Sligo Now

Sept 2014 • €2.00 • Issue 23

IF IT’S HAPPENING IN SLIGO

THEN WE HAVE IT COVERED!

OW N O G I L OF S ITS S N A M U H T PORTA STREE

ING N E D R A G RNELIUS O INSPITRHELD EONIE C WI

RITANS A M A S SLIGO S LISTENING 29 YEAR

KATE WINTER TELLS HER STORY INSIDE

AWARD WINNING FASHION DESIGN

BY REBECCA MARSDEN

ISSN 2009-5422

contents

Your critical guide to events, culture, attractions and going out in Sligo

4

HUMANS OF SLIGO NOW Street portraits collected in Sligo Town

8

WHATS SUP? David O'Hara is the man behind one of the most innovative and successful watersports ventures Sligo has seen in years, he shares his story with Kate Winter...

12

LADIES DAY @ SLIGO RACES

14

OUT AND ABOUT @ VELVET ROOM

16

ONCE UPON A TIME...

Kate Winter is our resident roving reporter here at Sligo Now, this month it's her turn in the spotlight, as she celebrates the launch of her debut novel, "The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP)"

26 30

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH WHATS ON IN SLIGO

34 36

OUT AND ABOUT @ THE GARAVOGUE BAR ELECTRIC GREEN

40

SLIGO SAMARITANS: 29 YEARS LISTENING

42

HEALTH PACKED LUNCHES

44

GARDENING WITH LEONIE CORNELLIUS

48 50

ARTOPIA: With Zara McDaid Sligo comes alive for Culture Night

54

LA VIE END MODE: With Tríona O’Donnell

60

ANGELSCOPES

62

PUBS AND RESTAURANTS GUIDE

64 66

WHATS COOKING HEALTH AND WELLBEING DIRECTORY

68 70

SERVICES DIRECTORY WINTERS NEW LEAVES

I

t seems like a distant memory now but I must commend everyone involved with the organising of this years fleadh cheoil. What a fantastic event which showcased the town and county to the world. Never have I seen Sligo look so well and all this is a credit to the trojan work carried out by the dedicated volunteers. Can't wait till next year.

September brings every household with school going children back to reality with a bang. I dread the first week or so. My heart rate is up, my stomach does summersaults, and hands sweat as the first day of school approaches.

You would think that I was the one returning to school after two months lounging in the summer sun, but no. It’s his nibs preparing for another year of fun. It is worth reading Deborah Sherlock column as she offers advice on what to pack into your little darlings lunchbox In this months issue of Sligo Now we have loads of interviews and photos to keep you entertained.

David O'Hara is the man behind one of the most innovative and successful watersports ventures Sligo has seen in years, SUP For All. Operating from a beautiful and tranquil slice of Lough Gill known as Trawane Bay, David is a man with a mission. Inside he shares his story.

Kate Winter is our resident roving reporter here at Sligo Now, interviewing all the most innovative and highachieving, creative and interesting people in town for our pages. Now, it's her turn in the spotlight, as she celebrates the launch of her debut novel, "The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP). Best of luck with it Kate.

Located high on The Mall is the Samaritans building, home to the Sligo branch of the charitable organisation, which has been fielding calls from people in need for almost thirty years. Despite the neon sign outside and the open door policy in operation, most people wouldn't even be aware of the existence of this resource right in the centre of our town. Tis month we talk with Dan Scannell and Joe Waters, volunteers and administrators of the branch, to find out more.

Garden Designer and TV presenter Leonie Cornelius discusses how garden festivals like Chaumont sur Loire in France are paving the way for experimental gardens and opening up garden design to everyone.

Triona O Donnell of Modafix chats to the very talented award winning fashion designer Rebecca Marsden.

Zara McDaid had the pleasure of getting to know the up and coming talented Sligo based artist Andrea L Flanagan that has everyone talking. Read her story inside.

Till next month…

Seamus Casey - Editor

contact us Editor: Seamus Casey seamus@sligonow.ie Design: Stephen Finney steve@sligonow.ie Sales: Alan Gaffney alan@sligonow.ie Sales: Lisa Gilmartin lisa@sligonow.ie Sales: Paul Martin

Editorial: Kate Winter Leonie Cornelius Zara McDaid Tríona O’Donnell Muireann O’Connor Vanessa Scanlon Amy Conroy Deborah Sherlock

Photography: Nicola Gillespie Eavan McLoughlin Klaudia Gierak Jimmy Kilgannen Aaron Gorman Elish McGowan

Published by: IBS Publications Limited Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo Tel/Fax: 071-9154538 Web: www.sligonow.ie Email: info@sligonow.ie

EAVAN MCDONAGH

MICHAEL QUIRKE

HUMANS OF

“The Shelly Place, that's not what Sligeach really means . I had a druid pass through here. Sligo is Sli Gea Athach - direct translation - the way of the spear fords (the ford is guarded by spears as in the weapons)” “I was off paintballing and I fell into a River. Had to buy myself a new pair of shoes”

SIMON MCCAFFERY

CIARAN MCGOLDRICK “I'm not really shopping . I'm Dutch - just exploring really.

I'm a tourist visiting my family”

“My grad night was last night - Of course I can't take my sunglasses off for a picture!”

“Fabio gave us broccoli ice cream - our parents are away on honeymoon”

ALEX REBEL

JENNY MCLYNN, LAUREN & MEGAN MCLOUGHLIN

“I’m a fashion Designer - I make my own clothes , like my trousers.

I enjoy what I do . It's just a passion”

SLIGO NOW Photography by Eavan McLoughling www.eavanmcloughlinphotography.com

HENRIQUE

EMMA MCTERNAN “My earliest memory is my first day of school .

My friend Heather Jane introduced me to all the people I didn't know - She's my best friend still to this day!”

“I like that I deal with all different kinds of people, different social groups every day . At the moment we are expanding. It's an eager start but I am excited”

SAIDBHE AND NEYSA BROCK

“I'm going back to college in a week to Sligo IT - jeez you really don't know how boring you are until someone asks you to tell them about yourself….”

