Late February 2011 Edition

28 Jan - 11 Feb 2011 Issue 2 - Volume 12 CEMETERY SERVICES & MAINTENANCE

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DONEGAL’S COLEMAN SIGNS WITH PAGE 12 EVERTON

Emigrants should have a vote

General Election looms but no voice for the Irish abroad

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T

he date is set, the reckoning comes for the government, and the people will have their say.

The most anticipated election in the history of the state is now set for February 25th and the people are chomp-

ing at the bit to give their verdict on 14 years of government by Fianna Fail.

Everyone in the country has a reason, personal or ideological, to cast their vote, but perhaps no one looks forward to the election more than those most affected, our emigrants.

Royal Theatre proprietor named Mayo Person of the year - see page 6

However, many of those emigrants might be surprised to learn that come Election Day they would be committing electoral fraud, and face a prison sentence of up to two years, if they attempt to vote.

Yes indeed, any person not resident

in Ireland as of September 1st 2010, will not be eligible to vote in this election. So the many tens of thousands who have been forced to leave Ireland because of the recession will not be allowed give their verdict.

This scandalous injustice heaped upon the wounds of those already forced to leave hearth and home in search of work means that many of our citizens, though only gone little more than five months have lost their right to vote and have been denied their rights, like criminals.

This situation makes us rather unique in the western world, where for the most part a right to vote is linked to holding a passport. In Britain, passport holders can vote from abroad. Indeed if Ireland and Northern Ireland were ever to unify we could find ourselves in a situation where most of the north could vote in British elections in perpetuity, yet an northerner who moved to Britain wouldn’t be able to vote in an Irish election after a few months.

In total 110 countries allow passport holders to retain their vote and in the EU only Greece has a similar policy to ours and even they are changing this following a ruling in France which deemed it in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Continued on Page 2

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Emigrants should have a vote

Continued from front page

Testimonials The Northwest Express spoke to a number of emigrants to canvas’ their views on this situation or whether they were even aware of it.

The Northwest Express spoke to Fianna Fail T.D. for Sligo-North Leitrim, and candidate in the upcoming election, Eamonn Scanlan, to get his views on this affront to democracy. His view is that reform in this area has been let slide due to the decline in emigration in recent years but that now we must grasp the nettle.

No one has grasped the nettle and reformed the electoral laws.

I don’t think they should be disenfranchised, and it’s terrible that this is the system. I myself have family abroad and would like them to be able to exercise their voting rights. But of course people who have left the country to work should be facilitated and allowed to exercise their right to vote. We should reform the law and I would support a bill that facilitated emigrants’ right to have their say in the election.

Fianna Fail Councillor for County Sligo Jerry Lundy also supports a reform of the system. However he’d stop short of expanding the franchise to anyone with an Irish passport, a number which might actually surpass the population of the Republic of Ireland.

It was young people who were forced to emigrate who were perhaps worse affected by the downturn in the economy and yes they should be allowed vote in the election.

Providing they were on the register at the last election. For example I have a brother who has been living in San Francisco for twenty years and he’s been paying taxes there, voting there; he lives there

and not in Ireland.

People migrate for a lot of reasons, for travelling or a change of lifestyle. Now, young educated graduates, are in a way serving over seas, like the defence forces.

They had to go for want of a job and will be back when good times return and they deserve the right to decide on who runs the country in their absence.

They should be given the same rights as those living on the offshore islands, or in the defense forces, or the diplomatic corps who vote before the actual election date, so long as of course, they still travel on an Irish passport.

The subject has come under scrutiny in the past, with suggestions in the mid-90s that seats in the Seanad be allocated to represent the Diaspora. Arguments against reform have noted that with 70 million people worldwide of Irish descent expanding the franchise could dwarf the number of voters actually living in Ireland.

However this should not preclude those who have been only gone a matter of months from exercising their right to vote.

Between April 2009 and April 2010, nearly 30,000 people emigrated, the highest number since 1989. All these people will have lost their right to vote. With estimates of the numbers who have emigrated since the beginning of the downturn going into six figures, this provision in the electoral system represents an institutional rigging of the polls and with the numbers emigrating to average 1,000 a week for the next two years according to the ERSI this problem will only get worse.

Short film starring Sligo woman gets Oscar nod

A northern Ireland short film starring a Sligo woman has been short listed for an Oscar. The Crush tells the story of an eight year old schoolboy who has an infatuation with his

teacher Ms. Purdy; played by Sligo native Olga Wehrly.

The film was premiered at the Kerry Film Festival last year and went on to win Best Irish Short film at the Foyle Film Festival in Derry. The film was written by Belfast born Michael Creagh and produced by Damon Quinn. Olga Wehrly has appeared in films and TV programmes including Raw and The Clinic as well as a number of theatre productions.

The Crush will face competition from four other short films and the winners will be announced on Sunday, February 27th.

Laura Byrne, 26, is an Arts Manager who emigrated in late 2009 I was unable to find work anywhere in Ireland in the Arts field even with a 1st Class honours degree. It was extremely disheartening to specialize in college and look forward to my extended study paying off in fulfilling employment, only to end up on the dole for a year willing to take any work but able to get none. It really resulted in my confidence being shattered. Eventually I was offered an opportunity to work in an arts centre in London and had to move abroad but I was shocked to find, I now am not entitled to have a say through a vote as to the future of the country. It seems so unjust and totally unfair. I am a prime example of my generation operating out of sheer desperation and making the move overseas only to be shunned Mark Glynn, is a Civil Engineering graduate who emigrated in the Summer of 2009.

I think it’s a disgrace that I can’t vote in the election. I worked hard to get a good education, so I could get a job. But because of the recession I had to emigrate. I was given the opportunity of doing what I was trained to do, how could I turn it down? I didn’t want to leave and I want to return to my home as soon as I can.

It’s hard to take, that now I’ve been forced to leave the country I love, that I can’t make my voice heard at the ballot box. The law should be changed Michelle McCormack, is a qualified Architect who emigrated in early 2010 I had a good job but was let go in early 2009. There was no work, I had to move back home because I couldn’t afford rent. I applied for every job, I went on every FAS course, looked into every back to work scheme, training courses. I volunteered and applied for internships but it wasn’t working. My career was stagnating and I had to get work. So I emigrated, to look for a living.

I’m angry that after doing everything by the book, trying to get work, that the system would then deny me my rights.

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Sligo musician launches debut CD

WESTERN MOBILITY

SLIGO musician Collette Sheerin will launch her debut CD “take your colours” in McGarrigles Pub, Sligo, on Friday January 28.

She will be joined by some musical friends who have been a part of her journey, and some of whom feature on the CD. Collette is originally from Offaly but has made Sligo her home over the past number of years where she has become known for her broad range of musical talents. She plays regular traditional sessions and gigs around Sligo and the Northwest, performing at various festivals such as Cairde and Sligo Live.

Collette is best known as a flautist and her new album “Take your Colours” features a lot of her exquisite flute playing. Besides being an accomplished flautist, Collette Sheerin is also a fine song writer and the self written songs on her album demonstrate her song writing skills.

The “Take your Colours” CD release takes place at 9pm at McGarrigles Pub, O’Connell St., Sligo on Friday January 28.

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Vomiting bug puts pressure on Hospitals

SOME admissions have been deferred at Sligo General Hospital due to the high number of people requiring admission.

The hospital has appealed for patients not to attend the emergency Department unless absolutely necessary, after a record number were left waiting on trolleys in recent weeks.

There has been an increased incidence in vomiting illness in the community and the hospital is currently receiving more patients with these symptoms, putting more pressures on beds.

Visitors were also encouraged not to visit the hospital unless it is absolutely essential. This too was encouraged at other hospitals including Letterkenny General Hospital, who advised all visitors to refrain from visiting if they have had symptoms of vomiting or diahorrea within a 48 hour period of visiting the hospital.

Films ‘Made in Sligo’ shown this weekend SLIGO film Festival, Made in Sligo, will take place this weekend, Friday January 28 to Sunday January 30, after being cancelled in December due to bad weather.

Made in Sligo celebrates all aspects of filmmaking in Sligo County, from feature films to documentaries, family films through to short films and including a range of work relating to specific areas and communities in Sligo.

All tickets for any of the films are priced at only five euro, which organisers hope will encourage the public to come along to the Cinema-mobile, which will be located at Lower Quay Street

Car Park in Sligo town centre.

Opening the three day event is the first Sligo screening of the comedydrama “Coney Island Baby”, which features lots of local faces and places.

32A, which tells the story of the trials of a teenage girl, who no longer considers herself a child, but is not yet an adult, will play on Saturday January 29. The multi award winning film is directed by Dromahair based film maker Marian Quinn.  Highly acclaimed surfing documentary “Waveriders” is one of the main attrac-  tions of Saturday’s screening itinerary,  to



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name only a few of the unique home grown film based projects being showcased over the weekend.

Children will be kept entertained too, with family friendly movies E.T. on Saturday at 2pm and Miracle on 34th Street on Sunday 2.30pm.

Movie lovers in Leitrim too have something to look forward to, with Cinema North West’s “New Roots” film festival taking place in February.

A number of films will be screened  Cinema-mobile in  free of charge in their towns across Leitrim during the  first  three  weekends of February.

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100 jobs to be created in Tuam 100 new highly skilled technology jobs in manufacturing are to be created in Tuam, Co. Galway. Technology company Valeo Vision Systems is investing 17 million on research and development projects.

The news will see 100 new positions in the Valeo plant in Tuam over the next three years.The company manufactures multi-camera systems and supporting technologies for vehicle parking and manoeuvring.

The company is now expanding its operations and is investing in research development of innovative new products.

Valeo Director Fergus Moyles said recruitment is already underway for the 100 new positions. The investment will involve expansion of the plant, including the liase of existing units at the Tuam Business Park, investment in advanced technology, training and research, development and innovation.

The Tuam business was originally established as Connacht Electronics Ltd before being bought in 2007

by Valeo.

