Northwest Express 14th April 2011 by northwest express

14 April 2011 Issue 8 - Volume 12 CEMETERY SERVICES & MAINTENANCE

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OIL BONANZA IN THE PIPELINE?

Over €220m payout in claims from December freeze €765 MILLION PAID OUT FOR WEATHER DAMAGE IN 14 MONTHS

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PAGE PAGE 12-13 12-13

Glencar Manorhamilton Figure Dancers, winners at the All Ireland Senior Scor Finals in Killarney pictured with GAA President Christy Cooney and National Scor Chairman Des Maguire. See full story on page 2. Picture John Tarrant

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he Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) this week announced that €224m has been paid to home and business owners as a result of the freeze that affected the country during December 2010. This was the third severe weather event to affect the country during a fourteen-month period, which saw the insurance industry inject over €¾ bn back into the Irish economy. During the severe freeze, which affected the entire country last December, insurers dealt with almost 30,000 claims relating to damage to homes and businesses caused by burst pipes. Household claims cost €173.1m, while commercial claims amounted to €50.6m. The worst affected counties were Cork (€32.4m), Galway (€24.7m)

and Dublin (€20.2m) Although the freezing weather affected the whole country, some areas were disproportionately affected. Munster accounts for 28% of the population but accounted for approximately 40% of the claims cost, and Leinster accounts for 54% of the population but only accounted for 32% of the claims cost. The cost of claims in Connacht/Ulster was 28% of the total but accounts for only 18% of the population. The gross cost of claims incurred per county are as follows: Galway - €24.674m, Mayo - €9.726m, Donegal€8.763m, Roscommon €4.215m, Sligo - €3.643m and Leitrim - €2.167m See chart on page 2 for full table.

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Two All Ireland titles for Leitrim The dancing team of Amanda Sweeney, Nicole O'Hara, Aoife Duignan, Bronagh Rooney, Aidan McLoughlin, Ciaran McManus, Shane Connaire and Brendan Byrne gave a great performance dancing the Cross Reel and the adjudicators put them ahead of Killyclogher, Co Tyrone, Glenflesk, Co Kerry and St Martins, Co Louth. Two of the group: Amanda Sweeney and Shane Connaire were on the last Glencar/Manorhamilton Aisling Sammon from Aughnasheelin winner in team to win the Figure Solo Singing pictured with GAA President, Christy Dance All Ireland in 1999. Cooney and Chairman Des Maguire. The long wait was over. SATURDAY last was a memorable occaThe sight of bonfires blazing on the apsion for Leitrim Scór as proach to Manorhamilton at 7.00pm last Glencar/Manorhamilton and Augh- Sunday and hundreds on the streets in nasheelin were declared All Ireland cham- Manorhamilton to greet them back made pions in Rince Foirne and Amhranaíocht it all worth it. It was a memorable homeAonair respectively at the All Ireland finals coming as the dancers performed on the in Killarney. street as darkness fell on a happy group of For Glencar/Manorhamilton it was a dancers and supporters. long-awaited and richly-deserved reward An hour earlier last Sunday the bonfires for perseverance and persistence. For each were blazing in Aughnasheelin as Aisling of the previous eight years they had Sammon returned as All Ireland champion reached the All Ireland finals and travelled to her home parish. Crowds assembled to to Killarney and other venues, with great celebrate in the Community Centre and hopes, only to come home disappointed the joy was unbounded as Aisling returned on each occasion. Others would have a hero having taken the All Ireland title given up but Claire McMorrow, their tutor twenty-four hours earlier against the best and manager, didn't. The memory of two of the other provinces: Mary Connolly previous wins in 1993 and 1999 kept from Newtownbutler, Co Fermanagh, them going in the hope that their day Áine Sheehan , Foilmore, Co Kerry and would come and come it did on Saturday Éilís McLoughlin, Ardagh, Co Longford. last. Aisling's win was something special for

Over 220m payout in claims from December freeze Continued from front page

Leitrim as this was the first time ever that a Leitrim singer won an All Ireland Scór Cost of Previous Weather Events title in either Scór Sinsear or Scór na nÓg. On eight previous occasions Leitrim have been represented at All Ireland finals in Scór Sinsear but never successfully. Mae Malone from Mohill got to the final in the very first year of Scór in 1970. James Dooner and Brid Megahey, both Ballinamore, Éamon Daly from Allen Gaels, Ann Mulligan from Bornacoola, Therese McCartin from Carrigallen and Sinéad Egan from Aughnasheelin on two occa- Burst Pipes Statistics – Claims cost sions got to the Finals. Aisling Sammon with a beautiful rendering of "Róisín (household and commercial) per 1000 people by County Dubh", was a worthy winner and Leitrim supporters were jubilant as her name was called out. These two successes bring Leitrim's total All Irelands in Scór Sinsear to 23, just one behind Galway and Tyrone both on 24. With the great interest in Scór in Leitrim and wonderful victories by great Scór clubs like Aughnasheelin and Glencar / Manorhamilton it may not be long until Leitrim are out on top. At the two victory celebrations Leitrim heroes were met by Cathaoirleach of Leitrim Co Board, Seosamh Ó Floinn and Rúnaí, Diarmuid Mac Suibhne as well as Oifigeach Cultúir agus Teanga, Máire Ní Mhaoilbhlia, agus Rúnaí Coiste Scór Liatroma, Seán Ó Suilleabháin. Tributes were also paid to Leitrim's other All Ireland competitors: Droim Dhá Thiar in Ceol Uirlis, Seán Ó hEislin in Nuachleas and Gleann an Chairthe/ Cluainín in Rince Seit. It was a proud and joyous occasion as both victories were celebrated both in the early hours in Killarney on Saturday and in Aughnasheelin and Manorhamilton on Sunday.

Wedding Dress Sale BELLADONNA Bridal is holding a huge sale this weekend, Fri 15t, Sat 16th and Sun 17th. There are fantastic bargains to be had with gorgeous Wedding dresses from as little as €200. Dresses are our shop samples from 2010 and some from 2011 collections and are in fantastic condition. Bridesmaids dresses from €30 will also be on sale this weekend as well as veils tiaras and headpieces. During this weekend 10% discount will be given on any orders taken for shoes and other accessories. This is a great opportunity for a bride to find her dream dress at a greatly reduced price. Appointments are being taken for the weekend but walk in brides are also very welcome but priority for dressing rooms will be given to brides with appointments. We will be open Sunday from 1 to 5 for this Sale Weekend. View some of the dresses on sale on Belladonna’s facebook site. www.belladonngalway.com and phone 091 755139 for appointments

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regionalnews Prince Albert visited mother’s ancestral home in Mayo PRINCE Albert of Monaco and his fiancée Charlene Wittstock last week visited Galway and Mayo on the final day of their three day state visit. The pair visited the marine institute in Co. Galway at the request of the Prince, who has a keen interest in marine environmental awareness. The prince then visited the ancestral home of his late mother, Princess Grace, in Newport Co. Mayo. Prior to this, the Prince announced the establishment of the Princess Grace Research fellowship at Trinity College which was made possible because of a private donation. The Prince said “"I'm moved by this gesture of friendship which only confirms the wonderful, friendly, long-lasting historical links between

Monaco and Ireland," The 53-year-old royal's maternal great grandfather John H Kelly moved to the US from Mayo on the west coast of the country which Albert visited with his fiancee Charlene Wittstock where they met with distant relatives, 50 years after his mother, Princess Grace, did the same. Princess Grace was famous as an actress playing roles in Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder and Rear Window. She was considered the epitome of glamour and her marriage to her prince in 1956 in Monaco was an event that attracted worldwide attention. During the visit, the Prince was formally met by the Minister of State Michael Ring on behalf of the government and other dignitaries from the country.

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national body in the field of architecture and this development is highly significant for the Interior Architecture course and its students. University College Dublin is the only other Higher

Education Institute in Ireland with RIBA recognition. The Interior Architecture programme has been offered at IT Sligo for 12 years and is the leading Interior Architecture course

in the country. It is the only course in Ireland to have achieved recognition by the European Council of Interior Architects. Head of Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, Kevin Savage, said that the achievement of Candidate Status from the RIBA is a significant endorsement of the Interior Architecture programme; “This status is the first step towards achieving full recognition under the RIBA and is an important acknowledgment of the work that has been, and continues to be done, in our Interior Architecture programme.” Interior Architecture teachings combine a variety of fields including architecture, furniture and product design, graphics, performing arts, and art.The Interior Architecture programme at IT Sligo draws on expertise in architecture, design, construction, technology and teaching methodology. Local examples in Sligo of buildings that have benefited from the approach of Interior Architecture ‘reimagining’ are The Clarion Hotel, Hazlewood House and The Model.

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Interior Architecture Course achieves RIBA status The Honours BA in Interior Architecture at IT Sligo has been awarded Candidate Status by the RIBA, the Royal Institute of British Architects. The RIBA is the leading inter-

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Wise Woman Weekend comes to the West THE annual Wise Woman Weekend will return to Dromahair this coming May. The event comprises a weekend of learning, discovery and celebration for women and attracts attendees from all over the country to the picturesque village of Dromahair. Twelve voluntary facilitators provide a wide range of workshops available including Introduction to Vegetarian Cooking, Games that Grow Trust, Circle Dance and Celtic rituals and Rites of Passage. This year, the Wise Woman Weekend has a new Coordinator Orfhlaith Ni Chonaill, who was editor of Holistic magazine, Network, for 17 years. She also has experience in giving creative writing classes, sacred dance classes and reiki. This year’s event has also enlisted the help of the fourth year Bachelor of Business and Tourism students from IT Sligo. Applying theory to practice is a large part of the event management module and the students have been lucky to be involved in the organisation and management of the Wise Women Weekend. The weekend is the perfect getaway for women who wish to connect with the creative, spiritual or healing part of their nature, or who simply want to have fun and celebrate in the company of other women.

Mayo Man to appear in PlayStation game LIFE is good for Crossmolina’s Killian Duffy.The talented rally co-driver recently competed in the World Championships with Team Abu Dhabi, his Pace Notes business is going from strength to strength and now he is going to be featured in the new World Rally Championships 2011 PlayStation and X-Box games. Killian, who currently lives in Claremorris, spent a week in Portugal last month, where he was competing in one of six stages of the World Championships with Majed AlShamsi of Team Abu Dhabi. Racing against the best up and coming drivers in the world, Killian and Majed were delighted to finish 26th overall and be the second Subaru home.While in Portugal, Killian and the rest of the team were photographed for the new game. After arriving home from the Portugal stage Killian got a few hours sleep before driving to Kerry to develop new Pace Notes for the Circuit of Kerry Rally. With 11 years experience as a co-driver on the local, national and international stage, Killian established his pace notes business and website in 2010 to meet the changing demands of both rally drivers and codrivers. “I have competed for more than a decade in rallying all over the globe and have learned many things about proper pace-noting,” Killian said. “The nature of our sport is that the driver listens to clear instructions from the co-driver and these instructions must be simple and precise. In the coming months, Killian will be travelling to Finland and Australia with Majed Al-Shamsi and the rest of Team Abu Dhabi to compete in the remaining rounds of the World Championships.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SELL YOUR OVERSEAS FOREIGN PROPERTY? We currently have buyers who are very interested. We are holding an informal one to one Information evening in: The Sligo Park Hotel, Pearse Road, Sligo on Tuesday 12th April from 5pm to 10pm If you would like to book an appointment with a Property Specialist on the night, please give us a call on 01-6650488. In a relaxed setting we will provide an awareness on how to sell your property and the steps that need to be taken to achieve the best results. Looking forward to seeing you there and you will not be disappointed if your objective is to sell your foreign property.