AISLING GILMARTIN

“We both have matching hats. Call it fashion?? No - we just can't afford haircuts these days”

CIAN GERRITY & WAYNE DAVY

PATRICK GASIOREL

“We chose Grappa . It's cute . We're from Dublin . Sligo is just……...cute ..' Haha that sounds so patronising '”

I'm just on my way home from work .

I'm also just after realising how hard the Fleadh has hit my bank account!

STEVEN CAWLEY

MITKO DZANEV

“My dream ? I want to work on a cruise ship, as a cocktail mixer, mixing or nothing! My dream though is not only to be a flare artist, but a flare champion first, then I can be a flare artist.

I'm already a mixologist champion! “

“I left Poland 7 months ago to come to Ireland to work.

I am a pasta chef here at the bistro - really I do everything. I love my job some day I will be rich”

Car Sales & Service team top left to right- Ronan marren( sales exec) Paul Byrne(Sales manager) Vincent Doherty(Service Manager) Tom Ryan(Accountant) John McCormack(Managing Director) Martin Cooke(CEO McCormack Group) Ciaran Kilkenny (Dublin GAA Footballer) Bottom row- Shane Devaney (Parts Manager) Mary O’Dwyer(Office Manager) Joe Canning(Galway Hurler) Lorraine Gallagher(Office Manager) Paul Hannon(Service Advisor) Seanie McGuire(marketing)

The crowd at McCormack Car Sales Carraroe enjoying the “Opel Kit for Clubs Evening”

Eamonn McMunn Sligo GAA administrator being presented with an all stars jersey for his help with the event.

The McArdle lads from Calry asking Joe & Ciaran difficult questions

Louise and Isabel McCormack enjoying the event.

Darragh Cox of Ocean Fm interviewing Joe & Ciaran

Lynns Dock, Sligo • Tel: 071-9157830 www.sligowoodflooring.com

Large Selection of Solids, Semi-Solids & Engineered Boards

LAMINATES FROM €5.99 sq yd

SOLIDS FROM €21 sq yd

To Celebrate Donegal’s victory over ‘The Dubs’ we are giving 20% OFF all flooring for the month of September March 2014 •2014 Sligo• Now • Page 6 September Sligo Magazine Now Magazine • Page 6

PHOTOS BY NICOLA GILLESPIE

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 8

David O'Hara is the man behind one of the most innovative and successful watersports ventures Sligo has seen in years, SUP For All. Operating from a beautiful and tranquil slice of Lough Gill known as Trawane Bay, David is a man with a mission. Here he shares his story with Kate Winter.

D

avid O'Hara was in the windows and doors business, and was heavily invested in property during the boom. Like so many others, the crash that followed wiped him out financially, leaving in its wake a trail of ruin. In his own words; "I left the windows and doors business in January 2009 and I didn't know what I was going to do, I was set to be bankrupt for the rest of my life.

It took a while for the shock to wear off – I kind of stumbled through 2009 but in 2010 I started to go down. The air of depression in the midst of the effects of the financial crash were devastating for many people and I was badly affected by it. I went through two very difficult years, which put a massive strain on my marriage and my health."

It was David's wife Amy who finally changed his course, in January 2011. She offered him three choices : Get medicated, get help, or get out. David chose the middle option, and slowly began to see a light on the horizon.

"I went to see a counsellor and to this day he's like a business consultant to me, he's one of the most important hours of my week. He teaches me tools for dealing with all the situations that arise in life and in business and in relationships with others.

Going in for that therapy was a key component in me finding my way out of a dark place and into what I really needed to be doing."

A few months later, in May 2011, a friend suggested going stand up paddling.

David had a long history of being a water man, having grown up sailing and waterskiing and windsurfing.

Reluctant to go anywhere too far afield, and aware that there was handy access to Lough Gill from land nearby, David agreed to go out on condition his friend came to him. He did, and that day proved the most radical turning point in David O'Hara's life.

"I realised that although we'd been living here since 99 I'd never been on the lake and I was staggered by that.

I was feeling alive, and it was the first time I had felt so alive in such a long time. I paddled up the mouth of the River Bonet and I just had this epiphany. That's the only thing I can call it. I looked up this river and I was overcome with the vision that this was going to be the single biggest watersport ever. Because I knew my wife could do it and I knew my daughter could do it and I just knew that anybody could do this and experience what I was experiencing. And that's where the idea for SUP for All came from. Before we even got off the boards that day I knew that I was going to do this professionally for the rest of my life."

As with all life changing moments, things took on their own momentum from that point onwards. David started researching SUP with a passion, investigating all the different types of equipment, contacting fellow SUP enthusiasts and professionals and eventually ordering himself the perfect boards for his concept. He sought out the most sturdy, durable boards he could find and went about importing them all the way from their origin in Calfornia. He travelled to the 2012 World SUP Championships in Peru and spent eleven days completely submerged in the culture and surrounded by the best of the best.

On his return, and with the basic equipment he needed lined up, he started encouraging people to come and try out this great new sport, and he found the perfect means to do that was via social media. He explains; "Marketing is everything.

And social media is the greatest marketing tool. It's shared experience. It's how you become a brand that can communicate with people. I launched my Facebook page on April 1st 2012. I started putting up images online, because I was excited by the beauty round here, the thrill of what I was doing. I used to nearly pay people to come out and give it a go – I knew anyone could do it and all I needed to do was show people that. And how I did that was to use my camera and document everyone who came out with me online."

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 9

David's approach worked wonders for him and for the brand that became SUP For All. As he himself says, "SUP For All isn't Dave O'Hara. It's an ideology. It's all the people who come out here and do it."

After buying the stunning stretch of land from which he had taken his first tentative steps on to the waters of Lough Gill and had his epiphany, David knew that the future looked bright. He worked hard on his own initiative, developing a unique

business plan which required no funding, slowly and steadily building up a viable endeavour from the seed of a dream. As he explains; "The best advice I ever got was to go into business at my own pace. Not to look at what others are doing, nor to measure myself by it. Not to be intimidated or influenced by others in any way. None of it matters, once you know what you are building and what you are doing. And then people's imagination gets captured

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 10

and they start to take an interest, feel a sense of ownership in what you are doing. That's what makes you unstoppable."