Woman killed in Roscommon collision

A woman was killed and her brother severely injured in a collision on the Strokestown to Elphin Road in Co. Roscommon on Friday January 21. The woman was named as Mary Beirne from Elphin.   the town of Lugboy at The crashhappened near  the 83 year old was a pas1pm when the car, in which senger, collided with an articulated truck.The woman’s 86 year old brother, who was driving   the car, has been transferred from Roscommon General      Hospital to Portiuncla Hospital Ballinasloe where he is in a criti is said to be uncal condition. The driver ofthe truck    woman’s death injured. Gardai have said that the brings the number  of people killed onIrish roads so far this year to 15.    

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UK carriers express interest in Sligo Airport TWO UK airlines have expressed interest in maintaining the Sligo to Dublin air link from Strandhill Airport. This comes after last week’s announcement that the Public Service Obligation (PSO) subsidy is to be withdrawn from Sligo Airport from July, which put the future of the Aer Arann flight into jeopardy. The PSO will also cease from July on air routes at Knock and Galway airports and they will only remain open for commercial services.

Isle of Man airline Manx2.com has confirmed they wish to talk to the four regional airports hit by the planned scrapping of the PSO contracts, although they are only at an early exploratory stage.

The UK carrier flies 100,000 passengers a year and operates a twice daily service between Belfast and Cork.

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Politically Correct act wants your votes BALLINA based singers Patrick Lacken and Cian Harrison are hoping that the people of the Northwest will support them when they appear on the All Ireland Talent Show on Sunday February 13.

The show which is in its third series has become Ireland’s biggest and most popular talent search and pitches acts representing five regions of the country against each other. One act will then go on to win the title of All Ireland Talent Champion 2011 and the much sought after prize money of 50,000.

24 year old Patrick from The Quay and 18 year old Cian from Cloona who call their act “Politically Correct” were selected

by Daithi O Se as one of the eight acts who will represent the West in the live shows.

Both have been singing from an early age and have been vocally trained. Both young men are soloists in the popular Rejoice Gospel Choir in Ballina and have had leading roles in local musical productions.They will perform Josh Grogan’s ‘To Where You Are’ for the live shows on Sunday February 13 and hope the people of Ballina and beyond will get behind them.

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If you have a story that you want covered in the Northwest Express our editorial team would like to hear from you.

Email: info@theexpress.ie, Phone: 071 9154538 or 096-77743

Royal Theatre owner named Mayo Person of the year

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OWNER of the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre and the Harlequin Hotel Pat Jennings has been crowned Mayo Person of the Year

2011. The 55 year old has established an entertainment empire in the centre of Castlebar, developing the country’s biggest theatre and music venue outside of the capital.

Mr. Jennings will be presented with his award at a gala dinner on February 11 in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin.

The judging panel praised his “far-seeing business acumen in the service of his native Castlebar and Connacht at a time of devastating economic crisis for

Ireland.” Mr. Jennings charity work was also praised.

The TF Royal was established by Mr. Jennings parents more than 60 years ago and became a hot spot for showbands and dancing.

In 2003, Mr. Jennings launched a 15 million revamp creating what is now one of the biggest employers in the county and has meant that thousands of people do not have to travel to Dublin to see their favourite acts. The big name acts at the TF also attract more tourists to this side of the country and offer a cheaper and more peaceful alternative to travelling to the capital to see one’s favourite band or comedian.

Top prize for Sligo student’s project SLIGO Student Thomas Endersby was awarded top prize in the senior individual level of the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences category at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition recently.

The 16 year old from Calry in Sligo finished 5th overall in the competition which attracts thousands of entrants from schools all across Ireland.

He began working on his project last July and

aimed to produce an efficient green form of energy for homes from household waste. He is already looking forward to entering the competition next year, and plans to start working immediately. After his school studies he hopes to study medicine with clinical research in mind.

A number of students and projects across Sligo and the rest of the Northwest received high recommendations in the competition.

North-west’s “in” place for indoor fun!

BASED in Carrick-on-Shannon, but accessible to anybody throughout the North-west, Carrick Indoor Shooting if rapidly becoming the “in place” for individuals or groups seeking a “fun” experience in a safe, welcoming environment.

When we called to the facility we were impressed by the welcoming atmosphere – the feeling we were not just visitors, but actually guests.

Anybody who calls in can be assured of VIP treatment from Jim, David, Finbar, Enda or Alan.You will not be disappointed and your experience will be something you will be happy to talk to friends about.

For those who have not yet had the experience it is worthwhile looking at just what’s on offer. The facility is a perfect add-on for Hen Parties, Stag Parties, Birthday Par-

ties, Corporate Events, Work Outings, Special Event, in addition to Christmas, Easter and seasonal celebrations. In fact, it is ideal for any event where people wish to have a fun time, in a safe, alcohol-free environment, indoors out of the Irish weather . . . and is suitable for all ages.

When you visit you will want to return. Our visit coincided with an outing arranged by a language school from Sligo. We understand many of these have returned for individual visits . . . and the feedback was tremendous. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer: AIRSOFT GUNS: The guns used are fully licensed replica Airsoft guns, consisting of hand-guns/pistols, machine guns and bolt-action rifles. Your experience will start with an introduction to gun safety and the guns. A range of targets, suitable for beginners and more advanced, is available in the sixteen-lane shooting range. Paper shapes, tin cans . . . and much more . . . to be targeted.

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catered for. For groups this is where the competitive, fun side takes over.

The programmes can include prizes for best marksman (or woman for that matter) in all categories. Little side bets can also take place. Participants sometimes don’t want to leave.

The important thing, though, is to go there . . . and experience it for yourself. Carrick Indoor Shooting is located at Carrick Retail Park – at the first roundabout on the Sligo side of Carrick-on-Shannon. Tel. 086-1722555 or 071-96-16575.

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Mayo woman elected President of Catholic Grandparents Association

Pictured is the new board of the Catholic Grandparents Association. Back row (l to r): Fr Fintan Monahan, Spiritual Director; Shay Boylan, Treasurer; Dr Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam, Patron; Stewart Wiley, Director; Aiden Gallagher, EWTN Representative on the board; David Quinn, Consultant to CGA; Front row (l to r): Máire Printer, President; Catherine Wiley, founder; Kathy Sinnott, Secretary.

A retired Co. Mayo schoolteacher has been chosen to lead the fast-growing Catholic Grandparents Association (CGA) for 2011 and she says she looks forward to continuing to “fan the flame” started by the Association.

Máire Printer was elected as Association President at its recent annual general meeting in Tuam.

Mrs Printer replaces Kilkenny woman Máire Hogan, who will continue on as Association VicePresident. The move will allow time for the Association’s founder Catherine Wiley to work on the strategic development of the CGA in Ireland and abroad.

“I am deeply honoured to be elected as Presi-

dent of what I believe to be a crucially important organisation.This year we will hold our fifth annual Catholic Grandparents Pilgrimage in Knock Shrine,” said Mrs Printer.

“We are passionate about transmitting the faith to our grandchildren. Since our first Pilgrimage in 2007, we have gone from strength to strength, and I will take great pride in continuing to fan the flame we have started.”

The 2011 National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Sunday, September 11th, and will feature a keynote address

by Kathy Sinnott. Internationally-renowned singers Dana and Liam Lawton will also perform at the Pilgrimage.

Templehouse to host Airsoft - a new sport for the Northwest Airsoft, a sport which uses replica firearms to shoot small plastic pellets for use in recreational games similar to paintball, has got its first official site in

Sligo. The site, called Tigerland, has over 60 acres of natural woodland terrain for adrenaline fuelled gaming scenarios and is set on the grounds of the idyllic

Templehouse, located near Ballymote Co. Sligo.

Airsoft is a combat tag along a similar vein to paintball, except that the projectiles leave no actual mark upon impact.

Airsoft devices fire a 6mm spherical plastic pellet which weights 0.2 grams typically and is commonly referred to as a “BB”. As mentioned, this BB does

not leave a mark on impact with the target, hence the sport operates on an honour basis. That is to say, that when you are shot you raise your arm in the air, and shout “hit!”

The sport is growing at an incredible rate in this country at the moment.The number of sites and retailers is increasing rapidly as is the number of players and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Sligo Film nominated for six IFTAs

Glam event to raise money for charity

THE

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TWO IT Business and Marketing students Nada Mousa, from Sligo and Sandra Smith, from Galway, have developed a novel idea to raise money for local charities.

Glam in the City started as a college project, but soon expanded into a local charity event. The glamorous affair will take place on Tuesday February 1 at 7pm in the Raddisson Hotel in Sligo in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation with a raffle on the night in aid of the Sligo Special Olympics.

The night will get going will a number of different stalls offering massages, hair demonstrations from the award winning Salon and nail painting from Oona Doherty Beauty Salon.

Beauty and fashion expert Tara King from i102-104 will give an insight into the do’s and don’ts in fashion and Sligo style coach Bernie Delaney will teach guests what to wear and what not to wear to suit their body shapes.

Local retailers including Oasis,Vila, Next,Wallis, Jack Jones and Elvery’s will showcase their new season collections giving guests a glimpse at the new trends set to take off for Spring Summer 2011. Tickets for the event are priced at 5 for students and OAPs and 10 for adults. Guests on the night will also be treated to a goodie bag on the night with lots of offers from local retailers.

A Sligo based film has been nominated for six awards at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs), due to take place on Saturday February 12.The film was written and directed by Conor McDermottroe and stars Martin McCann and Marcella Plunkett, who have also been nominated in the Best Actor category.

The film, which was made on a small budget, is up against ‘Perrier’s Bounty’ and ‘The Runaway’ among others and certainly impressed the show’s judges being nominated in Best Film, Best Film Script, Actor in a Leading Role, Actor in a Supporting Role, Costume Design and Make-Up categories.

Swansong premiered in the Northwest last year and went on to play at the Montreal Film Festival as well as the LA Irish Film Festival.

The movie is set in Sligo in the 70s and tells the story of Occi Byrne, played by McCann, a teenage outcast whose mind has been affected by his tough upbringing and the insecurity he feels as a result of not knowing who his father is. The IFTAs take place in the Convention Centre in Dublin on February 12.

Spring is in the Air for Cavan Machinery Extravaganza N

1st, 2nd & 3rd February

EXT week sees the opening of the 2011 Cavan Farm Machinery Show at 1pm on 1st February, this event will once again avail of the impressive facilities afforded by the Cavan Equestrian Centre, this flagship centre having undergone a multi million euro expansion, making it one of the best exhibition centres in Ireland, with excellent facilities ideally suited to this prestigious event.