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Pistol of Countess Markievicz to go under the hammer A pistol that belonged to Countess Markievicz and letters sent by Michael Collins from Sligo goal are to be sold at auction in Dublin later this month. The sale of artefacts related to the Irish War of Independence and the Easter Rising is being held by Adam’s Auction House, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin on April 19. Sligo History enthusiasts will be interested to see several artefacts relating to Countess Markievicz, including one of her guns, a small .32 Calibre Smith & Weston. The handgun was given to Seamus Babington of the Third Tipperary Brigade, I.R.A. by the Countess.The deactivated gun is expected to sell for between 800 to 1,400, but may fetch more.

Countess Markievicz had a great aim and one of her target practice cards will also be sold off at this auction. The printed card which has been signed by the Countess herself shows seven bullet holes, including two bulls-eyes. This piece is estimated to sell for between 400 and 600. A speech honouring Countess Markievicz and presented to her by the Con Colbert Branch of Na Fianna Eireann during her visit to Carrick on Shannon in 1917 is also up for sale. Two letters penned by Michael Collins to his sister Hannie during his time in Sligo Goal in 1918 are also among the lots, and are expected to sell for between 2,000 and 3,500.

House prices fall by 1.4 per cent in Connacht In Connacht, asking prices for houses fell by an average of 1.4 per cent in the first three months of 2011, smaller than the falls seen between September and December last year. The average asking price for residential property in Mayo in the first quarter of 2011 was 180,000, a fall of 88,000 from the peak. The survey of residential property published by daft.ie, Ireland’s largest property website, shows that asking prices for residential property around the country fell by an average of 3.1 per cent during the first three months of 2011. The national average asking price for property has fallen 43 per cent since the peak and now stands at 210,000, while the average time to sell a property is now nine months, the same as a year ago. In Dublin, asking prices fell by 4.1 per cent during the past three months, while in Galway, prices fell by almost 5 per cent. In Cork and Waterford, prices dropped by about 3 per cent, while Limerick city saw falls of just 2 per cent between January and April. Outside the main cities, asking prices fell by an average of 2.7 per cent, the smallest fall in three years. Commenting on the survey, Ronan Lyons, economist with daft.ie said: “the ongoing mismatch between supply and demand is pushing prices further down. Prospective buyers find it difficult to get the finance, while owner occupiers are often restricted by negative equity. As a result, the market is moving very slowly. “

Sligo’s Westlife lads go back to where it all began Sligo’s Westlife boys, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Shane Filan, are to become official patrons of the Sligo Fun Company, a local theatre school where they took their first steps on the road to becoming mega stars. The Fun Company was founded by local director and choreographer Mary McDonagh and celebrated its 30th Anniversary with the Westlife trio in recognition of the role played by the company in their early years. Shane met his future wife, Gillian, in a performance with the Fun Company, when he played Danny in Grease while she played Frenchie. He recalls that his first performance in the Hawkswell Theatre cemented his dream to become a successful performer. As well as playing the lead in Grease, he played the Artful Dodger in Oliver while Kian and Mark first tread the boards as young performers in shows such as Annie, the Pyjama Game and Godspell. Local teenagers will have the chance to follow in the footsteps of Westlife when the Fun Company stages an all youth production of Les Miserables next September.

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The Honours BA in Interior Architecture at IT Sligo has been awarded Candidate Status by the RIBA, the Royal Institute of British Architects. The RIBA is the leading international body in the field of architecture and this development is highly significant for the Interior Architecture course and its students. University College Dublin is the only other Higher Education Institute in Ireland with RIBA recognition. The Interior Architecture programme has been offered at IT Sligo for 12 years and is the leading Interior Architecture course in the country. It is the only course in Ireland to have achieved recognition by the European Council of Interior Architects. Head of Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, Kevin Savage, said that the achievement of Candidate Status from the RIBA is a significant endorsement of the Interior Architecture programme;“This status is the first step towards achieving full recognition under the RIBA and is an important acknowledgment of the work that has been, and continues to be done, in our Interior Architecture programme.” Interior Architecture teachings combine a variety of fields including architecture, furniture and product design, graphics, performing arts, and art.The Interior Architecture programme at IT Sligo draws on expertise in architecture, design, construction, technology and teaching methodology. Local examples in Sligo of buildings that have benefited from the approach of Interior Architecture ‘reimagining’ are The Clarion Hotel, Hazlewood House and The Model.

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New Training Programme to Develop B&B’s in Sligo and Leitrim

Service with a Smile – B&B owners Pictured attending Fáilte Ireland’s new Irish Home B&B Skills Development Programme.

THIS year Fáilte Ireland has introduced a new Irish Home B&B Skills Development Training Programme across the country. This brand new programme has been designed specifically with the B&B sector in mind and is aimed at upskilling Bed and Breakfast owners, enabling them to build on their existing skills, and assist

them to continue delivering the unique experience that visitors expect, and only the Irish Home B&B can offer. The programme is made up of a range of modules covering core aspects of running an Irish Home B&B and includes demonstration and practical participation in areas such as cookery, menu develop-

ment, health and safety regulations, accommodation, customer care and more. Each course is run over a number of weeks and required a minimum of four days attendance. Explaining the origins of the new programme Noelle Cawley, Fáilte Ireland, explained: “Fáilte Ireland is committed to

recognising and continuously improving the quality and standards of B&B’s across the country and supporting the sector to grow their business in 2011. The Irish welcome and the Irish people are an important part of why visitors choose Ireland as a destination, and we hope that this new training programme will work to ensure that this unique part of what we offer visitors continues.” Fáilte Ireland will be providing a range of practical workshops for the bed and breakfast sector and the wider tourism industry in the region and across the country throughout the year including ebusiness workshops and another B&B development programme. A full list of training taking place can be found on Fáilte Ireland’s corporate website www.failteireland.ie or by contacting your local Fáilte Ireland team.

Group launches North West’s Drugs Helpline THE launch of the Northwest’s new alcohol and drug services helpline, DASH, took place recently in the Sligo City Hotel. Sligo performer and former X Factor contestant Tabby Callaghan opened the launch and showed his support for the much needed service. Guest speakers included Loman Conway, Chairperson from the North West Regional Drugs Task Force which provides funding for the project and Jessica Mannion the outreach worker of the project. The Northside Resource Centre and the Cranmore Co-op came up with the initiative and applied for the funding needed. The helpline is now open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 5pm. Anyone can call the DASH helpline on 071 91 47653 and will be treated with the strictest of confidence. The trained volunteers can not only listen to people’s problems, they can also give information on addiction services and other supports. Marie and Dermot, the volunteer counsellors, can provide counselling and support and Jessica is available to meet people in their communities. There is also a men’s support group in the Northside Resource Centre on Monday nights at 7.30 pm.

WIN TICKETS! to the

IT Sligo Students ‘Branch’ Out

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to The Spring Ideal Home Show at the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin. April 15th – 17th simply answer the following question: Q: Irelands leading garden expert will be giving the free Gardening Talks, what is his name? Simply send your answer, along with your name, address and telephone number into us at the address below, the first 10 correct answers will each recieve a pair of tickets! Send your entries into: Northwest Express, Cleveragh Road, Sligo The Event will be featuring Ireland’s biggest and best known exhibition for home owners & home lovers where you will find the best QUALITY VALUE and CHOICE around. They have everything you need for your home improvements, extensions, home energy, interior design, room makeovers, gardens, patios, lifestyle and so much more.

L-R Back Row: Michelle Flynn, , Cathal O'Fearraigh, Paddy Concannon, Ciara Mc Partland and Shauna O'Sullivan L-R Front Row: Mariosa Farragher, Lydia Rodgers (Special Olympics Connaught), Shane McLoone, Emma Egan

A group of IT Sligo students collected over 1000 by hosting ‘Leaf’ Your Stamp on IT Sligo, a plant a tree charity event in aid of Special Olympics Connaught. The group asked students and staff to purchase a tree in the college canteen throughout the day. When a tree was purchased it was planted by the group on the IT Sligo Campus and all proceeds went directly to the charity. As the event coincided with National Tree Week the group were effectively creating awareness of the environment whilst raising much needed funds for a very

worthy cause. All trees for the event were kindly sponsored by Coillte Nurseries. Founded in 1978, Special Olympics Ireland has grown significantly over the years and today has over 11,000 athletes participating in 15 sports in more than 440 Clubs throughout Ireland. They are supported by a network of more than 18,000 volunteers, making Special Olympics one of the largest voluntary organisations in Ireland. Special Olympics Connaught provides year round sport training and competition for 1600 people with an intellectual disabil-

ity in Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath. The students organised this event as part of their Event Project Management module that is delivered on the Bachelor of Business in Marketing PR and Events Course. The proceeds raised will help Team Ireland compete at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens. 126 athletes and 49 coaches will represent Ireland at the Games, which are the highest level of sporting competition for Special Olympics athletes in the World.

• TV3’s Ireland AM broadcasting live from the Feature Garden on Friday 15th April. • Extend Expo & FREE Architects Extension Advice Centre in association with The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland • ECO Expo – The Home Energy Show • Dulux FREE Interior Design Advice Centre with leading Interior Designers from the institute of Designers in Ireland • Feature Garden ‘Home in the Garden’ designed by Steve Ryan from Angel Landscaping (Ireland AM garden designer) • FREE Gardening Talks with Gerry Daly & Garden Experts • Luxaflex® Interiors & Furnishings Village • Pamper Zone • Kitchens & Bathrooms • Renovate & DIY • Home Accessories The Ideal Home Show is more than a show, it’s an experience! Check out www.idealhome.ie for all the latest information

The Key to fun for all the family I

T IS now time to rediscover the beauty of Lough Key Forest Park with its new services and amenities. After redevelopment the Park now encompasses a landmark cluster of unique attractions offering gentle leisurely pursuits or energetic activities. Whatever you choose, it is the perfect place to do as much or as little as you like.

