Northwest Express August 11th 2011

11 August 2011 Issue 22 - Volume 12

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ital road schemes throughout the north west will be suspended following the dramatic announcement by the Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar ordering the NRA to suspend all road schemes, in an effort to save money.

In a statement on Tuesday Minister Varadkar said that all road schemes, across the country will be brought to the end at their current stage of planning and then suspended.

The Minister has instructed the NRA to reduce spending on all planning and preparatory work and therefore “the NRA is taking all road projects to the end of their current stage of planning and will suspend at that point.”

This includes the N4 ‘Death Stretch’ between Collooney and Castlebaldwin in Co. Sligo where 29 crosses line the 11 km stretch reminding motorists of the people who lost their lives there in accidents.

Currently the Collooney-Castlebaldwin upgrade is in the ‘Preliminary Design Stage’, meaning it will be a long time coming even when funding is returned to road schemes.

Throughout the northwest there are 36 road schemes listed on the NRA website, not already in the tender, construction or completed phase, which will be affected by the suspension.

(Note: Some Road Schemes will be included more than once as they cross county boundaries) In Sligo there are seven road schemes affected: the Collooney/ Castlebaldwin

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Premiere of J.J. and the Admiral

Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the premiere of the documentary “J. J. and The Admiral” at the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar. Pictured, also, left to right: Gus O’Hara, Bernie O’Hara (wife of the late J. J.), Louise O’Hara and Irish Naval Service Commanding Officer, Commodore Mark Mellett. Pic: Henry Wills.

upgrade, the N4/N15 upgrade to Sligo County border has had the area outside Sligo City already suspended and now the section from the relief road over Hughes Bridge will not go ahead either; the N16 Sligo to Glencar upgrade will be suspended and the stretch of the N17 from Knock to Collooney will

now not be upgraded as the Tobercurry to Knock, Tobercurry Bypass and the Collooney to Tobercurry Bypass will be suspended.

Donegal, the most dangerous county in terms of road deaths, will have nine projects suspended; the N14 Letterkenny to Lifford, the N14 Lif-

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ford/Strabane, the N14/15 link to the A5 in Tyrone, the Ballybofey/Stanorlar bypass, the N15 Lifford to Stanorlar upgrade, the N56 Dungloe to Glenties, Inver to Killybegs, Letterkenny Relief Road and the Mountcharles to Inver road schemes will all be suspended.

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Bombshell as Road Schemes Halted Continued from front page In Mayo, nine road schemes will be suspended as a result of this order. The Westport to Bohola road, the Tuam to Claremorris, the Knock to Claremorris, the Stage 2 Ballina to Bohola (intended to bypass Westport, Castlebar, Ballyvary and Bohola), the Westport to Mulranny, the Castlebar to Claremorris, the Ballyhaunis Outer Distributor Road and the N84 Ballinrobe relief road will all be suspended at varying stages of planning.

This comes on top of the suspension of the N59 Crossmolina to Ballina upgrade and the South Westport relief road.

In Roscommon 4 projects will be affected. The Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod scheme, the Ballaghadereen Bypass, the Scramoge to Ballaghadereen upgrade, the Boyle Town bypass and the Roscommon Town bypass will be suspended on top of the already suspended N61 Athlone to Boyle upgrade.

In Galway 4 projects will be suspended also. The Galway City Outer Bypass on the N6 , the Clifden to Oughterard upgrade, the Moycullen bypass and the

Tuam to Claremorris upgrade will be suspended.

In Leitrim 2 road schemes will be suspended, the Glenfarne to Glencar upgrade, and the Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod upgrade.

The Northwest Express reported in October of last year that a number of deadly roads in the northwest were not included in a national database of dangerous roads used to direct scarce Garda resources.

Subsequently mobile speed cameras have been deployed to some of these locations; however the root problem is the quality of the roads.

The Collooney Castlebaldwin road, where 29 people have lost their lives, was described in January of this year by the Sligo County Coroner as one of the most dangerous roads in Ireland and ‘not fit for purpose’. But various stretches of the N17 that are also viciously dangerous.

On the Miltown-Ballindine road, there were 12 accidents between 2006-2008, two of which resulted in serious injuries and in November 2009 there was the hor-

€7,000 paid out by HSE on directory scam THE member of staff who signed off on a city directory scam which cost the HSE West €7,000 should be ordered to repay the money, the Chairman of HSE West Forum has insisted.

The con was uncovered only after three years following an internal audit which began after a manager queried an unsolicited invoice from the company based in Spain which claims to produce an online direcChairman of the HSE West regional tory. health forum, Cllr Padraig Conneely The cost of the inclusion in the guide of Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, St Brigid’s Hospital in Ballinasloe and University Hospital Galway for three years up to 2008 was a whopping €7,000.

It subsequently emerged that the guide which had been signed up for did not even exist. The scam is well known for targeting small and medium-sized businesses and sole traders and was highlighted during the National Consumer Agency’s ‘Be Scam Savvy’ campaign.

Following the audit, the HSE issued a number of recommendations in order to avoid falling victim to similar fraud.

Chairman of the HSE West regional health forum, Cllr Padraig Conneely, said the scam showed how lax the organisation’s internal audit system was.

“The management structures in the HSE are obviously faulty if this could go undetected for three years costing the taxpayer €7,000,” he fumed. “I’m wondering how much of this goes on and is swept under the carpet. This wouldn’t have been revealed only that it was leaked to the media. Some fool signed up to this but didn’t go to the bother of checking the company, again because it’s public funds and who cares?”

He called on the HSE to insist that the money be repaid by the staffer responsible.

rific accident resulting in the deaths of four young students and the serious injury of two others.

On the Collooney-Tubercurry road there were 31 road traffic accidents between 2006 and 2008, with 4 resulting in serious injuries and two resulting in fatalities.

On the Manorhamilton-Glenfarne road, which has had upgrade works suspended, there were 11 accidents between 2006 and 2008 of which 1 resulted in fatalities and in February 2010 there was the tragic death of a ten year old child.

The Westport to Bohola, via Castlebar road has had 4 deaths, 8 serious injuries and dozens of minor injuries between 2006 and 2009.

At 47 nearly a quarter of all road deaths in Ireland in 2010 occurred in the northwest, much higher than it should be relative to its population size. Dangerous roads certainly contribute to this and will continue to do so as the government seems to have reneged on election promises to improve the roads in this region.

Renewed hope for families of dead soldiers A NEW review ordered into the death of three peacekeepers, two from Sligo and another from Mayo, in the Lebannon more than two decades ago, will, it is hoped shed new light on the tragedy and bring peace and closure to their families.

Privates Mannix Armstrong (26) and Thomas Walsh (29), both from Sligo, and Corporal Fintan Heneghan (28) from Mayo, died after their truck triggered a landmine.

The men, who had been serving with 'C' Coy of the 64th Infantry Battalion as part of the Irish UN contingent in Lebanon, had been collecting stones to fill defence netting for a nearby post when the blast occurred near the village of Brashit on March 21, 1989.

Subsequent Irish army and UN inquiries dismissed suggestions of negligence. But families of the men have continued to claim that the full picture of what happened has never emerged.

Last April Defence Minister Shatter appointed senior counsel Frank Callanan to conduct a review of the soldiers' deaths.

"We are convinced the three men were sent out on that day in less-than-perfect conditions," said families' spokesman, Enda Heneghan, whose brother Fintan was one of the three victims.

If the review establishes what the families suspect it will they will be expecting an apology from the Army for their deaths, said Mr. Heneghan.

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One Patient a night for Roscommon’s Urgent Care Centre

Roscommon Hospital

IT has been revealed that an average of just over one patient a night has visited the temporary out-of-hours service set up in Roscommon Hospital as a compensation for the withdrawal of its accident and emergency unit.

A 24-hour service from junior doctors (NCHDs), supervised by a consultant, has been available since the A&E was downgraded -- but that tem-

porary service, called an urgent care centre, ended on Monday last. The hospital has now reverted to the cover of junior doctors from 8am to 8pm, with GPs taking over at night.

The HSE says that over a period of 22 days between July 11 and August 2, only 24 cases have attended the hospital outside of the 8am to 8pm window. Officials said there were no "major bulges" in the pat-

Overcrowding concerns at Castlerea Prison

CONCERN has been expressed again about Castlerea Prison. This time the Inspector of Prisons has said that the Irish Prison Service is underestimating the extent of overcrowding at the Prison.

Critics of the service have suggested that prison officials have included bunk beds and the number of mattresses on floors and basement areas as official bed capacity.

Judge Michael Reilly carried out a comparative study on overcrowding at Irish Prisons, using figures by the Irish Prison Service and his own records on June 20th last.

On that day, there were 371 prisoners in custody in Castlerea.

According to the Irish Prison Service there was bed capacity for 351 inmates, representing just 6% overcrowding.

However, according to Judge Reilly, there were only 300 beds in the prison on that day, which shows the percentage at 24.

One of the largest discrepancies between the two sets of figures was in Cork where there were 305 prisoners in the facility.

