range of services including pre-nct testing, car repair, recovery and sales.

Tubbernania, Ballintogher, Co. sligo Tel: 071-9164244 • Mob: 086-2572139

We also sell high quality used cars at affordable prices. (See www.bundoranmotors.com or call us for details.)

We also have a spray shop for all your bodywork needs. We fix all types of motoring problems ranging from mechanical problems to electrical problems.

ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT LOOKING FOR A JOB?

Northwest Express March, 2021

..if so here is the perfect one for you!

Suitable for: • People with limited mobility • People who have had hip surgery • People with back aches

For details of your local stockist Phone Noel: 087-9896948

EARN UP TO €500 P/W Selling advertising space in Sligo Now Magazine

No experience necessary but you will need good communication skills / telephone manner.

Telephone Seamus on 085-2498067 or email seamus@sligonow.ie

naturalhealth 16

Northwest Express March, 2021 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.

21 FOOD TRENDS THAT BENEFIT YOU AND THE PLANET W

e’re spending more time at home, so why not experiment and have a little epicurean fun. Enjoy these 21 trends for 2021 that will make you feel good about yourself, your community and the planet.

1. Cooking It Old School Technology burning you out? Shut off the computer and find inspiration in a pile of cookbooks. Remember this: just about all you need to know is in The Joy of Cooking, so pull that big ol’ tome off the shelf and reacquaint yourself with the art of making stock. Or go with some of our favourite old-school chefs — Nigel Slater, Jacques Pépin and Ina Garten, just to name a few — who are still publishing the best recipes around. 2. Matched Set The secrets of flavour pairings have long been the domain of chefs and sommeliers. Not anymore. The website foodpairing.com and companion book The Art and Science of Food Pairing make it easy for anyone to explore the infinite combinations of flavours. Mackerel and Parmesan, anyone? 3. Eat the Right Thing The conscious eater is looking for ways to contribute positively to the planet beyond eating nutritious, sustainably grown food. Watch for labels that say “made by a woman” or “a BIPOC-owned company” or even “made right here in your community by your neighbours.” It’s the right thing to do.

4. Be a Climatarian It’s smart to make food choices that reduce carbon emissions. That means limiting high-fuel-input foods such as meats and cheeses or anything imported. Eating seasonally and locally is the way to go, with go-to choices (depending on the source) like fish, pulses, grains, plants and even insects — crickets are showing up toasted for crunch or ground up to make a protein-rich flour used for pasta and more. 5. Sea Greens If you like sushi, you’ve been eating seaweed via the crispy green nori wrapper that keeps the goodies inside. Prepare to eat even more as sustainable seaweed farms catch on, with Newfoundland researchers in on the action. Considered a brain food for its mineral and omega acids, it’s the hit of flavourful umami that thrills gastronomes.

6. This One Doesn’t Come From the Sea The nutrient-dense sea buckthorn berry — a tangy, sour and astringent (in a good way) fruit once the purview of only the hippest chefs — is entering the mainstream, recognized for its potent array of vitamins and potential cancerbucking properties. Great in jams and jellies where you want that acidic kick and as a sauce over vanilla ice cream.

7. Where’s the Beef? Beyond Meat sent vegetarians into a frenzy, so expect a new wave of alternative proteins — like “shrimp” made from algae — to arrive in 2021. In the meantime, we have been enjoying Yves Veggie Cuisine since 1985. And of course, you can always make your own lentil and chickpea burger at home.

8. Here’s the Beef, But Make It Where the Buffalo Roam Big, beautiful and delicious, bison is proving a popular substitute for beef. Leaner and lower in saturated fats, bison has about 25 per cent of the calories compared to beef and, although it is farm-raised, the beasts range on ranches across America, so finding a local source might not be too easy. It’s great on the barbecue — especially with a glass of Cabernet.

9. Get Into a Pickle in a Good Way The frenzy for all things pickled, preserved and fermented continues unabated, as anyone who has tried to buy mason jars recently can attest. If you harvested way more than you bargained for – as many of us did – you likely discovered that gut health

and fermentation go hand-in-hand (or belly). Plan ahead for 2021 and secure a supply of jars before you plant your vegetable garden.