You can spend fun filled hours in the energetic Boda Borg, a totally unique activity to Ireland.The Boda Borg is a weather independent activity divided into 47 individual challenges, grouped together in Quests. To survive the Quests you will need to employ many different skills such as teamwork, ingenuity and trial and error. The Quests are divided into

Children of all sizes will love romping Lough Key Forest Park

three colours, Green, Red and Black each pertaining to the level of difficulty. The Boda Borg is suitable for children and adults alike from age 7 years to the young at heart! Watch the younger children discover a magical land of stimulating and innovative play equipment in the Adventure Play Kingdom. The outdoor Adventure Play Kingdom is a dynamic, colourful and safe environment that will keep children of all ages entertained for hours. Allow yourself to be taken back in time as you are guided through the 19th century servant tunnels by the Game Keeper on the Lough Key Experience. Let the stunning views from the top of the Moylurg Viewing Tower take your breath away and get lost among the foliage as Ire- lands only Tree Canopy Walkway gently rises through the trees. Thinking of spending a few days experiencing the delights that North Roscommon and the surrounding area have to offer? Why not book a pitch for your tent or caravan in the Lough Key Caravan and Camping Park, open from Easter to September. The Beautiful Moylurg Room

There is an incredible range of activities within easy reach boasting stunning views of Lough Key is an ideal room for a private event, meeting or corporate launches. Opening Soon - the Lakeside Cafe – Enjoy our gourmet Fairtrade Cof- fee & Tea while re-energising with a snack overlooking the beautiful vista of Castle Island & Lough Key. Thinking of spending a few days experiencing the delights that North Roscommon and the surrounding area have to offer? Why not book a pitch for your tent or caravan in the Lough Key Caravan and Camping Park, open from Easter to Septem- ber. It has 52

landscaped, secluded pitches, Tent space, shower block & recreational area. Coming Soon – ZIPIT – High Wire Aerial Trails in Lough Key Forest Park - See The centre pages of this newspaper for more details and a special feature on ZIPIT! To book or for further information please contact the visitor centre on 00343 71 9673122 or email info@loughkey.ie. Log onto our website at www.loughkey.ie for further information and pictures or become a fan on Facebook. facebook.com/loughkeyforestpark

regionalnews

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

email: info@theexpress.ie

Rì Rà agus Ruaille Buaille Success at IT Sligo

Roisin O'Malley, Aiden Kilroy, Annette Lang, Aoife Burke Bottom: Lydia Rodgers (Special Olympics Connaught) Myra Merrick (Special Olympics Connaught) Caroline Finn, Lauren Cassidy, Tara Timlin and Vanessa O'Donovan (Manager of Source Sligo)

WAVES of success echoed through the halls of ITSligo after the annual Irish culture evening took place on March 15th 2011. The much anticipated event was organised by a team of PR & Event

Management 3rd year students on campus in aid of Special Olympics Connaught. Funds totalling 700.82 were raised on the night with all proceeds going directly to sending

local athletes in the Connaught region to Greece for the world games this year. This year’s event was the first being organised by students here at ITSligo and with comments at

the end of the night being so very positive and uplifting it is certain a new tradition has been created here in the college that will run for many more years: “Ran very well, all volunteers showed a professional approach”; “Great variety of acts on stage”; “Excellent right through”; “More, More, More...” The event management team would like to extend a sincere thanks to all volunteers who helped out on the night, the kindness, efforts and encouraging words made their event a great success. A special word of thanks is also extended to the attendees who travelled near and far to attend this year’s event, their presence made the atmosphere on campus one to be remembered. And finally, comhghairdeas agus go raibh mile maith agaibh to the great performers and information stands that were present; their professionalism and great talents contributed immensely to the overall success of the event. The main sponsor, the all new Source Sligo restaurant, provided exquisite catering on the night and are wished every success for the future with their business venture.

Turning Your Overseas Property into Cash MANY thousands of Irish people bought overseas properties over the last ten years, and some are now suffering losses due to the collapse in property prices and the current economic recession across Europe.An increasing number of second-hand holiday properties throughout Europe are now coming back on the market as the overseas owners realise that they can no longer afford to pay second mortgages in the uncertain times we are now living in. Owners of foreign property are now finding it difficult to sell these properties. However, at Extra Sales Consulting Limited (see our advert) we can help Irish people to offload their properties in a transparent and timely process. Over many years we have been working with the Russian marketplace and they are currently buying up resale property across Europe, and we can help to sell your property to them also. In order to complete a successful sale it is necessary to market your property where actual demand exists.We provide such assistance and expertise for clients who want and need to sell. For your convenience, Extra Sales Consulting Limited are holding an Information Evening in The Sligo Park Hotel, Pearse Road, Sligo on Tuesday 12th April from 5pm to 10pm.We would be delighted to meet you there if you are thinking of selling your overseas property and you will certainly be guaranteed a professional experience. In the relaxed environment of The Sligo Park Hotel we will take you through all of the necessary steps that are involved in the sale to achieve a successful outcome. If you would like to make an appointment with a Property Specialist on the night, please contact us at 01 6650488. www.extrasales.eu

IT Sligo takes second place in HSA Competition

A Bright Future for Bio Energy and Mayo farming A bright future for bio energy and the agricultural sector was unveiled at the “Mayo Willow Harvest Open Day” last Friday, 1st of April in Ballina, Co Mayo. The event took place to mark the 1st harvest of Biomass Willow in Co Mayo on a 20-plot at Derek Hannick’s farm just 2 miles outside Ballina. Over 130 people from across the farming community attended the event to learn about the potential for bio energy to create jobs and provide markets for agriculture within the region. Attendees included Peter Hynes, Mayo Co Manager, and Michelle Mulhern TD, who

committed their full support to the open day. Brendan Killion and Christian Jenne of the Mayo Energy Agency opened the event with an overview of Energy Key Drivers outlining that Ireland imports approximately 90% of its fuel for energy and that we needed to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and reduce our carbon emissions. Bernadette Phelan of the Western Development Commission (WDC) then presented the market potential for Wood Energy in the Western Region and how it can help achieve economic growth. A

“Wood energy action plan for the western region” has been developed by the WDC outlining the potential to generate 900 jobs by 2020. Dave Shaffer, Project Manager for Mayo Power, and Joyanne Manning of Arup Consulting gave an introduction to the 50MW Biomass Power Station at the old Asahi Site in Killala, Co Mayo that is currently in planning with Mayo Co Council. The 100 million project will create over 200 jobs during construction, 26 jobs to operate the power plant and 75 indirect job. Dave Shaffer also explained that “

“There is huge potential for job creation in agriculture to supply local biomass to the plant. Approximately 40,000 hectares of biomass within the region will be required equating to an annual fuel supply of 20m that can be produced locally”. Mayo Power will offer 10 yr contracts to farmers, giving a guaranteed market for their Biomass crops. Farmers will be given advice on crop management and a supply of Ash from the facility to fertilize the crops. A planning decision is due at the end of April for the project with construction commencing in November 2011. This project will produce enough clean power for all the homes in Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon, making the region both self sufficient and carbon neutral for its electricity needs. Barry Caslin, Teagasc Bio Energy Specialist then presented the returns that farmers can expect from willow and the yields that can be expected per hectare. Teagasc are available to all farmers who are interested in growing biomass and have produced excellent “Best Practice manuals” for Biomass crop production. Raymond O’Neill of Seedtech then presented the agronomy of willow production. He gave a brief overview of willow crop production. This exciting presentation explained what land to choose, how to plant it and how to harvest it. Derek Hannick then explained his reasons as a part time farmer for growing willow and how it helped him reduce labour inputs and simplify his farming operation. To put the opportunity that will be created by Mayo Power into perspective he then outlined all the people and the work involved in planting his 20 acres of Willow. “Multiply this work by 1,000 within the local agricultural economy and you will get the picture of the potential the Mayo Power Plant has to create local agricultural employment.”, he said.

A team of IT Sligo students have taken second place in the HSA Third Level ‘Safety in Design’ national competition. The team, Brendan Keenan, B.Sc. Occupational Safety and Health, David Kennedy , B.Sc. Occupational Safety and Health, and Michael Duffy, B.Sc. Construction Management, took home a prize of 2,000. The IT Sligo team overcame the issue of distance in their collaboration, as Brendan and David are full time students living in Sligo and Michael is London based and is studying through distance learning. Most of their collaborative work was undertaken through conference calls and Skype. Mary Hannon, lecturer in School of Science, said “This is a fantastic result for IT Sligo and for the three students who have put so much effort into the competition over the last three months.” Gavin Clinch, lecturer in School of Engineering, commented that; “The participation of a part-time distance learning student reflects the changing nature of the student cohort at IT Sligo as more and more adult learners return to third level education.” The aim of the HSA competition is to provide an environment where undergraduate students can collaborate and work together to enhance, develop and embed their knowledge and understanding of health and safety in construction. Students from different disciplines worked together to take on the role of giving expert advice on remedial repairs, traffic management and long-term maintenance of a bridge that suffered structural damage as result of a bridge strike. IT Sligo came first in the competition in 2010. Chairperson of the Authority’s Third Level Initiative Group, Dr. Anne Drummond, said, “In the world of work, collaboration and working with colleagues from other disciplines is essential to problem solving as well as being the safest approach. This competition has clearly illustrated to both students and judges that engagement and teamwork with their colleagues is a rewarding experience for students, and one that can deliver a safe and effective product.

lose by the serene shores of the River Shannon’s Lough Derg and adjoining the magnificent Portumna Forest Park, the Shannon Oaks Hotel & Country Club offers a superb central location and the ideal location for a family break. The hotel is unique in offering three different accommodation types. In addition to luxurious hotel rooms, the resort also features traditional five bedroom lodges. Sitting in complete harmony with the woodland surroundings, the lodges can ac-

commodate up to 10 people and are fully equipped for short or long self-catering breaks. The hotel also features 39 self-catering suites adjacent to the hotel, on the edge of the woods.The suites offer exceptional space, luxury and sophistication with features such as two bedrooms, private balconies and TV/DVD systems in all rooms.They have proved massively popular with families and groups. The Shannon Oaks offers a choice of two great restaurants along with the popular Idle Hour Bar – with an eclectic mix of lo-

ay alw 7 G 77 ie o. 4 1 ks. , C 7 oa na ) 9 on um 90 nn rt (0 ha Po el: w.s T w w

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cals, guests and live entertainment. The resort also features a White Flag award-winning leisure complex with 20m pool, fully equipped gym and beauty treatment rooms. The area offers lots to see and do for groups and families. Attractions include woodland walks, golf courses, pet farms and kids’ activity centres while there’s great shopping in both Athlone and Galway. The hotel has some amazing deals for Easter and the May bank holiday. For more details click on www.shannonoaks.ie.

To win a three night break for up to four sharing a two bedroom suite, answer the following question: What is the name of the bar at the Shannon Oaks Hotel? To be in with a chance of winning this excellent prize, simply send your answer into us along with your name, address and telephone number to info@theexpress.ie or post it into us at:Shannon Oaks Competition, Northwest Express Newspaper, Cleveragh Road, Sligo. Terms and conditions apply, Winner will be notified by post.

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OIL

BONANZA Petroleum Affairs Division, DECNR. John McTigue

he prospect of oil and gas being found off the cost of Ireland is an exciting one.As a rural, traditionally agricultural economy, which never experienced an industrial revolution and struggled to achieve a western European standard of living for generations only to see it seemingly wiped out in a flash, overnight, the prospect of vast amounts of natural resources is tantalising. The Department of the Environment are currently accepting applications for licenses to drill in the Atlantic Margin (see map). This is the largest area yet opened for drilling in Irish waters.The deadline for applications is May 31st and may turn out to be the point when the true extent of our oil and gas resources was revealed. Surrounding the prospect of large oil and gas resources a simple narrative has emerged; that the government is wilfully surrendering ownership of those resources to private multinationals, and with it the bulk, of the revenue. Why would they do this? Is this a fair representation of state policy? Is there, in fact, a reserve of oil and gas in our waters large enough to surpass Norway’s reserves? The ShelltoSea group involved in the protest in Mayo against Shell, argue that the government are robbing the Irish people by allowing Shell to extract and sell gas from the Corrib field. They claim that there is 10 billion barrels of oil in our possession val-

ued at hundreds of billions of euro (depending on the market value of oil) and that this is being given away through weak government and overgenerous incentives. Fintan O’Toole, in his article cited the same figures and also argued that the government is needlessly giving the revenue from these resources to multi-national corporations. Other media outlets and writers often cite the figure of 10 billion barrels of oil. Where does this figure come from? The figure of 10 billion barrels of oil (actually barrels of oil equivalent meaning oil and gas) comes from a 2006 Petroleum Affairs Division (PAD) report, ‘Petroleum Systems Analysis of the Rockall and Porcupine Basins Offshore Ireland’. Now you could look at this report and study the veracity of that claim but it would cost you a cool 25,000 (beyond the expenses budget of the Northwest Express I’m afraid). Therefore when this figure is quoted, it is as a Department estimate, quoted without any knowledge of the data behind it. Indeed the hard facts are few.The PAD information brochure on the Rockall and Porcupine Basins seems to base its estimate of reserves on the geological characteristics these areas share with proven oil/gas rich seabeds. “The structural style allows for the presence of giant un-drilled structures.” So the figure of 10 billion barrels of oil is based on conjecture, highly

IN THE

PIPELINE? informed conjecture, but conjecture nonetheless. Also, part of the PAD’s remit is to promote Ireland as a place to drill. Part of its job is to make Ireland as attractive as possible for exploration, and suggesting there are as yet undiscovered fields in our waters is part of that. If we did indeed have that much oil, we would have 0.7% of the world’s reserves. (Saudi Arabia has 20% and Norway has 0.5%) What are the current arrangements regarding petroleum exploration and production? As of January 2007, the tax on profits from a petroleum field are set at a base rate of 25%, which can increase, depending on the profitability of that field, up to 40%.

