Northwest Express 22nd November 2012 by northwest express

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22 November 2012 Issue 23 - Volume 13

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Further hardship due to FIS delays Local eateries recognised for their excellence

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At the recent Good Food Awards ceremony, eateries from across the west were recognised for their excellence. Included in these were Hargadons Pub in Sligo, who were winners of The Good Food Ireland Food Pub of the Year. Pictured above are the Hargadon team with an Taoiseach Enda Kenny. See Page 21 for full story.

AMILIES across the west have been shocked to learn that there are 20 – 22-week delays in the processing of family income supplements and those waiting for payments before Christmas may have their applications delayed until March. The Family Income Supplement (FIS) which is paid to low-income working families to help people come off the dole, has been plagued by delays in recent times and a large number of families are being told their claim applications will not be dealt with before Christmas. Another shocker has been the confirmation by Social Protection Minister Joan Burton that applications received after November 5 will be dealt with straight away, and may only take a few weeks to process while others on waiting lists since as far back as June are being dealt with by a separate group in her department. These older claims are now being put on the long finger. One wonders what kind of “efficiency” is this – practically ignoring the older applicants while pushing through those who have just applied for the supplement. There is now the great fear, once again, that as a consequence thousands of families could be driven into the arms of moneylenders in the run-up to Christmas as they struggle to pay essential bills. Continued on Page 2

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Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

news

Some Christmas jobs joy in Sligo

Further hardship due to FIS delays

HMV in Sligo are creating about 12 positions in the build up to the Christmas period. Just over 200 fixed term positions are coming on stream at its 16 stores throughout the country including its store in Johnston Court in Sligo. Many of the new recruits have already started or are about to begin in their new roles. However, some positions remain to be finalised, and any interested applicants should check the HMV website or visit their local store. The company said the positions will generally run until January 2013, and may in some cases lead to longer-term employment where any permanent positions become available.

Fine Gael TD Denis Naughton noted that it was ironic that the government was on the one hand saying it wanted to create jobs while on the other they are creating new forms of beaurocracy for those who are employed. Particularly affected were 8,000 families who had their payments suspended pending an annual review as long as five months ago."In the last 10 days I have been inundated with complaints from struggling families throughout the

Continued from front page

country who are relying on the approval of their social welfare topup payment to meet Christmas bills," he added. A range of FIS payments are available to families on different incomes. To qualify, a one-child family must have a weekly income of less than €506, while a family with eight children must have a weekly income below €1,298. According to records, at the end of September, there were 7,393 new applications and 8,173 renewal applications awaiting decision.

Kevin ‘Bubbles’ Gorman CD launch in Brennan’s Lane

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Ballina Lions Bric-a-brac BALLINA Lions Club will host a bric-abrac sale in St. Muredach’s College on November 25th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone with items to donate can drop them to the college between 12 noon and 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 24th or contact Rory Quinn on 087-6774736 or Paul at 087-1214570. Proceeds will, as usual, go to the Lions Charities.

The eagerly-awaited CD by Ballina’s Kevin (Bubbles) Gorman will be launched officially in Brennan’s Lane on Sunday night, 2nd December. Kevin will sing his two songs “Hurt in my Heart” and “Are You Going Home for Christmas”. Band entertainment on the night will be by the Electric Hob Band. The two-track CD will be for sale on the night. The CD will be available from next week and Kevin can be contacted at 0833815194 or e-mail kevingorman66@gmail.com. Some of the proceeds from the sale of the CD single will be donated to Suicide Awareness, a charity dear to Kevin’s heart, as some of the people who worked with him in the music business, and inspired his writing, have become victims of suicide.

ABBA FOREVER bring the Forty Years Celebration to The Hawk’s Well! It’s Christmas! It’s Party Time! It’s Abba! Their music is the most played on radio stations around the world and the musical based on their life is still packing Theatres from Waterloo (Pardon the pun!) to Timbuktu MAMMA MIA WAS A HUGH CINEMA HIT, AND ABBA STILL ROLLS ON! Believe it or not, it is forty years since they started and this terrific show celebrates with a loud and proud fanfare! It has played to full houses all over Ireland during their tours here for the past 5 years! And it packed everywhere on last year’s visit, when they received repeated standing ovations for what was one of the most memorable shows of the year! They play The Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo on Wednesday 28 November. Tickets are

now on sale.What a way to start the Christmas season! It’s a really great ABBA party night out, with a Christmas flavour! From “Waterloo (Again)” to “Dancing Queen”. Expect a dazzling, fantastic performance including the most iconic hits, Mamma Mia, S.O.S, Money, Money Money, The Winner Takes All, Gimme Gimme, Gimmeand many MANY more! Every favourite is here. Not to be missed. The finest ABBA voices you will ever hear! Get your glad rags on, brush up on the lyrics, don the dancing boots and come to the best party in town! You’ll be rockin’ in the isles!!! Tickets are available for the Hawk’s Well Theatre Box Office on 071 916 1518 or www.hawkswell.com

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Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

news

Demand for soup kitchens growing

HE opening of soup kitchens recently in Galway presents a picture more reminiscent of famine times than Ireland in the post Celtic Tiger era. After the demand

for the facilities which opened in Galway and Athlone recently there is a growing demand for soup kitchens elsewhere throughout the west. Dozens of Athlone residents flocked to the charity shop and soup kitchen Twist, when it opened its doors on Monday last. Now the man behind that venture has said that he will focus on getting a premises opened in Roscommon due to the “overwhelming need” for one in the town. Athenry man Oliver Williams opened up a soup kitchen Twist in Galway six months ago and followed this up last week by opening the doors on the Athlone facility. “I have been around Athlone and I see a lot of poverty, the same too can be said for Roscommon. I see a lot of people that have no jobs and I think it will be bigger than Galway. We’re seeing people from all walks of life. The unemployed and homeless but also working people struggling to pay their bills or survive on the dole,” Mr Williams remarked. Undoubtedly, if a kitchen is opened in Roscommon it will spark interest in the initiative for other towns across the west. Between rent, rates and insurance it costs

about €1,000 a week to run the facility. The project relies solely on donations, receiving no government funding. Once a beneficiary of soup kitchens while living in London in the 1980s, the Galway man believes there is an increasing demand for such services here. “I’ve spent some time around Roscommon and having spoken to people there about the situation on the ground. It certainly is a town in urgent need of a soup kitchen. People in Ireland are going hungry, I cannot sit back and watch that,” he explained. Mr Williams said that with the Budget just weeks away, he had concerns that even more people would go hungry in the county. “A Roscommon soup kitchen is needed as soon as possible,” he explained as he noted that more than 450 people required the soup kitchen in Galway each week. “Ideally, I’d love to see a facility open in Roscommon by the end of the year. Support for the projects in both Athlone and Galway is fantastic and I’d be hoping for the same in Roscommon,” he said. Anyone wishing to support the project in any way can contact Oliver Williams on 087 7773845.

Ballina Dolphins continue to make waves

The second A Gala of this season took place in Longford where Ballina Dolphins Swimming Club was represented by 5 young swimmers. The only girl taking part was Lilla Frank. Her first swim was the 100m butterfly where she took almost 3 seconds off her already impressive time. In her second swim, the 100m freestyle, she not only improved on her Division 2 time, only missing out on Division 1 by 2 seconds, but took home a silver medal for her achievement in the under 11 age group. Her brother, Adam had two great swims, coming fourth in both the

100m butterfly and the 100m freestyle, swimming two personal best times, improving on his already impressive Connacht Squad time in the 100m freestyle. Seán Canavan had personal best in the 100m butterfly and knocked4 seconds off his time in the 100m freestyle. Brian Barrett took up a great fight in the 100m butterfly and knocked an impressive 7 seconds off his previous time. His second swim was the 100m freestyle where he achieved another personal best. Shane Dunne competed in the 100m freestyle achieving a great time.