Since he started, David has introduced just under 3,000 people to stand up paddling, and has played a significant part in some of the more innovative and successful Sligo Tourism schemes, like the phenomenal #SligoWhoKnew campaign. And he is passionate about his home.

"I love Sligo. I spent a long time, a lot of my life, trying to figure out how I could escape, how I could get somewhere else, somewhere better. But right now, if I was offered anywhere else in the world to be, there's not a hope, this is where I want to be. SUP has opened my eyes to this amazing place we live.

Whether it's culture, scenery, art, nature, history – Sligo is incredible. And if we as a community support each other and really take pride in the awesome achievements that happen here in Sligo, there's no limit to what we can do."

SUP For All offer several different types of SUP experience. From the SUP Safaris which take participants 5km up the River Bonet and then culminate in a beautiful walk along The Sligo Way, to

the shorter SUP Discoveries, which introduce people to this sport that lets you walk on water. From ladies fitness classes to SUP yoga (the next big thing, according to David) and family get-togethers and parties which include a bonfire and BBQ by the lake after a blissful day's SUPing. And special events like dawn chorus paddles and night paddles are certainly something different; these are truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

People are travelling to come to SUP for All. Some from great distances. They're coming and discovering Sligo and talking about Sligo. And that's not where the man behind it intends to stop. David O'Hara's vision goes a lot further. As he himself boldly declares, "It's my ambition to get the World Championships to Sligo in 2017. I want to see the SUP surfing take place in Strandhill and I want to see the racing take place on Lough Gill. And to paraphrase Eddie Jordan, we'll only make that happen when everybody and everything begin to pull together."

Visit SUP For All on Facebook, book via bookings@supforall.ie, find them on Twitter (@SUPFORALL), or call David on 087-9026000

Catriona McDonnell , Sandra McCann , Orlagh Keating , Angela Gordon , Sinead Bowman . Headpieces made by Sinead B Millenry

Mariona Raffery and Leona Clarke

Roma Hynes , Lorraine Hynes and Clare McGuinness Mary O Grady , Orla McDermott , Lisa Neary and Martha McDermott

Amy Donohue and Cara Currid

Jillian Fallon and Aideen Feehily

Rachel Brady , Niamh Casey and Amy Fallon

Sales, Service & Repairs for all Cars, Vans & Light Commercials

g ki n t oc R E S S NowEW TY kes & N ll ma s l a for mode

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 12

Tel: 087- 61 88 000 Ballymote, Co. Sligo

Mary Maloney, Nuala Whitney , Rachel Griffin and Nicola Gavigan

Eavan McDonagh , Aoibhin Kiely and Emma Collery

Claire Scanlon , Roisin ODonnell and Lydia Wiley

Natalie Goodwin - competitor for best dressed Lady

Dawn Clarke , Laura Garvey and Kim Monaghan

Ciara Connolly, Sarah Flanagan and Elanor McDonnell

Sandra , Clare and Michelle McKim and Gillian Tonra

Alli Donaghy

Eimear Regan and Mairead Ward

MARTIN GALLAGHER FURNITURE DESIGN

BEAUTIFUL BESPOKE FURNITURE DESIGNED & MADE TO SUIT YOUR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS Tel: 087-6146166 • Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo • www.martingallagherfurniture.com

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 13

Colleen Ferry, Tracy Ní Ghallachóir and Dymphna Gallagher and friends

Dowile Dowwile, Darya Vakhtina, Jason Clerkin, Jelena Manyc-Voltas

Jenna Halloran, Becca Hunt and Laura Bradley

Dawid Matczak and Kasia Matczak

A Hen party enjoying themselves

Conor Logan and Heather Telford

Noelle Meenagh and friend

Rita Gaughan-Hough, Catherine Drew, Barry Hough, Michael Cuffe, Declan Hough, James Lally, Jason Clerkin, Lorraine Gaughan, Gavin O Reilly, Sami Al-Hawi and Theresa Noone.

Karolina Napiórkowska, Sylwia Wieczerzyńska, Angelika Borun, Tomek Tommy Dziedzic and Kinga Achraf Bougarne

Autumn Superdry Collection Now In Store

JOHNSTONS COURT SHOPPING CENTRE, SLIGO

TEL: 071-91-40748

PHOTO BY NICOLA GILLESPIE

K

ate Winter is our resident roving reporter here at Sligo Now, interviewing all the most innovative and high-achieving, creative and interesting people in town for our pages. Now, it's her turn in the spotlight, as she celebrates the launch of her debut novel, "The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP)" Kate Winter is a well known face in Sligo town. Born of two ex-journalist parents, South African mother Wendy Kochman and English father Gordon Winter (author of the controversial memoir "Inside BOSS"), Kate narrowly avoids the usual brand of 'blow-in', by merit of being born in Sligo. Aside from several years in a camper van travelling around Europe, with two long stints on the Greek island of Corfu, and three years steeped in the colour and noise of Morocco, most of Kate's childhood was spent in Strandhill, Sligo.

Kate describes herself as having "always been a writer", with her earliest memories being of telling stories, even before she could put pen to paper.

"One of my favourite things to do when I was a toddler was to take my father's dictaphone and find a quiet spot, where I would record long, blabbering stories. I don't even know which I preferred; recording the

stories or listening back to them. No, wait. Actually, the best bit was watching my mum listen to them, seeing her laugh and smile and getting all the praise. In fact, that's still the best bit..."

It was beside a swimming pool in Australia in 2007 that Kate finally decided to write her book. It was something that she had always planned to do, but never really got around to, the same as 99% of the people in this world who utter the words 'Oh, there's a book in me'. She was sitting in the sun outside her apartment on the Gold Coast, when the idea came to her for a romantic comedy set in Ireland about a ghost who comes back to haunt her cheating boyfriend. She put pen to paper, and the journey began.

"It's a simple thing really, the difference between people who want to be a writer and people who are writers.

Writers write. I think I knew, at that moment, that if I didn't follow through on this idea, I would never do it."