A company that takes up a field must first prove that it can pay tax in Ireland, for the duration of its license. There are no royalties charged on petroleum in Ireland. These were abolished in 1987. (Kinsale still pays royalties and in 2006 it was estimated the field had paid 150 million in royalties) There is a provision that all oil and gas produced in Ireland must be sold to and ‘payment made to’ a person resident in Ireland. So it can’t simply be whisked away. Finally while petroleum fields are leased to private companies, they are still constitutionally the property of the Irish people, and the Minister of the Environment is the only person with the power to

search for and extract oil and gas in Irish territory. So we do still own it. There is an argument that by allowing private companies to extract our oil and gas resources that we are immediately surrendering its worth to a private company, that we should instead establish a staterun company. There is no agreement that state-run companies are more beneficial than private ones. Issues like inefficiencies, capital investment and corruption all make the benefits between public and private less obvious than you may think. What about a state-run company to exploit our petroleum to the full benefit of the Irish people? Why is the government giving generous terms to private companies?

All the current programme for government says on the matter is, We will incentivise and promote off-shore drilling and streamline planning and regulatory process for bringing ashore these reserves and seek to maximize the return to the Irish people. Well in roughly forty years of exploration, with 150 or so wells drilled, there have been only 5 proven finds in Irish waters; a success rate of one in thirty. If you did establish a state-run company, it is estimated to cost about 20 million euro to drill an exploratory well not including the capital investment to get such a project underway in the first place. You are therefore looking at a cost to the taxpayer of 600 million before a commercially viable well is found and then it takes ten or so years, or more to get it up and running. Then, you need to satisfy your own demand and build an infrastructure. Luckily we have a gas pipeline infrastructure thanks to the Kinsale field find, however we have no oil infrastructure. Our demand was only just met by the Kinsale field, for roughly twenty years (it now only supplies 15%) and the Corrib field will only meet 60% of our demand for gas. A massive amount of money would be spent before a single barrel of oil or gas made it ashore. Then at least the consumer would be buying state-oil/gas, and the money would go into the state coffers instead of to a private company. Much of that though would go back into the infrastructure and further exploration because such an infrastructure could not be established without further expanding its scope because individual fields must be replaced with new ones as they decline and ultimately with a view to exporting. This is why the government encourages private companies into the market. The costs involved are enormous and untenable unless there is a guarantee, of there being 10 billion barrels of oil in our wa-

ters. Statoil is pointed to of an example of how a state company can succeed in the oil and gas industry and benefit its country. However, Statoil wouldn’t be where it is today if they had only found two modest gas fields in thirty years. This is also why the

terms offered to private multi-national oil companies are so generous. They explore in Irish waters with only a 1 in 30 chance of success. The deadline for applications to explore in the Atlantic Margin is the end of May. It is the largest area yet

opened to exploration and once we see the level of interest, the number of licenses issued, we will get a better idea of what the market thinks of our claim to have 10 billion barrels of oil. We cannot know the extent our resources till it is found. Right now

we have no oil and only a modest amount of gas. That is why the terms for exploration and extraction are generous and this is why we let private companies extract our oil. It is not a giveaway, but sensible policy given the current situation.

MY WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY “The toughest part of a diet isn't watching what you eat. It's watching what other people eat” What is Nutron Advanced? Nutron Advanced uses the Alcat test to identify reactions to over 200 foods, chemicals and other substances associated with inflammation that are linked to chronic health problems like migraines, aching joints, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, eczema, hyperactivity/ADD, asthma and even obesity. Their goal is to provide clients with accurate, timely and dependable test results and nutritional support services. It is not so much a diet but a list of foods that do and don’t agree with a person. To find out what foods do and don’t agree with you a simple blood test was carried out on me in their clinic in Castlebar. After ten days I went back to Liz O Malley for the results and she had a chart which identified which foods I had a mild intolerance to, a moderate intolerance to and a severe intolerance to. Then there is a green list which is completely ok for me to stick to. See attached chart.The test also showed up that there was a Candida Albicans in my system. So basically the whole idea is eat the food that agrees with your system and stay away from ones that can make you bloated and tired.

Week

Date

Weight

Lbs -/+ Total Lost

17/11 21st 10lb

-8lb

8lb

24/11

21st 3lb

-7lb

1st 1lb

1/12

21st 5lb

+2lb

13 lb

8/12

20st 14lb

-5lb

1st 4lb

15/12

20st 9lb

-5lb

1st 9lb

22/12 20st 11lb

+2lb

1st 7lb

29/12

21st 5lb

+8lb

13lb

5/01

21st 2lb

-3lb

1st 2lb

12/01 20st 10lb

-6lb

1st 8lb

19/01

20st 8lb

-2lb

1st 10lb

26/01

20st 4lb

-4lb

2st 0lb

02/02

20st 2lb

-2lb

2st 2lb

09/02

20st 1lb

-1lb

2st 3lb

16/02 19st 13b

-2lb

2st 5lb

25/02

20st 1lb

+2lb

2st 3lb

05/03

20st 3lb

+2lb

2st 1lb

11/03

20st 0lb

-3lb

2st 1lb

18/03

25/03

1/04

8/04

20st 2lb

+2lb

2st 2lb

15/04

22/04

29/04

If you have any questions relating to NuTron Advanced please visit www.nutronadvanced.com or contact Kathryn on 091 797803 or 087 2219692

Kelly

ly ol

by Rachael

nn Co

? e o f r o d n e i r f ; k o o b e c Fa

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Timm Horror stories of “internet creeps” and y Mophi cGrles” mean many parents are reluctant to allow their children to estabdisgusting “online and paed ath, O JoeI Q lish an llthey acco unt. ie Goare right And reall ueeynthink or eight years old what need could a . At seven rdon a n I also struggle to comprehend, when child possibly have to have a Facebook account? toda y whe n pare nts are so aware of the dangers of releasing photos of their children, certain pare nts fill their profile with pictures of their day at school, first soccer match or even precious their new baby’s christening. When we are child’s first the type of harmful people who sadly conscious of to recognise your child. Many argue, it exist throughout the world why give them the opportunity is to show relat ives over seas but phot easily be sent through e-mail, greatly limiting the risk of them falling into the ographs can just as one, will never upload a photograph of wrong hands. my little brot her or cousins onto Facebook for theI, for to see. While I may consider him to be world the “cut est baby ever” and the “prettiest flow world” I don’t need or want hundreds er girl in the of ‘likes ’ or ‘com men ts’ to prov e this. Facebook and similar social networks have been linked to the people today. Many people have the tendrising rate of self-harm and even suicide amongst younger ency to judge an individual’s popularity Facebook friends they have which leads to the more vulnerable members addin on the number of barely know as “friends”. This can be g peop extr eme ly dangerous. By adding someone as a le they have given that user the ability to view friend they activity. I really don’t understand why all their personal details and also witness all your Facebook e users has recently taken the world activ abso illion lute 200m rand over ome with rs attem site g pt to add me, and many others, as ‘friends’ on Facebook. I may have spen it has also experiacebook, a social networkin on the power of social networking.Yet have met them and they are deeming t one night out with this person or in some cases not even by storm, surpassing all expectations the world’s older population. I am an active Facebook user us frien ds. The competition to have the most friends many of have devastating consequences on the g lives, I really beenced severe scrutiny from can n dangers and consequences of such a site on youn rstan owdathe real-life friends. I admit I have well overquieter user who may sensibly just want to accept their G and although I can unde c M 300f . riend l tives s on nega e my the acco eigh a unt outw but far from each h part in my life outside Facebook. And of these people play a Bebo and MySpace lieve that the posit Mic ives using similar networking sites such as fortable with, after all it is my profile. I don’t hesitate to ‘ignore’ any requests that I don’t feel comUnlike most of my friends who began account last summer. It wasn’t because I was apprehensive Why has Facebook been so successfu 1st year I only registered my Facebooked to by my parents it was ultimately because I failed to see the l? The social network film recently relea its founder and what an idea it was. Desp sed about joining or because I wasn’t allowwere sitting beside me in class all day, every day giving me ite the fact that users pay absolutely nothdetails the life of ds frien a my to of rity drew the majo sites year serv ing to avail of fifth as ices, ever, faceb point when the How . ook. com book is Face wort of without the means the wide audience that Facebook enca h billions of euro, worldwide. Companies are well aware of ample opportunity to speak to them bered I realised that Facebook would become essential in psula tes and use it as num a me mea ns of advertising. As you list your interests or d and halt and my days in Coola beca my fellow classmates as we graduate row of ads relevant to your selected hobbies along the right hand column a order for me to maintain contact with le question why we, as the younger generafootb peop y all or Man hors try. es will appear. Likewise, ? Facebook provides local businesses the spread around the coun our friends instead of Facebooking them tion, wouldn’t simply meet up or ring ’t have all the people in my year and my free. Beauticians, Hairdressers or Pubs chance to promote their services for didn Well, leaving school I obviously friend local customers or potential cliencan all establish their own page and bers’ and also despite all the plans to ts. friends in years below me, phone num and there is always someone who prob lem in today’s society, Facebook’s stricWhile online bullying is a major t monitoring is proving effective. meet up regularly life gets in the way allowed me to stay in touch, alThe fact that in orde r to view anybody’s page or leave a com ment you must can’t make it. Facebook has definitely No matter what time you log-on be regis tered means that no comments or messages can be sent anonymously. though maybe indirectly, with my year.will be one of your friends online Sure, it still happens but no matter whe e ther that ed at you can be guarante daoine sin ann, bhi said i gconai ann agusre or in what conditions “bionn na beidh said i gconai ann chomh fhad is all too ready for conservation. was me a for mhaireann na ndaoine”. By ensuring your book Face of cts aspe t ugenly, page is on priva one of the most importan PersEonal eM Engd. ing real worl “frie the nds” over all you ullen municate with my cousins are minimising the likelihood of endu te and only accept& Gr ring this cruel bethe ability to com per chea havio way ur. also a ne location is irrelevant and land, America or Paris inthe Quee I realise how the horror stories of abdu s. area nt dista e n thes g a callin ctions linke n e se in cybe than regular texting or es- rainncrea r to r bullying cause many to question thed to Facebook and the in. The fact that in orde anks, G accountability Many question the security of Facebook vril B rela, cial A birth phen , of ome y date n e, non ll nam but ie o if your we, r who use Facebook, do so in a responsibof this soonn O’B eC tablish an account you must provide worr liofnghow n le and your h n is hone te is st priva ie man ner A iv it y is very beneficial and dV tionship status and gender raises the ngs enannsanthat the user has Facebook initially developed as a mea enjoyable indeed. uemea Q setti rity secu of ty ns of varie com munication yet it has become account.Yet, the so much more than that for 200million own security. As I have, my people worldwide and looks set to the responsibility to determine their be cont only inue can to l” do “wal so. my ning mea cy page is set on absolute priva I, for one, will continue to use Facebook on is also unavailable to viewed by my friends. Personal informati will never, ever accept someone I don’ for the next few years anyway but I friends and although anyone as d irme conf n’t t know as a “friend” or relax my priva have I le peop to view cy lish where I live unless you settings. M ichael Jo can search through my photos and estab on rd o ing. h G noth als n n reve it h e, C hom Jo rean list in great detail your