The Prison Service suggested that there was capacity for 272 but the Inspector's report showed that there were only 146 beds, showing 109% overcrowding.

tern, with one or two people a night coming in. None of these were described as urgent by HSE officials, although six were admitted to hospital. However, the hospital did encounter difficulties with eight patients who needed X-rays during the night.

"There were eight X-rays at night, which is something we will have to deal with," HSE West regional director John Hennessy said.

"It will be a judgment call for the GP, whether it has to be done then or if it can wait. Depending on the severity, the doctor could strap it and wait."

Mr Hennessy said this showed the night service was very quiet "when you consider the staffing allocated to it".

However, the group campaigning to keep the hospital A&E open rejected these claims.

"People are not attending the urgent care centre because they were told not to attend. If they had anything urgent they were told to go elsewhere," said John McDermott of the Roscommon Hospital Action Group.

"The HSE had a whole publicity machine telling people not to go to Roscommon", he said.

Health sources claim that during the night in the hospital, the "NCHDs were rarely disturbed from their coffees".

Mr Hennessy said major traumas like heart attacks and strokes were being referred to hospitals such as Castlebar and Portiuncula, which takes most cases from Roscommon.

He said this was being done before the withdrawal of A&E, and the other hospitals have not noticed a major upsurge.

The Roscommon Hospital Action Group will continue the fight to restore A & E services to the hospital. In excess of one thousand people protested against the reduction of services on Saturday. A further protest took place on Monday evening.

On Saturday a protest will take place in Boyle and on Sunday week they will bring their protest to the gates of Croke Park where Roscommon and Mayo fight for places in the AllIreland minor and senior finals respectively.

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What happened to the Enniscrone Pigs?

THERE was considerable disappointment in some quarters over the absence of pigs from the seaside town at the weekend when the annual Black Pig Festival took place.

Thousands flocked to the town, which has a sculpture of a black pig at the outskirts, to enjoy the summer festivities.The sculpture had been erected close to the spot where a mythical wild board was slain by the brave warriors of the Enniscrone area hundreds of years ago.

Despite the variety of event, which locals and visitors enjoyed immensely, the absence of pigs was noted. Fianna Councillor and committee chairman Joe Queenan has suggested this may have to be rectified for next year.

Last year, apparently, pigs were the centrepeice of the festival. Many of them were covered with washing-up liquid and smeared with petroleum jelly for the popular pig-catching competition.While it provided wonderful entertainment for many it

proved a major turn-off for others who felt there was an excessive level of cruelty in it.

In a statement to the Irish Times on Monday Councillor Queenan said: “We weren’t exactly stopped from having pigs this year but we were made conscious of the animal rights issue, so we excluded them. However, so many people have expressed disappointment about the absence of pigs this year that “we may have to revisit this issue for next year’s festival”.

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“J. J. and The Admiral” launched

A new film about Ireland’s greatest naval hero, Foxford-born Admiral William Brown, whose exploits won independence for Argentina, and much of South America was launched on Monday of last week by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Deputy Kenny attended a special premiere of the hour-long documentary on “J.J. and The Admiral” at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar.The film, which interweaves Brown’s story with that of Foxford native, the late J. J.O’Hara, whose efforts to elevate the profile of Admiral Brown in Ireland, while forging and enhancing relationships with Argentina, are legendary.

In Argentina, Brown is immortalised for the famous victories he won against the Spanish and Brazilian fleets, usually against overwhelming odds. Regarded as a national hero, in excess of a 1,000 streets, 400 statues, football teams, stadiums, schools, several towns, and a major city bear his name.

However, it was only through the work of J. J. O’Hara, in a campaign which lasted over a decade, that Brown’s significance was brought to the attention of people in his native land.

In the process, JJ transformed his home town of Foxford and Ireland’s relationship with Argentina, helping hundreds of children there through charity work, while providing an inspirational role model for his fellow

members of the Admiral Brown Society, who still carry on his work in the community.

It is hoped that work will commence on the Admiral Brown Memorial Park in the near future, while the Admiral Brown Society is to examine the possibility of undertaking a feasibility study in relation to the English Language School / Cultural Centre, for the town.

The documentary, entitled ‘JJ and the Admiral” follows J.J. on one of his 18 trips to Argentina where he visits the scenes of Brown’s battles and journeys hundreds of kilometres up the Parana river, with the Irish Naval Service to deliver a badly needed generator to one of dozens of Argentine schools, named after Brown.

Writer / producer, Bill Tyson and cameraman Declan Cassidy of Timesnap Productions spent four months in Buenos Aires researching the film, and uncovered new additional material in the Argentine archives. Film footage was shot in location in Foxford and Galway, while funding for the completion of the documentary was provided by the Admiral Brown Society, Foxford and Mhuintir Mhaigheo na Gailimhe, (the Galway Mayo Association).

Copies of the documentary (DVD) and books pertaining to Admiral William Brown were be available for purchase at the event.

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Enniscrone still tops the Search “hot list”

LAST month we carried a story which showed Enniscrone topping the list for searches with the Hotels.com website. The west Sligo seaside town once again topped the ‘hot list’ for the month of July with searches for the tourist hot spot up 483% compared to this time last year.

The hot list, which compares destinations experiencing the biggest growth in searches in July 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 shows that the West of Ireland proved

extremely popular with Irish holidaymakers in July. Searches for Oranmore in Galway were up 444% while searches for Ballinasloe were up 242%.

Clare also proved a favourite with Irish tourists with searches for the popular surfing town of Lahinch up by 359%. Milltown Malbay saw an increase of 333% while Kilkee was up 264%.

Given the build up to Ramadan, the July hot list also saw a significant surge in searches for the Saudi Arabian cities of Medina and Mecca up 391% and 367% respectively.

Further away from home, the popular honeymoon destinations of Bora Bora (256%) and Maritius (249%) saw a rise in searches while the Turkish resorts of Kusadasi and Antalya were up 288% and 240% respectively, a sign that Irish holidaymakers might be seeking some late summer sun.

Back home, we are all keeping fingers crossed for a period of consistent sunshine to make holidaying in seaside destinations like Enniscrone that bit more attractive, particularly for families.

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8 yr old makes Radio Debut on Midwest Radio at Bonniconlon Show

Orla McKee and Paul Claffey of Midwest Radio by Tony Hennigan

EIGHT year old Orla McKee, pictured here has just made her Radio debut on Midwest Radio. Orla who lives in London was on holiday in Attymass, when she visited the Bonniconlon Show and was interviewed by Paul Claffey live on the Radio. It was Orla’s first visit to Ireland with her parents – Joe and Ros. They had been staying with her Aunt and Uncle in Ballycong village in Attymass.

Her uncle Tony Hennigan said “Orla was a natural behind the mic and managed to get my favourite song – The Green and Red of Mayo, by the Sawdoctors played during the interview. She also managed to send a message to her grandmother in Manchester.”

Midwest Radio is the West of Ireland’s premier radio station and the second most listened to Radio station in Ireland. The Bonniconlon show, is one of the biggest Agriculture shows in Ireland and was opened this year by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny. It had a record attendance of just over 25,000 which was an increase of over thirty per cent on last year’s attendance.

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“Ming” explains why he missed Dail votes CONTROVERSIAL Independent TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, has come out to explain after some questions arose concerning his voting record during the first few weeks of the Dail. When asked he pointed out that at that early stage “I didn’t know my proverbial from my elbow”.

The statement came after some exposure in the media last week surrounding a number of TDs, including Deputy Flanagan, who had signed in as attending the Dail but had failed to participate in Dail votes.

The figures quoted by the Irish Independent claimed Deputy Flanagan missed eight votes over the first two months of the Dail despite being clocked in for work at Leinster House on 21 days.

Speaking with the Leitrim Observer newspaper, Deputy Flanagan clarified that he had, in fact, missed 12 votes not eight.

He went on to point out that cutting issue was a key platform these had all been in the initial during his campaign and of priweeks of the Dail when he was mary importance to a significant still being trained in procedures portion of his voters. and he said that since May he He explained that he was had a 100 percent record in Dail faced with the choice of voting votes. in the Dail and working on be“I say now judge my atten- half of the turf cutters and he dance over the whole five year period and not on the period where people like me are familiarising themselves with the Dail,” he said.

“At the time (when he missed a number of votes) the controversy regarding turf cutting was at its peak and I was very busy attending meetings and organising meetings,” he added pointing out that the turf- Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

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“And next April if the turf cutting situation is not resolved then I won’t be around to vote in the Dail either because I will be out fighting this issue on the ground with the people,” he said.

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Wreck off Donegal believed to be from Armada

An archaeologist recording the stern at the Rutland Island wreck off the Donegal coast.

THERE is much excitement in Donegal following the location of wreckage of a sunken vessel believed to be from the Spanish Armada. One man involved in the find said it was any diver’s dream Underwater archaeologists are to explore the historic wreck, located in shallow waters in Rutland Harbour, near Burtonport.