Now in its 7th year this eagerly awaited annual exhibition promises to be bigger and better than ever this year with numerous previous and new exhibitors from all the leading Tractor and Machinery Dealerships throughout Ireland, having already booked their stands with many of them requesting additional space.

We also have a number of new launches making their first appearance at the Cavan Show.

Last years show was a tremendous success for all involved with exhibitors and visitors alike giving the show organisers positive reports, many thousands of euros worth of business was done between farmers and exhibitors covering all aspects of the farming industry. Crowds came from the length and breadth of Ireland to see the extensive array of farm machinery and accessories on show and few left without taking some memento of the show home.

However this years show will be even more impressive as every area of the extended Cavan Equestrian Centre will be filled to capacity. The 2011 show will feature an even wider array of modern machinery bringing the latest designs and technology in agriculture to the farmer and contractor alike, giving him the perfect opportunity to view all the latest innovations available in the agricultural and associated industries.

Thousands of visitors are expected and will be accommodated within the 3 extensive heated indoor exhibition halls.

Anyone who has been to the Centre will already have experienced the warm, friendly welcome that awaits. There are excellent Restaurant and Bar Facilities

available for all to enjoy and substantial Free Car Parking. It is well signposted and conveniently situated for access from all over Ireland on the outskirts of Cavan in the heart of the farming community.

So if you want to know whats new and keep up to date with the latest innovations across the agricultural spectrum,

whether you are looking for the right equipment for the busy season ahead or whether you just wish to browse and admire the machinery available then the show welcomes you for an enjoyable afternoon or evening out. Whether it’s a new tractor you are after or a chat with like minded agri professionals the Cavan

Farm Machinery Show is the place to be.

The show will be open for business on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 1st to 3rd February, from 1pm to 10pm in order to fit in with your busy schedule.

If you would like further information please telephone either 04882840200 or 0862085857.

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Green Machines arrive on the Aran Islands

THE Aran Islands today began their participation in what is believed to be Europe’s first practical study on how integrating renewable energy, electric transport, storage heating and other environmental initiatives can lead to a sustainable, cost effective and money saving

solution to people’s energy needs.

Electric Mega e-City vehicles are the main part of the study, which will run over the next three years and eight of these unique cars were delivered to the Aran Islands recently.

Robert Nolan, Managing Director of

Green Machines stated “Having spent some time working on this project it is fantastic to see the delivery of the eight electric vehicles to the islands.The Mega e-City cars are ideal as they are built to perform and maintain their high quality appearance in the harshest of environments. I don’t think that the French manufacturer could have asked for a better proving ground than the Aran Islands.”

As part of the study the Mega e-Citys will be used as everyday transport by the participants. Their charging patterns and usage of electricity will be monitored and managed through a smart metering system. It is envisaged that when the vehicles are charging, primarily at night, that they will be using energy from renewable sources. The excess power that is stored in the batteries of the vehicles would otherwise be wasted.

It is estimated that the electricity cost of charging the vehicle on the Islands could be as low as 60 Euro per year.

Normal Urban running costs would be slightly higher. It would be approximately 200 Euro to run the car for a year if fully charged every day which is on average about 70% cheaper than the fuel costs of similarly sized Diesel cars. The Mega e-City has no exhaust and zero emissions when driven.

Investors fear losses of 20m in ‘Ponzi’ scheme

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INVESTORS in Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo are waiting to hear details of a suspected fraudster pyramid scheme run by a foreign businessman in Co. Donegal, which could have cost millions of euro.

Gardai are currently investigating the alleged fraud, based on a “Ponzi” plan, which was started two years ago by a businessman who has since left the country.

The Ponzi scam is an operation in which the money is never really invested and returns paid to investors are part of the financier’s own money or money from other financiers.

Investors think they are making a return and this attracts more investors, who are enticed by the promise of abnormally high returns.

The conman promised the high returns for investors who put their money into liquidated stock such as aeroplane seats and designer clothes.

The scheme gets its name from Charles Ponzi, who became notorious for using the scheme in the early 1920s, but did not invent the scheme.

An estimated 240 investors, some using their life savings and other securing bank loans are believed to have invested sums ranging from 20,000 to 1 million plus. Some have received a quantity of their money back but most are fearing the worst.

The scheme is now the subject of an investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation.

Mayo Solicitors Bar Association annual dinner dance

Mayo Solicitors Bar Association annual dinner dance in Lisloughrey lodge, Cong, Co Mayo, with Evan Dwyer,President Mayo Solicitors Bar Associaition, Ashling Dwyer, Niamh Shields and Dr Darragh Shields. Pic: John O'Grady.

Backrow,Enda KennyTD, John Costello, Stuart Gilhooly, John Guerin and Donald Eakin.Frontrow, Patricia Eakin, Evan O'Dwyer President Mayo Solicitors Bar Associaition, Susan Brennan and Fintan Murray.Pic John O'Grady.

Mayo Solicitors Bar Associaition annual dinner dance in Lisloughrey Lodge,Cong,Co Mayo, with Vincent Deane and Catherine Walsh.Pic: John O'Grady.

Mayo Solicitors Bar Associaition annual dinner dance in Lisloughrey Lodge, Cong, Co Mayo, with Gaye and Fintan Murphy. Pic: John O'Grady.

Mayo Sollicitors Bar Associaition annual dinner dance in Lisloughrey lodge in Cong, Co Mayo, with Charlie Gilmartin, Judge Mary C. Devins and Sandra Gilmartin. Pic: John O'Grady.

Catherine Killalea and Fildelma Gilhoolv. at Mayo Solicitors Bar Associaition annual dinner dance in Lisloughrey Lodge. Pic: John O'Grady

Deputy Michael Ring with Mr. Pat Quinn on the occasion of his 90th birthday in Ballina.

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Sligo Rovers Manager picks up top award

IT Sligo Students Union and Local Residents Association win award AN initiative between a Sligo Resident’s Association and IT Sligo Students’ Union has been recognised with both being jointly presented with the prestigious Sean McManus Award, or Corn Sheáin Mhic Mhagnais.

Corn Sheáin Mhic Mhagnais was established by former IT Sligo Chairman, the late Seán McManus, and is awarded annually to recognise exceptional achievements or contributions to the Institute by individuals or groups.

The latest award has been presented to the Student Union President, Ms Breffni Gorman, and Mr Vianney Tully, Chairman Mulberry §/Ashbury Lawn Residents Association.

In recent years, IT Sligo has made a resolute effort to deal with anti-social behaviour and this is resulted in the introduction

of the Student Code of Conduct. Led

by Ms. Gorman and Mr. Tully, the students and the community have greatly improved the relationship between the college and the local community through continuous contact and liaison meetings throughout the academic year.

President of IT Sligo Students Union, Breffni Gorman said it was a great honour to receive the award; “A lot of people put a significant amount of work into improving relations between the students in the college and the local community and it helped to highlight much of the good work that already goes on.We are only two representatives of a much wider body that was involved in the initiative throughout the year and the local community Gardai also played a pivotal role.

“When there are such large volumes of

students living in the area, relations can become quite stressed. Proactive teamwork meant that communications channels were opened up and people began to work together in identifying and tackling any problems that arose.”

Sligo Festival gets top European award

THE Temple House Festival which took place in Sligo in September last, has been

named “Best New Festival” at the recent European Festival Awards.The organisers beat off stiff competition from Germany, Poland, Belgium, Croatia and Turkey at the ceremony held in Holland.

The first Temple House Music and Arts Festival in the grounds of the Temple House Estate near Ballymote in Sligo last year, when over 80 acts performed including the Wailers, Damien Dempsey and the

Saw Doctors. Over 3000 music fans attended the three day festival which was the only Irish festival nominated in the Best New Festival category.

Roderick Perceval, Temple House said, “We are absolutely thrilled that the first ever Temple House Music and Arts Festival has been named Best New European Festival at the European Festival Awards. It’s fantastic that everyone’s hard work has been recognised by

festival goers.We hope that the second Temple House Festival, which will take place from 1012 June 2011 will be an even greater success.”

The majority of the awards are voted for by the general public online, with the remaining awards decided by panels of journalists and industry experts. The details of the 2011 Temple House Festival will be released shortly and ‘early bird’ will go on sale in February.

SLIGO Rovers Manager Paul Cook was recently awarded the Sports Writers Association of Ireland (SWAI) Airtricity Personality of the Year for 2010.The prestigious awards ceremony, was held at the SWAI/Airtricity Annual Banquet at the Conrad Hotel, Dublin, where John Giles was the guest of Honour.

Cook has had a lengthy career, playing for a number of clubs including Wigan Athletic,Tranmere Rovers and Wolverhampton Wanderers before retiring as a player in 2006. The popular manager took over at Sligo Rovers four years ago and is the 51st recipient of this award.

He was recognised for his achievement in helping Sligo win an FAI Ford Cup and EA Sports Cup double last season in a remarkable year for the Bit o’ Red.

High Court approves settlement to Mohill family

THE High court approved a settlement of 385,000 in the case of a county Leitrim man who died after a routine post operative procedure at the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin went wrong.

The action, taken by the man’s family concluded with no liability admitted by the clinic.Art Ridge, aged 65, an English teacher from Mohill, Leitrim, underwent successful heart surgery at the clinic in December 2005 but died five days later when a registrar used excessive force inserting a forceps during a chest drain.

Donegal’s Seamus Coleman signs new deal with Everton DONEGAL man and Everton player Seamus Coleman has signed a new four year contract, the club have announced.

Coleman, 22, from Killybegs, has been one of this season’s success stories, becoming a regular in the team’s midfield and scoring a number of goals.

The winger signed his

Longford actress to appear in Fair City

previous contract only last season but has been offered this contract after his progress this term was deemed impressive enough to see him handed a new deal. Seamus has proved himself to be one of Manager David Moyle’s most reliable players.

The signing will be a relief for the manager who will

be pleased that Coleman and another young talent, Victor Anichebe, are staying with the club after South African Steven Pienaar left to join Tottenham recently.

Coleman joined Everton for £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in January two years ago, having started his football career with St. Catherine’s of Killybegs.