Happy 40th

Carraig Donn C

arraig Donn, Irelands premier lifestyle retailer is celebrating 40 years in retail in Ireland. Founded in 1971 in Westport, Co Mayo, the company has come a long way. Today, Carraig Donn is a leading retailer of fashion and homewares with 21 stores across and 300 employees. Delivering a top-class retail experience, Carriag DonnIreland a value retailer showcasing a brand portfolio representing the latest and most desirable merchandise acrossisfashio n, gifts and homewares. Fashion is fast moving and contemporary with an eclectic mix of own-brand European brands. Homewares mixes the best of Irish design with merchandise sourced from around theand world. The commonality with fashion and homewares is the value for money remit. While some things may have changed in the marke since 1971, the principals on which Carraig Donn were founded have remained the same – great designt, place good quality , value for money and always putting customers first. Pat Hughes, MD of Carraig Donn also celebrates 40 years changes in that period, this concept has remained the same. in business this year. Having witnessed many “Every week we welcome thousands of customers into our stores. Looking to the future, online shopping be introduced this year and we are committed once again to lead the way with exclusive merchandise,will customized services and great shopping venues.’

Armida

75 by Carl Scarpa

Augusta

95 by Carl Scarpa

Celebrating a new season clothing from Carraig Donn and Carl Scarpa that is fresh and vibrant Estelle Dress

Giacinta

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pa 110 by Carl Scar

Giulietta

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85 by Carl Scarpa

Vianca

285 by Carl Scar

Liberta

pa 275 by Carl Scar

95 by Carl Scarpa

Lindy

135 by Carl Scar

Estelle

J'aime La Vie Crushed Dress Navy 59 by Carraig Donn

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Stockist of fabrics,wool & haberdashery

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Michael Clarke

Rowling looking into Potter e-books

science news & technology

Japan Crisis sparks online innovation JK Rowling stirred a publishing phenomenon with her Harry Potter books and is looking at repeating her success in the e-book market. The best-selling author is considering making the fantasy books available electronically, her London-based agent said - meaning that Potter fans may soon be able to download the popular series about a boy wizard to their Kindle or iPad. "We are currently actively looking at all the various options for Harry Potter in this space, that is e-books," Neil Blair, of the Christopher Little Literary Agency, said in an email. Rowling has so far stayed away from the ebook market, frustrating parts of her fan base that have converted to the new format. Some say the Potter books - which are up to 800 pages thick - are heavy and unwieldy, and publishing them in the electronic format will solve that problem. Rowling has been watching the developing market and waiting for the right moment to release her books in that format, Mr Blair said. About 450 million copies of the Harry Potter books have been sold worldwide, he said.

3-D will rule films, says Lucas STAR Wars creator George Lucas has predicted 3-D filmmaking eventually will take over at the movies the way colour replaced black and white. But Lucas and fellow technology pioneers James Cameron, the maker of Avatar, and DreamWorks Animation boss Jeffrey Katzenberg said on Wednesday that digital filmmaking is only in its infancy and will bring vast improvements to how movies are made and seen. Digital technology in general is revolutionizing filmmaking the way sound did in the 1920s, Lucas said. The new digital 3-D craze has had hits and misses but should one day become the big-screen standard over 2-D presentation, he said. "So now when you're watching a movie and it's not in 3-D, it's like watching in black and white," Lucas told a crowd of cinema owners at their CinemaCon convention. "It's a better way of looking at a film. ... I totally believe now that 3-D will completely take over just like colour did."Done properly, 2D movies converted to 3-D can look fantastic, Cameron and Lucas said. Now that the tools are there, filmmakers are confined only by their imaginations, Cameron said. "We're really at a point where if we can imagine it, we can create it," Cameron said. "There are no limitations now."

As Japan grapples with an unprecedented triple disaster - earthquake, tsunami, nuclear crisis - the web has spawned creativity and innovation online amid a collective desire to ease suffering. Once the magnitude of the March 11 disaster became clear, the online world began asking, "How can we help?"

And for that, social media offered the ideal platform for good ideas to spread quickly, supplementing efforts launched by giants such as Google and Facebook. A British teacher living in Abiko city, just east of Tokyo, is leading a volunteer team of bloggers, writers and editors producing a collection of reflections and images of the earthquake that will be sold in the coming days as a digital publication. All proceeds from the "Quakebook" project will go to the Japanese Red Cross, said the 40year-old, who goes by the pseudonym "Our Man in Abiko." The entirely Twitter-sourced project started with a single tweet exactly a week after the earthquake. Within an hour, he had received two submissions, which soon grew to the 87 that now comprise the 98-page book. It didn't take long for others to notice. Bestselling novelist Barry Eisler and musician and artist Yoko Ono wrote pieces for the book, titled "2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake." Amazon.com and Sony agreed to offer the download through their respective e-book platforms.

Another project, "World's 1000 Messages for Japan", is an effort to convey thoughts from around the globe. Writers can leave short notes on Facebook or through e-mail, which a group of volunteers then translate into Japanese. The translations are then posted on Twitter as well as the group's website. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster that likely killed more than 18,000 people, phone and mobile networks were either down or overwhelmed with traffic. So people turned to the internet to track down friends and family, and connect with those who saw the disaster unfold firsthand. In Tokyo, which suffered minimal damage, commuters wanted to know if their trains were running, and whether their neighbourhoods would be subject to rolling electricity blackouts due to damage to nuclear and conventional power plants. Figures released this week show that millions flocked to sites such as Twitter following the earthquake and tsunami. Its audience grew by a third to 7.5 million users during March 7-13 compared with the previous week, according to the Nielsen NetRatings Japan.

National Geographic Lift a House Using Balloons The team from National Geographic decided to lift a house using helium balloons (the idea probably came after watching the famous Pixar animated movie "Up"). The team included scientists, engineers and balloon pilots. The experiment was filmed for a new television series entitled "How Hard Can It Be?" Planning, building and launching processes required about 2 weeks. In order to lift a house weighting 2,000 pounds and measuring 16x16 feet, the team used 300

weather balloons. Each balloon was inflated to a height of 8 feet. The lifting took place outside Los Angeles. During the experiment the house floated for about an hour and managed to reach a height of 10,000 feet. The National Geographic Channel stated that its floating house set a world record for the "largest balloon cluster flight" ever attempted. The TV series of "How Hard Can It Be?" are expected to be launched next fall.

Prosthetic Limb Controlled by its User's Mind ONE of the biggest breakthroughs in prosthetic limbs has been recently achieved. Researchers were able to develop a prosthetic limb that can be controlled by the user's mind. Currently researchers are working on making the limbs' motions more flexible. The latest invention works in the following way: the user has to think of a motion and then the brain signals are caught by sensors and transmitted to the prosthetic limb. One of the first to receive the invention is Jesse Sullivan. About 8

years ago he underwent several surgeries which enabled him to use the new limb. It is worth mentioning that the majority of amputees lose control over the nerves. However, due to the fact that Mr. Sullivan was able to maintain that control he can now make use of the new prosthetic limb. At the moment researchers at the Northwestern University in the United States are studying more brain patterns to figure out whether those can be used with the prosthetic limbs, reports Tech2.0.

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Feathers fly in worldwide pillow fight

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Driver survives 230mph horror smash FEATHERS flew at the weekend as thousands of people worldwide, from New York to Hong Kong, celebrated International pillow fight day. The annual event, which started in 2008, had fights planned in 115 cities in 39 different countries with volunteers organising the event through social-networking sites. A few rules were put in place to stop injuries and keep things pleasant - use soft pillows, don't hit anyone holding a camera and remember to take off your glasses. In London's Trafalgar Square, people came dressed in pyjamas, dressing gowns and fancy dress to take part. Most carried feather-filled pillows that exploded as they fought. New York's Union Square became a bedding battleground as thousands gathered to join in the event, which was started by The Urban Playground Movement. The Urban Playground Movement's guide for would-be organisers includes the advice not to use parks - both to avoid littering and because 'most events in parks are boring' - and never to ask permission. "This may change in the distant future if we witness some kind of crackdown against free events and interventions, but in the meantime, it is very unlikely that anybody will say yes," they say. "We must also remind you: the "permit culture" we citizens witness in city halls around the world is perhaps the single largest barrier to experiencing the full richness of public life in the cities we live in. "Do not ask for permission, public assembly is a human right."

A driver has escaped death after crashing a Chevrolet Corvette at 230mph. The driver, who has not been named, was taken to hospital after the terrifying smash, but was released later that afternoon (Friday). US tuning company Hinson Motorsports, was attempting to break the standing mile speed record for a road-going Corvette, which it managed with a top speed of 224.3mph. This amazing video - shot at the Texas Mile strip - shows the Corvette rolling once before landing back on its wheels. It was, of course, written off. The ruined Vette had been tuned for a barely believable (and Bugatti Veyron-trouncing) 1,738bhp, thanks largely to a pair of turbochargers strapped to the 6.2-litre V8 engine. On its official Facebook page, Hinson Motorsports confirmed that the driver "walked away," adding that "this a testament to following safety guidelines and building a safe car." The current standing mile speed record holder is a Lamborghini Gallardo tuned by Underground Racing, at just over 250mph.

Ford's chocolate inspired weight loss drive CHOCOLATE might not be the obvious choice to help with weight loss - but Ford doesn't agree. The company's boffins have created a new type of plastic inspired by Aero chocolate bars to help reduce the weight of its cars. Known as MuCell plastic, the new components have been injected with microscopic air bubbles. This makes them 20 percent lighter without compromising strength or rigidity. The lower a car's weight, the better its fuel economy, but Ford claims that the savings go beyond greater mpg figures. The MuCell plastics require lower pressures to mould during the manufacturing process and Ford reckons it can

Trick shot keeper goes viral

manufacture 33 percent more parts per hour with this technology. Carsten Starke, the man behind the revolutionary new plastics, said: "The first time I saw this plastic under the microscope I thought to myself it looks like an Aero chocolate bar! The bubbles in the chocolate change the taste, but in our plastics they save weight and making cars lighter reduces emissions and fuel consumption significantly." The first cars to be fitted with MuCell materials will include the Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, S-MAX, Mondeo and Galaxy. Those models will have engine covers made from the MuCell and other such components are also expected to follow suit over the next few years.

Lifestyle mag seeks beach tester A US goalkeeper has become an online star with YouTube videos of amazing trick shots. UNC Asheville keeper Lassi Hurskainen has just released his second clip, reports Newslite. Tricks include hitting a crossbar from almost unbelievable distances, kicking a ball into a bucket on the back of a speeding golf cart and saving a ball over the bonnet of a car. He also apparently manages to hit two crossbars with the same shot by bouncing the ball from one to the other. Hurskainen, 24, released his first video in February and it showed him kicking with amazing accuracy and making a series of great saves. In fact many of the 2.5 million people who watched it on YouTube suggested that his accuracy was so good, it must have been digitally manipulated.