Evidence uncovered during a dive survey revealed the vessel was

likely to be a 16th century ship, possibly part of the 1588 Spanish Armada.

Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht minister Jimmy Deenihan has demonstrated his interest in the find by designating €50,000 for the excavation by the underwater archaeology unit from his department's National Monuments Service.

He said the discovery was a major find of significance not only

to Ireland but also to the international archaeological, historical and maritime communities.

"If, in fact, it proves to be an Armada vessel, it could constitute one of the most intact of these wrecks discovered to date," he said.

"It could provide huge insight into life on board and the reality of the military and naval resources available to the Armada campaign."

Up to 24 ships of the 130-strong ill-fated fleet were wrecked along Ireland's rocky coastline.

The location of the latest vessel means the search team will have better than usual access to find any artefacts that may still be on board.

Nearly 10,000 pieces of valuable treasure were discovered on the biggest ship in the fleet, the Girona, which sunk off the Antrim north coast in October 1588.

The haul brought ashore by divers included hundreds of gold and silver coins, gold chains, pendants, rings and cameos containing inset rubies and pearls, silver forks and spoons, the ship's anchor, cannons and cannon balls.

Mr Deenihan said the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) is supplying one of its research vessels, the RV Keary, free of charge as the main dive vessel off Donegal and will also carry out detailed marine geophysical surveys in the vicinity of the wreck.

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“Sole Energy” idea wins Mayo student all-island competition A pupil of Errew National School in Mayo was delighted when he learned he came first in the all-island story writing competition Tell the Future.

Tom McCarthy came first in the senior section of the prestigious competition and was presented with his prize by Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan.

Part of a pan-European environmental initiative called the Future of Rural Energy in Europe (FREE) and supported in Ireland by Calor Gas, the Tell The Future story-writing competition was launched in April by science teacher and TV personality, Aoibhinn Ni Shúilleabháin.

Attracting more than 2,500 innovative entries nationwide, Tell The Future encouraged primary school pupils to write or email in their ideas on how to power Ireland into the future in a sustainable way.

Through the written word, drawings or diagrams, pupils expressed how they would power our homes, hospitals, factories and schools if they were in charge of everything.

Tom’s entry, entitled “Sole Energy”, focused on powering Ireland by storing up energy in a device

placed on the sole of your shoe, with kids sharing out 50 per cent of the energy they generate to their school, and 50 per cent to their home. The Tell The Future judging panel comprised senior management personnel from Government state agency Science Foundation Ireland; leading youth organisation Foróige and the Northern Irelandbased Rural Development Council.

Speaking at the presentation of the prizes in Dublin’s Custom House, CEO of Calor Gas Michael Kossack said: “Foresight, creativity and civic engagement by our younger generation is a prerequisite for ensuring that decades from now, Ireland is an adaptable and sustainable country in its energy usage.Tell The Future has captured the imagination of thousands of primary school pupils spread across every county in Ireland, and has illustrated the enthusiasm that young people have for safeguarding their future and that of their environment.”

A Tell The Future competition will be launched this September for secondary school students. Further information on the competition will be available on www.TellTheFuture.eu

Benhaffaf Twins for Keash in Sligo

NOBODY can ignore the impact made by those two gallant fighters, the Benhaffaf twins from Cork. Formerly conjoined, the twins, Hassan and Hussain, who last year underwent a perilous 14-hour operation at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital to successfully separate them will, along with their family, be the guests of honour at this year’s TwinFest Ireland in Keash, Ballymote, County Sligo on Saturday 20th August 2011.

The twins will be accompanied by their parents Angie,Azzedine and sisters Malika & Iman.

Following the success of the inaugural festival in 2010 when 55 sets of twins plus some assorted triplets and their families enjoyed a great family day out with fantastic entertainment for all age groups, the organisers are this year expecting in excess of 100 pairs of twins plus triplets with at least one set of quads scheduled to attend on the day.

Last year the youngest twins attending were the Daly twins, Jess and Belle, at 7 months and the oldest were Gerard and Alfie Mulligan, brothers from Leitrim, who are now in their 90th year.

Again an open invitation is extended to all this year.

TwinFest Ireland founder, and twin, Patrick Ward was inspired to promote awareness and

raise funds for The Menigitis Trust thereby commemorating the memory of his 5-month old niece, Katie Garvey who succumbed to the devastating illness on Valentine’s Day, 2007.

The 2010 one-day festival raised a whopping €7,000 for the charity.

Meningitis Trust General Manager Carole Nealon said, “Following on from last year we know the festival will again be a huge success and are very grateful to the Ward family and their marvellous team of dedicated volunteers, friends and supporters who have made this possible.”

This year a donation will also be made to the Benhaffaf ‘s Little Fighters Fund.

The people of Keash and Sligo are delighted and proud to host the Benhaffaf family on their first trip to the Yeats County and the Mayor of Sligo, Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady will host a Civic Reception in honour of Hassan, Hussain and their family at Sligo City Hall on Friday 19th following a book signing of the family’s book, ‘Little Fighters’ in Johnsons Court Shopping Centre.

Mayor O’Grady commented, “I am truly delighted to honour these little brave twins, it will be an absolute pleasure to have them here in Sligo as our guests.” The mayor, a nurse by profession, added,“I totally understand the trauma Hassan and Hussain went through and they are an inspiration to all, as are their family.”

Angie Benhaffaf said, “We are really looking forward to our trip to TwinFest Ireland in Sligo and meeting with other twins from all over Ireland. We were unable to make it last year due to a family bereavement but promised Patrick that we would not miss it this year. Hassan and Hussain will no doubt have a great time and their sisters, Milaka and Iman are all excited and asking every day ‘when are we going to Sligo’. It will be great to meet everyone.”

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Telephone: 09842758 Mobile: 0876472461 SLIGO native Stephen Kilfeather (24) has made it it two-in-a-row by taking the title of Irish Open Surfing Champion once again., In a hotly contested competition which concluded at the County Sligo Open last weekend, Stephen retained the title narrowly beating fellow Team Ireland members Cain Kilcullen and Ronan Oertzen to top place.

The County Sligo Open is the final event in the Irish “tour” which saw qualification events taking place across the country.

Speaking after the result was announced Stephen said “I’m stoked to win it again – back to back for two years running is a great achievement”.

He went on to say that the competition was “a great warmup for the European Surfing Championships in Bundoran”.

Stephen also won the County Sligo Open as well and says that all the competition experience should go on to serve him well in Eurosurf in September.

Team Ireland performed well in the overall rankings with John Britton taking the Senior Title, Ashleigh Smith taking the Women’s Body Board title, Shane Meehan taking the Bodyboard title, Easkey Britton taking the Women’s title and John McCurry regaining the Longboard title.

Team Ireland manager for Eurosurf 2011 Stevie Burns sealed the title of Masters champion on the day. The European Surfing Championships alternate each year between the senior event “Eurosurf” (odd years) and the Junior event “Eurojunior” (even years). The separation into a junior event and senior event happened in 1992.

The Euros were first held in 1970 in Jersey. 2011 will be Irelands 4th time to host Eurosurf, and 3rd time in Bundoran. The previous Eurosurf events held in Ireland were 1972 in Spanish Point, Co. Clare which was won by England, 1985 in Bundoran, Co. Donegal won by France, 1997 in Bundoran, Co. Donegal won by Portugal.

Children to Lapland Appeal 2011 seeks volunteers IT is some time yet ‘til Christmas but the Children To Lapland Appeal are urgently seeking volunteers for a nationwide bag packing day in your local Dunnes Stores.

The date is Saturday, 27/08/2011 and the time: 10am-6pm. By bag-packing on that day volunteers will help children who are terminally ill or suffering from a long-term illness.

Also, all the full day volunteers will have a chance to win three super prizes: 1. 2 adults and 2 children to see the real Santa - 3 day trip 2. 2 adults and 1 child to see the real Santa - 3 day trip 3. 1 adult and 1 child to see the real Santa - 3 day trip To register please email: childrentolaplandappeal@gmail.com or phone: 012190600.

The Children to Lapland story started 24 years ago.

A little boy who was swimming in his grandmother’s pool was discovered to have a lump on his side. It was later discovered he had a Wilm’s tumor. He had immediate surgery and one of his kidneys removed.

Some time after his operation, he was taken to the Shrine in Lourdes. Whilst there he got separated from his mother and was found near to the grotto. Upon discovering the child it was noticed he had a very extended abdomen. He was taken to hospital where one litre of fluid was drained.

He returned to Ireland and later that year he was scheduled for chemotheraphy. But when brought to hospital it was discovered the tumor was gone.

Now some 25 years later this young man has just completed his University education and gives all his free time to the helping of those less fortunate. So, the seeds were sown to bring the less fortunate little ones on a trip of a life-time to visit the Real Santa Claus.

Children to Lapland brought their first terminally ill children to Lapland in 1987, with a group of 150. Since then they have taken an average of 300 each year. This year they are celebrating the 24th anniversary and are proud the appeal is now a registered charity.