ANNE TOBIN BEAUTY COLLEGE & CLINIC Unit 14c N5 Business Park, Moneen, Castlebar, Co.Mayo.

Phone: 094 9023000 Fax: 094 9044439 Email: annetobinbeautycollege@eircom.net Web: www.annetobinbeautycollege.ie

UPCOMING COURSES ITEC/CIBTAC Beauty Specialist Course – Jan/Feb 2011 ITEC Lecturing Diploma – Jan 2011

LORNA Quinn, a well established stage actress from Newtownforbes, has landed a role on popular Irish television soap, Fair City. Lorna will play the part of Lucy Mallon in the show over the course of a week. Lucy, a new face to the show meets long time character Dolores Molloy in a storyline about being a donor.

Lucy meets Dolores at a donor’s seminar because her character received a cornea transplant in her early 20s.

The show will be aired during the last week in January and focuses on Dolores dealing with the death of her daughter Jessica who was a donor when she died, this leads Dolores to wonder if Lucy has her daughter’s corneas.

According to Lorna, the experience of working with Fair City was second to none and she hopes that the character of Lucy will return to the show on a more permanent basis.

ITEC Reflexology Course – Jan/Feb 2011 ITEC Aromatherapy Nail Technology – €850, 4 Sundays covering gel and acrylic includes kit. Starting Nov 14th 10-5 Hot Stone Massage - €295, Sunday 28th Nov & 5th Dec Indian Head Massage - €295, Sunday 7th Nov Advanced Waxing -€200 Spray Tanning - €150 ITEC Sports Massage – Jan/Feb 2011 ITEC Advanced Make-up Artistry – Jan/Feb 2011 NOW CIBTAC ACCREDITED Free Car Parking and Canteen Facilities available

St Angela’s Offers New Options for University Education on your Doorstep in 2011

O

N the shores of Lough Gill, and still only minutes from Sligo Town, St Angela’s College, Sligo offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional development and adult education study options. A college of NUI Galway, the St Angela’s College programmes are accredited by the University, offering the only university-level education in the region.

The Academic Departments of Education, Home Economics, and Nursing & Health Studies offer programmes in: Special Educational Needs; Theology; Religious Education; Economics and Consumer Studies; Food Science; Biology; Gaeilge; Health Studies;Textiles, Fashion & Design; Environment & Society and Youth & Family Studies.

‘St Angela’s College’s student enrolment now stands at 1000 students,’ explains Dr Anne Taheny, President of St Angela’s College, Sligo, ‘This unprecedented growth over the last decade places the College in an excellent position to continue to offer the highest quality University-level programmes with modern campus facilities, small classes and a strong community spirit.’ She highlights two new exciting undergraduate programmes for CAO 2011: the Bachelor of Arts in Health & Disability Studies and the Bachelor of Applied Science in Food & Business Management.

With the CAO application closing date of Feb. 1st fast approaching, we invite prospective students to consider these innovative new programmes as well as our many other programmes when making their course choice through the CAO. The College also offers an Access Programme for school leavers and mature students who wish to study at third level.

Participants who successfully complete this Access Course are eligible to apply for direct entry to full-time degree courses at NUI Galway or St. Angela’s College.

For more information on St. Angela’s College, Sligo contact Seán Kelly on 071 9135658 or schoolsinfo@stangelas.nuigalway.ie or visit www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie

MY WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY “The toughest part of a diet isn't watching what you eat. It's watching what other people eat” Week

Date

Current Pounds Weight -/+

-

12/11

22st 4lb

1

Total Lost

-

-

17/11 21st 10lb

-8lb

8lb

2

24/11

21st 3lb

-7lb

1st 1lb

3

1/12

21st 5lb

+2lb

13 lb

4

8/12

20st 14lb

-5lb

1st 4lb

5

15/12

20st 9lb

-5lb

1st 9lb

6

22/12 20st 11lb

+2lb

1st 7lb

7

29/12

21st 5lb

+8lb

13lb

8

5/01

21st 2lb

-3lb

1st 2lb

9

12/01 20st 10lb

-6lb

1st 8lb

10

19/01

20st 8lb

-2lb

1st 10lb

11

26/01

20st 4lb

-4lb

2st 0lb

“I don't really like the idea of putting my weight on here for everyone to see, but I think it is crucial to my success in this lifestyle change.

I need to learn that it doesn't matter what people may think of my weight.

I am trying to get healthier and happier and that's all that matters”

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.

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

A BEAUTIFUL NEW CAREER THE Georgina Price College of Beauty is currently enrolling for its new 2011 schedule of classes.

This renowned centre of excellence boasts luxurious, spacious training facilities. Prospective students work with the instantly recognisable DERMALOGICA and SOTHYS skincare brands ensuring that their graduates are ready to go directly into some of the leading salons and spa’s in Ireland and around the world.

Commencing early January, they will have Beauty Therapy, Holistic Body Massage, Make Up Artistry, Spray Tan, Hot Stone Massage, Electroly-

Do you work in Confined Spaces?

FETAC C-3: - Working in Confined Spaces This 4 day course is intended for employees of Local Authority and public and private organisations who are involved in confined space work activities.

Training Dates: 1-4th Feb 2011 - Location: Stranorlar 30% Funding Available FOR BOOKING CONTACT OFFICE: 074 9127786 Signing, Lighting & Guarding at Roadworks 360 Excavator Teleport Fetac Refresher Occ. First Aid Refresher First-Aid SafePass SafePass

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FREELANCE JOURNALIST REQUIRED Please apply with CV to info@theexpress.ie or Call 085-2498067

sis, and Spa Therapy classes.

The Georgina Price College of Beauty is also delighted to announce that the next ITEC Teacher Training Diploma will commence February 2011, 1 day per month (Mondays).

To allow prospective students to view college facilities and meet teaching staff and for further course details, please contact the office on 091769311 or email georginaprice@eircom.net to make an appointment. You can also view the college on our website www.georginaprice.com

Tips

Maternity Fashion Cleavage

Along with an expanding stomach, your boobs have probably grown a cup size or two! Enjoy your new girls and show them off. Invest in some good bras that give plenty of support and wear tops and dresses that accentuate and show off your neckline and cleavage.

Fabric

Curves Maternity clothes should fit well and flatter your curves. Do not try and hide your curves with shapeless, baggy clothes.

Jersey is the fabric of choice for maternity clothes. It feels great, looks great and will stretch and grow with you. Plus its super comfortable and that is definitely what is most important.

Keep in simple When building your maternity clothing wardrobe, remember to stick to core pieces of clothing. Basic items such as jeans, a black dress, wrap dresses, classic long and short sleeve shirts are essential. These pieces can be worn and dressed up with accessories like shawls, scarves, pashminas and cardigans that you already have in your wardrobe.

Cost effective If you plan your pregnancy wardrobe carefully, you can mix and match as much as possible and will feel and look like you have more outfits than you do.

Money spent on maternity clothes will not be wasted money. If you wear every outfit every week, your clothes will be pretty worn out by the time the baby is born.

Buy a couple of items that make you look really good, as it will definitely help you feel good about yourself and your body. Tip: Buy only one or two bras at a time because you may grow several sizes over the course of your pregnancy. Wait to buy nursing bras until the last two months.

Maternity clothes vs bigger regular clothes It all comes down to personal preference, but as your tummy gets bigger you often don't just need more width to go around it.You also need length to cover it up.

Also your neck and arms are not necessarily going to grow in proportion to match. A top a couple of sizes larger might have armholes down to your waist.

As for pants, depending on your natural body shape, pants that fit your hips may not button up and those that fit your waist are too baggy in the hips.

Maternity pants and jeans often have a special stretchy panel either in the front or back that will help pants fit your body normally.

Casual, Everyday Maternity Wear - Tips & Advice Enjoy the times during your pregnancy when you don't have to dress up for work or an evening out and enjoy the comfort of leggings and oversized T-shirts.

• Stock up on a few oversized T-shirts and blouses that give your belly room to move.

• A pair of overalls can be worn with just about any top and usually have generously cut leg and midsection areas for a comfortable and casual option.

• Knit leggings and sweaters are perfect for the colder months. Ribbed knits will stretch as you grow, keeping you warm and comfortable.

• Simple A-line style T-shirt dresses are good for spring and summer.

• Shop in the plus-size department as well as maternity stores, to maximise your choices.

Formal & Evening Maternity Wear - Tips & Advice The drama of finding something to wear to that formal occasion is always high, but what if it coincides with your seventh month? Don't panic just yet.

Remember, you have plenty of options: • Dare to show off your curves. A stretch velvet or shimmery jersey dress will highlight all of your assets.

• Look for dresses that have an Empire waist, or A-line cut as these silhouettes free the belly.

• A simple column or sheath dress, paired with a wrap or shawl. Pashmina wraps for an understated elegance, Beaded shawl to dazzle.

• Chinese satin pajamas, with elastic-waist pants and frog-closure jacket to provide your belly some room. The vibrant colors and delicate embroidery will attract attention.

• Ballet slippers and low-heeled satin mules are a great substitute for back-breaking pumps.

• Remember dark colors are generally more formal and most importantly, slimming too.

Dress Fabric House

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Amazing wheelchair needs tank licence

science news

Shuttle cracking finally understood IS this the world's toughest wheelchair? The DVLA in England seems to think so, because it has ordered its disabled user, 36-year-old Jim Starr, to keep it off the footpaths.

The amazing Tank Chair, a custom made wheelchair, is too wide and too heavy to be categorised an invalid buggy according to the DVLA. To use it in public, therefore, Mr Starr needs to obtain a category H driving licence.

That's the licence tank and track laying vehicle drivers must obtain. The Tank Chair certainly lays tracks, however, and is definitely a serious piece of kit.

At 107cm across and weighing in at 220kg, it's 22cm too wide and 100kg too heavy to be classed in the same category as a regular wheelchair; in fairness, it's not the sort of thing you want to be accidentally run over by.

Mr Starr, from Dorchester, Dorset, got the chair from a benevolent friend because he felt limited by his regular wheelchair; he wanted a 'go-anywhere' chair that he could use to accompany his children on beach trips, and that wouldn't get stuck in the snow.