That said, it took several years and many detours for the actual novel to come to life. Initially titled 'Haunting Jack Harper', Kate finished her first draft in 2010, and set about the notoriously difficult process of breaking into the publishing world. Her initial steps were cautious, with the warnings of every writer ever

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 16

ringing in her ears.

They won't even read your manuscript unless you have it in the right format. They get thousands of pitches every day. There's as much chance of you getting a publishing deal as there is becoming a pop star!

Nonetheless, Kate sent her brand new baby novel out to a small, hand-picked selection of agents in the UK and Ireland, and set about the tiresome task of waiting for the rejections. And the rejections came. Mostly, they were in the form of a short, tothe-point email. "Sorry, but it's not for us."

And then an agent from a relatively new (but highly regarded) agency in London contacted Kate. Saying "Yes! This is great! Let me pitch it to my team!" Kate was beside herself with excitement. This was unheard of, surely it couldn't be this easy to get a big-shot London agent?

"No, it wasn't that easy. It was one of those amazing moments in my life – such a thrill – but in the end Ajda (the agent in question) came back to me and said she was sorry but the agency just couldn't take a risk on my novel at that time. She explained why; it was a lot to do with the whole industry being turned upside down by online publishing and also that my novel didn't quite fit into any one genre. I was very

disappointed, but also heartened by the interest she had shown. It made me want to write another book - a better book - and send it to her straight away."

So Kate put aside Haunting Jack Harper and started work on other projects. She had lots of ideas, but at this stage she also had a full time job, a serious relationship and several other grown-up things like that to deal with. Time passed and though she kept writing, her hand turned to journalism and blogging more and more, and several halfwritten novels languished by the wayside.

"I think I was more disheartened by the rejection than I realised at the time. It was a great achievement to even get that positive feedback, but I had really believed in my book, so on some level I think I gave up a little when it didn't get snapped up."

Three years later, in June 2013, Kate received a phone call from an unknown UK number. She was shocked and delighted to hear Ajda the agent's voice on the other end of the line. What the woman said was even more surprising; “Hi Kate! It's Ajda, do you remember me? Listen, I was in a pitch meeting the other day and this author was talking about an idea similar to Haunting Jack.

I just thought to myself; it's not going to be anywhere near as good as Kate's book.

You know, I haven't stopped thinking about your story in three years? And now the market has changed and I think it's ready and I want it.

Can I have it? Can I represent you, Kate?”

The answer was, of course, a resounding YES. By October of 2013 Kate had signed a deal withwith high profile publishing house Litttle, Brown UK and was in talks about media rights, international sales and royalty advances. It was a huge, life-altering experience, and as Kate points out, "I think at that point I finally felt like I could call myself a writer."

Publishing is a slow process, and there have been many edits and copy edits and line edits along the way. There was a slightly controversial title change, which is why you will now find the book called 'The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP)'. But finally, Kate's debut novel has been launched online, with a paperback coming in 2015.

Kate explains: "That's the key market these days, especially for something labelled as chick lit, which is the closest they can get to a genre for my little black-comedysupernatural-romantic-who dunnit story. They get it out there in bulk to the online audience, create a buzz, get people talking and reviewing and then when everyone is really keen, they put out the paperback. The truth is, in the current market, if someone falls in love with an e-book, they're probably going to go out and buy the paperback too."

And the buzz has started already. The reviews are pouring in, with praise for Kate's light touch and witty wordplay abounding. The book launch last month in Shells Cafe was a huge success, and Kate has been enjoying lots of online attention. When she's asked about how it feels to be a successful, published author, she grins and replies: "Well, like I said earlier...

That's the best bit."

Find Kate's novel, "The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP)" online at www.amazon.co.uk, on Facebook, or through her blog www.winterwritings.wordpress.com

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 117

The Irish Get Up and Go Diary

T

he Irish Get Up And Go Diary, produced annually in Sligo since 2007, has already provided inspiration and motivation to over 100,000 people throughout Ireland and around the world. This ‘treasure trove’ of carefully selected quotes, stories and messages is designed to empower you, the reader, to ‘get up and go’ for the life you want with courage and confidence.

This ‘diary with a difference’ is your personal empowerment tool, enabling you to be your own ‘life coach’ providing you with a source of new ideas, perspectives and actions to help you deal with the challenges of daily life in today’s world, as you travel your own path to the life of your dreams.

The Teen Diary is an engaging guide that aims to provide inspiration for today’s young teen, supporting them in their everyday challenges.

Our philosophy is simple : forgive the past - let it go; live the present - the power of now; create the future thoughts become things.

The ‘Get Up and Go’ Diary is the ideal gift for everyone, anytime.

The new 2015 editions are available now from local bookstores and gift shops, on line at www.getupandgodiary. ie or call Brendan on 0861788631.

Orla Kelly and Michelle Keegan

Jessica Leech and Michelle Keegan

Kyle Cawley and Michelle Keegan

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 18

Sorcha Sabba and Michelle Keegan

Head of Security Vincent Philips on his last night of service after 19 years at Toffs and Michelle Keegan

Ciara Donaghy and Michelle Keegan

Wedding Packages !om €49.50 Per Person Champagne for the Bridal Party on Arrival Tea, Fair Trade Organic Coffee & Biscuits for Guests on Arrival.

Wedding Menu Tasting (maximum of 4 people).

Lough Allen Red Carpet Welcome.

Chair Covers & Sashes.

Decorative Centrepieces & Ivory Rose (or similar) Swan Cake Stand & Knife.

Printed Customised Menus.

Use of Microphone / PA System / Screen & Multimedia Projector.