10. Spice Up Your Life The turmeric craze – it’s been the hottest spice trend for a couple years for its purported health benefits from fighting inflammation to sharpening the brain — drove Sana Javeri Kadri of Diaspora Co. in California to invest in a community of spice growers in India with an eye to building a sustainable spice trade. That means putting real money back into the hands of the farmers. Chefs in the know say her spices are superior and are using her turmeric in everything from sugar cookies to out-of-this-world curries. That’s what you get when you sow the seeds of good karma. 11. A Run on Chickens Chicken soup for the soul has never made so much sense, so embrace your broth and veggies with their proven nutrients and protein (but go easy on the salt).

naturalhealth The Healing Benefits of Yin & Restorative Yoga

Northwest Express March, 2021

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.

octors encourage us to lead a less sedentary life and keep active, but signing up for a new activity — like yoga — can add undue stress. Here, some tips to help you ease your mind. The silver lining to all that medical advice is that yoga promotes physical health in a completely accessible way and it’s never too late in life to start — really! “It can be challenging to start on your own,” admits 54-year-old yoga instructor Ali Alexander. “My recommendation would be to search out a yoga studio that’s convenient for your life. It has to be someplace where you’ve eliminated the reasons not to go.” Alexander teaches out of Yoga Tree Studios and first came to yoga 14 years ago. “My mother was 30 years older than me,” she says. “When she was the age I am now she’d already been in a long-term health care facility for a year, and then she died a year later. I started to practice yoga at 40 in the hopes that I wouldn’t die at 55.” However, starting a new activity can be daunting, especially when it tends to involve younger, energetic students. The first step is to be honest with yourself: where are you, physically? If you’re not active regularly or have preexisting health conditions or injuries, a Yin or Restorative style of practice would be an ideal place to start. So, what does Yin and Restorative mean? “Yin is the application of therapeutic stress to the physical tissues of your body,” Alexander explains. This quiet, meditative class promotes the relaxation of muscles by holding poses for an extended period of time. By letting gravity do the work, each pose lengthens the body’s connective tissues and increases your range of motion,

Westport Foot Clinic

Westport, Co. Mayo

Chiropodist: Martin Mc Nally Tel: 087 222 6260

especially in the hips and spine. “But them all function more efficiently.” if you have a sprain or any kind of Just make sure your instructor is pull or tear, go to Restorative—it’s aware of any preexisting medical meant to soothe and ease the body conditions. and nervous system,” she adds. According to a 2009 study “Anyone can go to a Restorative published in the journal Spine, two class.” Made up of four or five 90-minute yoga sessions per week simple, passive poses that are (for 24 weeks total) saw a 56 sometimes held for as long as 10 percent reduction in discomfort for minutes, Restorative encourages the participants suffering from chronic use of strategically placed props lower back pain. (think: bolster, blankets, blocks and But not all the benefits are purely eye pillows). It promotes the release physical. “One of the best things of the entire musculoskeletal system about coming to yoga practice, and teaches students the art of selfregardless of your flexibility and soothing. strength, is the ability to come out Yin and Restorative help with of the world in which you are migraines, osteoporosis and rushing around. You’re allowing inflammatory bowel disease while yourself the opportunity to sit in also fostering stress management, silence and let the stress wash away. the reduction of joint pain and an The shapes we create in class will improved sense of balance and allow blocked energy to be released. mobility. “They’re both intended to And what of its anti-aging bring the nervous system into a benefits? Alexander is quick to point relaxed state,” Alexander says. out that, while there are multiple “Yoga affects your muscles, benefits to yoga practice, it’s not a connective tissues, respiration, Tubbernania, Ballintogher,magic Co. bullet. “Can it reverse the digestion and both your endocrine aging process in your body? No. But Sligo and immune systems and it will help your body may function as if it’s

Tel: 071-9164244 • Mob: 0862572139

younger than it is chronologically,” she explains. “I don’t expect to have a body like a 30-year-old when I’m 70, but I could maybe have the body functions of a 50-year-old when I’m 70.” “A huge part of yoga is acceptance,” she continues. “Our culture is conditioning us not to accept the reality of what it is to age. If you’re 70 then you’re 70! You should be proud you made it to 70.”