The A B/C Gala took place in the Castlebar Swimming Pool 2 weeks previous where the young swimmers not only had great fun but took home some nice medals as well. Joshua Fortune, Paul Lynott and Diarmuid Daly took part in the 100m backstroke and the 100m breast stroke, all achieving great times with Joshua taking home a bronze medal for his achievement in the 100m backstroke. Paul Flynn and James Reape both competed in the 100m backstroke with Paul coming second in his age group. Jack Brennan competed in both the 100m backstroke and the 100m breast stroke, winning a gold medal in the backstroke and coming in third place in the breast stroke. Amy McGowan had two great swims, achieving an A time in her 200m freestyle and taking a gold medal home in the 100m breastroke. Her sister, Heather, put up a great fight in both her swims, taking home a bronze medal in the 200m freestyle and silver in the 100m breast stroke. Alex Patten had a great day as well, coming in fourth place in the 200m freestyle and winning a silver medal in the 100m breast stroke. Kirsty Quinn and Megan Foley both came home with two silver medals each, Kirsty competing in 100m breast and 200m freestyle and Megan taking part in 100m backstroke and the 100m breast stroke. The other swimmers performed exceptionally well.

Mario Delivers a Right Royal Rollicking THEY say laughter is the best medicine and the large audience at Gift Grub 2 were surely wellcured on Saturday night 17th Nov. at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar. Mario Rosenstock was on top form, moving from character to character, delivering a truly professional show. From Vincent Browne (assisted by his panel of audience ‘volunteers’) and Michael D, to Enda Kenny Boom Boom and Michael Soft Day Flatley, the house was in tears – in a happy way! The giant screen presentations by Miriam O’Callaghan, Ming from Roscommon and Mick Wallace, while Mario metamorphosed backstage, had the audience doubled over. The crowd lapped up the laughter-medicine all night, spooned out again and again by Mario and his motley celeb crew. The show in a word – Gift!

Oddsocks Revival to play a special show with jazz pianist Kieran Quinn

“Finely honed musicianship and expertly-crafted song structures are the order of the day” - Roisín Dwyer, Hotpress. Sligo’s electrified funk/rock outfit Oddsocks Revival are set to play an extra special show in McGarrigles, Sligo on 29th December 10pm with local Jazz pianist Kieran Quinn joining them on stage for the occasion. The band have just finished recording a progressive new EP in Dublin’s Hellfire studios and Kieran’s piano playing features on the four tracks. Kieran’s addition to the record has added another dimension and new groove to the Oddsocks sound and they will use this occasion to showcase some of this new material which is due for release in the New Year. Since the release of their debut album “It’s Time” in April 2011 Odd-

socks Revival have gained significant ground. They have toured Ireland, the UK and Europe as headline acts and supported acts such as Alabama 3 and Primal Scream. They have also performed and become regulars at renowned Irish festivals including Electric Picnic, The Volvo Ocean Race and Sligo Live. Between now and New Years the lads will embark on a short tour taking in Ireland and Scotland. They look forward to showing something new to their home crowd this December and to the wider world with the release of their new record in the New Year. Oddsocks Revival play McGarrigles, O’Connell St, Sligo on 29th December 2012 at 10pm. Admission is €5 at the door. For further info, tour dates, updates, music and videos see www.oddsocksrevival.com

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Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

news

Leitrim is loving getting back to its roots

Evan (10), Riain (5) and Naoise (7) McManus pictured at the launch of Leitrim Roots Festival 2013 by Minister Michael Ring in Ballinamore. Photo Brian Farrell.

ne of the smallest counties in Ireland hopes it can borrow a social media catchphrase to capture a world-wide tourist audience - an innovation welcomed by Tourism Minister Michael Ring at the Leitrim Roots Festival 2013 Launch last week. The letters 'lol' are peppered across messages on social media and by mobile texts to mean 'Laugh out Loud' or ‘Lots of Love’. But now the Leitrim Roots Genealogy Festival taking place from the 20th to 28th September, 2013 has launched a tourism initiative that will try to persuade people of Leitrim Irish Heritage abroad to ‘lol’ and "Love Our Leitrim". Millions of texters, emailers, tweeters and bloggers are intimately familiar with the three little letters that are to become one of Leitrim Roots Festival’s marketing tools. It has been estimated that there are one million people in the US alone with Leitrim ancestry. There are also large numbers of people with Leitrim links in England, Canada and Australia. The organisers, spear-headed by Leitrim Genealogy Centre, Leitrim Tourism and Leitrim local authority, hope that every time people type `LOL', they'll be encouraged to think of Leitrim, and to explore their Irish Roots.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD said: “2013 is set to be an incredible year when The Gathering Ireland takes place - our biggest ever tourism initiative. I’m delighted to see that Leitrim will be at the heart of the Gathering with the Leitrim Roots Festival. This festival is an opportunity for visitors and tourists to come back to the community of their ancestors, rediscover historical places, re-connect with

their communities, and renew their bond with Ireland. Festivals and events are a key part of Irish life and greatly improve the overall experience of Ireland for visitors. The Leitrim Roots Festival is just one of the hundreds of highlights in the packed calendar of local Gatherings planned for 2013. Communities, towns and villages across Ireland are busy planning festivals and events for what promises to be a fantastic year. I wish the Leitrim Roots Festival and its organisers every success.” This is not the first time that the festival has taken place with previous successful festivals having taken place in 2006 and 2007. The 2013 Genealogy Festival programme will give visitors the opportunity to engage with on-site genealogists and local communities, and to find out more about the county their ancestors came from. This festival will also feature cultural events including music concerts, heritage lectures on roots-related topics and tours of the tranquil surroundings of Leitrim, a truly hidden gem in the Irish landscape. Commenting on the launch the Festival Organiser, Joe Lowe, said: ‘We are looking to use a modern day cultural term to capture and promote our historical and cultural links of the County. The festival will be of great interest to people young and old whose ancestors came from Co. Leitrim or people who were born in Co. Leitrim. But I must highlight we also welcome people wanting a genuine Irish Experience, not just those of Leitrim ancestry’. For those interested in finding out more and promoting the Leitrim Roots Festival in September 2013 please visit www.leitrimrootsfestival.com , or follow them on twitter @LeitrimRoots and remember to “lol”

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Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

news

Stars join Rovers legends to announce celebrity football match in aid of RehabCare

Patricia Curneen, attends Rehabcare in Sligo, Alan Keane, Sligo Rovers, Danny Miller, Actor, best known for role of Aaron Livesy in Emmerdale, Richard Brush, Sligo Rovers and Gerry Gillen, attends Rehabcare in Sligo, at the announcement of details of a celebrity football match against 2012 Premier League Champions, Sligo Rovers. Photo: James Connolly / PicSell8

ive of the UK’s top stars touched down in the West of Ireland to announce a celebrity football match against 2012 Premier League Champions, Sligo Rovers, in aid of RehabCare in Sligo. Danny Miller (Emmerdale), Ceallach Spellman (Friday Download Project), Danny Tennant (Hollyoaks and Emmerdale), Dan Jillings (Casualty and Doctors) and Dean Smith (Waterloo Road and Casualty) were on hand to reveal details of the match, which will take place on Sunday, 25th August 2013 in The Showgrounds in Sligo. RehabCare has joined forces with UK charity, Once Upon a Smile, to host the match. The celebrity team will comprise soap stars from Eastenders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Casualty along with ex-premiership

stars and Big Brother participants as they battle Sligo Rovers players and a range of local celebrities to raise funds to support the development of a new RehabCare Resource Centre for people with disabilities in Sligo. The full team line-up will be announced nearer to the event in 2013. The match is sponsored by the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Velvet Room Nightclub, Ireland West Airport Knock, Ballast Signs, Brooks Sligo, Bus Éireann, Connolly Motor Group, Fastcom, Jako Sports Sligo, King Communications, McSharry & Foley, Molson Coors, Ocean FM, The Gathering 2013, and the Sligo Weekender. “We are delighted to welcome our star friends from the UK to Sligo today along with players from Sligo Rovers to launch this celebrity