Starter Choose 1 of the following: Chicken & Mushroom vent with a Pernod Cream Sauce Galia Melon with Slivers of Pink Grapefruit, Orange Sorbet & Mango Coulis (v)(g) Greek Salad with Feta Cheese, Black Olives & Garlic Croutons (v) Warm Smoked Chicken Salad Homemade Vegetable Soup (v)(g) Green Pea Soup with Mint (v)(g) Carrot & Coriander Soup (v)(g) Main Courses Choose 2 of the following: Roast Sirloin of Leitrim Beef with Thyme scented Red Wine Jus Roast Turkey & Ham with Sage & Onion stuffing accompanied by Cranberry Jus Fillet of Irish Organic Salmon with a Dill Cream Sauce (g) All Main Courses are served with Seasonal Vegetables with Roast & Creamy Mash Potato Vegetarian Options Vegetable & Cheese Quiche served with a Side Salad Wild Mushroom Risotto finished with Parmesan Shavings (Vegetarian option complimentary for up to 10 guests)

Overnight Accommodation in our Bridal Suite for the Bride & Groom with Champagne & Strawberries.

Overnight Accommodation for Bridal Parents.

Complimentary Night & Meal for 1st Year Anniversary.

Complimentary Treatment for both the Bride & Groom from the Oshadi Spa 10% off all Treatments for all Wedding Guests from the Oshadi Spa Use of Hotel Grounds for Wedding Photographs.

Complimentary Car Parking.

Desserts Choose 1 of the following: Apple Tartlet with Crème Anglaise & Vanilla ice-cream Fresh Cream filled Chocolate Profiteroles served with Chocolate Sauce Selection of Ice-Cream in a Tuille Basket Served with a Mixed Berry Compote Assiette of Desserts Evening Buffet Selection of Freshly Made Sandwiches, Chicken Bites & Cocktail Sausages Sweet Chilli Sauce & Marie Rose Sauce Freshly Brewed Tea & Coffee Wedding Cake (if desired) Choose 1 White & 1 Red wine: White: Kawin Sauvignon Blanc Private Reserve Babington Brook Chardonnay Red Kawin Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Babington Brook Shiraz (v) Vegetarian • (g) Gluten Free

The Lough Allen Hotel & Spa, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim • Tel: 071-9640100 Email: info@loughallenhotel.com • Website: www.loughallenhotel.com

Alison Brennan and Niamh Flanagan

Christina Ewing , Michelle Robertson and Kathleen Ewing

Declan Byrne . John Skeffington and Jimmy Fiele

Rory McGarry and Elaine Kinsella

James Tarpey and Sinead Deavin

Conor and Rory Kerins and Niall Rooney

Alison Brennan and Friends at Alison's going away party

Contact Carmel on 087-9211517 email: info@imtservices.ie www.imtservices.ie

Local Training Team Meeting Your Mandatory Training Needs Public & Inhouse Courses in Sligo Public Courses Available in Ballina, Castlebar, Enniscrone & Sligo

• 3 Day Occupational First Aid (Level 5) • 1 day Occupational First Aid refresher • Fire Training (Basic and Warden Level) • Manual Handling • People (patient) Handling (full or refresher)

BOOK ANY COURSE IN SEPTEMBER TO RECEIVE UP TO 20% DISCOUNT

WATCH THIS SPACE

A BRIEF ENCOUNTER WITH SLIGO’S UP AND COMING STARS

Liz Clyne, Salt of the Earth Studio

TopforTips Skincare Muireann's Here to help Do you have a Beauty or Make up question you would like answered.

E-mail me at beautybymuireann@hotmail.com or find me on facebook at MakeUpbyMuireann Q: What is eyebrow threading?

Eithne

1) How did the initial concept of Salt of the Earth come about?

While living away from home we realised that in Ireland we live in a really unique and beautiful part of the world and we are surrounded by many inspiring people; many true ‘Salt of the Earth’ types.

We wished to capture this lifestyle, to harness it, to explore it, to promote it! We wanted to create a brand around this feeling and lifestyle.

2) Describe your designs/design ethos to us.

Salt of the Earth Studio explores materiality and functionality resulting in an ever-evolving collection of jewellery, accessories and furniture, fed by the inspiration collected from our everyday discoveries, explorations and surroundings. It's a multidisciplinary design studio. All products are built with care in the northwest of Ireland.

Our products tell a story but

also initiate one because of the personal and atemporal connection people make with it. Design, or at least good design, is based on bringing together the concept of art or aesthetics and that of the everyday, thereby creating something that can truly positively affect the user every day.

3) Where is Salt of the Earth jewellery currently available, and where might it become available in the future?

Currently we are selling to two stockists - Irish Design Shop in Dublin and Shells Little Shop in Strandhill. In September we hope start supplying a stockist in Belfast.

Our online shop will be open from September 2014.

4) Is there any room for expansion; do you have any plans to start designing/making anything else under the label?

We would love to see Salt of the Earth grow into a busy multi-disciplinary design

studio that can take on projects at various scales.

We have started off with jewellery, accessories and furniture using new technologies (laser-cutting, CNC) but in the future, I would like to introduce more of my architecture skills and increase the scale of our commissions and projects.

We are focused on the idea of making designed and unique jewellery as well as collaborations in making very well designed and unique internal joinery pieces, all under the same brand and with the same design intent and aesthetic.

Scale is the key.

5) Tell us a little about living and working in Strandhill...

Strandhill is such a positive place to be in. We're surrounded by energetic and encouraging people that have very similar outlooks on life. Surrounding oneself with like-minded, energetic people can only have a beneficial impact on your day-to-day life. When working for yourself, you can often hit low points or slumps and wonder ‘what the hell am I doing ?’ Being beside the wild Atlantic can instantly refresh your mind and get you back on track.

Strandhill allows us a healthy work/life balance and this is what keeps us here. It is what we live for and it's what Salt of the Earth Studio is all about!

A: Threading is an ancient technique of hair removal which is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland.

By using cotton thread doubled up your therapist works along the unwanted hair trapping it between the thread and removing it from the follicle.

Depending on your therapist they can use two different techniques to remove the hair, by hand or mouth threading.

Most commonly used on the brows but threading can also be used on the lip and facial hair.

Threading is a quick method of hair removal and is excellent as it is very precise and removes even the finest of hairs. Over time results can become permanent as threading damages the hair follicle stopping further hair growth.