Yoga during menopause Yoga can also help women tackle the side effects that come with menopause, such as insomnia, constipation, night sweats and mood swings — just make sure you avoid any and all hot yoga classes, according to instructor Ali Alexander. “Your internal temperature is already messed up enough and you don’t want to aggravate it,” she says. “The one thing that exacerbates a hot flash is more heat.” So keep it cool and simple with Yin, Restorative or even Gentle Hatha classes.

farmingServices

Northwest Express March, 2021

Mollahan Engineering & Maintenance

• Industrial & Residential Gates • Roller Doors • Gate Automation & Repairs • General Engineering Railings - Gates & Ornate Items designed & made to order.

Call Micheál on 086-8248402 e: michealmollohan@eircom.net

QUALITY SECOND-HAND HEAVY PLANT AND MACHINERY • BALLINA, CO. MAYO FOR SALE • FiAt 880 4x4 4 cyLindER EnginE. • FiAt 1180H 4x2 OFF FARm cOnd • StEyR 8140 4x4 • FRitz cAb tO Suit FORd 4600/6600 • bOOm tO Suit FH130 And Ex 120 • dippER tO Suit 100-1 • diSmAntLEd FOR pARtS uHO 71 • cHAinS tO Suit FH130. • buckEtS tO Suit 580g • buckEt And buckEt RAm tO Suit O&k RH20 • FORd 6610 Ap cAb 4x2, Vgc • zEtOR 8011, OFF FARm cOnditiOn • pick up HitcH tO Suit mF165/265 Etc • pick up HitcH tO Suit FORd 5000/6610

WAntEd • HitAcHi Ex60-1 And Ex60-2/Ex1001/Ex120-1 FH130-1/FH130-2/ FH130-3 • FORd 5000/7000/5600/6600/7600 2 And 4x4 • FORd 5610/6610/7610/6410/6810 2 And 4x4 WitH FLOOR cHAngE • FORd 5640/6640/7740/7840 2 And 4x4 WitH StAndARd gEARbOx • nEW HOLLAnd 5640/6640/7740/7840 2 And WitH 12x12 And duAL pOWER. • nEW HOLLAnd tS 90/100/110/115 2 And 4x4 WitH StAndARd gEARbOx & duAL pOWER.

Call Brendan on: 087-230 7914 OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY - BOHOLA, SWINFORD, CO. MAYO

Mulroy & Sons Farm Machinery based in Bohola Swinford, Co. Mayo, import new and used Farm Machinery from the United Kingdom. Products we have in stock for hire and sale

• Weed Licker • Harrows (Power, Spring, Chain, Disc and Pin) • Sprayers • Haybobs (Choice of 10) • Rotovators • Toppers • Ploughs • Spreaders • Mowers • Subsoilers • Cent Mixers • Vicon fertilliser spreader (Choice of 20) • Buckrackes • Hedgecutters (McConnells) choice of 2 All our products are reasonably priced and fully serviced www.mulroyandsonsfarmmachinery.town.ie Email : brendanmulroy1@eircom.net

Farm Sheds Fabricated & Erected

WANTED MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTORS MF135-165-168-175-178-185-188-265-275290-365-375-390-399-565-575-590675-690-699 WANTED IN ANY CONDITION SUITABLE FOR RESALE, BREAKING EXPORT

NEPIN TRACTORS & MACHINERY Colm: 087-6806540 • Castlehill, Ballina, Co. Mayo email: buyplant10@gmail.com Prompt Payment and Collection

CATTLE WANTED ALL TYPES

Cows, Bulls, Heifers & Bullocks, Beef or for further feeding. Horned, Thin or Lame Cattle, also Cattle from restricted herds considered.

Call: 086-3591357

Telephone: 0044-77-46117236 Cavallo C503 Stainless Steel Spinner Fertilizer Spreader: • 8 cwt capacity • Suitable for fertilizer or salt spreading • 9 metres spreading width • Available in painted versions at lower Price inc. VAT this model €750.00

New sheds for sales Box profile, non-drip roof. 4 full sky lights 6 foot side sheeting and all gable sheeting. 1 door opening in center of gable We can make any size of shed to suit your needs just give me a call • All ridge and galvanised gutters supplied with screws • sheds repaired and resheeted • Sliding doors made and hung • Gutters repaired and fitted all power washing done • All ground work and concrete done • All types of block work and plastering done • All types of digger work done

Michael O’ Connell Tractors Sales And Service Caraun, Claregalway, Co. Galway

SPECIALISING IN SPARE PARTS FOR ALL MAKES OF TRACTORS Large Stock Of All Makes Of Tractors For Sale