football match. This event promises to be thoroughly entertaining for match-goers, while raising funds for a very worthy local cause. Once Upon a Smile is responsible for raising funds for many charities throughout the UK and we are delighted that they will be working with us to raise muchneeded funds for RehabCare here in Ireland,” commented Pauline Crowley, RehabCare. Actor Danny Miller added, “I am looking forward to coming to Ireland and meeting the fantastic people and helping raise money for a great charity. I am buzzing and it’s all for a great cause.” In Sligo, in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE), RehabCare provides a wide range of high-quality person-centred services to people with disabilities

and others who are marginalised. The focus is on supporting people to identify and achieve life goals, have a better quality of life, and enjoy new experiences such as learning a new skill, securing employment, meeting people and living independently. The resource centre and day service, currently at Aughamore Far, supports 66 people, adopting a person-centred approach with each and focusing on building strong links with the community in attending events and in participating in activities. Programmes provided include computer classes, drama, cookery, a jobs club, advocacy and social skills. RehabCare also provides accommodation services for 18 people in Sligo which range from supported accommodation to tenancy support. Independent living supports offered include assistance with cooking, budgeting, shopping, cleaning and personal care, while also enabling people avail of opportunities to participate in social networks and develop leisure interests in line with their needs. Tickets for the match will be available from the Sligo Weekender, and from Jako Sports and the Quayside Shopping Centre in Sligo or by calling 01 2100 520. Gold Tickets, priced at €55, will offer attendance at the game in The Showgrounds, entry to a special Soap Star Gala Dinner hosted by TV3’s Noel Cunningham in the Radisson Blu Hotel, followed later by an exclusive drinks reception at Velvet Room Nightclub in Sligo. Silver Tickets, priced at €25, will afford entrance to the match and to Velvet Room, while Bronze Tickets, costing just €10, will give access to what promises to be a football match like no other, with spectators having a unique opportunity to see some of TV’s most well-known stars in action. For more information on the celebrity line-up or on ticket sales go to www.rehabfundraising.ie or follow Rehab on Facebook or Twitter.

Harkin challenges Government on jobs losses in former Quinn companies THE announcement that there will be a further 285 redundancies at Liberty Mutual Insurance will have grave consequences for the border areas and raises serious questions about statements by the Minister for Finance, Mr. Michael Noonan, that there would be minimal jobs losses in the disposal of Quinn Insurance. She said:- “On the day that receivers were sent in to the Quinn Group the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan said the deal was ‘a good news story for the workers and border region...the fact that all the jobs are protected, the same spend will be going on

through the community up there... It is particularly important that there will be no impact on employment. I welcome the position of the proposed agreement in that almost all 1,500 jobs in Quinn Insurance will be retained’. “In the Dail, referring to the disposal of Quinn Insurance, to Liberty Mutual, the Minister said ‘another factor in their decision to go with the Liberty Mutual/Anglo proposal is the fact that virtually all of the jobs are protected aside from 24 redundancies in Manchester. I have been informed however that the decision to appoint a share receiver will have no signifi-

cant impact on jobs in the wider Quinn Group’. “The continued job losses in the former Quinn Insurance company, now amounting to 1,185 in total, reveals the Government’s total understatement of the consequences of breaking up the Quinn Group and raises questions about its refusal to consider the Quinn Groups own proposals for restructuring the Group. “The Minister must now institute an immediate evaluation of the current position of all of the former Quinn Group companies and ascertain the intentions of the current owners, if they can be

identified. The border areas cannot sustain any more shock announcements from Liberty Mutual or from the owners of former Quinn Group companies which could be disposed of at any time. “The Government which was so bullish about removing the Quinn family involvement in the Quinn Group must now face up to the consequences including the cost to the State of the 1,185 jobs lost which could now cost the State in excess of €12 million per annum dependent on how many of the redundant workers will be able to secure alternative employment”, Marian Harkin MEP concluded.

Voters ‘scared away’ by drinkers THE turn-out of voters at the recent Childrens’ Referendum was disappointing generally, but in parts of Galway other factors may have influenced the level of interest. A call has been made for a new polling station to be sourced for people from the Bohermore and College Road area after elderly residents and female voters complained of being intimidated by anti-social street drinkers during the voting. While fewer than 28% of the electorate in Galway West bothered to vote, Cllr Ollie Crowe (FF) claimed that the turnout was even lower than usual in his area because some people were turned off by the prospect of voting at the St Patrick’s Band hall near the city’s railway station. Bohermore representative Cllr Crowe said that a number of voters had contacted him to express concerns over broken glass, poor street lighting, the absence of car parking, and intimidation by problem street drinkers in the immediate vicinity of their designated polling station. Cllr Crowe wrote to the Returning Officer for Galway West, Marion Chambers Higgins, yesterday to request that a new polling station be sourced for the area before the next time the electorate goes to the polls. “Because polling took place on a Saturday, there were elements there who were drinking close to the polling centre,” said Cllr Crowe. “There was a lot of broken glass about the place and a lot of anti-social drinking going on.

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Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

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Paula Mee Gives Top Tips Ahead of Health & Wellbeing Evening in Leitrim Connacht Gold & the National Dairy Council to Host Free Event in Carrick-on-Shannon

Paula Mee, expert nutritionist and former RTE Health Squad presenter

V personality and expert nutritionist Paula Mee is teaming up with Connacht Gold and the National Dairy Council (NDC) for the hugely popular Health and Wellbeing Evening taking placeat the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim on Thursday 29th November. Connacht Gold and the National Dairy Council (NDC) are encouraging everyone to look after their health and general wellbeing and are once again hosting this free-to-attend event to be compèred by TV3 Ireland AM presenter, Aidan Cooney. A lively cookery demonstration can be guaranteed by TV3

Ireland AM resident chef, Joe Shannon, while Paula Mee, along with psychologist Dr. Tony Bates, will give advice on looking after you and your families’ health this winter. Paula also has top tips for keeping your diet under control as Christmas approaches. Paula advises, “It is important not to compromise the quality of your diet if you are ‘watching your weight’. Don’t ditch dairy from your diet: Irish whole milk typically contains just 3.5% fat, semi-skimmed milk contains no more than 1.8% fat and skimmed milk has no more than 0.5% fat. The wide range of dairy products on our supermarket shelves, including many low-fat options, ensures that dairy can and should be - included as part of a healthy, balanced diet.” She explains, “Recent national food surveys show that 16% of women aged between 18 – 64 years; 42% of teenage girls and approximately a third of all children, have inadequate calcium intakes. Milk, yogurt and cheese are important sources of calcium and three servings from this food group are recommended per day, with 5 servings needed daily between the ages of 9-18 years due to extra calcium requirements. “ For those looking to shed a few pounds or simply adopt a health-

ier lifestyle, Paula has put together her top 10 weight loss tips: 1. Adopt a regular meal pattern. 2. Always start the day with a healthy breakfast. 3. Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day. 4. Choose 3 portions of low-fat dairy a day (5 servings are needed if aged between 9-18 years). 5. Watch your portion sizes. 6. Boil, steam, stir-fry, grill or bake your food instead of frying them. 7. Fill up on fibre-rich foods. 8. Limit intake of high fat, high sugar foods. 9. Limit alcohol intake. 10. Participate in regular physical activity. The Health and Wellbeing Evening will begin at 8pm on 29th November, with doors opening at 7.30pm for light refreshments. There will be a free gift bag for all who attend. A raffle to win a dinner party for ten guests in your home, along with other fantastic prizes, will also be held on the night with all proceeds going to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin. For further information, please visit the Connacht Gold facebook page, www.facebook.com/ConnachtGold or the NDC website, www.ndc.ie.

Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

news

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Archaeology Conference marks the beginning of ‘Darkness’

alloween marks the beginning of the darkest season of the year - an appropriate time to host a conference dedicated to the subject of darkness. A conference focused on the ‘Archaeology of Darkness’ was held at IT Sligo on the Hallowe’en Bank Holiday Weekend and an extended lecture by Belfast-born Brian Keenan was undoubtedly the highlight of the event. Keenan spoke of the mental anguish and deterioration experienced during his four and a half years as a hostage in Beirut. In captivity, often for extended periods in the dark starved of natural light,

his thoughts turned to the blind harpist Turlough O’Carolan who lived in Ballyfarnon, Roscommon. He later wrote a book on this 18th century musician. Keenan’s first-hand account of his experience of what happens to the mind in such an extreme environment, and the honesty and openness with which he spoke, had a great impact on the audience. Softly spoken, you could hear a pin drop for the duration of Keenan’s talk. Many of the audience were visibly moved, some subsequently describing the experience as ‘powerful’, ‘humbling’ and ‘inspiring’.

A range of high profile speakers spoke at the Conference, which covered disciplines as diverse as archaeology, mythology, folklore and religion. Academics and specialists travelled from across Ireland and Britain • Professor Jack Santino from Ohio, USA discussed how people through time have engaged with darkness. • Professor Muiris O’Sullivan, UCD explored how, prior to darkness electrification, formed a much greater part of people’s everyday experience; modern lighting has dramatically lessened our experience of darkness. • Dr. Colmán Ó Clabaigh OSB, a Benedictine monk from Glenstal Abbey, spoke about hermits in the early Christian Church who undertook solitary retreats in darkness as part of their spiritual practice. • Professor Richard Bradley from the University of Reading explored how the orientation of Bronze Age monuments in Ireland and Scotland reveal an increasing concern with the setting sun, the ‘dark side of the sky’. • Clare caver Tim O’Connell wowed the packed auditorium with dramatic images of

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his 11 day caving expedition inside the deepest cave in the world, in Abkhazia. He related how the senses are affected in the dark, and how oppressive deep darkness can be. • Professor Gabriel Cooney, UCD, gave the closing address, which was aptly delivered in a darkened lecture theatre. The organisers, Dr. Marion Dowd, a lecturer in archaeology at IT Sligo, and Dr. Robert Hensey, were delighted with the overall success of the conference. “There has been great interest in the theme of darkness; it is something we can all relate to” said Dr. Hensey. “We had a terrific line-up of high-profile speakers in what was arguably one of the best archaeological conference ever held in Sligo,” added Dr. Dowd. The organisers have now started work on a book which will contain papers by each of the 14 speakers who participated in the event. Something to read as the evenings gets darker. IT Sligo offers the only science-based archaeology programme in Ireland. For more information see www.itsligo.ie

DISTRICT Court Judge Mary Devins is in the news yet again. Recently, she criticised local gardaí for bringing a man from Castlerea prison to court for a minor road-traffic offence. Owen Gerard McDonagh of 27, Castlegrove, Castlebar, is currently serving a threemonth prison sentence in Castlerea for assault and not completing a community service order. He appeared before Castlebar District Court last Wednesday for having no road tax. Two prison guards accompanied Mr McDonagh from Castlerea to Castlebar for the hearing. Judge Devins slammed the decision to produce him before court for such minor matters, highlighting its cost to the State. It was initially unclear whether Mr McDonagh was before last Wednesday’s court for other charges also. When it became apparent that it was just for the road tax offence, Judge Devins voiced incredulity. “I don’t believe it – all the cost that has been incurred

here to bring this man from prison for what are only minor Road Traffic Act offences,” she said. Superintendent JJ Keane explained that prosecuting garda, Garda Declan Glynn, had thought that other matters against McDonagh were also due before the court last Wednesday. Garda Glynn said that he ‘held the strong belief’ that McDonagh was in court last Wednesday for public-order matters but that he learned that those matters are due on November 20. Judge Devins struck out the road-tax charge.

See our Xmas Feature Pages 24&25

Taoiseach heckled by turf-cutters in Galway TAOISEACH Enda Kenny was heckled and jostled by around 200 protesters last Saturday night as he opened the Abbey Community Centre in Loughrea, County Galway. It’s reported that dozens of Gardai had to protect the Taoiseach during a protest by turfcutters from nearby parishes. Turf cutters from the Barroughter, Ardraigue and Clonmoylan Bog Action Group, as well as representatives from the TCCA, organised the picket to coincide with the Taoiseach’s visit. The Taoiseach had been made aware of the protest in advance of his visit and had offered to meet with a small delegation to discuss their concerns. However, the invitation was rejected.

It’s reported that the protesters blocked off the road to the Community Centre and the Taoiseach

had to walk with a Garda escort to the venue, amid shouts of abuse from the demonstrators.

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Text alert scheme for Carrick businesses

Ray Gannon, Carrick Chamber; Anthony Boyle, King and Moffatt Retail; Bernie Phillips, Leitrim Design House; Inspector Jim Delaney; Chief Superintendent Michael Clancy; Gerry Faughnan, Carrick Chamber President; Finola McGuire, The Magnet; John Dowling, Tesco. Pic courtesy Keith Nolan Photography.

new text alert scheme for businesses in Carrick-on Shannon is to be set up before Christmas. The proposal was put forward by Acting District Officer in Carrick-on-Shannon and Inspector Jim Delaney in an effort to increase crime prevention among businesses. The Chamber of Commerce called a meeting in the Bush

Hotel last week where there was a huge interest in the scheme. Chief Superintendent for the Sligo Leitrim Garda Division Michael Clancy also attended and said that this system of tackling crime from the bottom up is key to reducing the problem. Initially Inspector Delaney was hoping to have the scheme

Pamela Scott and Costa Coffee for Castlebar CASTLEBAR continues to attract top retails stores and news has just come through that women’s fashion retail store Pamela Scott is to open at Hopkins Road in Castlebar. The last of the original Irishowned fashion emporiums on Grafton Street, Pamela Scott continues to trade successfully against the multinationals year after year, by constantly mod-

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in place in 2013 but business owners who attended the meeting called for it to be put in place before Christmas. The bones of a new committee has already been set up with a view to holding a public meeting in the coming weeks. Everybody at the meeting, particularly Inspector Jim Delaney, believed the system is required in the town.

Perkins outlets nationwide. Today Pamela Scott stocks leading labels such as Sophie B, Twist, Olsen, Gerry Weber, Bianca and Betty Barclay, as well as a lengthy list of stunning evening wear brands from all over the world. The Castlebar store is expected to open sometime this month. The store is to be located in the Quarter Shopping area in the old BR2 building and renovation has already started in the building. The second addition to the town’s retain sector is Costa Coffee, a British multinational coffeehouse company headquartered in England. It is the second-largest coffeehouse chain in the world (behind Starbucks) and the largest in the United Kingdom. The business has 1,375 UK shops, 920 Costa Express vending machines and a further 800 shops throughout the world.. Meanwhile, Castlebar-based firm Petworld has announced the recent opening of a new store in the Laois Shopping Centre (under Costa Coffee) in Portlaoise, which has resulted in the creation of seven new jobs. Petworld is a family-owned and run company that has been in the pet supply market for over 20 years, and now has stores in Dublin, Galway, Sligo, Athlone and Mullingar as well as Castlebar.

Abbey Hotel, Roscommon The Midlands’ premier Wedding Venue

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Hospital to see pantomime via Skype

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has helped launch the world's first pantomime show via Skype at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Patients and their families at the London hospital will be able to watch a live performance of Peter Pan on December 13 streamed using Skype technology from the Venue Cymru theatre in Llandudno, North Wales. The internet video, voice and text company, widely used for "Skyping" friends and loved ones abroad, is providing the technology free for the performance, part of its partnership with pantomime producer Qdos Entertainment. Horwood, known for his Strictly catchphrase "Three words: Fab-u-lous!" said: "Christmas is a very special time of year for families and we are delighted that the Qdos Entertainment partnership with Skype allows a pantomime to be broadcast live into Great Ormond Street Hospital in what is a fab-u-lous and unique event. "As well as the live broadcast, we are thrilled to be raising funds for the hospital, which treats sick children from across the country." The Australian-born dancer and choreographer described Skype, a division of Microsoft, as a "really, really fantastic medium" that he uses regularly to keep in contact with his family. He will be appearing as the Wicked Queen alongside ex-Tory MP and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ann Widdecombe in Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs at Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe, Bucks. "My role as the Wicked Queen I think is one of joy. The reason I say that is because I get to be really, really nasty. Of course, I am not like that in real life, of course I am not like that on Strictly Come Dancing either - just honest," he said. "But this time I really get to ham it up and enjoy myself, plus what is interesting about it is that Widdy is playing my servant - so I get to boss her around a lot but she does get me back though for every one and two I ever gave her on Strictly. She does unfortunately have the last laugh but it is all in good spirit and all great fun."