Q: I would like to try bikini waxing but I am very nervous as I have never had any waxing done before, what should I expect? Avril A: Firstly there is no need to be nervous, waxing is a very common procedure and although some people may find it a little painful it will probably not be as painful as you may think. Regular shaving can be a real chore where as waxing every 4-6 weeks is so much easier and the results are excellent. I would definitely recommend using a salon that uses both strip and hot wax; ask friends or colleagues for recommendations. You will need a patch test 24 hours before any waxing treatment to make sure your skin is suitable. Hair needs to be ¼ - ½ an inch long for waxing and if it is too long it may need to be trimmed. Most salons will give you disposable underwear to wear during your treatment.

With frequent waxing the hair will generally grow back lighter and will also become less painful to wax. Also remember to relax; there is no need to be embarrassed your beauty therapist has seen it all before!

Adam Ward , Adam Donlon , Dom Rushe , David Farrell

Aisling Mannion and Lisa Brennan

Louise Gallagher , Michael Donican Niamh Carty, Natalie Goodwin, Owen Murphy, Taylor Ribbins and Niamh Gilmartin

Ciara Kearins and Clare James

Sylwia Gzylewska , Jeannette Wilders and Martina Delaney

Aoife McGowand and Laura Taheny who wear hats made by Emma Murphy in Strandhill

Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo • Tel: 071-9144956 • www.drumcliffeteahouse.ie Charming Tea house and craft shop Offering good wholesome food together with mouth watering home made cakes and desserts.

There is a selection of Yeats and Irish interest books to browse through, complimented by a distinctive selection of original quality crafts.

Now Serving

Piattini Italiani

Italian Small Dishes From Wednesday to Sunday 7.00pm to 9.00pm Authentic Italian Food Booking not essential but advisable

A Taste of Drumcliffe Tea House Upstairs in Homeland September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 22

Holly Jennings and La-Reina McGloin

Genie Kelly, Mark McGowan and Helena Boland

Maria Perich and Lydia Rogers

Emily Dwyer and Leon's Clarke

?

Carmel Kilcawley and Eileen McLoughlin

Michelle and Lynn Kilgallen with Catherine Clarke

Leanne Dunne and Grace McGovern

Claire McDonagh , Elaine Murren and Eileen McCrann

Dracula PRP Therapy™ NEW & EXCLUSIVE to Ireland Sports Injuries, Hairloss, Acne Scars, Breast Volume Correction, Stretch Marks, Skin Rejuvenation, Facelifts Cosmetic Doctor Facial Injection Procedures, Migraine, Excessive Sweating, Teeth Grinding, Gummy Smile & Silhouette Soft Thread Facelift.

Dermal Fillers Lip & Cheek Enhancement, Tear Trough, Ear Lobe and Nose Reshaping.

Chemical Skin Peel Smoker’s Complexion, Pregnancy Dark Spots, Pigmentation, Visable Pores, Dull Complexion and Excess Sebum.

Advanced Cosmetic Procedure Tattoo Removal, Blepharoplasty at the beginning and remove Milia, Skin Tags and Spider Naevus

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 23

Sean Harte and Robert Clarke

Kell Keaney , David Byrne and Declan Gaffney

Trisha Coleman and Maeve Goodwin

Alanna Conlon and Treza McHugh

Marina McLoughlin , Catherine McLoughlin and Elaine McLoughlin

Manosa Callaghan and Jaqueline Callaghan

Robert ,Gierseiwskiand Justina Neglowska

Elaine McLoughlin Hen Party

June 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 25

Geniveve Fitzgerald and Hazel Tully

Rhianna Watters and Jamie Gillen

Carley Leydon and Emma McMorrow

Kate Healy and Sorcha Sheridan

Stephanie Burke and Kerri Leydon

Clodagh McKeon

THE TOFFS COCKTAIL MIXOLOGIST TEAM - RORY, MITKO AND COLIN Lady Royal 40 ml Bacardi 8 year old 20 ml grand marnier 10 ml strawberry sirup 15 ml lime Dash of passion fruit& mango pure 30 ml orange juice

A

t Toffs Nightclub we find the consumer has becoming increasingly selective in their choice of drink and cocktails have really shot up in popularity. We have adjusted to the change in the market and now have two bars in the club with another in the Belfry that specialize in making cocktails. We have a team of cocktail mixologists that are fully trained and constantly work together in formulating new mouth-watering recipes for our customers. Mitko has won two Connaucht competitions and was runner-up in a national competition. He has been working on cocktail mixology for over 7 years now and flairing of cocktails for over a year. He loves thinking 'outside the box' making cocktails and recently came up with the very unique Rihanna cocktail presented on a dry-ice base - a really breathtaking cocktail

New Irish Woodturning at

GALLERY

NO.

6

Matt Jones

G

allery no.6 in Sligo town is delighted to announce a new exhibition for the month of September. "New Irish Woodturning" brings together a select group of Irelands finest woodturners.

Included in the show are Emmet Kane, Brendan Hogg, Alan Meredith, Matt Jones, John McKenna, Max Brosi and Pat Carroll.

Emmet Kane is one of Irelands most experienced woodturners. Based in Kildare, his achievements are

Alan Meridith

almost too numerous to mention and include exhibiting at the Del Mano gallery in LA and at SOFA in Chicago. Brendan Hogg creates unique and highly technical work and mixes timber with metals and plastics. He is one of Irelands most respected woodturners.

Alan Meredith is a rising star of Irish woodturning. He studied architecture before pursuing a career in fine woodwork. He creates sculpture, bespoke furniture and unique turned objects.

John McKenna

Matt Jones is based in Riverstown, County Sligo and is a member of the Made in Sligo network. He was a finalist in the RDS National Craft Competition in 2013 and received the Design and Crafts Council Craftmanship Award earlier this year. John McKenna is a multiple finalist in the RDS National Crafts Competition and another very fine woodturner. Max Brosi is a graduate of Letterfrack and exhibited this year in the American Association of Woodturning juried "Rising" exhibition. Pat Carroll is a demonstrator and tutor in high demand throughout Ireland. The Show will run for the month of September. Gallery no.6 ( formally Michael Kennedys shop ) is a new collaborative venture between Michael Kennedy and Tom Callery and is located on Market Street, Sligo Town.