Specialising In Deutz, Same,Lamborghini And Hurlimann Tractor Parts And Repair

Service And Repair To All Makes Of Tractors Carried Out. Collection And Delivery Service Available

Contact Numbers: 086 252 9314 • 091 799 116

Painted versions: 5cwt model @ €475.00 6cwt model @ €515 • 8cwt model @ €550

Cavallo 890PXT: • 16 cwt capacity wagtail spreader c/w Stainless Steel Hopper inc. Hydraulic Control Price inc. VAT €2500.00 • 24 cwt capacity wagtail spreader c/w Stainless Steel Hopper inc. Hydraulic Control Price inc. VAT €2800.00

No job too big no job too small! • Keenest Rates

We are early risers, we are tax advisors, we are tillers, planters, bankers, makers, we are financial planners, we are we weather scanners, we are accountants, farmers, foresters & forcasters. We are ifac

Find out how our team can help your business to plan for the future. Call us on 071 916 7848 or visit www.ifac.ie ACCOUNTANCY | PLANNING | ADVICE

farmingServices

Northwest Express March, 2021

FARM GATES UK LTD STOCK CLEARANCE! MOBILE CATTLE HANDLING SYSTEM €2095 Consisting of 60’ holding pen for upto 40 cattle, with 20’ race and sliding back and front gates. Including joining pens .

Nephin Tractors & Machinery Ltd

TRACTORS WANTED ALL TYPES OF TRACTORS & TRACK MACHINES WANTED

TRACTORS: Massey Ferguson, Ford, Fiat, Zetor, John Deere, Ursus etc in any condition, running or not Track Machines: Hitachi, Komatsu, CAT, Sumitomo, etc

Tel: 087-680-6540

Mobile Sheep Handling System consisting of 100ft of penning with 16ft sheeted race and two way gate at front with guillotine at rear. €1975

Delivery €150 Nationwide

All Penning Gates are 8 Railed, Double Braced, Complete with 16mm Pins

Fully Grant Approved & Complies with Grant Speciﬁcation Ideal for use on Rented Ground & Out Farms away from House. Can be assembled & dismantled in minutes - 1 Man operation. Also available: Mobile Sheep Handling Equipment & Calf Rearing Pens

Tel: 085-7305562 or 0047789276354 email: farm.gates@yahoo.com

Advertise Here!

MAYO MATS

Contact alan@theexpress.ie for details of our excellent rates

K&C MULVANEY Ltd.

Dead & Worn out Animals Collection Service Daily Collection in all Areas Telephone: MULVANEYS at: Tel: 049-4338331 or 086-8551932 / 086-3827008

For all your matting needs

• Cow Cubicle Mats • Slat Mats • Horse Mats • Parlour Mats For further information contact Tom Duffy COW COMFORT LTD Tel: 097-82057 • Fax: 097-82376 Email: cowcomfort@eircom.net

DEAD AND WORN-OUT ANIMALS Contact: Tom Rogers Strokestown, Co. Roscommon SAME DAY COLLECTION SERVICE SERVICING LEITRIM & SLIGO FARMERS FOR OVER 20 YEARS

071-9634783 / 9633344

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED TRACTORS WANTED DRAINS AND SEWERS CLEANED Only Licensed Knackers Yard & Service in NorthWest Lowest Prices and Daily Collection Guaranteed

ALL TYPES OF FORD TRACTORS WANTED 4600 • 5600 • 6600 • 7600 • 4610 • 5610 • 6610

ALSO NEW HOLLAND TRACTORS TS&TSA • SL/SLDP • TM 120 • TM125 • TM130 • 8160 • 8260 • 8360

PERMIT NO.CP00-09-03267-03

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY 086-8381227 / 086-1997815

ALSO MASSEY FERGUSON 130 • 165 • 185 • 188 • 168 • 240 • 265 • 250 • 275 • 290 •550 • 565 • 575 • 590 675 • 690 • 698 • 699 • 365 • 375 • 390 • 398 • 300 • 500 • 600 • 40 Series SL/SLDP Masy Ferguson Balers - 124 • 120/20 John Deere 342 / 550 Class Combines - Dominator & Lexion New Holland Combines - All Models John Deere Combines - 955 • 965 • 975 • 1075 • 1077 • 1178

Tel: 087-279-7553

Order Now, Plant Now

Whitethorn and Beech Hedging etc. All trees and tree plants 24 Hour, 7 Days a week Firendly Service Delivery nationwide Receipts will be given Department Registered

Northwest Express March, 2021

KEEP YOUR HOME WARM & COSY!