Most elderly 'never use the internet'

Most older people in the UK and many of those who are disabled have never used the internet, a study has shown. Only 30% of adults aged 75 years and over had ever used the internet, the latest quar-

terly release about internet use by adults found. There were 3.24 million nonusers aged 75 years and over, said the Office for National Statistics. The elderly non-users also

made up 43% of the 7.63 million people who had never used the internet. Within the demographic, elderly women were also much less likely to go online than their male counterparts.

The disabled were another demographic who had low internet usage. In the third quarter there were 3.89 million disabled adults who had never used the internet. This represents 33% of those who are disabled and just over half of the 7.63 million adults who had never used the internet. In comparison, almost all adults aged 16 to 24 years were internet users. However, the study found that the number of people who had never gone online was 2% lower than last quarter and about 9% lower than the same quarter last year. The paper also showed that overall, men in the UK were slightly more likely to be internet users at 87%, compared with women at 83%. By region, London had the highest proportion of internet users at 88% and Northern Ireland the lowest at 77%. The estimates of the study were derived from the Labour Force Survey and are not seasonally adjusted.

Queen receives Jubilee digital gift

THE Queen has received her first digital gift to mark the Diamond Jubilee and memories from thousands of people worldwide. The Jubilee Time Capsule, which catalogues 8,000 memories from people across 66 countries over the last 60 years, was

presented to the Queen on a Samsung Galaxy tablet. John Samson, 12, from Malawi, presented the gift to the Queen at the Royal Commonwealth Society and it will be housed in the Royal Collection in Windsor. John, who won the RCS's Jun-

ior Essay Competition, submitted a moving memory of being accepted at a school for orphans after surviving on the streets by begging. He said: "They gave me a new school uniform. It was the happiest day because I had new clothes." He explained that to meet the Queen he was wearing his first suit and when he presented her with the tablet, he helped her activate the touchscreen. The project, which attracted entries from more than 37,000 people of all ages, asked people to submit memories of their most special day during the last 60 years. The most popular day was April 29, 2010 when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wed. Danny Sriskandarajah, director of RCS, said: "We wanted to bring the Commonwealth to life and to do something cool

and digital for the Jubilee. It has been about the Queen but also about the people of the Commonwealth and their lives." Among the guests was Eric Carter, 92, who was a Spitfire pilot in the Second World War and is now the only surviving member of Force Benedict, which was given the task of protecting the port of Murmansk against German invasion. Mr Carter, who is a hero in Russia but little known in the UK, explained: "In many ways my experiences during the war shaped my life and I am lucky because I had the opportunity to do so many things and meet so many people. "I met the Queen on a state visit to Moscow. I told her today that I had met her before in Russia and she looked a bit taken aback."

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Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

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'World's worst hotel' warns visitors not to sue before they arrive You can stay for just £18-a-night, but you get what you pay for at what could be the world's worst hotel.

msterdam’s Hans Brinker Budget Hostel has all the charm of a detention centre for young offenders. It also boats thin mattresses, grotty paintwork, metal lockers and rooms without views and, until recently, beds. Unlike a jail, this 127-room hell-hole has been charging people to endure its facilities for 40 years. In fairness, young travellers are given plenty of warning. A lengthy disclaimer on its website reads: ‘Those wishing to stay do so at their own risk and will not hold the hotel liable for food poisoning, mental breakdowns, terminal illness, lost limbs, radiation poisoning, certain diseases associated with the 18th century, plague, etc.’ Advertising slogans include: ‘It can’t get any worse. But we’ll do our best’, and ‘Improve your immune system, stay at Hans Brinker’. While other hotel chains claim that ‘luxury comes as standard’ the Hans Brinker excitedly tells customers ‘Now with beds in every room.’ It’s a policy that seems to be working with backpackers. ‘They love our humour and sarcasm and they have diminished their expectations to less than nothing,’ said manager Tijmen Receveur. Reviews on hotel comparison websites make alarming reading. ‘I’d read other reviews of the hostel before we got there, so was a bit nervous. Un-

fortunately most of the reviews I’d read were completely true,’ writes a guest. ‘The rooms were like prison cells, with rickety old beds and metal lockers that didn’t close properly.’

Others were more positive. ‘Hans Brinker is a fun-filled hostel with great facilities, friendly staff and a great location,’ wrote another. ‘You will not be disappointed.’

WHEN Rupert Chapman moved into a house in Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, he received a letter addressed to the dog, informing the canine that he had gone into his overdraft. Not knowing a dog - or indeed, previous tenant - by that name, Mr Chapman replied with a letter from his own dog, Charley, expressing his surprise. 'When the letter came it was addressed to Noodles the dog – it was clearly someone who was in the house before – and I had no idea what it could be,' he told the Leicester Mercury. 'We moved in in August and the previous people had rented and I didn't know who they were, so I thought it would be fitting to send a reply from Charley.' But Mr Chapman also noticed that the addressee was not the only canine connection in the letter. 'It wasn't until I posted the reply I realised I was writing to a man named Collier – it was priceless,' he said. A spokesman for the bank, Grant McDonald, told the newspaper that they get many cases of people taking out accounts in the names of their pets, 'to pay for things such as vets' or kennel fees'. 'The new home owners do not owe the bank anything, this is the previous tenant's debt, so they shouldn't worry about it.'

Schoolboy, 13, banned from growing Movember moustache by teachers Staff refused to allow Gus Hooker to sport a ’tache as a tribute to his grandfather, who recently beat cancer. School officials told him Movember was unsuitable for a 'co-educational school with young children'. Gus, who says he has been shaving since he was nine, said: 'I just wanted to show off my moustache 'A boy a couple of years below me came up to me once and told me that the one thing he had heard about this school before he came here was my facial hair. 'It's a shame because my moustache would've raised a lot of money. Everyone wanted me to go for it.' His dad added in a blog post: 'There is nothing in the uniform policy [about moustaches] and some staff are doing it this year, as they did last year. 'Staff can do what they want with no chance of criticism or question by parents.' Priory Academy in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, said fundraising events must be ‘entirely inclusive’. Instead, it has allowed Gus to organise a fake moustache day.

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naturalhealth By Megan Fennell

The information provided to you on this page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice and it is important that you do not make medical decisions without first consulting your doctor or other healthcare professional.

Stand Up for Your Health my frame. Need more incentives? Here's why over-sitting must—and can—be stopped.

re you sitting down? Perfect. Please take a moment to check in with your body. Is your rear kind of numb? Do the backs of your thighs feel smushed? Is your lower back all crunched? This is your body crying out for help! Really. A wave of new research indicates that sitting all day is actively damaging your health. By forcing a body designed for movement to hold a crushingly immobile position, sitting strains muscles, slows your metabolism, increases your risk of heart disease, and even shortens your life span. "Sitting is a health hazard on the order of smoking," says Marc

Hamilton, PhD, a microbiologist at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. I was once like you: I sat 10 to 11 hours a day.And then, in 2008, I was researching an article about newfangled chairs and learned that few of the designers actually sat on chairs because of the ill effects on their health.Tired of that glommedup, dull feeling I got at my desk, I shoved my chair to the side and tried a standing desk. Over the next six months, I slowly rid my home of chairs. I couldn't believe how my body responded. My back pain disappeared, along with my poor posture. And 15 pounds nearly fell off