The £15,000 chair is powered by a 24-volt motor and can hit 8mph. It's controlled by a joystick and features a racing car style bucket seat. He currently uses it on private land, but without the H licence is restricted to that alone. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Starr claimed he doesn't actually want to use it on roads and paths, but that "I have to cross roads and pavements to get to the areas where I can use it."

Scientists Invent New Method of Creating Energy-Producing Clothes A TEAM of researchers at the University of Texas, in Dallas, managed to invent a new method of using nanotubes and special powders, especially powered boron and magnesium. Currently the research is in its early stage, but one of its most useful applications could be wearable power supplies.

"Powders are very important functional materials because they have very high surface area," says Ray Baugham, director of UT's MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute.

The technique involves the spraying of web nanotubes with powder. After doing so, the nanotubes and powder can twist the material into a yarn. A nano-yarn can be later used for different applications, some of which could be used to create very tough structural materials, reports TechnologyReview.

However, the most impressive thing is that these nano-yarns could be used to make clothes that can accumulate energy that can charge smartphone and other devices people usually wear in their pockets.

NASA finally knows what caused the cracking in space shuttle Discovery's fuel tank, a potentially dangerous problem that likely existed on the previous flight.

Discovery's final voyage has been on hold since the beginning of November.

If the remaining repair work goes well, the shuttle could fly to the International Space Station as early as February 24.

At a news conference, Nasa officials refused to discuss the flight status of astronaut Mark Kelly, the husband of politician Gabrielle Giffords, who was

shot in Arizona. He is supposed to command shuttle Endeavour's last mission in April. His identical twin brother, Scott, is currently serving as the space station's skipper.

On the orbiting lab, Scott Kelly took a call on Tuesday from Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. "There are no people in Russia who are not touched by this terrible news," Mr Putin said through a translator.

The Endeavour mission is the last on Nasa's official shuttle flight line-up before the fleet is retired. The space agency hopes to add one last trip to the space station by Atlantis at the end of August to bring up extra spare parts, provided there is funding. Officials initially were targeting the end of June for the launch, but said they would prefer more time between flights.

As for Discovery's prolonged grounding, shuttle programme manager John Shannon said a combination of inferior material and assembly issues is to blame. Cracks occurred in five of the 108 aluminium alloy struts in the centre of the tank, which holds instruments. The damaged struts have been patched. Technicians will reinforce the

remaining struts as a safety precaution, using thin six-inch strips of aluminium.

Mr Shannon called it "a very simple, elegant fix to the problem". "We're going to fly with a lot of confidence in this tank," he told reporters.

"We've gotten rid of the uncertainty."

The tank is covered with foam insulation, and Nasa was concerned the cracks could force pieces to break off during lift-off, with chunks possibly striking the shuttle. A slab of foam doomed shuttle Columbia in 2003.

Engineers also worried that if four or more struts in a row failed, the entire structure could catastrophically buckle.

The cracking was discovered after an unrelated problem - a hydrogen gas leak halted Discovery's launch countdown on November 5.

Airborne Wind Turbines from NASA Could Collect Lots of Energy A researcher from NASA believes that in the near future wind farms will generate power not only on land and sea, but in the air as well.

The airborne turbines in the image will be able to produce more energy due to greater wind speeds at high altitudes.

After collecting enough energy these turbines would send it back to Earth through nanotube tether cables.

A group of such turbines could stay in the air for a year. During storms

they could be easily reeled in.

According to NASA aerospace engineer Mark Moore, this project is definitely worth launching. He says that at an altitude of 2000 feet, one wind turbine can collect between 8 and 27 times the power production.

However, the project has some drawbacks. Researchers say that the airborne turbines could have a 2-mile protected no-fly zone, thus causing certain issues for airliners and unmanned aircrafts, reports POPSCI.

Cheese-Making Bacteria Can Also Be Used to Make Biofuels A group of researchers from Concordia University managed to discover a new method of producing sustainable fuels. Their method involves the use of the same bacteria that turns cheese into milk.

The researchers that took part in a recent study, Vincent Martin and his PhD student Andrew Wieczorek, say that the bacteria, known as Lactococcus lactic, is able to digest plant matter to transform it into biofuel.

According to Martin, the bacteria could be an important player "in the

development of recombinant microorganisms capable of … direct conversion of cellulosic substrates into fuels."

It is worth mentioning that the research was published in the latest issue of the Microbial Cell Factories journal.

Researchers say that the next step in the study is to find whether the bacteria's proteins can be used to make other bio-processes that could lead to efficient and clean biofuels, reports Inhabitat.

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Too much suncream led to rickets A 12-year-old girl has been diagnosed with the early stages of rickets - after her mother used too much high-factor sun cream to protect her skin.

Tyler Attrill developed severe leg pains and was found to lack vitamin D, the deficiency which leads to the Victorian slum disease, reports the Daily Telegraph.

INDEPENDENT fuel retailers in rural areas are at major risk of closing due to soaring fuel costs, says the Retail Motor Industry Foundation (RMIF).

But there is a lifeline, as a rural area fuel discount is being considered by the Government. Talking to the BBC, Treasury secretary Danny Alexander said that he favoured a plan to cheapen fuel in rural areas, where prices are traditionally higher due to increased distribution costs, among other factors.

There are no specific details, but Mr Alexander said that the Government is "taking steps to relieve the burden of fuel costs in the most remote communities."

Last year the Government proposed reducing the price of fuel in the remotest areas, like the Hebrides, by 5p per litre. The European Commission would have to approve, but remote places in Portugal, France and Greece have similar discounts already in place.

Smaller fuel outlets are in dire straits of nothing is done, says the RMIF, which claims that up to 500 fuel stations could disappear this year, losing around 5,000 jobs.

Porn stars to debate at Cambridge THE prestigious Cambridge University Union has shocked students by inviting porn stars to take part in an organised debate.

The Cambridge Union Society, founded in 1815, is to debate the motion: "This house believes that pornography does a good public service." First on the bill will be stripper and porn actor Johnny Anglais, who was suspended from his teaching job after his sideline was revealed, reports the Daily Telegraph.

He will be joined by Anna Arrowsmith, the UK's first female adult movie director, and US porn actress-turned-chaplain Shelley Lubben. Incoming union president Lauren Davidson told Cambridge student newspaper The Tab that she believes pornography is a "hot topic" in modern society.

She said: "The issue of pornography is prevalent in today's society; it's easily accessible online for people of any age, and seems to be increasingly covered in the news and on TV programmes.

"Sexuality is something that everyone is very aware of and I want to create a proper discussion around it. But I am not making the debate controversial for the sake of it. I hope it will be both academic and lively."

The groundbreaking debate will be held on 17 February in the Cambridge Union Society's historic debating chamber.

Full-blown rickets causes deformities including bowed legs and was associated with children growing up in dark 19th century tenements.

Tyler's mother Lisa, a 36-year-old nurse from Sandown, Isle of Wight, said her daughter and son Ben, aged 10, enjoyed playing outside with friends but had always worn sun cream in hot weather.

"I've always been very careful with her and her brother, and nagged them to wear hats and sun cream when it's hot," Mrs Attrill said. "I used to put factor 50 cream on to protect her skin.

I thought I was doing the right thing."

She and husband Kevin, 49, first noticed a problem three years ago after Tyler had two operations to correct displaced leg bones unconnected with her condition.

Their daughter failed to recover properly from the surgery, suffering severe pain a lot of the time. The family took her to several doctors in a number of hospitals without

result. It was only in November, when they went to Southampton General, that doctors there, who had seen 40 similar cases in the last year, tested for vitamin deficiency.

Prof Nicholas Clarke, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Southampton General, said: "What has developed in Southampton is quite astonishing.

"This is almost certainly a combination of the modern lifestyle, which involves a lack of exposure to sunlight and covering up in suncream."

Sex toy river stunt backfires AN Australian couple had to be rescued - after they tried to float down a floodswollen river on two inflatable sex dolls.

The bizarre attempt to navigate the Yarra River in Queensland backfired when the woman lost her doll in rough water, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

The incident prompted a warning from police that blow-up sex toys are "not recognised flotation devices".

Police and a State Emergency Services crew were

called to the rescue when the pair, both 19, got into trouble at Warrandyte North.

They clung to a floating tree in the river, calling for help, and luckily a passer-by was on hand to call emergency services while a kayaker brought them life jackets. Police and the SES crew eventually arrived to haul the thrill-seekers to safety.

With Queensland in the grip of its worst flooding in living memory, police said they were not amused at the pair's "stupid" actions.

"We've got people busy with rescues and to have to divert resources to that sort of thing is not ideal," said Senior Constable Wayne Wilson. "Most rescue organisations would frown on people behaving in such a manner because there are people out there who are in genuine need of assistance."

The rescued pair were checked by ambulance officers but did not require medical attention. "The fate of the inflatable dolls is unknown," added Senior Constable Wilson.

Girl fell into fountain while texting A girl has become an accidental online star after she was caught on CCTV falling into a shopping centre fountain while texting.

The unfortunate girl is seen tumbling into the fountain at the Berkshire Mall, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, while security guards can be heard laughing at the footage.

The clip, which has attracted more than two million hits on

YouTube, shows her embarrassing mishap from two different angles.

She can be seen walking through the mall, concentrating on her phone, before falling straight into the fountain.

She is then shown trudging out of the fountain. A guard asks her is she is alright and she reportedly replied: "Just a little wet."

One YouTube user posted: "News flash! Its called hang up the damn

phone and pay attention to your surroundings.

"Maybe if you'd learn to hang up the phone once in a while, you wouldn't do stupid s*** like walk into a fountain in the middle of a mall. Sheesh." But a more sympathetic poster added: "Come on, she was already humiliated. Now, it all over the news, duplicated on YouTube, on numerous websites.

How would you feel?"

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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.

Clinical Hypnotherapy Explained The readiness with which the subconscious accepts suggestion as reality explains why challenges that people have spent years working to overcome in a conscious forum with a variety of professional modalities can so often be conquered through just a few hypnotic sessions. It may take longer for your brain to accept a new reality regarding something as pervasive as your financial habits than it does in accepting that you have just tasted a lemon, but it doesn't take much longer.