Montessori School and Day Nursery

Cartron Heights, Sligo Tel: 071-9144085 Do you find it a rush dropping and picking children up from play school?

Could you do with freeing up some time in the afternoons?

Would you like to have more time to help older children with homework?

Is your child entitled to free preschool but unable to get to preschool?

Maybe you would like to have some time to yourself the odd afternoon?

Or maybe you or your childminder does not have the use of a car?

Whatever the reason let us help you

To celebrate Hopes & Dreams 15th anniversary we have launched a complimentary

PICK UP AND DROP HOME SERVICE for the afternoon session.

That's right, we will pick your child up from your house/school and drop them home again after their fun filled afternoon with us. The only condition is that you enrol with us for the 5 afternoons for the school year.

Under the ECCE scheme every child between the ages of 3.3yrs and 4.5 years is eligible for free childcare in the mornings or afternoons for a total of 15 hours per week. There are limited spaces available on this ECCE scheme so immediate booking is necessary.

Cut the hassle out of dropping children to preschool and collecting them – let us do it for you

Call 071-9144085 or 087-2231147 to book a space for your child now Open 8.30 to 5.30 from Monday to Friday throughout the year.

Catering for children between 1 – 6 years of age for full Day Care, part time care and sessional care, children who are eligible for ECCE scheme along with Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS)/After-School Child Care (ASCC)/Community Employment Childcare (CEC).

Email hopesndreams@eircom.net • Website www.hopesanddreams.ie

Mon, Sep 8 MUSIC

Kareoke with Dj Scruffy Shenanigans Rackhouse Pilfer: McGarrigles Cathy Jordan from Dervish: Strand Bar Trad night: Teach Murray in Gurteen Live Music: Shoots Industry Night: Garavogue Traditional Irish Folk Session - McHughs

Tues, Sep 9 MUSIC

Thurs, Sep 11 MUSIC

Trad Session: Earleys 241 drinks with Dj Scruffy Duffy: Garavogue Trad Session: Shoots Trad night: Earley's Trad Music - Strand Bar

Hugh O’Neil: Fureys Trad Sessions - Shoots 11th Fergal Harmen Fiddlers Creek Dj Raff with late bar with best in Chart and Dance - Shenanigans

Wed, Sep 10 No Crows - Shoot the Crows Grooveology: Swagman Trad Session: McLaughlins Open Mic @ Fureys Trad night: Border Collie Wed 10th The White Gorillas - Fiddlers Creek Open Mic 9.30pm Furey’s Blues Jam Night Garavogue Dj Ryan Geraghty best in chart rnb and dance music - Shenanigans

MUSIC

2-4-5 Fridays! - 5th on Teeling Live Music 10pm: Snug Live DJ: Shenanigans Accoustic Session 10pm - Fureys Dj Ambros: Rafferty's Live Music - Fiddlers Top of The Pops Garavogue Tabby - Fiddlers Creek

‘URBAN JUMBLE’ ARTIST: HELEN PINOFF @ THE HAWKSWELL

Trad Sessions 10pm Shoot the Crows The Electric Sibin: The Swagman

Blue Stack Open Mic: McGarrigles Late Bar with Hot Fuss Band - Shenanigans Trad Session: Roisin Dubh, Gurteen Luke Mitchell from Home and Away: Shenanigans

Fri, Sep 12

The paintings “Urban Jumble” reflect Helen’s fascination with the urban landscape, inspired by visits to Glasgow and London … “the play of light between the old and the new buildings, the jumble and mix of shapes and patterns, colours and textures. In my paintings the Roofscapes and Cityscapes are transmuted into abstract forms, with scratched and worn layers of paint, surprising texture and colour. Some pieces also have a playful link with the building-blocks of childhood.”

That Friday Feeling with Resident Djs - McHughs Trad Night: TD's Bar Trad Night: 10pm: Foley's Trad night: Durkins Ballinacarrow: Resident Dj Shenanigans Blackwater Jack - Hargadons Off The Hook -Kennedy's Bar

Fun Music Quiz: The Dunes Tavern, Strandhill Trad Session 8-10 PM The Harp

Sat, Sep 13 MUSIC Rackhouse Pilfer - 5th on Teeling Live Music: The Pier Head, Mullaghmore Live Music 10pm: Snug Trad Sessions 8pm Fureys Live Music: TD’s Regan James 10.30 PM The Harp Vinyl Night with DJ FLESH - Rafferty's bar

Live Music: Swagman Gerry Singer: Pier Head, Trad Night 10pm: Foley's MASS PARTY BAND - 5th on Teeling

Live Music 7 – 9 followed by DJ Dessie till late - Fiddlers Creek Smash Hits: Garavogue Live DJ: Shenanigans The Cornel Boys Kennedy's Bar Dj Raff with Classics from 90s 00s and current tracks - Shenanigans Live Music - Owenmore

MUSIC Live Music: The Pier Head, Mullaghmore Sunday Mass: McGarrigles Smile: Kennedy's Bar Bluemoose unplugged session: Garavogue World Cup Final – no music - Owenmore Inn Resident Djs - McHughs

The Quakers / 21 Outs: Swagman Kieran Quinn & Seamie O' Dowd - Hargadons

Trad night: Donaghy's Dj Ryan Geraghty – back to the old school. Shenanigans Sunday Vegas with Scruffy Duffy - Fiddlers Live DJ: McHughs Trad Night: TD's Bar Trad Night: 10pm: Foley's Quakers: Garavogue Live Music: Belfry Live DJ: Shenanigans Traditional Folk Session 6pm: Snug Marie and the wildlife This Irish House The out of towners 9.30pm Fureys

Live music at 10.30 PM Strand Bar

Live music at 10.30 PM Strand Bar

Showband boys - The Irish House

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED HERE, EMAIL info@sligonow.ie

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED HERE, EMAIL info@sligonow.ie

Acting for Beginners with Bob Kelly Ever wondered what it’s like to tread the boards? Well now is your chance! Every Monday night for 6 weeks at the Hawk’s Well you can learn all about acting.