A Swedish lifestyle magazine is looking to hire a 'beach tester' to check out seaside resorts around the world. Duties will include receiving fullbody massages, drinking wine at local taverns, and reading books on the beach. Women's lifestyle magazine Amelia posted the advertisement with the Swedish National Public Employment Service. Candidates will be expected to spend four weeks testing beaches in four different locations around the globe. "Included in the job assignment is going on outings, lying on beach chairs, drinking wine in local taverns, and other ordinary assignments found in a commercial beach and tourist environ-

ment," reads the ad. "In certain areas, receiving a fullbody massage, testing drinks, snorkeling, and book reading may be required." Candidates must be able to swim, be willing to work late nights, as well as "have the capacity to rest/do nothing for long periods of time". "The response has been huge," said Amelia's editor-in-chief, Asa Lundegard. "The announcement went up a few hours ago and we've already received hundreds of applications." The successful candidate will be invited to travel to four different destinations - Corsica, Cape Town, and two locations in Asia - and will be expected to blog about their experiences.

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naturalhealth

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.

Do I Have a Drinking Problem? 4 Key Questions to Ask Yourself

1. A woman who has more than 3 drinks at one time or more than 7 drinks a week.A standard drink is 1 can of beer, 1 glass of wine, or 1 mixed drink. 2. A man who has more than 4 drinks at one time or more than 14 drinks a week.

by Megan Fennell

lcohol abuse means having unhealthy or dangerous drinking habits, such as drinking every day or drinking too much at a time. Alcohol abuse can harm your relationships, cause you to miss work, and lead to legal problems such as driving while drunk (intoxicated). When you abuse alcohol, you continue to drink even though you know your drinking is causing problems. If you continue to abuse alcohol, it can lead to alcohol dependence.Alcohol dependence is also called alcoholism. Alcoholism is the physical or emotional dependence on alcohol. It comes in different forms: A person suffering from alcoholism might get drunk every day, or wait for the weekend to binge. Regardless of the drinking pattern, long-term heavy alcohol consumption affects the liver, heart, and brain, and it can be difficult to overcome without help.You are physically or mentally addicted to alcohol. You have a strong need, or craving, to drink.You feel like you must drink just to get by. You might be dependent on alcohol if you have three or more of the following problems in a year:

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• You cannot quit drinking or control how much you drink. • You need to drink more to get the same effect. • You have withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. These include feeling sick to your stomach, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. • You spend a lot of time drinking and recovering from drinking, or you have given up other activities so you can drink. • You have tried to quit drinking or to cut back the amount you drink but haven't been able to. • You continue to drink even though it harms your relationships and causes you to develop physical problems. Alcoholism is a long-term (chronic) disease. It's not a weakness or a lack of willpower. Like many other diseases, it has a course that can be predicted, has known symptoms, and is influenced by your genes and your life situation.

What are some signs of alcohol abuse or dependence? Certain behaviours may mean that you're having trouble with alcohol. These include: drinking in the morning, being drunk often for long periods of time, drinking alone, changing what you drink, such as switching from beer to wine because you think it will help you drink less or keep you from getting drunk, feeling guilty after drinking, making excuses for your drinking or doing things to hide your drinking, such as buying alcohol at different stores, not remembering what you did while you were drinking (blackouts), worrying that you won't get enough alcohol for an evening or weekend. How are alcohol problems diagnosed? Alcohol problems may be diagnosed at a routine doctor visit or when you see your doctor for another problem. If a partner or friend thinks you have an alcohol problem, he or she may urge you to see your doctor. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and past health, and he or she will do a physical exam and sometimes a mental health assessment. The mental health assessment checks to see whether you may have a mental health problem, such as depression. Your doctor also may ask questions or do tests to look for health problems linked to alcohol, such as cirrhosis.

How are they treated? Treatment depends on how bad your alcohol problem is. Some people are able to cut back How much drinking is too much? Alcohol is part of many people’s lives and may to a moderate level of drinking with help from have a place in cultural and family traditions. It a counsellor. People who are addicted to alcocan sometimes be hard to know when you hol may need medical treatment and may need to stay in a hospital or treatment centre. begin to drink too much. Your doctor may decide you need detoxifiYou are at risk of drinking too much and cation, or detox, before you start treatment. should talk to your doctor if you are: Detox flushes out the alcohol in your body.You need detox when you are physically addicted to alcohol.When you go through detox, you may need SUICIDE medicine to help with withdrawal symptoms. TEACH ter detox, you focus on staying alcohol-free, or sober. Most people receive some type of therapy, such as group counselling. You also may need medicine to help you stay sober. ORGANISE When you are sober, you've PREVENT taken the first step toward recovery. To gain full recovery, you need to take steps to improve other areas of your life, such as learning to deal with work and family. This S.T.O.P. is a registered charity which was set up to assist makes it easier to stay sober. and support individuals who feel suicidal, are in distress or those who have been bereaved by suicide. You will likely need support to stay sober and in recovery.This can Currently S.T.O.P. provide the following services include counselling and support • Provides bereavement support through a suicide groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. bereavement group which meets monthly. Recovery is a long-term process, • Support and outreach to those bereaved not something you can achieve in a by suicide. few weeks. • Promotes positive mental health and related issues Treatment doesn't focus on alby attending information evenings and also visiting cohol use alone. It addresses other (when requested) schools, communities and parts of your life, like your relaorganisations throughout Ireland. tionships, work, medical problems, • Counselling for those who are feeling suicidal / and living situation. Treatment and depressed or have been bereaved by suicide. recovery support you in making positive changes so you can live If you feel that you could benefit from any of the above support please call Mary on 087-4188053. without alcohol.

What can you do if you or another person has a problem with alcohol? If you feel you have an alcohol problem, get help. Even if you are successful in other areas of your life, visit a doctor or go to a self-help group.The earlier you get help, the easier it will be to cut back or quit. Helping someone with an alcohol problem is hard. If you're covering for the person, you need to stop. For example, don't make excuses for the person when he or she misses work. You may be able to help by talking to the person about what his or her drinking does to you and others.Talk to the person in private, when the person is not using drugs or alcohol and when you are both calm. If the person agrees to get help, call for an appointment right away. Don't wait. If you think you might have a drinking problem, take a short quiz to check your symptoms: 1. Have I ever felt I should cut down on my drinking? 2. Have people annoyed me by criticizing my drinking? 3. Have I ever felt bad or guilty about my drinking? 4. Have I ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady my nerves or to get rid of a hangover? If you answered “yes” to two or more questions, you should get help.Talk to your doctor, and check out groups like ModerationManagemen.org, a recovery program and national support network for people who have decided to reduce their drinking.

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) – What Is It? by Megan Fennell Chronic fatigue syndrome, sometimes called CFS, is a condition that makes you feel so tired that you can't do all of your normal, daily activities. There are other symptoms too, but being very tired for at least 6 months is the main one. Many people improve in a year or two and do not have a relapse. Some people continue to have severe fatigue and other symptoms for many years. The disease is not well understood. Most experts now believe that it is a separate illness with its own set of symptoms. But some doctors do not believe this. There are no tests for CFS. Because of this, many people have trouble accepting their disease or getting their friends and family to do so. Having people who believe your diagnosis and support you is very important. Having a doctor you can trust is critical. Your tiredness is real. It’s not “in your head.” It is your body's reaction to a combination of emotional and physical factors.

What causes CFS? Doctors don't know what causes CFS. Sometimes it begins after an illness like the flu, but there is no proof of any connection. It's likely that a number of factors or triggers come together to cause CFS.

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What are the symptoms? Extreme tiredness, or fatigue, is the main symptom. If you have CFS: 1. You may feel exhausted all or much of the time.

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2. You may have problems sleeping, or you may wake up feeling tired or not rested. 3. It may be harder for you to think clearly, to concentrate, and to remember things. 4. You may also have headaches, muscle and joint pain, a sore throat, and tender glands in your neck or armpits.

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5.Your symptoms may flare up after a mental or physical activity that used to be no problem for you. 6. Depression is common with CFS, and it can make your other symptoms worse. Antidepressant medicines can help you feel better. How is CFS diagnosed? There are no tests for CFS. Doctors can diagnose it only by ruling out other possible causes of your fatigue. Many other health problems can cause fatigue, and most people with fatigue have something other than chronic fatigue syndrome.

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How is it treated? There is no treatment for CFS itself, but many of its symptoms can be treated. A good relationship with your doctor is important, because the two of you will need to work together to find a combination of medicines and behaviour changes that will help you get better. Some trial and error may be necessary, because no single combination of treatments works for everyone. Home treatment is very important. You may need to change your daily schedule, learn better sleep habits, and start getting regular gentle exercise. Counselling and a gradual increase in exercise help people with CFS get better. Even though it may not be easy, keeping a good attitude really helps. Try not to get caught in a cycle of frustration, anger, and depression. Learning to cope with your symptoms and talking to others who have the same illness can help you keep a good attitude.

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First Winter Olympic Irish Athletes

blast past by Megan Fennell

from the

Ireland in the pics Winter Olym

Irish Winter Olympic Team for Whistler Confirmed FOUR bobsledders participated in the 1992 Albertville Games. Two members of the bobsleigh team, Pat McDonagh and Terry McHugh had previously represented Ireland in the Summer Olympics. McDonagh competed in rowing in 1980 and 1988, while McHugh threw javelin in 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000.

Best Result for Irish Winter Olympian

In the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, when the skeleton event was reinstated after 50 years absence, Clifton Hugh Lancelot de Verdon, 6th Baron of Wrottesley, finished 4th overall. He had been very close to a bronze medal but just finished outside medal position. He told Steve Bunce, The Independent, February 24, 2002, that "I've shown what can be achieved and I just hope I inspire young Irish athletes to take winter sports seriously." Lancelot de Verdon went on to manage the Olympic team at the Winter Games in Turin.

Irish Women of the Olympic Winter Games

IRISH women first participated in the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City 2002. Tamsen McGarry competed in Alpine skiing and her sister Kirsty McGarry followed in her footsteps in Turin 2006. Kirsty will again compete at the Games in 2010, hoping to improve on her 32nd place finish in the giant slalom and her 42nd placing in the slalom event.

THE team for 2010 was confirmed. Aoife Hoey and Claire Bergin or Leona Byrne became the first Irish female bobsledders in the Winter Olympics after a relatively successful European Cup season. Kirsty McGarry was Ireland's representative in alpine skiing and Pat Shannon in the Skeleton

even. Shane O' Connor, alpine skier, finished in the top 50 of the Slalom event at the World Championships, the best ever result by an Irish male in Slalom. PJ Barron, a Scotsman who declared for Ireď&#x161;ş land through parentage a year ago was Ireland's representative in the 15km Cross Country skiing

event. Barron was chosen ahead of Paul Griffin who had previously represented Ireland in the Summer Olympics in rowing, finishing 6th in Athens and 10th in 2008 Beijing. Griffin did achieve the standard for selection but Ireland was only granted one available spot in cross country skiing.

Ireland's Connection to Winter Games JOHN Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), originally hailed from Tipperary, Ireland. Furlong has said that, "Being involved with the Olympic Games was all I could think of", after seeing the 1964 Toyko Summer Games on television. As the face of the 2010 Games, Furlong has travelled over 1.2 million miles promoting Vancouver's bid to host the Games. If the Irish athletes need any more motivation to succeed and aspire to Olympic greatness, they need look no further than their transplanted countryman. When Furlong landed at the Vancouver airport more than thirty years ago, he was greeted with the words, 'Welcome to Canada - make us better'. Maybe Furlong will motivate his countrymen and make them better.