The true magic of hypnosis lies in the fact that you don't have to understand - or even completely believe - the scientific neurological and physiological processes at work to experience its amazing effectiveness. You just have to be willing to give it a chance, and really, deep down, want what you ask for. Millions of people have proven what scientists, researchers and innovative thinkers have been saying for hundreds, perhaps even thousands of years. That human beings have the power within their own mind to change their lives at the most fundamental level through the incredibly simple process of hypnosis.

HYPNOSIS used to be the last resort but now it is your first-step on the road to effortless, automatic and permanent personal transformation. People who experience the benefits of hypnosis quite often describe the process as 'magical' and, in a way, it is. How else can you explain something that can transform the negative behaviours of a lifetime in a matter of days, hours or minutes? But where there is magic, there's often mystery too. That's why many people who are attracted and made hopeful by the promises of hypnosis hesitate to embrace it because they aren't sure they want something mysterious to happen inside their minds. In fact, what happens during hypnosis is no more mysterious than what happens to your body when you run on a treadmill for 10 minutes. It is a fairly straightforward neuro-physiological process whose effects can be scientifically observed, measured and understood.

The idea that hypnosis works by opening up the subconscious mind and suppressing the conscious mind has been borne out by research that utilises EEGs to measure brain activity.

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You've heard of people being called "rightbrained" and "left-brained". These 'handles' accurately reflect the fact that the left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex controls things like reason, logic and deduction, while the right hemisphere is the seat of creativity and imagination.

EEG-based evidence suggests that while a person is in the hyper attentive hypnotic state, activity in the left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is reduced, and activity in the right hemisphere is increased. In other words, the conscious mind, though not shut down, recedes into the background, and the subconscious comes to the fore, open and accessible in a way it normally is not.

Essentially, hypnosis takes this kind of simple suggestion to a more complex level: rewriting the old programming that governs whole swathes of your thinking and behaviour in such a way that when you re-enter the ordinary conscious state, the new programming is still active.

• Rid yourself of the still reverberating effects of toxic, harmful, negative people you've encountered in the past - tyrannical teachers, nasty bosses, bullying acquaintances - and permanently protect yourself from the effects of such people in the future.

• Releasing counterproductive behaviours, such as smoking and overeating • Solving sleep deprivation • Eliminating bad financial habits.

• Improving your well being by changing the way you react to stress • Improving all kinds of other health-related issues

• Delete negative, counterproductive, and destructive files from your subconscious "computer" and replace them with positive files that will contribute to your happiness and well being.

• Enjoy all the physical and mental benefits of a deep, refreshing nap with just a few minutes of hypnotic guided therapy.

• Remove the unfounded worries, fears and anxieties that plague your thoughts, strain your health and impact your daily living. Activate your body's natural healing ability to target any illness or disorder you may be experiencing. Enjoy deep, restorative relaxation any time, even in the midst of extreme stress or chaos.

• Eliminate every negative thought, mindset and impression that, unbeknownst to you, has harmed your selfesteem and held you back from total success and fulfilment.

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Keeping healthy with Aniseed

ANISEED is grayish brown in colour and widely known as a potently therapeutic herb, which enlivens the body and can be used to invigorate the mind and stimulate circulation. Aniseed has long been revered as a digestive tonic, used by both the Romans and the Greeks. Anise has a sweet, aromatic taste and is used in

flavouring sweets, alcoholic beverages and pastries.

Aniseed, on steam distillation, yields an essential oil, known as oil of anise, which has now replaced the fruits for medicinal and flavouring purposes. However, as one of the strongest essential oils, aniseed should only be used with great care and only taken in small amounts.

Aniseed treats digestive disorders such as wind in the stomach. Aniseed is useful in preventing gas and fermentation in the stomach and the bowels. It can quell nausea and vomiting associated with digestive problems. Gripe water for infants contain aniseed extracts. An easy way to prepare the infusion is to mix a tea-

spoon of aniseed in a cup of boiling water. Leave it covered overnight. The clear fluid is then strained. Aniseed is also used in relieving flatulence.

The aromatic carminative is well known for treating flatulent colic and used in medicines for digestive disorders.

Aniseed is highly recommended for treating respiratory infections, such as whooping or dry cough. Aniseed can break up and remove mucus and phlegm from the bronchial tubes.

You can add aniseed to a black tea, to get the best results. It is also very useful in treating asthma, as it has expectorant properties.

Aniseed is used in treating cataracts, as it is an antioxidant which can help fight free radicals in the body, which deteriorates the lens vision of the eye.

Aniseed is used in antiseptics and is recommended in treating heads for lice and vermin.

It can be used externally as an insecticide, against head lice.

Aniseed is used for treating insomnia. Simply add 1 tsp of anise oil to 375ml of boiling water, simmer and add honey for flavour. Drink twice daily for best results. Aniseed can also be great for detoxing, as it increases the body's need to urinate, hence helping the body eradicate toxins and detoxify.

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Nora Barnacle dies

blast past from the

y a w l a G y t n Cou

Lord Forbes Siege AUGUST 1642: On the morning of the 7th, a a naval squadron of seventeen ships appeared in Galway Bay. Led by Alexander, 11th Lord Forbes, they had come to relieve the garrison of Forthill1 at the request of the English Parliament, and which had authorised him, as Lieutenant-General, to waste the coasts of Ireland.

Launching long boats from the ship, Forthill was resupplied with food, arms and ammunition. Forbes then sent a messenger with a letter for Mayor Walter Lynch FitzJames, ordering them to "confess themselves to have been rebels, and humbly submitting to beg his 1951: Nora Barnacle, the wife of James Joyce and the inspiration for Bloomsday passes away in Zurich, suffering from acute renal failure.

While as a young woman, she was often described as a 'man killer' after her teen romance Michael Feeney died of typhoid and another admirer suddenly dropped dead. On the 16th of June 1904, she went on a date with James Joyce, which later became the setting for Ulysses. The couple embarked on a long romance, marrying only in 1931.

TG4 Opens

majesty's intercession for them to the parliament of England, and to declare they would admit such governors as the king and state should appoint, and until then put themselves under the protection of Lord Forbes."

Mayor Lynch and the Town Council utterly refused the terms, to the surprise and anger of Lord Forbes. They instead made representations to the Earl of Clanricarde - who was at the time a neutral - for protection. Clanricarde in turn communicated to Forbes that, should he make war against the town, it would be both a breach of the peace and endanger the country

by bringing yet another area into the war. Furthermore, he made it clear that, should the citizens become actively hostile against Forbes, there would be nothing he could do to influence them.

Being unable to directly assault the town itself, Forbes landed men west of the town and took possession of the Claddagh, on the west bank of the Corrib. All of the town's surrounding suburbs and villages were burned and destroyed; dozens of locals were killed, assaulted and raped. St. Mary's Church in the Claddagh was badly defaced; in its graveyard, coffins were dug up as Lord Forbes's troops

searched the bodies for rings, gold chains and the like. Forbes placed "two pieces of ordnance", or cannons, at St. Mary's and used them to bombard the city. However, they had little effect and by early September Forbes's men were becoming irritated at both their lack of progress and lack of payment.

On the 7th September he cut his losses and sailed for Limerick.

Forthill was once more under siege and on its own, Clanricarde's political stock had plummeted as he had being unable to prevent the sacking, and any waverers among the people of Galway were now solidly on the Irish Confederate side.

Killing of Fr. Griffin NOV 1920: Fr. Michael Griffin, a Galway city Catholic Priest was abducted and shot by British forces. The reason he was attacked was attributed to the fact that the British Forces were told that the murderer of a British informer had made his confession to Fr. Griffin to seek repentance. The British forces entered Saint Joseph's church, where Fr. Griffin was a curate, lured him out of the building on Montpelier Terrace, brought him to Lenaboy Castle, where they tortured him and eventually killed him.

Days later his body was recovered from a bog in Barna. Galway businessmen at the time launched a boycott against Northern Irish goods from December 1919 onwards in protest against the loyalist attacks on Catholic nationalists in Belfast, a protest that later spread throughout the country.

The shooting of this innocent civilian became one of the most infamous events of the Black and Tan era. At his funeral, thousands turned up as a mark of respect. His death received international media coverage and he became known as the priest who would not break the seal of confession. There is a now a monument to Fr. Griffin in Barna.

The Opening of NUIG OCT 31ST 1996: TG4, formerly known as Teilifis na Gaeilge (TnaG) became the 3rd National Station to be launched in Baile na h'Abhann in Connemara. It cost ÂŁ16.1 million to set up transmission, links networks and construction of the station's headquarters in Connemara. By 1999, the station was rebranded TG4. They dedicated 7 hours of irish programming and annually invest 15 million to original irish programming from the independent production sector. The channel has had a major role in increasing the profile of Ireland's Irish speaking minority.

1845: The University founded as Queen's College Galway, opened for teaching in 1849 with 37 professors and just 91 students.

In 1906, Alice Perry graduated from the college believed to be the first female engineering graduate in the world, having received a first class honour degree in civil engineering. The oldest part of the university, the quadrangle designed by John Benjamin Keane. The original president was Dr. President W. Kirwan.

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.

Soft drink inventions The term “soda water” was coined in 1798. The soda fountain was patented by Samuel Fahnestock in 1819, with the first bottled soda water available in 1835.

The first ice-cream soda was sold in 1874 in the US.The first cola-flavored beverage was introduced in 1881. Coca-Cola was invented in 1886 in Atlanta, Georgia by Dr. John S. Pemberton. Pepsi-Cola was invented by Caleb Bradham 12 years later. In 1929, the Howdy Company introduced its “Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Sodas,” which became 7 Up, which was invented by Charles Leiper Grigg.

Red Bull was introduced by Austrian Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya, from Thailand, in 1987. It is based on the Thai drink called Krating Daeng which means red bull.

The first diet soft drink, called the “No-Cal Beverage” is launched in 1952. Aluminum cans were introduced in 1957 and two years later the first diet cola went on sale.

The pull-ring tab was invented in 1962 and the re-sealable top in 1965. Plastic bottles were first used for soft drinks in 1970.

The Polyethylene Terephthalate bottle was introduced in 1973.

The stay-on tab was invented in 1974.

The most popular beverage in the world is tea.