Northwest Express March, 2021

FREE CLASSIFIEDS

WANTED TWO KITTENS FOR GOOD LOVING COUNTRY HOME. Male or female, neutered or not, doesn't matter. Phone/text 0876020880. Thank you.

BABYSTART HIGH CHAIR : Will suit a child from 6 months old. Good condition. Price €20. Please contact: 0863090198 YAMATA FY14UAD OVERLOCKER MACHINE (unwanted gift) €80. Please contact: 0863090198

FOR SALE 3 YEAR OLD MILKING GOAT Phone PJ on 086-3932261

AND MK6 TRANSIT A-BAR SUIT MODEL FROM 0006 €200 with lights or €150 without Text or call 085-7708585

TWO DOG KENNELS FOR SALE in Ballina town, one large and one medium. Reasonably priced, contact Patrick on 0871166984.

2007 TOYOTA AURIS LUNA Silver, Petrol,Very Low miles 96000k, new clutch, immaculate condition. Tel: 0871386822 FISH TANK Large, 3’ long with sand and castle €100 Tel: 086-1643951

WERE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM GOUGANE BARRA COUNTY CORK?? Did you Play for the Parnells in the 80's?? NOEL HARRINGTON, did you work with James from Glencholmkille in London in the 90's, the last James heard you were living in ATTYMASS County Mayo. James would love to catch up. Contact me isabelgrant1213@yahoo.ie TWO PAIRS OF RED BACK SIZE 9 BRAND NEW WORKING STEEL TOE CAP BOOTS FOR SALE in box, brand new, bargain €25 each pair. Sligo area. Contact Cathal on 0874013617

To place your free private classified, please email info@theexpress.ie or you can post it into us: Free Classifieds, Northwest Express, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo

FOR HIRE

MAN WITH A VAN ALL TYPES OF WORK CARRIED OUT

Call Now; 071-9143183 / 087-2972586

Mountain Rain Have Water your own Stream, River or Storage Well Lake

MICHAEL KEAVNEY

Tarcmacadam & Tarspraying Specialists

ALL TYPES OF PLANT HIRE QUALITY GRAVEL STONE

ALL AT VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES!

Pavior Machine Hire Tipper Lorry Hire 8 and 6 Wheel

Turlough, Castlebar, Co. Mayo • 094-902-3853 / 086-250-3230

In Business Over 30 Years

Phone: 086-8072249 071-9658976 Email: waterteck@eircom.net Website: www.waterteck.com

WANTED FOR BREAKING • DUMPERS • DIGGERS • LORRIES • FORKLIFTS • ALSO OLD ENGINES,GEAR BOXES, ROLLERS, BATTERIES, ALLOYS AND STEEL

FOR PARTS • DUMPERS • DIGGERS • FORKLIFTS

Telephone: 087-190 3160

EXTERNAL • CAVITY WALL • SPRAY FOAM www.wmiinsulation.ie • info@wmiinsulation.ie

N5 Business Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo • Tel: 094-9038681 / Walter 087-6297979

SILVER’s DOOR STORE LTD

• DOORS • FLOORS • KITCHENS • GENERAL HARDWARE

LG GLASS & GLAZING SHS SCAFFOLDING

Rathedmond Road, Finisklin, Sligo 071-919 2011 • Buy online @ www.silvershardware.com

Over 20 years in business supplying throughout Sligo & North West

• Rapid Repair Service • Decorative Mirrors • Glass Shower Units • Coloured Glass • Internal Doors • Glass Stairs & Balustrade

Westport Road, Castlebar • Tel: 094-9022000 • www.lg-glass.ie

PARKLAWN TREE SERVICES

Scaffolding and Acrows available to Buy or Hire from our yard Supply and Erect Service Available Tube and Fitting Scaffolding also available with plastic planks for clean room environments

Our Fully Trained & Certified Professional Teams specialise in providing tailored scaffolding hire solutions, using the right equipment in the right place at the right time.

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL TREE CARE We offer the highest quality tree services for private homes carried out by NPTC qualified tree surgeons/arborists and extensive experience in commercial services & utility arboriculture, including work semi-state bodies.