You can play your part on Saturday, 28th January.

Castlebar Spire project abandoned

NO, it was wasn’t because of the disillusionment with the church felt by so many people; it was simply the economic downturn which caused plans for the erection of the €1.5 million spire at the Church of the Holy Rosary in Castlebar to be abandoned.

The decision has been taken by the parish committee behind the project despite the fact over €600,000 was donated for the project.

A letter of explanation was issued to bene-

factors with a full refund made in all cases. It is unlikely the plan will be resurrected in the foreseeable future.

A spire was originally intended to form part of the church when it was first built in 1901. But a cash shortage resulted in it being put on hold, leaving the church bell exposed on a gable roof.

Fresh difficulties were encountered over three years ago when Castlebar Town Council refused planning permission for the spire because it was deemed to be smaller and inferior to the original designs.

The council subsequently agreed to give the go-ahead to a revised plan which added an estimated €300,000 to the costs.

Following careful consideration of the matter over an extended period, a final decision was made not to proceed with the structure, ironically, for a similar reason it was put on hold way back in 2001.

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Attymass brothers greet An Taoiseach at Bonniconlon Show

All pictures by Tony Hennigan

Michael Walsh shaking hands with An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, his brother James is just behind him

James Walsh, Mounted Garda , Michael Walsh

TWO Attymass brothers – James and Michael Walsh from Caradoogan, could not believe their luck when they got to meet An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny. when he opened up this years Bonniconlon Show on Monday 1 August. James aged 10 and Michael aged 11 met the much loved Irish Prime minister when he came to open up this year’s Bonniconlon show, on Monday 1 August. They also got to meet fellow At-

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, John OHara - chair of Bonniconlon show, Michelle Mulherin TD

tymass native Michelle Mulherin TD, who along with the Taoiseach helped open up the show. Michelle recalled how as a child she used to walk her donkeys from Attymass to the show to take part in the annual celebration of Agricultural life.

The boys had been accompanied by their relative Tony Hennigan, who managed to capture the historic moment he commented “The boys loved meeting An

Taoiseach, I am sure they will remember this bank holiday for a long time. They spent Sunday getting up at dawn to climb the reek for the annual Reek Sunday Pilgrimage with their father Padraic. Straight after they finished the climb they went straight to Dublin and managed to catch Mayo beating Cork in a historic victory to reach the semi -finals. So meeting the Irish Prime minister was the icing on the cake.”

Excellent turnout for Enniscrone 10k Fun Run!

The Enniscrone Black Pig Festival finished on Monday evening with its first 10K Fun Run. The route was excellent; tough but scenic, with wonderful views of Enniscrone. It commenced at 7pm from the church and finished at the well known Diamond Coast who hosted a fabulous free BBQ for all runners,walkers, locals and visitors.

The winner was Emmett Dunleavy, pictured above left, from nearby Dromore West who completed it in an excellent time of just over 33 minutes. Joe Queenan of Queenan Properties who sponsored the 10k Fun Run presented him with his prize. A big than you must go to both Queenan Properties, The Diamond Coast and North West Express for their sponsorship and hospitriallty. And heres to making it an annual event!

Enniscrone Black Pig Festival

MEMORIES MADE AT BLACK PIG FESTIVAL

T

his year’s Black Pig Festival took Enniscrone by storm.

From last Thursday evening until this Monday evening the small seaside town was awash with both tourists & locals, bringing thousands to the local economy.

The festival commenced on Thursday evening with a colourful Mardi Gra and live music on the street. Sunday saw the sun shine on Enniscrone and a most eventful market day where there was something for everyone.

On Sunday night several attempts were made to enter The Guinness Book Of Records including how many people can you fit in a mini!! Some of the other major attractions throughout the weekend were The Funfair, Art & Photo Exhibition, The Soap Box Derby, Conal Gallen, A Fancy Dress Treasure Hunt, Beat on the Street, Fireworks, Kiddies Disco, A Duck Race and a 10K Mini Marathon.Thank you to all our sponsors who as always give generously and to everyone who came out to support the various events.

World's biggest Airfix kit for sale

A giant Airfix kit-style sculpture of the late Ayrton Senna's F1 car is to be sold at auction later this month.

The sculpture, which feature's Senna's iconic McLaren MP4/6 car from his final season as world champion, is expected to make between ÂŁ30- and ÂŁ50,000.

It will be sold by classic car specialist Coys during a sale at the NĂźrburgring circuit in Germany on August 13.

Stunning though it is, the sculpture has been around for almost 20 years. The car was dismantled by McLaren and given to artist Jay Burridge in 1992, who then turned it into the Airfix kit.

There has recently been a swathe of renewed interest in Senna, who died as the result of a crash in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, as a film about his life is currently in cinemas.

Dennis Rushden, Ayrton Senna's former manager (pictured) said: "I was really impressed with the Senna sculpture. Such a clever idea and it really stands out as something really different. Often at race meetings Senna would fly his radio controlled helicopter. He was really into models and he would have appreciated the concept."

Hackers steal data from 35m Koreans The personal information of about 35 million internet users in South Korea has been stolen in an alleged hacking attack that originated in China, officials have said.

South Korean police have begun an investigation.

Hackers attacked popular internet and social media sites Nate and Cyworld earlier this week, stealing data such as social security numbers and email addresses, the Korea Communications Commission said in a statement.

The regulator said that operator of the sites, SK Communications, alleged the attack originated from computers in China based on their internet Protocol addresses.

IP addresses are the web equivalent of a street address or phone number.

The stolen data included user IDs, passwords, social security numbers, names, mobile phone numbers and email addresses. Nate said the social security numbers and passwords are encrypted.

South Korea has faced internet attacks before, with blame frequently pinned on hackers operating from China. China has denied all charges of hacking in the past.

In May, South Korean prosecutors said that hackers in North Korea had broken into the computer network of a South Korean bank earlier this year.

North Korea has flatly denied any responsibility.

technology news & science

One Fifth of children 'cyber-bullied'

NEARLY one in five UK youngsters have been the victim of cyber-bullying, with girls affected more than boys, research has suggested.

Many victims said the experience had damaged their confidence, mental health and even school attendance.

The study, by academics at Anglia Ruskin University, questioned almost 500 young people aged between 11 and 19 and almost a fifth (18.4%) admitted they had been subjected to cyber-bullying, in which a person uses the internet or mobile phones to bully another.

Of the 273 girls questioned, 60 (22%) said they had been subjected to cyber-bullying, while out of the 200 boys quizzed 27 (13.5%) said they had faced it. And two thirds (66%) of the young people questioned (312 people) said they had witnessed cyber-bullying or known someone who has been a victim.

The 87 youngsters who had experienced cyber-bullying as victims were asked what impact this had had on them. A third said it had affected their confidence "quite a lot" or "very" much, while half (52%) said cyber-bullying had affected their

mental and emotional wellbeing.

Just over a quarter (29%) of those who had been cyber-bullied had stayed away from school, while more than a third (39%) had stopped socialising outside of school.

Of those 188 young people who answered a question about whether they would seek help with cyberbullying, less than half (45%) said they would look for support. Those that said they would not seek help gave fear of making it worse and being able to deal with it themselves as some of the reasons.

The youngsters who had been cyber-bullied were most likely to seek help from parents and friends, the research found.

Steven Walker, who led the research said: "While most online interactions are neutral or positive the internet provides a new means through which children and young people are bullied."

He added: "As the use of social media amongst young people continues to grow, unless properly addressed by host sites and Government agencies the problem of cyber-bullying is only likely to get worse."

Film giants win web piracy ruling

HOLLYWOOD film giants battling against online piracy have won a test case action in the High Court against the UK's biggest internet service provider.

They had urged a judge in London to grant an order which would force BT to cut off or impede customers' access to a website accused of "flagrant" copyright in-

fringement. Mr Justice Arnold, giving his reserved ruling in the case following a hearing last month, announced: "I will make an order substantially in the form sought by the studios."

Major studios, including Twentieth Century Fox, Paramount Pictures Corporation and Disney Enterprises brought the proceed-

ings over the Newzbin2 website, which has around 700,000 members.

The action, brought on behalf of all members of the Motion Picture Association of America, is believed to be the first in Britain where an attempt is being made to force an internet provider to block a site under the 1988 Copyright, Design and Patents Act (CDPA).

Film-makers told the court they wanted BT to block Newzbin with the same system that stops access to sites hosting child sex abuse images.

Richard Spearman QC, arguing for an injunction on behalf of the applicants at the recent hearing, told the judge that the Newzbin copyright infringement was being carried out on a "grand scale".

BT contested the claim for an injunction, arguing that there is no jurisdiction for the court to make the order sought against it under the CDPA. In written argument before the court, submitting that the injunction application should be dis-

missed, Antony White QC, for BT, argued that if the court ordered it to block access to the Newzbin2 website "there would be nothing to stop countless other claimants coming forward demanding that BT block other websites alleged to contain unlawful material".