Sitting makes you fat When you park your butt in a chair, your metabolism comes to a screeching halt. It's all because of an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase, which resides in the blood vessels of your muscles. "Lipoprotein lipase captures fat in the blood and incinerates it," says Hamilton. When you're standing, the postural muscles that support your weight, mostly in your legs, release the enzyme, which goes to work burning fat. But when you're sitting still, and not shifting every 30 to 90 seconds as the body does naturally, "the fat stays in the arteries, and can be stored in adipose tissue—also known as body fat," Hamilton explains. A typical day of sitting lowers lipoprotein lipase activity by 90 to 95% (in animals), which is why when Hamilton takes blood samples of his human subjects while they're sitting and eating, the plasma—ideally clear—is white and chunky, filled with fat, the sign of a sluggish metabolism. Worse yet, experts say that 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise may not counteract the effects of sitting all day. In fact, Hamilton says, the biochemical reactions slowed by sitting are completely different from the ones that are activated by your daily workout. The biggest difference between thin and fat people is not how much they eat or exercise, but how much they sit, according to James Levine, MD, an obesity researcher at the Mayo Clinic. In a now famed 2005 study, Dr. Levine placed mildly obese and lean participants with similar, fairly healthy diets in sensored "magic" underwear that recorded their body position every half sec-

ond. The thin people spent a whopping 120 fewer minutes every day sitting, and the overweight people would have burned an average of 350 more calories if they'd engaged in as many non-exercise-related activities (i.e., puttering around). The take-home message: Sitting can have just as great an effect on your weight than eating or exercise, all because our metabolism engine is fueled by constant little movements.

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Sitting messes with your back Your powerful abdominal, pelvic, and leg muscles evolved to do the work of supporting your 100-plus pounds of organs and bones. "But when you sit, you're placing most of your weight directly on the spine and pelvis instead," explains Andrew Hecht, MD, co-chief of spinal sur- • Alcohol • Drug & Substance Abuse gery at Mount Sinai Medical Center. • Smoking • Gambling • Overeating You're also forcing the natural S- • Addictive Sexual Behaviours curve of your spine into a C-shape, which isn't strong enough to take • Addictive Compulsive Habits We give a personal guarantee that we will get to the pressure. "Imagine resting a the root cause of your problem, and we are totally heavy weight on top of the letter S or C," says Galen Cranz, PhD, au- committed to helping our clients achieve their goals. thor of The Chair: Rethinking Cul- For more information or bookings call ture, Body & Design. "Which is Patricia Heneghan on 087-6886239 going to collapse more easily?"

addiction counselling

Sitting shortens your life How's this for a case against being on your bum? A long-term study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2010 followed nearly 70,000 healthy women and their daily habits for 14 years. After adjusting for risk factors including body mass index and smoking, researchers found that women who spent six hours a day sitting had a 37% increased risk of dying versus those who spent less than three hours a day seated.Also, death rates from cardiovascular disease were 2.7 times higher in women who sat six or more hours a day, regardless of how much they exercised or weighed.Yes, sitting literally kills.

Email: info@galway-counselling.ie Visit: www.galway-counselling.ie

JB’s DENTURE CLINIC Garden/Tone St, Ballina.

Tel: 096-72189 087-6389500 Mon-Thu 9.30 - 6pm / Fri 9.30 - 5pm

Homes, Hospital, Nursing Homes. Appointments by arrangement

Westport Foot Clinic St. John’s Place, Westport, Co. Mayo

S.T.O.P. is a registered charity, which was set up to assist and support individuals who feel suicidal, are in distress, or those who have been bereaved by suicide. Contact: Michelle Fox Beepark Resource Centre, Newline, Manorhamilton, Co.Leitrim Office: 071 9856070 Mobile: 086 7772009 Email:northweststop@yahoo.ie

0212

Chiropodist: Martin Mc Nally Tel: 087 222 6260

LOSE UP TO 14lbs IN 14 DAYS!

No Dieting, no excessive exercise, Safe and Easy Derek (Kerry) lost 7 stone in 7 months. Dee (Clare) lost 4 Stone in 5 months. So could You! Call Fabshape 065-7075927 086-8054270

1008 1009

North West Counselling

Counselling for people with addictions eg. Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling • Relapse Programme • One-to-one Counselling • Referral system for private clients to White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre • Addiction and General counselling available Afternoon, evening and weekend appointments available

Counsellors are professionally trained and are fully accredited or working towards accreditation. For appointments ring: 087-2879707, 086-4000555 or 074-9723822 Email: tabourhouse2004@eircom.net Tabor House, Drimark, Donegal Town

Helping people to recover

Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

Ballina, Co. Mayo

entertainment guide

Who?

Weddings, Private Parties, Communions, etc. Full Packages available, see Website for details

Where?

Dance Floors - Bar Units - Toilets - Lighting - Tables & Chairs - Catering Nationwide Service

Mill Street, Westport, Co. Mayo

Bold and exciting production of Romeo & Juliet visits Hawk’s Well

carus Theatre Collective and King’s Theatre, Southsea present Romeo & Juliet, written by William Shakespeare and directed by Max Lewendel at the Hawk’s Well Theatre on Friday 23rd of November at 10am and 2pm. “Violent delights have violent ends...” Following on from the success of Macbeth, the highly acclaimed Icarus Theatre Collective presents a bold and exciting new production of Shakespeare’s most tragic tale – Romeo & Juliet In defiance of their families and in secrecy from their closest friends, hopeful young lives burn amidst a celestial and cataclysmic backdrop. Sun and moon shine down on star-crossed lovers as they hide their passion and sexuality from their warring families and their closest friends. Misadventure, family pride, and ancient quarrels abort and bury the most joyous of beginnings, the most hopeful of love stories as Romeo and Juliet, driven apart, find their world becoming a constricting, single mausoleum of fate and death.

Telephone: 098-28760

• Pool Table • Darts • Smoking area • All Sports on our 7 Big Screen TV’s • Excellent Party Venue • LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT • DISCO BAR EVERY SAT & SUN NIGHT The Perfect Venue for Stag & Hen Parties! Contact us today for details!

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

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

Tel: 096-76838

Just 5 mins from Ballina

MARQUEE & PARTY HIRE Weddings, Parties and Special Events We cover them all! Professional marquees all sizes including flooring, lighting, carpets, tables & chairs, heaters etc. tailored to your requirements.

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

When?

Tel: 086 8773635

Icarus Theatre Collective launched in 2004. Lauded as one of the most fearless and dynamic theatre companies in the UK, their reputation for punchy and vibrant productions of contemporary and classic theatre continues to grow. The company’s productions have won countless accolades including Time Out’s Critics Choice, as well as receiving great praise from critics and audiences alike and winning awards from as far afield as Romania (Best Production and Best Actress, The Lesson). Over the years, the company have performed their work both nationally and internationally, including their award-winning production of R.C. Sheriff’s Journey’s End, which played to sell-out houses on its national tour. Running time: approx 2 hours 30 minutes, including interval Tickets for this production of Romeo and Juliet are €15 and are available from the Hawk’s Well Theatre Box Office on 071 916 1518 or at www.hawkswell.com. Tickets for school groups are €12.

THE REDNECK MANIFESTO REGULARLY cited as one of the most influential and quietly revered Irish instrumental bands of the past decade, Finbar Hoban Presents live, ‘The Redneck Manifesto’ live in The Ruby Room. Expect a night of experimental rock, funky electro undertones and tribal drum solos. Formed in 1998 as a four piece TRM composed of members of several prominent Dublin bands, Jackbeast, Black Belt Jones, The Waltons, Hylton Weir and the Connect 4 Orchestra. The band first started playing gigs across Dublin and soon released a number of singles. It was their debut album ‘Thirty Six Strings’ that first harnessed the power of their passionate and well rehearsed live shows and was acclaimed ‘Irish album of the year’ 2001 by the Event Guide (Dublin). In March 2002 the band undertook their first headline European tour and released an the very successful extended EP ‘Cut Your Heart off From Your Head’ with the Redneck sound changing subtly. In 2003 The Redneck Manifesto played at ‘Witness’, featured on a number of BMX Video soundtracks, and played at shows and festivals in the US. The band recorded their third album in 2004, ‘I Am Brazil’ and was the first recording as a five piece, expanding their sound as a result. ‘Friendship’, deemed to be their best album to date, was released in 2010. The bands’ studio recordings, live appearances and their side-projects - Somadrone, Jape, and Vision Air - have enhanced Irish music immeasurably. Fri

23rd Nov. is your chance to see them live. A well-formed gem - Irish Times, ‘Friendship’ album, 4 out of 5 stars

‘Irish album of the year’ - The Event Guide (Dublin). Tickets €12 on the door. Show in The Ruby Room.

Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

18 Bella Vista Bar & Bistro Shore Rd, Strandhill, Co Sligo

Tel: (071) 9122222 www.bellavista.ie

Food is served from 10am - 10pm daily, including breakfast, lunch, pizzas, pastas, a la carte menu, kids menu and Coeliac friendly dishes so there is bound to be something to satisfy any appetite.

Thanks for all your support over the years!!! From Mark, Connie & Bella Vista Staff

BG JOINERY Sligo

Manufacturers of Hardwood & Softwood Windows and Doors & Machined Timber Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Continued Success to John in Sligo Glass from Brendan and all at BG Joinery

Tel: 086-6004789

A.I.S.

All in Stainless LTD

Stainless Steel Manufacturers & Custom Designed Stainless products

Wishing Sligo Glass continued success from all at AIS ltd • On-site Survey • Design • Fully equipped CNC fabrication workshop • Machining facilities - Turning, Milling, etc • Transport and Installation • Repairs • Modifications •Upgrades • Mechanical Services • Breakdown & Preventative Maintenance

Tel: 087-4199851 • Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo info@allinstainless.com • www.allinstainless.com

Sligo Glass glazing contractors Most impressive product range

LIGO GLASS supplies the most impressive range of products you can imagine in the glass business. The expertise has been built up over a long number of years. The business was established by Frank Carty in 1974 from humble beginnings in his father's shed. He quickly grew the business and was soon able to recruit his brother Cormac and local Sligo Rovers legend Chris Rutherford. The business has now thrived for over 35 years and has a spacious new premises with decorative glass showroom & workshop beside Duncan's Island in Finisklin. Frank’s sons, Barry and Morgan and their brother in law, John, have now taken over the business and continue to offer the professional service our customers expect. If you're an architect, designer, builder, shop owner, property management company or just someone that needs a professional service from a knowledgeable glass company Sligo Glass is there for you. From Mirrors & decorative glass for your home to large commercial projects, we offer a full service. The opportunites currently available with glass are endless. Glass has rapidly become a major factor in building design and is increasingly specified by Architects to service commerical and private projects due to the vast benefits it provides.

Print House, Market Yard, Sligo T: 071 9162623 F 071 9170548 www.craftsmanpress.ie

Open: Mon - Thur: 9am to 5pm • Fri: 9am to 4pm

Continued Success to John in Sligo Glass from all at Craftsman Press

Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

19 Far Finisklin Road, Co. Sligo

Tel: 071-91 61924 Email: sales@sligoglass.com

www.sligoglass.com The Sligo business provides a varied and impressive range of products: designed glass, mirrors, coloured glass, table tops, shelving, architectural, double glazing, fire glass, Perspex. You can also get emergency repairs carried out. The business offers a free consultation/quotation service and can supply and fit the glass to your specifications. They sell glass at wholesale prices and only stock the best quality Glass and Mirrors. The service is second to none in the northwest, backed by 35 years experience. Why not call into the showrooms at Duncan’s Island today and see the many products and glazing services on offer.

Continued Success to Sligo Glass from all at Kilcawley Construction Sansheen House, Wolfe Tone Street, Sligo

T: 071-9162206 F: 071-9169463 E: office@kilcawleyconstruction.com

www.kilcawleyconstruction.com

Wishing John and all in Sligo Glass continued success from all at IBS Publishing If you would like your business featured in an upcoming edition and at NO COST TO YOU - THE BUSINESS OWNER then you can contact us on 071-9154538 • • • •

Made to measure Including cut-outs for sockets Heat Resistant Tempered glass Hygenic & Easy to clean Painted Colour of your choice RAL or british standard paint charts • Easily fitted over existing tiles • Free quotation service Far Finisklin Road, Co. Sligo

Tel: 071-91 61924 Email: sales@sligoglass.com

www.sligoglass.com

Wishing Continued Success to John and all in Sligo Glass from KG Construction

Traditional and Contemporary Framing Adelaide Street, Sligo Tel: 071 9151779 imageframers@gmail.com

KG Construction, Ballast Quay, The Docklands, Sligo Telephone: 071-9170444 Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.40pm Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm

Wishing Continued Success to John and all in Sligo Glass

Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

Visit Santa & his real live deer Dancer & Prancer at Ireland’s Lapland, Glendeer Pet Farm

ts not everyday that you arrive at a farm decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, meet Santa & his deer Dancer & Prancer or see a crib with a live cow & donkey, except of course when you visit Ireland’s Lapland at Glendeer Pet Farm. Glendeer Pet Farm, which is located just outside Athlone off the M6 (Tuam/Monksland Exit 13, follow Drum signs) has all facilities undercover. There are Christmas themed cabins with scenes like ‘ The Night Before Christmas’, an animated snow scene, Santa’s Workshop & a real ‘Winter Wonderland’ where the kids can run around as the snowflakes fall down around them. A variety of animals await your arrival also, including our cheeky monkeys George & Gina & Rio the macaw parrot. Ireland’s Lapland has something for everyone, young & old alike. The children get their little bag of food to feed the animals as they make their way over to see Santa, have a chat with him & receive a gift, & adults can treat themselves to fresh coffee/cappucino & homemade snacks in the warm surroundings of the cosy coffee shop. It has even been said that a visit to Ireland's Lapland brings out the child in

everyone & the memories of Christmas' past. There is plenty to entertain the kids with the new INDOOR Skywalk play area with lots of slides & bridges so Glendeer is perfect even on those wet or snowy days, just remember to wrap up warm! Don’t forget to bring along a camera so you can take plenty of memorable pictures of your lapland experience. This year Santa arrives by sleigh on Sat 1st Dec at 5pm & will be at the farm every evening until the 23rd Dec. Special rates for groups of 20 & over, catered for by appointment during the day. Admission: Adults € 8, Children € 16 (includes visit to Santa & gift) Opening times for Ireland’s Lapland : Mon to Fri 4pm – 7pm, Sat & Sun 3pm – 7pm There is no need to pre-book tickets, they can be purchased on arrival. It is a queuing sytem for Santa, but it moves quite quickly & children can feed the animals while they wait. No one will be turned away! For more info. or directions on Ireland’s Lapland @ Glendeer Farm, Curryroe, Drum, Athlone visit www.glendeerpetfarm.ie or contact us on 090 6437147.

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

For details of your local stockist Phone NOEL at 087-9896948

Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

Newest Star in the West wins the Supreme Award at this year’s Good Food Ireland Awards Ceremony

ast night in the Shelbourne Hotel, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. presided over the 6th Annual Good Food Ireland Awards Ceremony. Over 300 guests including hoteliers, restaurateurs and artisan food producers were in attendance for the Awards, which are now a firm fixture in the food and travel awards calendar. RTÉ’s Mary Kennedy hosted the Awards Ceremony. Speaking at the Awards An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. said, "I am delighted to congratulate the winners of Good Food Ireland Awards 2012. Each winner showcases the unique taste and flavour of indigenous Irish foods, which is delivered with consistently high quality and our traditionally warm and friendly service to customers. More and more, Irish counties, towns and villages are becoming associated with their locally produced and artisan food and these are a unique selling point to our visiting tourists. This evening’s event recognises the very hard work of those in the food and hospitality sector and highlights the potential of food tourism. It also marks how critical this sector is to our economy and how it will be at the heart of our economic recovery." The Good Food Ireland Supreme Award sponsored by Kerrygold went to Aniar Restaurant Galway, the newest recipient of a Michelin Star and the only Star in the West. Other winners on the night included The Foods of Athenry for Producer of the Year, Restaurant FortyOne at Residence for Restaurant of the Year, The Food Store in Mayo for Local Food Shop of the Year, Kai Café and Restaurant won the Food Lover’s Choice Award, this award was voted on by the public. Renvyle House Hotel won Culinary Haven of the Year and Café Rua in Mayo won Café of the Year. Hargadon’s in Sligo won Food Pub of the Year. The winner of this year’s ‘Come and See’ Producer of the Year is The Apple Farm in Tipperary, this award recognises the producer that encourages the visitor to experience, learn and understand their product in an engaging way. Speaking at the Awards, Margaret Jeffares Founder and MD of Good Food Ireland said: ‘This year’s winners showcase the growing innovation and high standards in Irish ingredient-led cuisine. They reflect the culture of our island and can stand up to the best food experience anywhere in the world”.’