At Waterteck we Provide Filtration Systems which give you a Superior Quality Water Supply from any of the above sources.

Please Note: Your water supply will also be free of the Unwanted Chemicals usually associated with mains water supplies

Telephone - Garrett Murphy: 086 6077307, Office: 090 6626837 www.parklawntreeservices.com • info@parklawntreeservices.com

Phone: 086-8039502 Email: johngriffinshs@gmail.com www.scaffoldinghiresligo.ie

GILROY GLASS HAZELWOOD ROAD, SLIGO • Manufacturers of double glazed units • Supplying Trade and retail • Complete glazing service • Stockists of all types of glass • Glass cut while you wait Replace your existing double glazed units with energy eﬃcient units Tel: 071-9145400 Fax: 071-9140132 • Mobile: 087-2341 985

SKIP HIRE 8Y - 60Y CONFIDENTIAL SHREDDING BIN WASHING

096-32500 • loftusrecycling@hotmail.com

Northwest Express March, 2021

Domestic & Commercial Roofing

• New roofs • Re-roofing & re-lining • Gutters & valleys • Tile & slate effect sheeting • Asbestos removal & disposal We provide a reliable & professional service covering all counties of Ireland.

Call for a FREE QUOTE: 094-9860787 087-2565015 • www.waldronroofing.ie Ballina - liMiteD

SEPTIC TANK INSPECTIONS

TANK CLEAN Boyle, Co. Roscommon WASTE WATER TREATMENT SPECIALISTS • Septic Tanks Emptied • Percolation areas and polishing filters installed • Range of sewage treatment units, Septic Tanks & Rain Water Tanks Supplied • All Work EPA and Local Authority Standard

Contact David Regan: 087-9125128

Aluminium & PVC Repairs

To windows, doors and patio doors

Expert patio door repairs!

• Rollers • Tracks • Hinges • Door Realignment • Locks • Multilocking systems etc

Over 20 years experience servicing Irish windows and doors. Fully insured GLASS PARTS ETC REPLACED

Brendan Gormley: 071-9183860 / 087-2562669

oﬀers valid until 30/4/18

coyne tyreS

DeDicateD tyre & Battery SaleS & Service, Ballina, co. Mayo

GARRACLOON, CLOGHANS, BALLINA, CO. MAYO

EN Certified septic tanks Certified and CE marked cattle slats, water harvesting tanks, Concrete pipes, Manhole rings, Water valve and fire hydrant chambers. Our concrete is EN206 certified to NSAI standard Concrete pipes size ranging from 9" up to 48" For a QUOTE call 087-9496476 or 096-73734 or visit our website: www.armstrongseptictanks.ie

Water lane, Ballina, co. Mayo • tel: 096-21935 • after Hours : 087-2686360 • Pat Jnr: 087-2201819 email: info@coynetyres.ie • Web: www.coynetyres.ie

Sandy Wheelers

Contact Martin McGloin Bunduff, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo casarcser@hotmail.com

Tel/Fax: 071-9166277 • Mob: 087-2817620

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL AGRICULTURAL SHEDS CARRIED OUT

Painters & Decorators

Painting & Decorating Interior and Exterior Wallpaper Service

Calvath, Old Cartron Hill, Sligo Tel: 087-2506477 • sandywheeler0@gmail.com

• Traditional Tin Smiths • Copper • Aluminium • Zinc • Stainless Steel • Lead • Titanium • Natural Slate • Ornamentation

All forms of cladding & roofing in tradition standing seam and batten roll in Copper, Zinc, Aluminium Stainless steel and Lead Sheet. Specialist flashing kits for chimneys,dormers, box gutter valleys and pitched valleys for slated roofs. Design, layout and detailing services for both commercial and private projects. Welding and fabricating of Stainless Steel and aluminium.