After the ruling BT said in a statement: "This is a helpful judgment, which provides clarity on this complex issue. It clearly shows that rights holders need to prove their claims and convince a judge to make a court order. BT has consistently said that rights holders need to take this route."

Lord Puttnam, president of the Film Distributors' Association, said: "Today's result is an important victory in the battle against a commercial pirate site which refused to operate within the law. Finally, it seems we have a way to deal with rogue sites which will benefit the film industry, including UK independent distributors and, more broadly, the entire creative sector."

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Mayor runs over illegally parked car in tank

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Police arrest man for building nuclear reactor in kitchen

POLICE in Sweden have arrested a 31-year-old man after he asked the Swedish Radiation Authority whether it was legal to build a nuclear reactor in one's kitchen.

The man in Ă„ngelholm, Sweden, who has been interested in nuclear physics since he was a teenager, began building the reactor six months ago.

He even chronicled his efforts on a blog, ordered radioactive material from abroad and acquired more material by taking apart a domestic fire alarm. The project has reportedly cost him US$950.

Authorities took notice of the man's activities after he contacted the Swedish Radiation Authority about the legality of building the reactor at home.

The authority responded that someone would come to his flat to measure the levels of radiation at the premises.

Someone did show up at his door, with the police in tow.

Police arrested the man, questioned him and later released him. The man had admitted his plans to officers, who seized all of his equipment. He said he will refrain from any more such projects in the future.

A Lithuanian politician has been filmed using an armoured vehicle to crush a car parked illegally in a cycle lane.

Arturas Zuokas, the eccentric mayor of Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, says in the clip: "That's what will happen if you park your car illegally." The apparent owner then arrives to see his wrecked Mercedes being towed away, reports the BBC. "In the past few days, expensive cars have been illegally parked in almost this exact place - a Rolls-Royce and a Ferrari," Mayor Zuokas said.

"What should the city do about drivers who think that they are above the law? It seems that a tank is the best solution." The stunt was shot over the weekend for a popular Swedish TV series, 99 Things You Should Do Before You Die, and has been posted on YouTube.

In the video, Mr Zuokas ticks off the car's owner, sweeps up the broken glass from the wreckage and then hops on a bicycle and rides off. "You have to have a sense of humour in my line of work and I thought this would be a way of drawing attention to the fact that the city intends to be proactive in its fight against illegal parking," the mayor said.

New diet for chocoholic fish

Dad-of-two has hysterectomy AN Indian father of two had a hysterectomy after doctors found a full female reproductive system in his lower abdomen.

Ryalu, a farmer, was admitted to a hospital near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, after complaining of se-

vere stomach pains, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Doctors suspected a normal hernia, but when they carried out an exploratory operation they were shocked to discover a female uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes and a

An overweight fish is being weaned off a diet of chocolate biscuits after outgrowing its tank.

Aquarium staff were baffled when the 8.8lb giant gourami called Gary rejected normal food after being donated to them, reports The Sun. Then the previous owners of the exotic Asian freshwater fish admitted feeding it only with chocolate-covered biscuits.

Experts at the Sea Life London Aquarium had to put crushed Kit Kat pieces inside grapes and banana slices to tempt the 15.7in-long fish on to a normal diet.

Gary's handler Rebecca Carter said: "I've never heard of a fish being fed chocolate, let alone brought up entirely on the stuff.

"Gary doesn't appear to have suffered ill effects. Most fish wouldn't be able to survive on Kit Kats but gouramis are very hardy."

cervix.

Dr Pramod Kumar Shrivastava, a surgeon at the Chhindwara district hospital said the patient had external male organs, was fit from working in the fields, and lived a normal life.

"Usually the contents of the Hernia Sac are abdomen organs like large intestines and small intestines but when we operated on the patient we were surprised to find female reproductive organs," he said.

"We have removed the organs through a hysterectomy and repaired the hernia.

"The sac contained quite developed uterus, both the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, cervix and a tissue which is undeveloped but apparently looks like vaginal tissue," he explained.

The man had not suffered any problems until the stomach pains which led him to hospital. Although he is medically a hermaphrodite, his hormones and sexuality are clearly male, he said.

"The external reproductive organs of the patient were masculine and he has no problems whatsoever with his sexuality," added Dr Shrivastava.

The patient, who was said to be as "stunned" as his doctors at the discovery, is recovering in hospital and is being supported by his family.

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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.

Better Oral Hygiene

MAINTAINING good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being. Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop and is much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress.

In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum

disease and other dental problems. These include: - Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily - Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals - Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste - Rinsing with a fluoride mouth-rinse if your dentist tells you to - Making sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area.

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What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on our teeth. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease, and can harden into tartar if not removed daily.

How Do I Know if I Have Plaque?

Everyone develops plaque because bacteria are constantly forming in our mouths.

These bacteria use ingredients found in our diet and saliva to grow. Plaque causes cavities when the acids from plaque attack teeth after eating. With repeated acid attacks, the tooth enamel can break down and a cavity may form. Plaque that is not removed can also irritate the gums around your teeth, leading to gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums), periodontal disease and tooth loss.

How Can I Prevent Plaque Build up?

It's easy to prevent plaque buildup with proper care. Make sure to: Brush thoroughly at least twice a day to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gumline, where your toothbrush may not

reach.

Limit sugary or starchy foods, especially sticky snacksSchedule regular dental visits for professional cleanings and dental examinations Symptoms Early caries may not have any symptoms. Later, when the decay has eaten through the enamel, the teeth may be sensitive to sweet foods or to hot and cold temperatures.

Diagnosis A dentist will look for caries at each office visit, regardless of whether it is a routine visit or an appointment made by the patient because of pain. The dentist will examine the teeth visually and will probe the teeth with an instrument called an explorer to determine if there are pits or areas of damage. Periodically, or if the dentist suspects hidden caries, X-rays will be taken by looking at the teeth.

Expected Duration How long caries lasts is determined by the stage at which it is found. White spots, indicating early caries that has not yet eroded through the enamel, may be reversed if acid damage is stopped and the tooth is given a chance to repair the damage naturally. Caries that has destroyed enamel cannot be reversed. Most caries will continue to worsen and deepen and with time, the tooth may decay down to the root. The amount of time the erosion takes will vary from person to person. Caries can erode to a painful level within months or it can take years to reach that stage.

Prevention Cavities can be prevented by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth.

The best way to do this is by daily brushing and flossing and professional dental cleanings twice a year. You also can reduce the amount of acid in your mouth by

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eating sugary or starchy foods less frequently during the day. Your mouth will remain acidic for several hours after eating, so snacking throughout the day is more likely to lead to caries than avoiding between-meal snacks.

Chewing gum that contains xylitol helps to counteract the acidity that occurs after eating.

Teeth can be strengthened by fluoride. A dentist can evaluate your risk of caries and then suggest appropriate fluoride treatments. In children, new molars can be protected by having the dentist apply a sealant as soon as the teeth come fully into the mouth.

Having caries increases your risk of more caries for several reasons: The same oral care and dietary habits that contributed to the plaque and acids that caused the initial cavity may cause more decay Bacteria tend to adhere to fillings and other restorations more than to smooth teeth, so those areas will be more susceptible to new caries Cracks or gaps in the fillings may allow bacteria and food to enter the tooth, leading to decay from beneath the filling Dental visits On average, seeing a dentist twice a year works well for most people. A few people can get away with fewer visits; others may need more frequent visits. People with very little risk of cavities or gum disease can do fine seeing their dentist just once a year. People with high risk of periodontal disease(because of current gum disease, a weak immune response to bacterial infection or a predisposition to plaque buildup or cavities) might need to see the dentist every three or four months, or even more frequently, for the best care. If your gums do hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you are experiencing persistent bad breath, see your dentist.

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• Promotes positive mental health and related issues by attending information evenings and also visiting (when requested) schools, communities and organisations throughout Ireland.

• Counselling for those who are feeling suicidal / depressed or have been bereaved by suicide.

If you feel that you could benefit from any of the above support please call Mary on 087-4188053.

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A: Lifestyle factors at any age can affect the health of your bones. The body maintains careful blood levels of calcium throughout your life span. If levels get too low, the body will “borrow” calcium from your bones to replenish other parts of your body. And because too-low calcium levels are life-threatening, your body will go so far as to use up all of your bones in order to get more.

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JB’s DENTURE CLINIC

So if, over the course of your lifetime, your calcium intake is a little bit lower than what you need, your body will keep depleting your bone reserve, eventually leading to osteoporosis.

It’s like a bank account.You need to put back in what you take out. That means that getting enough calcium on a daily basis is critical.

Q: How much calcium do I need?

A: Kids need about 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day until they hit puberty. Adults

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ages 15 to 50 are fine with about 1,000 milligrams a day, but older people, especially postmenopausal women, need to go back up to 1,500 milligrams daily.

A: All dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, as are deep-green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and collard greens, and sardines (calcium is found in the fish bones).

Which foods are good sources of calcium?