AWARD WINNERS: Good Food Ireland Café of the Year 2012/13 Sponsored by NewsTalk This award emphasises the use of quality local Irish food along with outstanding service and hospitality. WINNER: Café Rua, Mayo Good Food Ireland Culinary Haven 2012/13 Sponsored by Marine Harvest This award recognises guest accommodation that prioritises a superior local food experience. WINNER: Renvyle House Hotel, Galway Good Food Ireland Food Lover’s Choice Award 2012/13 Sponsored by The Irish Times This award is selected by public users of Good Food Ireland as their overall favourite food destination. WINNER: Kai Café and Restaurant, Galway Good Food Ireland Food Pub of the Year 2012/13 Sponsored by Grant Thornton This award recognises delivery of superior food while emphasising an Irish-ingredient led experience. WINNER: Hargadons, Sligo

Good Food Ireland Local Food Shop of the Year 2012/13 Sponsored by House of Waterford Crystal This award highlights a clear demonstration of local produce combined with appropriate service. WINNER: The Food Store, Mayo Good Food Ireland Newcomer of the Year East, South, West and North 2012/13 Sponsored by Tourism Ireland This award recognises the business, which

most clearly demonstrates the philosophy of Good Food Ireland. Newcomer of the Year West – Aniar Restaurant, Galway Good Food Ireland OVERALL NEWCOMER of the Year – Aniar Restaurant, Galway Good Food Ireland Producer of the Year 2012/13 Sponsored by Bord Bia This award celebrates authentic produce we all want to eat or drink. It assures con-

sumers that they have found something exceptionally good. The winner of this award will be distinguished by exemplary flavor and taste. WINNER: The Foods of Athenry, Galway Good Food Ireland Supreme Award of the Year 2012/13 Sponsored by Kerrygold The business that this year most strongly reflects the Good Food Ireland experience. WINNER: Aniar Restaurant, Galway

Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

TERRYS STOVES www.terrysstoves.com

• Free Survey available • Solid Fuel Stoves • Gas Fires When buying a stove you need good information on the wide range that is available

people with energy

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

Phone: 0872066910 or 0719197925

Buy Once! Buy Right!

BATHROOM

BLISS

From Start to Finish

Complete Bathroom & En-Suite Renovations Including: Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry and Tiling

For a free estimate phone: Kiaron Codd on 071-9166861 or 086-086-3406589 s to Ultimate Insulation

Water Problems? • Water Analysis Covering • Water Filtration the Northwes t a n d • Water Softening Midlands • Well Drilling • Pump Supplied and Fitted • Rain Water Collection & Purification • Sewage Treatment Systems

Jodie McGowan has over 25 years experience in the Water Treatment Business

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

Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

Lynns Dock, Sligo • Tel: 071-9157830 Large Selection of Solids, Semi-Solids & Engineered Boards

CALL IN AND SEE OUR NEW SHOWROOM AT LYNNS DOCK LAMINATES FROM €5.99 sq yd

SOLIDS FROM €21 sq yd

E M I T R E T T E B A N E E B R E V E N S A H E THER ! G N I R O O L F N E D O O W TO BUY LARGE SELECTION OF BEDS and MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES

WE ARE HERE

www.sligowoodflooring.com

Northwest Express November 22th, 2012 Northwest Express November 22th, 2012

t c e f r e P e Th

Santa is coming to town

Christmas Gift RISTMAS H -C E R P T C E F R E P E TH P AR T Y V E N U E

Opening Times: Closed Monday & Tuesday - Wed, Thur & Fri 15:00 - 20:00 Sat & Sun 12:00 - 20:00 Provisional Booking required for off hours - Last groups 20:00 - 22:00

Tel: 048 66 322367 visit us online at sligoindoorairsoft.com Tel: 071-9146060 or 087-2405714

Horsevalley, Headford, Co. Galway Tel: 093-35644 Foxford Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo .Tel: 096-79785

Motorcycles

The Perfect Present e New Full Siz c 0c 5 2 r le Scramb

only €,139 er mbl 125cc Scra Only €1,099

Friday 14th from 4pm & Saturday 15th December all day Saturday 22nd all day & Sunday 23rd December all day Advance Booking Recommened

Wray Cycles

“Free Delivery” with every purchase before Christmas Abbey Street, Ardnaree, Ballina Co.Mayo Tel: 096 79694 Email: tonybikebizz@gmail.com

Mill Street, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh.

Main St!eet, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo

Tel: 048-6862-1663

Pedal Go-Karts, Tractors, Cars, Trailers & Accessories

Battlebridge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon

www.battlebridgepaintball.ie

TOP TEN TOYS TO BUY YOUR CHILD THIS CHRISTMAS

EGO, Cabbage Patch Kids and other retro toys are being tipped to make a comeback this Christmas. The Toy Retailers Association unveiled its top 13 Dream Toys expected to fly off the shelves during festive season. As well as modern gadgets and electronic tablets, children are likely to be unwrapping some old favourites on Christmas morning. Making a comeback is the Furby, the electronic owl-like creature which soared to popularity in 1998. Around 40 million were sold in the first three years of production although the phase didn’t last for long. The latest model

sports expressive LCD eyes and the ability to adapt their personality in reaction to user behaviour. Also making the list are Monster High Ghouls Rule dolls and a Web Shooting Spiderman. Parents are also expected to shell out for electronic children’s tablets and other electronic toys and games. The InnoTab 2, a multi-media learning device which children can use to read books, play games and draw pictures, is tipped to be a favourite. The similar LeapPad 2is also expected to be a popular addition to Christmas stockings this year.

ONLY €25 ENTRY!

Our Giﬅ Vouchers make the perfect Xmas Giﬅ

CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Tel: 096-37085 • 087-6165411

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR XMAS PARTIES

MINIMUM AGE 12

2012’s Dream Toys Cabbage Patch Kids dolls - €35.99 InnoTab 2 - €110.99 Jake and the Neverland Pirates Pirate Ship Bucky - €65.99 LeapPad2 - €109.99 Lego Lord of the Rings: The Mines of Moria - €85.99 Mike the Knight’s Deluxe Glendragon Playset -€35.99 Monster High Ghouls Rule Dolls - €27.99 My Moshi Home - €45.99 Twister Dance - €32.99 Web Shooting Spider Man - €39.99

Portland Business Park, Tempo Road, Enniskillen, BT74 6RH Tel from ROI: 048-66 320009 Mobile: 0044 7803 122 547 Visit us at our Website www.fletchergolf.co.uk

For the ideal Christmas Gift

Give the gift of a Fletcher Golf GIFT VOUCHER 'Specialist Custom Fit Centre' for Ping Taylor Made Mizuno Titleist Cobra and Callaway. Approved Powakaddy Frazer and MotoCaddy Service Centre

FLECTHER GOLF ARE PLEASED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH ASHWOODS GOLF CENTRE Sligo Rd, Enniskillen • Tel: 048-66325321

Bikes for all ages at unbeatable prices Largest Slection at keenest prices - 100’s of Bikes to choose from Christmas Club Open - Small Deposit Secures any Item - Free Storage

LOSE UP TO 1000 CALORIES IN 30 MINS

Quayside Shopping Centre, Wine Street, Sligo

Tel: 087-1123622 or 087-6211792