GG Roofing, The Grove, Kilmovee, Co. Mayo 087 2437259/094 Boyle,Phone: Co. Roscommon Telephone:9649296 071-9670010 Email: Email Us:info@ggroofing.ie info@pureflowers.ie••www.ggroofing.ie www.pureflowers.ie

Panel Beater requireD experience necessary Ballina area contact 085-1207292 immediate start

Northwest Express March, 2021

TT’S QUARR BARRE Quality Stone Y LTD Products & Plant Hire

MULTIPURPOSE GARDEN SHEDS & GARAGES

We are a family run quarrying & plant hire business, offering quality products and services to customers for more than 50 years. Our Quarrying Products Include: • All types of crushed stone • Chippings suitable for driveways, garden beds, sizes to suit individual requirements. Building Stone • Sand and Gravel • Readymix Services. We have an extensive range of fleet for hire including tippers, artic tippers, Flatbeds and low loaders We are National and International Hauliers • Phone: 097-83890 • Mobile: 087-2226243 • Fax: 097-83890 email: barrettsquarry@gmail.com • Bangor Erris, Co. Mayo

All the main supports of our garages are constructed of heavy duty box section steel for strength and durability and are hot dipped galvanised for longer Life. Our Units are built to withstand the harshest weather conditions. The sheeting is hot dipped galvanised and pvc coated to the colour of your choice.

Contact: Ray Lynch Corlis, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Phone: 086-8943034 or 094-9621938 • AGENTS REQUIRED

TERRYS STOVES

www.terrysstoves.com

• Free Survey available • Solid Fuel Stoves • Gas Fires

When buying a stove you need good information on the wide range that is available

people with energy

I will help you get the product that best suits your needs.

Buy Once! Buy Right!

Phone: 087-2066910 or 071-9197925

MARY’S LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING VOTED COURIER COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2018

Sligo Road, Carrick on Shannon (Beside Glancy’s Pub) Telephone: 089-4202361

DRY CLEANING Suits, Dresses, Jackets, Coats, Shirts, Blouses, Jumpers & Curtains

Fastway Courier Franchisors oﬀer a cost eﬀective, reliable courier service, backed up by the latest computer technology and online parcel tracking facilities.

IRONING SERVICE Shirts, Dresses, Pants, Tops, etc PRESSING Bedding, Suits, Dresses, etc FULL WASHING AND DRYING SERVICE AVAILABLE COMMERCIAL BUSINESS WELCOME

Open Tue – Fri 10am to 5pm Saturday 10am to 4pm

DG Windows & Doors Josko Partner

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION

DARRAGH & GREG TIMONEY

North West Windows Prop. Kevin Burns - Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh

• WINDOWS • FRAMELESS, FULL HEIGHT ALL-GLASS SYSTEMS • LIFT-AND-SLIDE DOORS • FRONT & INTERIOR DOORS • SUN SHADING + NATURAL WOOD FLOORS Visit our new showroom Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat By Appointment Sli MacNean, Blacklion, Co. Cavan Tel: 071-9853753 • Mob: 086-3896500 Email: dgwindows@btinternet.com www.josko.com

Email: kburns@btinernet.com

Suppliers & Installers of uPVC Windows & Doors Wide range of colours

Tel: 087-2443903 After 6pm Tel: 048-66386525

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL NATIONWIDE SERVICE E-MAIL:SALES@FOAMOX.IE TEL: 096 77735 • WWW.FOAMOX.IE

Northwest Express March, 2021

Enjoy better hearing with Bonavox Talk to Us and Find Out How You Can Hear Better Again!

• Often Mishear What Others are Saying? • Find it Diﬃcult Hearing on the Phone? • Is it Hard to Hear in Noisy Backgrounds? • Often Ask People to Repeat Themselves? • Providing 54 Years of Top Quality Service in the Hearing Industry • Remote Services Provided • Letter Provided to Travel to Medical Appointment During Lock Down

For a FREE HEARING CHECK call us FREE on

1800 480 888 Please quote ref: BXWP03

www.bonavox.ie

“I was fortunate to be passing a chemist shop in my home town and decided to make an appointment with the audiologist. I had a test with another provider about six months prior who recommended hearing aids costing €4,200 as it turned would not have benefited me in any way. I was keen to have a second opinion as to the cause of severe hearing loss on one side and wanted to be sure it wasn’t just age related - I’m in my 60’s. Mrs. Ann Marie Kelly’s knowledge and expertise identified a possible serious medical condition and strongly suggested referral to ENT specialist, who in turn referred me to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin where I’m having on-going care. I was very impressed with Mrs. Kelly calm patient manner and her ability to explain everything without being alarmist. Definitely shows an interest and dedication in her work not seen everyday” - AC, Mayo

Clinics also available at: Castlerea at Maloney and Keady Opticians, and in Roscommon at Hynes pharmacy.