Nowadays, you can also find calcium in fortified orange juice and bread.

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Whats it called?

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

Sometimes it’s on the tip of your tongue… “What is it called again?” It’s not always easy to remember those out-of-the-ordinary things but to refresh your memory, here’s what it is called.

Here are some words that are not valid in this puzzle: chance - uses the 'c' twice chaps - 's' is not adjacent

PUZZLE TIME ACROSS

Mid-men, the male versions of mid-wives, are called accouchers.

WIN! €25

1. I'd be Ginger Hill. (anag.) Carlow birthplace of scientist John Tyndall in the Barrow valley. (14) 8.Vine about right for small Donegal fishing village at the mouth of the Eaney River where Tom Nesbitt, inventor of the whale harpoon was born. (5) 9. "Widgery didgery dok, the army ran ----.The judge said 'No, it wasn't so; they didn't run they wok'" Derry street rhyme following the Widgery Tribunal into Bloody Sunday in 1971. (4) 11. Join one to use one, of course. (4) 12.This produces moving air for the devotee. (3) 14. "Bernard Shaw hasn't an ----- in the world, and none of his friends like him." Oscar Wilde. (5) 15. Lover gets disturbed after note and will plead in a self-humiliating way. (6) 16. He will put her after us when showing where the seats are.

(5) 18. Mary got confused by the military. (4) 19. Kneel, try net. (anag.) Principal Donegal town near the head of Lough Swilly. (11) 20. Ireland of the poets and songwriters gets in after Queen Elizabeth. (4) 21. Search recklessly and rob firearm coming back from Listowel firing range. (5) 23. Speaks formally even though sore at mix-up in Kilfenora tests. (6) 24. Can no letters be enough for the law of the church in Lucan only? (5) 25. Of that family in Spancil kinship. (3) 27. Small metal spike fixing wood that's lain up in Ballina illness.

(4) 28. Christina comes around at last and is against it. (4) 29. Starting softly, alto goes to pieces for author of "The Republic". (5) 30. Neil and colonel get ordered to see barrister who secured Catholic Emancipation for Ireland in1829. (6,8)

The distance that a place holder falls from a glass when it is lifted (you know, place holders sometimes get stuck to the bottom of a cold glass when you lift the glass) is called a bevemeter, a sniglet coined by comedian Rich Hall (who also coined “sniglet”).

The study of creatures such as Bigfoot, the chupacabra, and the Loch Ness monster is called cryptozoology. Zoologist Bernard Heuvelmans coined the term to describe his investigations of animals unknown to science.

The apparatus used in alcohol distilleries for freeing the spirit from water is called the dephlegmator.

One that speaks two languages – is bilingual – can be said to be diglot.

Ducks are never male.The males of the species are called drakes. In a casino, however, ducks is a nickname for a pair of deuces.

The working section of a piano is called the action.

Shoemakers are commonly called cobblers but correctly speaking a cobbler is a shoe repairmen. A shoemaker is a cordwainer – they also made leather bottles and harnesses.

The device at the intersection of two railroad tracks to permit the wheels and flanges on one track to cross or branch for the other is called a frog.

A specific length of thread or yarn according to the type of fiber is called a hank. For linen, a hank is 274 metres (300 yards); for cotton, it is 768 metres (840 yards).

The white part of your fingernail is called the lunula.

The thin line of cloud that forms behind an aircraft at high altitudes is called a contrail.

A depth of 2 fathoms (3,6 metres) is called a Mark Twain. Originally a fathom was the space reached by with two arms outstretched.

In the early days of film making, people who worked on the sets were called movies.The films were called motion pictures.

The tendency of the leaves or petals of certain plants to assume a different position at night is called nyctitropism.

The back of the human hand is the opisthenar.

DOWN 2.Was jealous of the end I've contrived. (6) 3. Nothing grey about north Wexford town near the Wicklow border with a 1798 Memorial Cross. (5) 4. Flea hops over the page in Rathkeale afterwards. (4) 5. Small number on at midday. (4) 6. Lied very badly about the birth. (8) 7. Fit women live up here in small Tyrone plantation town near the Fermanagh border. (12) 10. Her flag team wavers in Derry market town near Lough Neagh, and angling centre for Moyola River. (11) 12. Ann shall by no other means go to the largest town in south Donegal on the banks of the Erne. (12) 15. Agree certainly to include 29 across's country. (6) 16. Speaks in truest fashion. (6) 17. Farm layer seen in Glenbeigh enclosure. (3)

The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called aglets.

Revealing personality traits through writing is referred to as graphology. See What Your Handwriting Means

18. "That passed the time. It would have passed in --case.Yes but not so rapidly." Beckett. (3) 19. Bail into disorder and produce a drink fit for the gods. (8) 22. Settle the land and restrict its possession in tale of chaos. (6) 24. Fowl with its head covered? (5) 25.Towards the centre in Dublin town. (4) 26. A thousand times in front metrically when 49 go into knockout. (4)

Someone who uses as few words as possible when speaking is called pauciloquent.

People that study fish are called ichthyologists.

The little lump of flesh just forward of your ear canal is called a tragus – it also aids in capturing sounds that come from behind you.

The pin that holds a hinge together is called a pintle.

The gland responsible for producing the hormone that regulates growth is called the pituitary gland. It is the size of a pea.

A melody is a group of notes in a certain order that results in a sweet or agreeable sound. An easily remembered melody is called a tune.

Compulsive shopping was identified by a German psychiatrist almost a hundred years ago. Clinically it is known as oniomania. Shopaholics are the people who do not suffer from chrematophobia, which is the fear of touching money.

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!!

In early France the distance a man could walk while smoking       Name: one pipeful of tobacco was called a pipee.      Address:   The central shaft of a bird’s feather which bears the vane or web of        number:  Telephone the feather is called a rachis.               The small cup in which an espresso is served is called a demi  :*+)*       3    tasse.     A philologist study linguistics and etymology.           People who cannot taste or smell suffer from anosmia.   29. naif (2) 30. nana (2) 31. nipa (2) 32. pain (2) 33. pang (2) 34. pian (2) 35. pina (2)

36. ping (2) 37. waif (2) 38. wany (2) 39. wing (2) 40. yang (2) 41. yuan (2) 42. aal (1)

43. aga (1) 44. ain (1) 45. ana (1) 46. ani (1) 47. any (1) 48. fag (1) 49. fan (1)

  

22. anga (2) 23. fang (2) 24. gain (2) 25. gnaw (2) 26. inia (2) 27. lang (2) 28. naan (2)

50. fay (1) 51. fin (1) 52. gal (1) 53. gan (1) 54. gap (1) 55. gay (1) 56. lag (1)

57. nag (1) 58. nan (1) 59. nap (1) 60. naw (1) 61. nay (1) 62. nip (1) 63. pan (1)

64. pia (1) 65. pic (1) 66. pin (1) 67. wag (1) 68. wan (1) 69. way (1) 70. win (1)

71. yag (1) 72. yaw (1)

$')+00'4#0&#/2.+(+'474 %*#5'&  ;'#45 10.; 75'& (        

15. lanai (3) 16. pagan (3) 17. panga (3) 18. panic (3) 19. wingy (3) 20. alga (2) 21. anal (2)



  $#55  %172.'45 8'4; 0+%' 4'& 2'#4. 8'4; )11& %10&+6+10 %9 *#4&5*'.. %#5'1%6#8'.'#6*'4#& ,      

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

8. yawing (4) 9. again (3) 10. aping (3) 11. awing (3) 12. fanga (3) 13. final (3) 14. lagan (3)

016/7%*5+)01(9'#40+%' 5170&4+%'> !'.

1. waifing (5) 2. nagana (4) 3. pianic (4) 4. pinang (4) 5. wangan (4) 6. wifing (4) 7. wiping (4)



Word Puzzle!

The hairless area of roughened skin at the tip of a bear’s snout is called the rhinarium.

Someone who habitually picks their nose is called a rhinotillexomaniac (rhino=nose, tillexis=habit of picking at something, mania=obsession with something).

(145#.'+02'4('%6%10&+6+10 %#0$'6'56'&#0;6+/'(+456 '#5; &4; 176&114 %*#+45 A building in which silence is enforced, like a library or school room, 615''9+..$7;4+%'> 7+6#$.' (14 &1/'56+% #0& is referred to as a silentium. !'. %1//'4%+#. 75' 4+%' > !'.   !



Russia loses flagship & 600 men

blast past from the

Looking back 905 to 1

Japanese night attacks stuns Russians FEB 10. A surprise night raid by Japanese torpedo boats crippled the Russian fleet at Port Arthur and plunged the two countries into undeclared war.

Two battleships, the Retivizian and the Czarevich, together with the cruiser Pallad were badly damaged by torpedos and sank in the channel, trapping other Russian warships. Two more cruisers, Variag and Korietz, were disabled by Japanese ships at Chemui Po on the west coast of Korea. The Japanese claim they captured seven other warships.