Word Puzzle!

Did you know?

Here is a game that you can play to test your skill. This game will present you with a matrix filled with letters. The objective is to form words by concatenating adjacent letters. Letters that are to the left, right, on top, bottom, or on a diagonal to each other are all acceptable.

SAMPLE PUZZLE Here are some words that can be found in this sample matrix: any chant panel path trench Here are some words that are not valid in this puzzle: chance - uses the 'c' twice chaps - 's' is not adjacent

PUZZLE TIME ACROSS

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

DOWN

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

Tough little planet we live on: At any time there are some 44,000 storms; lightning strikes the earth 100 times every second, and there are on average 35 earthquakes per day. Those are all acts of God, one may argue, but us humans don’t make it any easier on mother earth. Every year more than 2 million cases of arson is reported, and more than a million trees are chopped just to make toothpicks. Not all is gloom, however: 200 million couples make love (and 400,000 babies are born) every day Slavery Throughout history some 200 million people were enslaved. For more than 1000 years, Arab traders transported small groups of African slaves; the first record of a sizable slave trade dates to the 7th century. The majority of African slaves were acquired through wars by African rulers. One famous traders, Madam Tinubu, grew from rags to riches from it. But another African trader who called himself Grandy King George once specified a payment of only “one lucking-glass, six foot long by six foot wide,” an armchair, a stool and a cane. Not well known – and hardly spoken about – is that millions of Europeans were also traded as slaves. In the 17th and 18th centuries large numbers of poor whites were kidnapped on the streets of Europe and sold in the West Indies and elsewhere. Most countries in the world, including African countries, traded with slaves. Excluded were Russia and the Balkan countries. And, unlike what you might have expected, the slave trade is very active today still. Steam and Jell-O Heron of Greece invented steam power in 50 BC. But the leaders of the day thought that it would cause unemployment and the invention ran out of steam.The steam engine reappeared in the 1600s in Ferdinand Verbiest’s steam car and then years later again, in 1804, when English inventor Richard Trevithick introduced the steam locomotive in Wales. In 1815, George Stephenson built the world’s first workable steam locomotive. In 1845, another steam engine manufacturer, Peter Cooper of New York (who built the Tom Thumb, the first American steam locomotive), concocted a gelatine dessert made almost entirely of sugar… which became popular as Jell-O.

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

LAST ISSUE’S

ANSWERS

Bad hair day Having a bad hair day? Spare some thought for your great-grandparents because in their time it took about 10 hours to complete the process of waving hair to withstand washing, weather and time. Compton’s Online Library explained that the advent of electricity sparked a major change in the concept of hairdressing when in London in 1906 the hairdresser Charles Nestlé invented the permanent-wave machine. The bulky machine – about the size of today’s fridge – took almost 20 minutes to get to usable heat and up to 10 hours to complete perming. Still, it was great 20th-century technology. The next year a Parisian chemistry student, Eugène Schueller founded the company L’Oréal, created a dye to cover gray hair with naturallooking colors in a permanent process, and made life a little more fun for a lot of people. Man ate aircraft An inquest into the death of Brit Frederick Edwards in 1933 found 200 nails, 36 staples and 3 penknives in his stomach. But he didn’t even have half the appetite of Frenchman Michel Lotito, whose stage name was “Mr Eat All.” Michel ate 18 bicycles, 15 shopping carts, 7 TV sets, a computer, numerous razor blades and, believe it or not, one Cessna 150 light aircraft.The aircraft meal was not fast food, though; it took him two years, 1978 – 1980, to munch through the delight. He finished the shopping cart in four-and-a-half days. On average, Lotito ate 2 lb (almost a kg) of glass and metal a day (as seen in the Mr Eat All video). His strange diets certainly was enough to get him into the Guinness Book of Records section of unusual skills. Only bananas and hard-boiled eggs made him feel sick, he said.

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 August is baby month Competition, Northwest Express, Unit 3, Riverview House, Barret Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo. - Good Luck!! We bid a hearty welcome to the millions of new earthlings who arrive in August, the month with the highest birth rate.You are       Name: the proud results of a joyous Christmas season… even if your      parents did not put up Christmas trees. Address:   19.5% of new August babies are born in India and 11.6% in         China, respectively 6 and 4 times more than in the United States: Telephone number:         approximately 2.2 million and 1.3 million vs 0.4 million. Which  means two babies are born every second in India and China vs         a new baby every 8           seconds in the US.     World-wide, 5 beau      tiful new babies are      born every second.  The global fertility 9. art (1) 10. erg (1)

11. err (1) 12. jet (1)

13. jut (1) 14. nor (1)

   

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7. thru (2) 8. turn (2)

15. ort (1) 16. rat (1)

17. ret (1) 18. rut (1)

19. tar (1) 20. tau (1)

21. urn (1) 22. uta (1)

                 

5. rath (2) 6. ruth (2)

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3. grat (2) 4. jura (2)

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                          

          

1. jurat (3) 2. north (3)

  

                  

rate is 2.61 while the United States has a fertility rate of 2.05 children born per woman. One in every 31 new cuddly earthlings born globally is born in the US, thus 3% of all new births.

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Who? Where?

0909

Tel: 086 4062404

1210

RYAN SHERIDAN PLAYS THE TF ROYAL

Following his sold out shows around the country in December; Ryan Sheridan has just announced his biggest Irish tour to date. The man from Monaghan will be live and direct at The Ruby Room at The Royal Theatre Castlebar on 15th April 2011 Ryan is currently in the studio recording tracks for his as yet untitled debut album. His debut single 'Jigsaw' has been one of the biggest airplay hits of recent months; and the follow up will be released just ahead of the album later in the spring. Tickets are 12.00 available on www.ticketmaster.ie as well as from the Royal Theatre Box Office on 0818 300 000.

0310 0711

Catered for You

ON A WING AND A PRAYER!

OUTDOOR CATERING

             

The extraordinary story of the life and times of the late Monsignor James Horan, builder of Knock Airport, is to be retold later this year when ‘On A Wing and a Prayer-The Musical’ takes to the stage for    its premiere at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar. Author Terry Reilly, who wrote the best-selling book On A Wing All Events Catered For and a Prayer, has adapted the work for a stage production that will Weddings, Communions, bring to life the many great undertakings and amazing achievements Confirmations,   Private  Parties etc of Monsignor Horan, told in word and song.   Barrett  Mobile:  087-9827298 John  Cynthia Clampett, Chief Executive Mayo/Roscommon Hospice  Email: jjbarrett50ie@yahoo.ie  Foundation based at Knock, said the Palliative Care Service in Mayo     www.cateredforyou.net   and Roscommon was heavily on  dependent   voluntary funding. th comfort, dignity and respect at its core.     CARNIVAL MARQUEES The musical traces the career of Monsignor Horan (born 1911-died  contact Niall  on  086-1595093 1986) whose life was spent addressing the spiritual and temporal    needs of his flock. He got houses fixed, roads repaired, forests  planted, took on the authorities, and even built a ballroom of romance to which Old Nick was reputed to have paid a visit - without paying the admission fee!  His last great fight, his biggest and most controversial campaign by  far, was when he started, at the age of 70, to build an international  airport in 1981 on what was described as 'a foggy, boggy hill'. His rea      son for the airport was to provide badly needed infrastructure for  an impoverished, neglected region. blessed his   Initially  Government  enterprise, but then did a series of U-turns as the tide of Dublin 4    of Exchequer support and opinion turned, forcing the withdrawal     leaving an ageing parish priest to raise many millions to finish his   0809 final project.

                         OCCASION  FOR THAT S PECIAL  CASHEL  HOUSE HOTEL 4* COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL CONNEMARA, CO. GALWAY  , TURF FIRES AND MUCH MORE CANDLELIGHT  TEL: 095-31001 www.cashel-house-hotel.com 0209 0209

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THE MAYO ROSE OF TRALEE

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Don’t miss the opportunity to represent MAYO at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival The search is now on to find the 2011 MAYO Rose. Please contact Donnacha Roche on 094-9023111 or email droche@theroyal.ie if you would like to receive an entry form for the MAYO Rose Selection. Rules of Competition All entrants must be: • Be 18 years of age by January 1st 2011 and will not have reached your 28th birthday on or prior to September 1st 2011. • Be unmarried or never been married. • Must not have represented any centre at the National or International Rose of Tralee events. • Must be of Irish birth or ancestry and be able to verify this if required. • Be available for Sunday 1st May for the Mayo Rose Selection Night, and if selected be available for Irish Regional Final and International Festival events. Please return your completed application, to the Donnacha Roche, Mayo Rose Centre co-ordinator. C/O The Royal Theatre, Old Westport Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

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He succeeded in opening his dream airport in 1986, but the effort hastened his demise and he passed away in Lourdes a few months later. Ironically, his coffin was the first into Knock Airport as thou-

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When?

Tempany’s YOUR QUALITY CATERING SUPPLIER

GLORIOUS VOCALISTS: CALMUS ENSEMBLE AT THE LINENHALL

THE very wonderful Calmus Ensemble performs at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar as part of a national Music

Network tour. For over ten years the remarkable Calmus Ensemble has wowed audiences with its unique style

DES BISHOP

of a capella singing, blending five scintillating and soulful voices - four male and one female - in a clear-voiced, perfectly balanced ensemble.Their repertoire encompasses everything from Gregorian chants, Irish airs, jazz and folk songs to the music of Palestrina, Bach and Debussy. Acclaimed for its flawless intonation and extraordinary harmonies, this award-winning ensemble has toured extensively in Europe, North and South America and performed alongside the likes of the King’s Singers and the Raschèr Saxophone Quartet. The Calmus Ensemble performs at the Linenhall Arts Centre on Monday 11th April at 8.00pm. Booking advised. Tel: 094 9023733 The Linenhall Arts Centre acknowledges the financial support of the Arts Council in making this performance possible. "Technically stunning singers, but equally important, their interpretive talents and musicality are matchless." Desert Morning News, Salt Lake City

Connaught Amusements - Suppliers of -

This April The Royal Theatre will host a high energy, foot stomping, totally interactive production featuring all the very best hits from High School Musical 1, 2, & 3, Hannah Montana , Camp Rock and Glee! The High School Musical phenomenon which has smashed box office records everywhere, together with Miley Cyrus from Hannah Montana – The Movie, the hugely successful film Camp Rock with The Jonas Brothers and the Glee Club, are all paid tribute to in this amazing show. Join the superb cast for a rollercoaster ride of fun, as they invite you

to the ultimate party to celebrate all of these awesome teen sensations in one fantastic concert.Tickets are available from 19.00 or 60.00 for a Family ticket on sale Friday 14th January available on the Royal Theatre website www.theroyal.ie and www.ticketmaster.ie as well as from the Royal Theatre Box Office on 0818 300 000.

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THIS APRIL HIGH SCHOOL ROCKS!

FOLLOWING a massively successful international tour, Des Bishop makes his highly anticipated return to Ireland and to The Royal Theatre Castlebar on Easter Sunday 24th April. Inspired by his Father’s recent diagnosis of Lung Cancer, Des’s latest critically acclaimed show My Dad Was Nearly James Bond tells of a remarkable life tinged with regret. In championing the real heroics of fatherhood, Des challenges many common regrets and the ridiculous ideals of manhood that real, un-slick men try to live up to. The innate inspiration and dexterity behind this show guarantees an unforgettable and touching comedy experience. Tickets are on SALE NOW includes afterparty on the night. Tickets available from the Royal Theatre Box Office on 0818 300 000 or on www.ticketmaster.ie. For further information please contact the Box Office by phone or email at bookings@theroyal.ie

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Easter

activities for the kids!