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

WIN! 25

First vending machine used at the time of Christ The first vending machine was invented by Hero (Heron) of Alexandria in the first century. When a coin was dropped into a slot, its weight would pull a cork out of a spigot and the machine would dispense a trickle of holy water. It is thought that it may have been available at the time before Jesus was crucified.

In 1989, you could buy Levi’s jeans from a vending machine at Auber station in central Paris. In the Paris Metro, you could buy books from vending machines. The first novel sold through the machines was Murder on the Orient Express. Nowadays you can find book vending machines at most major airports throughout the world.

1. Steal bland kiss over on uninhabited offshore Kerry, off the Dingle Peninsula. (7,7) 9. A wee drop to start, followed by a play. (5) 10. Mineral found in Liscannor estuary. (3) 12. Wear a confused look but be conscious of it. (5) 13. "Dear me, I never knew the ----- classes had such white skins" Lord Curzon. (5) 14. Scene I arranged for the relatives. (6) 16. Met to construct the clan emblem. (5) 17. "A man of great common sense and good -----, meaning thereby a man without originality or moral courage" G.B. Shaw (5) 19. Soon to be seen in Lurgan only. (4) 22. "Once ---- a time and a very good time it was there was a moocow..." James Joyce. (4) 24. Or we spot R.U.C. (anag.) Magnificent Wicklow estate in Enniskerry, former seat of the O'Tooles. (11) 25. "And the green ----s of Antrim are calling to me."

Ballad. (4) 26. Site on the branch where the leaf springs from is done up. (4) 27. "I am as strong as a bull ----- and you can use me to the limit." Teddy Roosevelt (5) 28. Sam is wrong, there is something wrong. (5) 31. Trucks turn over when hit. (6) 34. Use the finger to indicate the Depot in Dublin where the big musical events are held. (5) 37. Means of communication in Connemara diocese.

(5) 38. Pigs live well there in a glorious Tyrone setting. (3) 39. Leatherworkers' Union leaders can be seen in Co. Dublin where Patrick Sarsfield was born. (5) 40. Belts a crown tee. (anag.) West Cork fishing town set between Bantry Bay and the Kenmare River. (14)

DOWN 2. Read about a different way to pretty Limerick village on the Maigue with a fine Manor house. (5) 3. Jack is suited to be the lowest in court. (5) 4. Implement in hidden Lotto oligarchy. (4) 5. Moistens up the boiled meat. (4) 6. "Things fall -----, the centre cannot hold Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world." Yeats (5) 7. Doctor goes to the rear of the ship for a banknote.

(5) 8. Finer monk etc. (anag.) Site of a famous High Cross in Louth, founded by St. Fechin in 6th century. (12) 9. Rode in a laugh around Dublin port called Kingstown in 1821 to honour George IV. (3,9) 11. Rose stops in over in Sligo seaside resort with a 3

mile beach and a famous golf course. (6,5) 15. "Like a long-legged fly upon the ------ His mind moves upon silence." Yeats (6) 18. Brings to mind being hidden in Sarajevo - Kesh journey. (6) 20. Not close, poetically, in Mayo perception. (3) 21. Either way, don't say yes to the French. (3) 22. Large vase sounds like Fermanagh flower! (3) 23. Terse instruction to turn over a new leaf. (1.1.1.)

29. Provide aid in sub-continent. (5) 30. Southern harbour is in the game. (5) 32. Part of predatory bird shows a tonal variation. (5) 33. Sam is relatively American, especially for 14 across.

(5) 35. Is the French land offshore? (4) 36. Novice is concealed in County Roscommon. (4)

LAST ISSUE’S

ANSWERS

To be in with a chance of winning, fill out the crossword and your your name, telephone number and address and post to Puzzle Time Competition, Northwest Express, Unit 3, Riverview House, Barret Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo. - Good Luck!!

43. nidi 44. nip 45. nipa 46. pad 47. padi 48. paid 49. pain

50. paint 51. painty 52. pan 53. paw 54. pawing 55. pawn 56. pawning

57. pia 58. pian 59. pig 60. pin 61. pina 62. ping 63. pint

64. piny 65. wap 66. wig 67. wigan 68. win 69. wing 70. winy

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

36. gip 37. lid 38. ligan 39. lignin 40. nag 41. naif 42. nap

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29. gain 30. gan 31. gap 32. gid 33. gild 34. gilt 35. gin

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22. fawning 23. fawny 24. fid 25. fig 26. fin 27. gad 28. gadi

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15. dif 16. dig 17. din 18. ding 19. dint 20. dip 21. fawn

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Who invented the paperclip When Johann Vaaler patented his paper clip in 1901, there already were similar designs on the books. William Middlebrook of Waterbury, Connecticut patented his design in 1899. Cornelius Brosnan of Springfield, Massachusetts patented his Kona  clip in 1900.     So, who was first to invent the paper clip?

Well, it is thought to be Johann Vaaler. Drawings of his design date to early 1899, but since Norway had no patent law at the time he had to seek patent rights in Germany and the US in the following years.

Johann Vaaler was born on 15 March 1866 in Aurskog, Norway.

Known as an innovator in his youth, he graduated in electronics, science and mathematics. He was employed by the owner of an invention office when he invented the paper clip in 1899.

Several designs followed the original. Only a few remain, such as the Ideal, Non-Skid, Owl and Gem.The first double-oval clip, the Gem, was launched in early-1900 by Gem Manufacturing Ltd of     England. The paper clip remains as one of the most-used items     of all time.

8. awning 9. awny 10. cnida 11. dag 12. dainty 13. dan 14. dap

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History of crayons More than 100 billion crayons have been produced so far. The first crayons consisted of a mixture of charcoal and oil. In the early 1900s, cousins Edwin Binney and Harold Smith developed a nontoxic wax crayon. Binney’s wife, Alice, attached the French word for chalk, craie, with “ola,” from oily, to form the Crayola brand name. Their first box of Crayola crayons were sold for a nickel in 1903.

The first Crayola crayons came in a box of eight colors: black, blue, brown, green, orange, purple, red and yellow. By 1957, 40 new colors were introduced. Today there are more than 120 crayon colours, including Atomic Tangerine, Blizzard Blue, Mango Tango, Outrageous Orange, Laser Lemon, Screamin’ Green and Shocking Pink. Over 5 billion crayons are produced each year.

1. agin 2. aid 3. ain 4. ani 5. aping 6. awing 7. awn

Name:   Address:      number: Telephone   

Music first sent down a telephone line in 1876 So you think downloading music from the Internet via a phone line is a really cool modern thing? Not so.

In 1896, Thaddeus Cahill filed a patent on the “art of and apparatus for generating and distributing music electronically” and until 1914 he fed music signals down AT&T’s telephone lines with his Telharmoniums apparatus. And he wasn’t even the first.

Elisha Gray transmitted music over a telephone line in 1876 – the same year the telephone was patented Alexander Graham Bell. Gray invented the first electronic music instrument in 1874, calling it the “Musical Telegraph.”

Other claims for the invention of the telephone include Antonio Meucci, Johann Philipp Reis, Innocenzo Manzetti, Charles Bourseul, Amos Dolbear, Sylvanus Cushman, Daniel Drawbaugh, Edward Farrar, and James McDonough. The debate over the invention of the telephone is discussed in detail at about.com – History of the Telephone Alexander Graham Bell also designed an experimental “Electric Harp” for speech transmission over a telephone line using similar technology to Gray’s. Bell also was a teacher of speech to the deaf. In 1879 he created an audiometer to detect hearing loss. That is why the degrees of loudness came to be measured in bels or decibels.

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Tel: 086 4062404

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Ballet Theatre Proudly Presents CINDERELLA

LOST CHORD AT THE RÓISÍN DUBH

LOST Chord are 5 young men making music that needs to be heard. Songs for the head and feet combining the best of indie, electronic, folk and metal with splashes of krautrock thrown into the mix. Expect an explosive live show from Lost Chord, having supported the XX, Port  O'Brien, Islands, New York Dolls and Fujiya and Miyagi they launch

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  • Bouncing Castles with or without slides • Inflatable Boxing Ring  covers)  • Giant Slides (all with rain • Marquees of all sizes    FOR HIRE

       085-8438516    TEL:         

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

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

FOR THAT SPECIAL OCCASION C ASHEL HOUSE HOTEL

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their debut release, the "There is no Lost Chord E.P" this January with their own headline at Strange Brew on the Thursday 28th of January.

Don't miss it!

Lost Chord are playing the Róisín Dubh in Galway on Friday 28th January and entry is free!

Visit www.roisindubh.net for more  details. 

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If your venue has any upcoming events that you would like to show in our entertainment guide  then email them into         info@theexpress.ie  

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BALLET Theatre UK's New Production of the classic ballet Cinderella tells everyone's favourite rages to riches story.

Cinderella is tormented by her spiteful stepsisters and would do anything to attend the Price's glamerous ball. Rejected upset and alone, Cinderella's Fairy Godmother intervenes and transforms her into a glittering Princess who shall go to the ball.

Join Cinderella on her adventure of daring magic, hansom princes, glass slippers, and see if she can find her "happy ever after"....

Prokofiev'ss uplifting score together with sumptous costumes and sets conjure up the magical fantasy world of Cinderella perfectly.

Ballet Theatre UK promises to enchant you with this fairytale production of breath taking beauty and delight, showcasing a company of young and talented international dancers.

This all new Production promises to be a highlight on the calender of any dance fan.

Tickets are on Sale now 18.00 - 20.00 on www.ticketmaster.ie as well as from The Royal Box Office on 0818 300 000. For further information please check the Royal Theatre & Event Centre website on: www.theroyal.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie

Dj

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Scruffy Duffy Mad Science parties are a blast & suit all occasions! We come to you incounties Galway, Mayo & Roscommon!  lasers, hovercraft rides andmore Experiments,  for kids age 4-12!

Check our  website  www.madscience.org/ie

4* COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL   CONNEMARA, CO. GALWAY CANDLELIGHT, TURF FIRES AND MUCH MORE TEL: 095-31001  www.cashel-house-hotel.com  0209 0209          

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or call 091-768557 to book your party.