When the victory at sea, and the fact that the Japanese squadron suffered only slight losses, was announced in Tokyo thousands of flagwaving students demonstrated in the streets. Only after news of the raid became public did the Emperor officially declare war "to ensure the safety of our realm".

He blamed Russian imperial ambitions in Korea and Manchuria for causing the conflict. So completely were the Russians taken by surprise that first news of the Port Arthur disaster was rushed to the Czar in St Petersburg while he was at the opera. Court officials waited until the end before informing him so as not to spoil his evening.

The Japanese were quick to exploit their startling success and yesterday 8,000 infantry disembarked to begin their march on Seoul, capital of Korea. The Japanese can now land where they like and there is little the Russians can do to stop them.

APRIL 13. In an ill-fated sortie from Port Arthur, the Russian fleet yesterday suffered yet another great blow with the loss of the battleship Petropavlovsk. She went down under the telescopes of Admiral Togo and the Japanese fleet.

The ship, flying the flag of Admiral Makaroff, sank within two minutes after striking a mine. The commander-in-chief went down with his ship along with 600 other officers and ratings. Among the 37 survivors was the first officer, Grand Duke Cyril. In addition to this disaster the battleship Pobieda was badly damaged.

New Union rights April 22. By a majority of 39, the House of Commons approved a bill which allowed for "peaceful picketing" by trade unionists and amended the present law on conspiracy and the protection of union funds. The Prime Minister, Arthur Balfour, said that he had twice attempted to form a commission on the matter but that trade unions had refused to co-operate. He rejected claims that the Government was supporting employers against the trade union movement.

Pleasure cruise to nightmare: 693 dead

Pact aids cordial feelings for France

APRIL 8. Great Britain and France this morning signed a historic agreement, resolving all outstanding differences between them. The pact was initialled by Paul Cambon, on behalf June 15. In the sheltered waters of of Paul Delcasse, the French Minister New York harbour, a church outing of Foreign Affairs, and by Lord Lanstook a calamitous turn today when a downe, the British Foreign Secretary. fire broke out aboard the padThe agreement is nothing less than dlesteamer General Slocum. So far a global deal. Issues which have trou693 bodies have been recovered but bled relations between the two pow1000 are estimated dead. ers, in one instance for centuries, and The outing was an annual event in others for decades, are resolved so for St Mark's German Lutheran that no major causes of conflict reChurch in New York City. Most of main. the casualties were women and chilThe longest-standing dispute condren. The boat was an hour into its cerns Newfoundland, where fishing trip, with the band playing, when rights and French rights on shore +$510 7456$7%-'4 fire struck with terrifying sudden-+%-have  been disputed since the Treaty  ness. Its725+66'&#*1)#0;$1&; cause is unknown. of Utrecht in 1714.

The steamer opposite 135th  9+6* was #$#.10' $+0&+0) France has agreed to surrender Street in4%*'&6129+6*# the East River and the New 70$7456shore rights in return for confirmaYork shoreline was no more than tion of fishing rights and the end of +0+5* '6/#*1)#0;0'%- 300 feet away. The Captain, howan ancient dispute over whether a 4+%'>101 ever, chose to steer for North lobster is a fish. The French accept Brother!'. Island and the boat burned that it is. In return, Britain has made to the waterline. Trapped women small territorial concessions to threw babies overboard. Life belts France in West Africa.  were rotten.

The two powers have also made 

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two declarations, one about Egypt and Morocco, the other about Thailand and the New Hebrides. France will be given a free hand in

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Morocco if the Sultan's rule should break down. In return, France will respect British primacy in Egypt. The agreement caps months

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her, dentist, official, journalist, athlete, plumber, teactoday yet so less Doctor, teacher, beautician, cashier, bank end red side con are s er opportunitie pilot – the list of professions and carer to return to the working world eage ple peo and ers leav ol many scho ts their financial targets but a struggle to find a job that not only mee job that they enjoy doing. ars endless with the main limiLeaving school the variety of jobs appe ired to enter each or the comtation the number of CAO points requ yet a recent investigation petition to obtain an apprenticeship labour force are dissatisfied concluded that almost 70% of Ireland’s are so many people choosing with their current employment. So, why the wrong career paths? trying to choose a college I realise how hard and confusing it is re you have studied such an course. Leaving secondary school whe to differentiate as to which array of subjects it is often challengingdaily basis for your working life. subject you would like to utilise on a Despite the fact that a student But is this where the problem arises? having completed college with a may absolutely love Business Studiesthe obvious, easy spread sheets Business degree the realisation that in the consumer focused reof Junior Cert accounts plays little role s in University. tail world often comes only after 4 year Leaving Cert are attracted toWhile so many high achievers in the medicine, veterinary, pharmacy as such ers care wards the renowned use of the elite air that suror physiotherapy is that simply beca rather than the individual’s acons essi prof us rounds these prestigio people. This creates an tual intention to work with and help severely lacking in communicais who on pers environment where a

tion and interpersonal skills is working in a position that is based solely on interacting with patient or consumers. Obviously if the qualified professional doesn’t possess the essential patience and qualities needed then not only will inadequate service be provided but the worker will be uneasy and disinterested in their job regardless of how many A’s they received in their exams.

Likewise, in the money and materialistic obsessed culture many professions are chosen, based solely on the salary and working hours of the position. Typically teaching is a prime example. While many of Ireland’s teachers are genuine hardworking, patient professionals who are eager to assist children in their education there are the few who choose the career as a result of its wonderful holidays and reliable pay packet.

Again, this situation means that not only are children been neglected as the teacher who may be the nicest person in the world is just not suited to the task but the individual who may strive in a food career will find teaching tedious and mundane after the initial while.

It appears to be really, really hard to find the “perfect job” but the reality is that a job doesn’t have to be for life.

If as a new school leaver, college graduate or returning from parental leave you find yourself encapsulated in a job that truly you don’t enjoy there is no reason that for the next ten years you have to stay there.

There are so many opportunities out there regardless of your education and background and until everybody finds a job that puts a genuine smile on your face we should keep looking. Admittedly, the main reason that people work is to obviously earn money yet as long as a person has enough to maintain an adequate standard of living then happiness is the most important thing. After all who wants to wake up in the morning and frown until they pull off their uniform after work?!

Imagine a world where all shop assistants smiled, all teachers took the time to explain long multiplication fully, all nurses empathised with the horror of blood tests, all dentists appreciated just how daunting a visit is and all postmen waved that is the career satisfaction everyone should aspire to achieve!!

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Sandra Cribben the CEO at the Chamber said “We are really excited about the Music Festival, it is just one of a number of events which are being staged in Ballina during the summer to attract tourists to the area. The event is being sponsored by the chamber, the council and local traders, it has also been given support from the Manchester Irish Festival www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk . It comes just four weeks after the internationally famous 10 day Salmon Arts Festival which ran from Friday 8 July to Sunday 17 July.

We are bidding to stage the Fleadh in 2014, which we last staged in 1997. With this in mind, we have decided to stage the festival the weekend

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before this year’s Fleadh so that the musicians competing in the competition can fine tune their performances at our festival before they go to Cavan. The family friendly festival has something for all ages and promises to be a real celebration of the areas culture and heritage.”

An estimated 10,000 visitors and bands from all over the world will descend upon the town in the West of Ireland, which is situated just 30 minutes from Knock International Airport, with links all over Ireland and throughout Europe and America. The town’s hotels will be also be offering special discounted rates for visitors.

Anyone wanting to join in with the busking competition needs to register their interest with the Ballina Chamber by contacting them through facebook at Ballina Music Festival Or visit the festival website www.ballina.ie and twitter at www.twitter.com/ballina

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LAOISE KELLY & MICHELLE O’BRIEN @ THE FULL IRISH: TRAD AT THE LINENHALL

THE FULL IRISH: Laoise Kelly and Michelle O’Brien at the Linenhall on Thursday 18th August

MARY NOONAN EXHIBITION AT THE LINENHALL

Continuing for the month of August at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar is the latest exhibition by Claremorris-born artist Mary Noonan.

Entitled “The Narrow Limitations of Common Sense” and comprising mixed media drawings and sculptural works, according to Mary herself, “This work is a reflection of my research into Irish folklore and superstition relating to ‘fairy-faith’, particularly from the late 19th and early 20th century. It also has a direct relationship to my own upbringing on a farm in Mayo. The materials and processes I use, such as tearing and cutting the paper, become a metaphor for psychological aspects of uncovered narrative. The work is informed by a sense of the uncanny and explores ideas relating to identity, landscape and cultural history.” Mary Noonan has both a BA and MFA in Painting from NCAD. Currently based in Dublin, she has exhibited widely since 2000 including COE Claremorris Open Exhibition (2006, 2007, 2010), RUA Annual Show (2008) RHA Annual Show (2010) and was an invited artist at TULCA 2010. This is Mary's 6th solo exhibition. The exhibition runs until Saturday 27th August.?

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THE FULL IRISH series of Traditional concerts at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar continues with top drawer harp and fiddle duo Laoise Kelly and Michelle O’Brien on Thursday 18th August at 8.00pm.