Glendeer Pet Farm is holding itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Easter Egg Hunts! Glendeer Pet Farm (5 miles west of Athlone, exit 13 off M6, follow signs for Drum) is a very interactive experience, people can feed, pet & even hold some of the animals and will be holding its Annual Easter Egg Hunts on on Easter Sat 23rd, Sun 24th & Mon 25th April @ 3pm Come & see monkeys, wallabies & tortoises, not to mention the babies that are arriving everyday. The Egg Hunts provide great eggcitment & entertainment for young & old while hunting for chocolate eggs. Glendeer is suitable for any weather as there are indoor & outdoor picnic & playareas. Open: Weekends only from 17th Mar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16th April & everyday from then until Oct 2nd Opening times: Mon - Sat 11am - 6pm, Sun 12pm - 6pm

Sligo Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Telephone: 086-3106632

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Sunset Beauty & Spa SPECIAL OFFER

A Matis Signature Facial with a nail file and paint for 50

Enter our Champagne Doll Competition on Facebook facebook.com/SunsetSpa Call: 096-36088

Avisit to Eagles Flying is fun for all the family. The highly entertaining and interactive shows at Ireland's largest Bird of Prey Centre mean excitement, photo opportunities and the chance to get close-up with birds of prey. FLYING DEMONSTRATIONS daily at 11am & 3pm (60 min.each approximately) Open: 10.30 –12.30 & 2.30–4.30 1st April – 7th November inc. PET ZOO - We have rabbits,guinea-pigs,geese,ducks,hens,lambs,goats,donkeys and more, so a visit is fun for all the familiy. FREE PARKING FOR CARS AND COACHES To Find Us: Drive from Ballymote towards Temple House / Ballinacarrow or from the N17 towards Temple House / Ballymote. Our GPS co-ordinates:N54°06.133 W8°34.094

Arigna Mining Experience, Arigna, Co Roscommon

A GREAT day out for all ages, the Arigna Mining Experience will certainly appeal to those with an interest in the history or anyone looking for a day out with a difference. Associated with mining for around 400 years, Arigna became the first major power-

generating station in Connaught, set up by the ESB in 1958. Now a popular tourist spot, the centre preserves the energy heritage of this area, and allows visitors an insight into coal mining life in the Arigna Valley from the 1700s until its closure in 1990. A typical visit includes a 45-minute underground tour, with sound and lighting effects for an authentic mining experience! Visitors also visit the exhibition space, where local geology and the formation of coal deposits is explained, and an excellent photo archive is on-show. The centre is fully accessible and is an all weather facility. The Arigna Mining Experience and it’s world class tour is located in North Roscommon close to the borders of Sligo and Leitrim. Contact: 071-9646466 or www.arignaminingexperience.ie

• Par 3 Golf Course • Amusement Arcade • Go-Karting • New “Crazy” Golf • B&B Budget accomodation Just 15 per person

Tel: 096-76838

Just 5 mins from Ballina

THE WEST’S STATE OF THE ART INDOOR CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY CENTRE

nniskillen (Inis Ceithleann) meaning Kathleen's Island, is the county town of Fermanagh, and located on a natural island separating the upper and lower sections of Lough Erne. Home to close to 13,000 people, Enniskillen and its hinterlands provides a great landscape of intricate patchwork of woodlands, forest and wetland. Enniskillen is a town full of open horizons and opportunities, with a thriving commercial hub and a bustling retail centre.The Town Hall is the focal point in the town and its copper dome can be seen from every vantage point. It stands on a hilltop and is a landmark in the county town and the commerce centre for the town. Completed in 1901 the six story clock tower celebrates the military heritage of Enniskillen. The town centre is located within close proximity to its moorings on the loughs, which makes it very accessible for people traveling by boat or barge to the town. Enniskillen is located on the A4/ N16 route to Sligo, via Manorhamilton and is easily accessible from the N3 / A46 to Ballyshannon and A32 to Omagh. With great infrastructure leading to Enniskillen, it is within easy reach for commuters.

Where to find us ASDA

SHELBOURNE REYNOLDS TUB FEEDER With twin side doors

NCTRACTOR DRIVENPTOROAD SWEEPER

1986 JCB 410 FARM SHOVEL c/w Matbo headstock

......................£750+vat

...................£3,500+vat

• Themed multi level adventure play equipment • Toddlers and Baby Soft play area • 3 party rooms // All play equipment with interactive sound • Sports Court // Fantastic 3 lane astro and spital slides • 50 Seater Restaurant (full menu) • Modern seating, TV, newspapers • All equipment to standard of ROSPA

PARTY PACKAGES AVAILABLE CALL US FOR DETAILS

TO ERNESIDE SHOPPING CENTRE

DERRYCHARA LINK

DAVID LITTLE TRACTOR SALES 1600 GALLON FRASERSLURRY TANKER c/w top fill, also vacuum pump on 800/55/30.50 tyres. Very sound tanker ...................£4,500+vat

ERNESIDE SHOPPING CENTRE

S PAS

BELMORE STREET

...................£3,500+vat

Tel: 028-6634-1482 Enniskillen

(048-6634-1482 from ROI) 07778-554804

Quay Pass, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. BT74 6AG Tel: 048-6634 0600

Fireplaces • Stoves • Gas • Oil• Solid Fuel • Electric • Granite Worktop Specialists The Biggest & Best Value Fireplace Showrooms in Ireland Sligo Road, Enniskillen. Phone: 048 66 326 327 Save €€€s by calling to us

OPTI-FIT & I-MIX FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

APPROVED POWAKADDY SERVICE CENTRE

STOCKISTS OF ALL MAJOR GOLF BRANDS

LOWEST PRICES GUARANTEED! Now Stocking New 2011 TaylorMade Burner 2.0 and R11 Wood Ranges

CALL FOR DETAILS 028-66320009 048-66320009 (ROI)

Special Offers at all times - call for details

LOUGH KEY FOREST PARK, CO. ROSCOMMON

Good rates available for Families & Groups

Congratulations to Zipit in their new venture from everyone at Forest Park House, Boyle

BED & BREAKFAST

'S D N A L I RE HI GH FIRS TIR E W RE U T N ADVE RK PA

OP EN I NG 16 TH APRIL 20 11

At the main entrance to the Forest Park Co. Roscommon, Tel: 071-966-2227 www.bed-and-breakfast-boyle.com

Congratulations to Zipit in their new venture from Custom Wood Designs

Call Gary on 0879153466 Phone 0719667555 Fax 0719667556 Ardcarne, Boyle, Co.Roscommon info@CDCtelecom.ie

• Telephone Systems by Siemens & Panasonic • Carkits from Nokia, Parrot & THB Bury • Carkits – Accessories – Headsets Best Wishes • Cabling to Zipit in their new • Telephone System Repairs venture from • Office Relocation all at CDC • Telephone System Optimiser • Special Offers – Business Startup

Looking for a Day Out with a Difference?

Lough Key Forest & Activity Park has the answer

Welcoming Zipit to the ever expanding Lough Key Forest Park from all our staff & customers For more details on all the above please log onto www.loughkey.ie Boyle, Co. Roscommon - Just off the N4 (Sligo - Dublin Road)

www.loughkey.ie Tel +353 71 9673122 Email: info@loughkey.ie

Best Wishes to Zipit in their new venture from Mary Cooney and all at Cesh Corran Town House

ABBEY TCE, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON www. marycooney.com info@marycooney.com

Tel: 071-966-2265 Mobile: 087 243 7350 is y Forest Park, Co Roscommon pening this Easter at Lough Ke a ers off it t Adventure Park. Zip Ireland’s First High Wire Fores family ……including Mum and the truly unique adventure for all AdKey Forest Park, Zipit Forest ugh Lo of ps eto tre the in d Dad ! Nestle aline- pumping enviromenally-friendly, adren ipants ventures provides a fun-filled introduces adventure to partic ret ou day fun is Th . nce ived rie expe m to reach beyond their perce onthe ng ati tiv mo and g gin llen whilst cha iendly envir outdoor lifestyle in an eco-fr limitations. It also encourages p from one jum opy, leap, glide, balance or bing walls ment. Climb into the tree can lines, cargo nets, tightropes, clim always zip s, dge bri h wit r, the ano to is tree claim they are fearless, there o wh se tho for d An re. mo s and and much cuits for different heights, age cir t en fer dif 4 are ere Th p. the base jum as long as of 7 onwards can participate, abilities. Children from the age supervised by a Children aged 7-17 must be t. igh he in 1m st lea at are y 1 - 20 the und. The circuits range from gro the m fro or lt, adu g tin of participa 0m of ziplines and over 1.3Km 75 er ov are re the and t igh metres in he activities. e you briefed at the initiation cours and ss ne har ety saf a h wit ed Once fitt e, family tree canopy. With a kids cours and are ready to venture into the ers nag y challenging courses for tee course, and two progressivel adult, providing - 20 per child and 25 per 5 1 at ue val at gre it's school lts, adu t. Also ideal for groups, clubs, ou day ily fam at gre a for fun fantashours of n to summer camps. This is a itio add an as or rs yea n tio tours, transi lts. Don't let ivity for both children and adu and our intic outdoor, fun and healthy act e ipating - go at your own pac tic par u yo p sto ts igh he of ent. If r a fea you need help or encouragem uld sho ay aw far ver ne l are structors for a particular course then fee ts en em uir req t igh he the et you don't me ting children eady completed. All participa ve enough free to repeat any course alr bra cate to prove that they were will be provided with a certifi it Forest AdZip h wit it d it, and zippe fed sur it, g un sw it, d be clim to have ventures. cial Opening up bookings are available. Spe Discounts for families and gro ening hours nd April of a 20% discount. Op urs to fully 23 – th 16 m fro fer Of ek We k takes approximately 2 – 3 ho from 10 am – 5pm. The full par complete. it, but above Climb it, Swing It, Surf it, Zip rous at Zipit all have fun and be adventu w on the ziForest Adventures. Book no pline at 051 858008.

O Bespoke Hand Crafted wooden signs made to order Make your home or business stand out with an original Hand Carved Wooden Sign.

Cesh Corran

OVE R 7 50M OF S E N I L P ZI

Cycling high in the tree tops

Walk the logs

Award Winning Boyle Farmers Market

every Saturday in grounds of King House, Boyle from 10am to 2pm Congratulations to Zipit in their new venture from all at Una Bhan Tourism, Boyle Grounds of King House, Boyle Tel: 071 9663033 www.unabhan.net unabhan@indigo.ie www.facebook.com/unabhantourism

Tight rope walking

The

Gardens

Surf with a difference!

Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Bridge walking

Tel: 071-9662688 Open 7 Days All your garden needs catered for. Large selection of shrubs, trees, plants, hanging baskets, window boxes and summer bedding available.

Congratulations to Zipit in their new venture from all at The Gardens, Lough Key, Boyle

EASTER SATURDAY

23 APRIL AT 12 MID DAY

visit us online at www.zipit.ie Visit us online at www.zipit.ie

Traditional Craft Shop

Accommodation Booking Service & Tourist Information

OFFICIAL OPENING BY

Luke ‘MING’ Flanagan

Una Bhan Tourism

OVER 1.3K M ACTIV O F ITIES

Plumbing & Heating Merchants Termon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 071 96 62236 Fax: 071 96 63524

Congratulations to Zipit in their new venture from all at Joe Simon Building Supplies, Boyle