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086-8216484 Book today for a great nights entertainment on your special day scruffy@scruffyentertainment.com

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Marquees for Hire For all Occassions Mayo area

Call 087-6433793 or 087-9933698

NEIL DELAMERE at the TF Royal

NEIL Delamere is one of the top acts working in the Irish comedy scene today, best known to audiences for his regular appearances on RTE’s The Panel and BBC’s The Blame Game and he is coming to The Royal Theatre Ruby Room on 11th March 2011. He has performed all over Ireland as well as at the prestigious

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EDDI READER AT THE HAWKS WELL, SLIGO

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Nationwide Service

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CARNIVAL   MARQUEES 

Niall on 086-1595093  contact        

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

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   Airport Transfers   Weddings  Stag Nights  Hen  Nights    Christmas Parties     Sight Seeing 

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   

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John Barrett Mobile: 087-9827298 Email: jjbarrett50ie@yahoo.ie   www.cateredforyou.net  

                         

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All Events Catered For

Weddings, Communions, Confirmations, Private Parties etc

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OUTDOOR CATERING 

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young girl, in a breathtakingly beauti ful mountainside wilderness. For an instant, the barriers that separate the child and the animal disappear and she begins to discover an untamed     and secret environment.

So beginsan   adventure which will change her life,    her vision of the world, and ours.

Show at Roscommon Arts Centre,    Thursday 10th February at 10.30am and admission Fis THE  Free. ilmed   is    creators   of “March of the Pen- Roscommon Arts Centre’s guins” invite us to embark on a new  seasonal      into  the natural world. This cinema programme for school stujourney      dents, run  in conjunction unforgettable  story of an unusual with the           Irish Film Institute’s Education pro friendship re-counts a magical en     fox and a gramme.   counter between a wild  

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Tel: 087-2435463

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

THE FOX AND THE  CHILD

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Full Packages available, see Website for details

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Weddings, Private Parties, Communions, etc.

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Connaught Amusements

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Tel: 086 8773635

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SHE wowed at Sligo Live, she’s a true original, a singer of singular beauty and she’s even  got an  MBE – Eddi Reader has been redefining the parameters of folk music since the 1980’s, successfully re-interpreting the work of Scotland’s    beloved bard on her classic 2003 album “Songs   of Robert Burns,” and most recently reshaping the landscape of classic songwriting on her latest release “Love Is The Way.” Music of the heart, for sure!

Eddi will be appearing at the Hawks Well Theatre on Friday 11th February, 8.00pm and tickets are priced at 18. The box office can be contacted on 071-9161518 or visit www.hawkswell.com

Pool Tables Video Jukeboxes Coin & Note Operated Machines

Ballina, Co. Mayo

In 2007 Neil returned to Montreal to perform in the Just for Laughs Festival while also presenting the RTE television series covering the event, Neil Delamere’s Just for Laughs for the second year in a row.

His first DVD “No Message” was released in October of that year and quickly achieved platinum status.

Neil Delamere is beginning to emerge as a contender, his sweet, faux-naive style a refreshing contrast…the rising star of Irish comedy, a wryly brilliant live performer (Sunday Times) No TV camera could accurately measure the lightning speed of Delamere’s wit (Irish Times) Overnight accommodation packages available in both our on-site hotels. TF Royal Hotel 3* and Harlequin Kilkenny Cat Laughs festival, the Mon- Hotel 4*. Call reservations on 094 90 treal Just For Laughs Festival, the Mel- 23111 or log onto www.harlequinho available on  are on bourne International Comedy Festival tel.com Tickets as well as from The   www.ticketmaster.ie  and the New Zealand Comedy Festival.

Royal Box He featured in both series of Liffey   Office on 0818 300 000. For please check The Laughs, RTE’s stand-up show in 2005 and further   information  2006 as well as The World Stands Up for Royal Theatre & Event Centre website  on: www.theroyal.ie  Paramount.

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Hotels Night Clubs parties Corporate Hospitality

Nationwide Service Tel: +353 41 6855873 Mobile: +353 87 781 4814

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Killala Upholstery

Our Customers are smiling because we are the Best!

Quay Rd, Killala, Co. Mayo

We manufacture & Sell Directly To The Public a range of 3 Piece Suites, Couches, Queen Anne Chairs, Tub Chairs, Headboards, etc - Handmade to suit the customer’s needs We carry out all kinds of recovery work.

Suites, Chairs, Recliners, Footstools, etc.

We sell all upholstery requirements, fabric, foam, webbing, etc.

WE ALSO CARRY OF CURTAIN FABRICS INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE

Call us NOW at 096 32472, email: killalaupholstery@gmail.com

Symphony Kitchens - a name you can Trust

Open Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm Sat 9am to 12 noon

SERVING THOUSANDS OF HAPPY CLIENTS SINCE 1991 Barcastle Retail Park, Castlebar. T: 094-9026100 info@symphonykitchens.ie www.symphonykitchens.ie Waterteck has its own fully equipped laboratory and qualified staff to analyse water for our customers and the public.

Jodie Mcgowan is the Proprietor of Waterteck and has over 25 years experience in the business.

Jodie prides himself in having extensive knowledge of difficult water problems and being able to carry out Water Management and Engineering Services for both the domestic and industrial applications, which are being widely used.

Agents for the Biokube Sewage Treatment System

. Water Filtration - Removal of Minerals and all types of Bacteria Samples Collected and Analysed

.

. Rainwater Harvesting . Well Boring, Pumps Supplied and Fitted

ROOSKEY, CO. LEITRIM, IRELAND TEL: 071-9658976 / 043-3349010 FAX: 071-9638295 MOBILE: 086-8072249 E-MAIL: waterteck@eircom.net WEBSITE: www.waterteck.com

renewable

energy

all you ne ed to know Solar Water Heating Heating water is the second largest energy use in typical households Solar water heaters can be a costeffective way to generate hot water for your home here in Ireland.

One square metre of Solar Panels on your roof receives the equivalent of more than 100 litres of oil in free solar energy per year.

And as a matter of fact, this is more than in Paris.

Ok. But what if the sun is not shining?

No problem. A solar water heater not only converts direct sunlight but also indirect sunlight into heat, so it works even when the sky is overcast. True,there will be less solar heat available during the winter, but a back-up heater will boost the water temperature.

The result is 100% comfort at all times, with plenty of hot water for a fraction of the cost. Our panels have been fully tested and come with a 10 year Guarantee and are approved for the SEI Greeener Homes Scheme, which means that

you can qualify for a grant of  300 per m2(to max. 12 m2 ) How Solar water Heating Systems work Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors.

There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't.

Solar water heating systems include two main items. They are Storage Tanks and Solar collectors.

Types of Solar water Heating Systems There are two types of solar water heating systems: • Active, which have circulating pumps and controls, • Passive, which don't.

Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In onetank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.

Solar Collectors There are two main forms of solar collectors or panels on the market here in Ireland Flat Plate collectors and Evacuated Tube collectors.

The main component of ach is the absorber, which All new SolarCat 3 Coil, 300 litre, heavy duty, high pressure, stainless steel tank with 3 Coils and immersion. They are also available in other sizes such as 200/250 litre at very competitive rates at Western Stoves, Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, Roscommon.

Tel: 094-9646824

absorbs solar radiation and converts it into heat.

In a plate collector, the absorber is in the form of a flat, black plate in a

shallow metal container covered with one or more layers of transparent glass or plastic; either air or a liquid is circulated through the

cavity of the container.

Heat is directly transferred from the absorber to the circulating liquid (air, water) The absorber in an Evacuated tube collector consists of a relatively narrow strip of copper with a selective black coating bonded to a single copper tube.

The tube contains a special fluid which evaporates when heated.This vapour rises and transfers heat to the water circulating in the systems primary circuit.

Evacuated tubes are more efficient than flat plate collectors; consequently they take up less space.

They are, however, more expensive that flat plate.

Generally speaking, to produce a given amount of hot water, whether using flat plate or evaporated tubes, the installation costs will be roughly the same.

Frank O’Malley Carpets We are stockist of a wide range of:

CARPETS & VINYL AND

WOODEN FLOORING Solid - Semi solid - Laminated & many other products - call in and check it out.

INDUSTRIAL FLOORING A SPECIALTY CALL US FOR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE

Lakeland, Manulla, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

094 9038815 / 087-2629783

BUY ONE ROBE GET 2ND HALF PRICE Castlebar 0949043040 Done gal 0749130850

Athlone 0906494707 Galway 091792209

www.ritepricekitchens.ie

Rite Product - Rite Price Rite Choice!

Tel: 071-9146299

MASSIVE

SALE IN PLAN FOUR

RITE Price Kitchens is wholly owned by Cherrymore Wholesale Kitchens, who are long established suppliers of kitchens to the trade and retail markets throughout Ireland.

Being a family run business, we have acquired a reputation for supplying customers with their kitchen - how they want it, when they want it, and at the right price. We take great care with your order at every stage. From our helpful office staff who receive, check and process your order, to the individual production cell that has total accountability for constructing your kitchen, to the delivery crew who’ll ensure your kitchen makes it into your home in the same condition it left the factory, there is a dedicated team making sure the whole process goes smoothly. And many of our clients

are returning customers, who also show their satisfaction with our products by recommending us to friends and family.

Our manufacturing business has been established for over 12 years. Our northwest based factories, which produce thousands of kitchen cabinets each week, are fitted with the latest computer controlled machinery, while our warehouses, covering hundreds of thousands of square feet, allow us to deliver our products direct from stock.

At Cherrymore Kitchens, we are constantly striving to provide the best service we possibly can, and as such, we welcome your comments.

Feel free to contact us at any time with any questions you may have. Email: sales@ritepricekitchens.ie or Tel: 074-9722500

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

20% OFF FABRIC 20% OFF READY MADE CURTAINS 15% OFF ROLLER BLINDS 35% OFF WOODEN VENETIAN BLINDS MANY READY MADES HALF PRICE

Fitted Kitchens and Bedroom Furniture Made to Order

Offering great value in fitted kitchens, built in wardrobes, sliding wardrobes, fitted sitting room furniture etc.

• Items are sold in any form you like • Flat pack available• Pre-assembled • Full Fitting Service Available We also supply good quality sinks, taps, appliances (Whirlpool, Zanussi,Teka & AEG)

Covering Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal, Cavan and Mayo

Telephone: 086-3338435