Laoise Kelly is a Traditional Irish harper from Westport, Co. Mayo. Since her musical journey began she has been involved in more than 50 recordings with artists as varied as Steve Cooney, Sinéad O’Connor, The Chieftains and Kate Bush. One of the highlights of her recording career is the remarkable album “The Wishing Well”, made with fiddle player Michelle O’Brien, from Toonagh, Co. Clare. Fiddle player Michelle learned her music at her local primary school from acclaimed teacher Frank Custy, and subsequently with legendary Tommy Peoples, and Tommy's daughter Siobhán. Michelle has an All-ireland Fiddle title and Pan-Celtic Fiddle title to her credit, teaches at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick, and performs at many Festivals throughout Ireland and Europe.

“CHASING SHADOWS” THE FULL IRISH PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION “Chasing Shadows” is a fascinating exhibition of black-and-white photographs at the Linenhall Arts Centre by musician and photographer Danny Diamond that celebrates Irish traditional music “in its continual evolution and flux”. Danny is a photographer and musician from Dublin. His photographic work on Irish Traditional Music has been exhibited in Ireland and in the United States and he has photographed on behalf of some of the leading Irish Traditional arts organizations, including the Irish Traditional Music Archive. This is Danny’s 3rd solo

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exhibition, and is presented as part of THE FULL IRISH Traditional series at the Linenhall Arts Centre.

The Linenhall Gallery is open to the general public Monday-Friday from 10.00am - 5.00pm; Saturday from 11.00am-5.30pm. Admission to exhibitions is free. Further details from the Linenhall. Tel: 094 9023733 Website: www.thelinenhall.com

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GAA FOOTBALL ALL IRELAND SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP 2011 SEMI FINAL. DONEGAL V DUBLIN

Donegal players react as referee Davis Goldrick blows the whistle to indicate a free after Morgan O'Flaherty, 6, Kildare, was fouled by Rory Kavanagh, Donegal, in the last minute of normal time. GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-Final, Donegal v Kildare, Croke Park, Dublin. Picture credit: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE

Michael Murphy, left, and Kevin Cassidy, Donegal, celebrate after the final whistle

Patrick McBrearty, Donegal, left, celebrates with Jason Noctor after the game

Can Donegal silence the Hill?

SO for the first time since introduction of the back door system the four provincial finalists will battle it out for All-Ireland honours, and the men from Donegal take on the might of Dublin in the second semi-final in Croker on August 28th.

Thoughts of Donegal people will, no doubt, swing back to 1992 when the gallant band led

by Anthony Molloy overcame the Dubs in an unforgettable clash. Who will forget Declan Bonner’s final point to seal a four-point victory?

But this is 2011 and all is changed. Donegal have been starved of any measure of success in the interim and the Dubs have flattered to deceive under a variety of managers for years.

The easterners seem to have found a consis-

tent form under Pat Gilroy while Donegal have found renewed strength under the dynamic Jim McGuinness.

Donegal showed tremendous resilience in their epic encounter with Kildare in the quarter-final. Their defensive strength frustrated the fancied Kildare attack on so many occasions.

Damien Cassidy’s classic point, in injury time of extra time, will be long remembered in GAA folklore in Donegal, as will the fine goal of super-sub Toye. But the performances of Niall McGee in defence, Karl Lacey, Ryan Bradley, Dermot Molloy and Mark McHugh will also be remembered.

Dublin’s performance in despatching Tyrone was nothing short of awesome. The Brogan Brothers and Diarmuid Connolly could do

Donegal captain Michael Murphy leaves the team huddle, to take his seat in the dugout, as he is replaced by David Walsh, 25. Picture credit: Ray McManus

nothing wrong, the latter scoring an incredible seven points from play in Dublin’s tally of 22 points.They also missed many goal chances.

Dublin won all the primary battles against Tyrone and created space easily. However, Donegal’s defensive set-up, the king-pin of their championship success to date, will prove a bigger obstacle. The much-vaunted Dublin forward line was less impressive when put under pressure against Wexford in the Leinster final.

Donegal will be hoping to frustrate the Dubs and keep their target-men under wraps while creating enough chances to win through to a final encounter with either Mayo or Kerry.

Donegal are lucky to have star forwards like Mark McHugh, Michael Hegarty and Michael Murphy performing at their best, the latter

contributing a valuable three points against Kildare while nursing an injury.

This will be a mouth-watering encounter at Croker – the sleek, fast Dublin forward line against the tight-marking Donegal defence.

Dublin may be favourites, particularly after their performance against Tyrone. However, this was a Tyrone team with many miles on the clock, against a younger and much faster Dublin outfit – the Donegal challenge will be tougher and the outcome will depend on performances on the day.

Donegal supporters will be hoping their heroes continue to reproduce the consistent form which has proved successful all season and Jim McGuinness’s men will silence the Hill on Sunday, 28th.

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Best Wishes to the Mayo team in the All Ireland Semi Final from everyone at

The 2011 Mayo team. GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-Final, Mayo v Cork, Croke Park, Dublin DESPITE dethroning All-Ireland champions, Cork, in the quarter-final clash, Mayo will still be underdogs against a resurgent Kerry in their semi-final encounter in Croke Park on Sunday week.

Indeed, there is a cliché in GAA circles “you have won nothing until you’ve beaten Kerry”.

In reality, there is no air of celebration around the Mayo camp at this time.Their victory over the All-Ireland champions has thrown the championship wide open and, with the Dubs’ victory over Tyrone, has narrowed the possibilities to the four provincial winners. But Mayo supporters will record their poor record against the Kingdom in Croke

Park, particularly at All-Ireland level. In 2006 they were trounced by Kerry on a scoreline of 4-15 to 3-4. In 2004 they lost out to the Green and Gold by 1-20 to 2-9.

But things may have changed. Mayo players have toughened up their game and scorelines like these belong to the past.

The Mayo defence succeeded in frustrating an under strength Cork attack in their quarter-final clash. However, the Kerry attack operates differently and Kieran Donaghy, the Gouch, the O’Sullivans and Brian Sheehan, can weave a web to make matters difficult for most defences. Paul Galvin’s return has also provided them with other options.

Best Wishes to James Horan and the Mayo team in the All Ireland Semi Final from all at

If Mayo are to overcome the Munster champions the performance of the O’Shea’s (so effective against Cork) will be paramount. A Kerry forward-line starved of possession can do very little. If Donaghy and Co. are forced to move deep to gain possession it can disrupt the rhythm of their forward play.Also, it can be argued Kerry have not really been tested in the championship. Their narrow win over a Cork team, who we now know have been less than impressive, and the ease with which they dispatched Limerick in the two encounters reveals very little about their true form.

Undoubtedly, Mayo have a solid defence, as they proved in their relentless performance against Cork. In attack, if Andy

Moran,Alan Dillon,Alan Freeman and Kevin McLoughlin gain enough primary possession they can be dangerous against a Kerry rearguard that has been suspect at times this year.

McLoughlin’s goal against Cork ignited the team and though it was cancelled by Kerrigan’s effort minutes later, it still provided the impetus for the Mayo’s continued resurgence. Ironically, it would be a major contender for Goal of the Year were it not for the cheeky effort by Darren O’Sullivan against Limerick just hours earlier.

So, in a year when Mayo can consider themselves lucky to have overcome London at the start of the championship, they are now contenders for a place in the All-Ireland final.

Manager James Horan has managed to instil a new belief in his charges. It took fifteen players working for each other to spring the surprise of the season and overcome champions Cork. Horan will remember his long-range goal against Kerry in 1996 when the Green and Red beat Kerry by six points in the All-Ireland semi-final, before succumbing narrowly to Meath in the final. His calmness as a manager is what Mayo needs at this time.

For Mayo supporters Horan’s influence might solve one perennial Mayo problem – which Mayo will turn up in Croke Park? It looks like the team of 2011 will not go down without a fight.

T MASON DECLAN JENNINGS MICHAEL EGAN Best wishes to the Mayo GAA team from

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Best Wishes to James Horan and the Mayo team in the All Ireland Semi Final

Headstones in Marble, Granite & Limestone Inscriptions, Cleaning & Restoration

All Areas Covered Contact Declan on 093-31510 or 087-7846832

Best wishes to James and the team in the Semi Final from all at

Best wishes to the Mayo team from all at Billys Bakery • Wedding Cakes • Birthday Cakes • Christening Cakes •Unique, individually designed and decorated cakes www.billysbakeryballina.com

Best wishes to James and the team in the Semi Final from all at

BUILDERS LTD

BONNICONLON ROAD, BALLINA Precast Septic tanks supplied and fitted Septic Tanks upgraded Pump stations installed Waste water treatment systems Construction of percolation areas All Ground works AGENT FOR BORD NA MONA WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

CALL: 087-2767003 or 096-70224

ST. ENDAS VILLAS, BALLINA Phone for details Direct: 096-73611 Mobile: 086-2200355