Under the skilful direction of Bob Kelly, regular collaborator with the Blue Raincoat Theatre Company, this six-week course offers a place to explore, create and be challenged - all while having fun. Suitable for adults of all ages and for people with little or no acting experience.The course will take place on the Hawk's Well stage every Monday evening between 7 and 9pm. Mon 15 Sept - Mon 20 Oct, 79pm • €100 @ Hawkswell Theatre, Sligo • Early booking is advised.

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 30

Sun, Sep 14

PICK OF THE WEEK

Conal Gallen A Laugh and a Half Conal's Brand-new one-man comedy show!

He's back! Yes, Conal Gallen returns to the stage this September for a one month stand up tour, rolling into The Hawk's Well Theatre on Saturday 20th September. Don't miss out on this rare chance to see Conal back in his brand new one man stand up show A Laugh and A Half and see why he really is Ireland's funniest man! Make sure to book your tickets early...Sat 20 Sept, 8pm €25 @ The Hawkswell Theatre

Mon, Mon,March Sep 1518

Thurs, Sep 18

MUSIC Rackhouse Pilfer: McGarrigles Trad Session: Shoots Live Music: Fureys Industry Night: Garavogue Kareoke with Dj Scruffy Shenanigans Traditional Irish Folk Session - McHughs

MUSIC Trad Session: Earleys Fergal Harmen - Fiddlers Creek

PICK OF THE WEEK

Fri, Sep 19 MUSIC Craig McGowan Fiddlers Creek John L: Foleys

Anything goes Hargadons

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED HERE, EMAIL info@sligonow.ie

Tues, Sep 16 MUSIC

Trad Sessions 10pm Shoot the CrowsThe Electric Sibin: The Swagman

Blue Stack Open Mic: McGarrigles Late Bar with Hot Fuss Band - Shenanigans Trad Session: Roisin Dubh, Gurteen

Wed, Sep 17 MUSIC

No Crows - Shoot the Crows Grooveology: Swagman Trad Session: McLaughlins The White Gorillas Fiddlers Creek The QT: Swagman Open Mic 9.30pm Furey’s No Crows: Shoot the Crows Trad night: Border Collie in Tourlestrane: Open Mic: Fureys Dj Ryan Geraghty best in chart rnb and dance music - Shenanigans

Sat, Sep 20 MUSIC

Miles Graham & Vinyl Live Music 7 – 9 followed

by DJ Dessie till late -

Sun, Sep 21 MUSIC Out of towners 9.30pm Fureys Sunday Mass: McGarrigles Smile: Kennedy's Dj Ryan Geraghty – back to the old school. Shenanigans

Fiddlers Creek SMILE -Kennedy's Bar

Live music at 7 PM - Strand Bar

Trad night: Earley's Fireside Sessions: Barrys Gerry Grennan & Guest (10pm): Hargadons Papa Blues Band Swagman

Live DJ: Shenanigans Out Of Towners: Fureys That Friday Feeling with Resident Djs - McHughs

Rocketman: Fiddlers Alternative Rock and Metal: The Clarance Trad Session: Shoots Gerry Grennan and friend - Hargadons Hugh O’Neil: Fureys Gerry Grennan and Georgie Gorman in Residence - Hargadons Resident Djs from 10pm McHughs Dj Raff with late bar with best in Chart and Dance - Shenanigans

DJ PC: Swagman Trad Night: TD's Bar Trad Night 10pm: Foley's Trad night: Durkins Ballinacarrow The Strappack Kennedy's Bar DJ Ambros: Rafferty's Tom Eaton & Amy Conroy: The Dunes Tavern, Strandhill Trad Session 8-10 PM The Harp Accoustic Session 10pm - Fureys Live music at 10.30 PM Strand Bar

Bluemoose unplugged session: Garavogue Live Music: Owenmore Resident Djs - McHughs

Dj Raff: Shenanigans Seamus & Friends: Foleys Eoin Troy & Grainne Trad Sessions 8pm Fureys Rock'n'Roll Circus 10.30 PM - The Harp Vinyl Night with DJ FLESH - Rafferty's bar

Trad night: Donaghy's Traditional Folk Session 6pm: Snug Live Music: O’Connor’s Ballisodare The Shindiggers from 68pm - Harp Tavern Kieran Quinn & Seamie O' Dowd Hargadons The out of towners 9.30pm Fureys Johnny murphy - This Irish House

Official Moxie Album Launch - 5th on Teelings Live Music 10pm: Snug Curly Bobs: Kennedy's Dj Raff with Classics from 90s 00s and current tracks - Shenanigans Mass - Garavogue Resident Djs - McHughs Gerry gallagher - This Irish House

MASS @ MCGARRIGLES Sunday Mass is back to its original roots, new musicians every week with the crowd encouraged to join in

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED HERE, EMAIL info@sligonow.ie

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 31

Mon, Sep 22

Thurs, Sep 25

MUSIC Kareoke with Dj Scruffy Shenanigans Rackhouse Pilfer: McGarrigles Cathy Jordan from Dervish: Strand Bar Trad night: Teach Murray in Gurteen Live Music: Shoots Industry Night: Garavogue Traditional Irish Folk Session - McHughs

MUSIC Trad Session: Earleys 241 drinks with Dj Scruffy Duffy: Garavogue Trad Session: Shoots

Tues, Sep 23 MUSIC

Trad Session from 9pm: Snug Hugh O’Neil: Fureys Fireside Sessions: Barrys of Grange Live music: Gormleys Live music: Foleys Trad :McLaughlins

Trad Sessions 10pm Shoot the Crows The Electric Sibin: The Swagman

Blue Stack Open Mic: McGarrigles Trad Session: Roisin Dubh, Gurteen Late Bar with Hot Fuss Band - Shenanigans

Wed, Sep 24 No Crows - Shoot the Crows Grooveology: Swagman Dj Ryan Geraghty best in chart rnb and dance music - Shenanigans Open Mic @ Fureys White Gorillas: Fiddlers Midweek Madness with Open Mic: Fureys Blues Jam Night Garavogue

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED HERE, EMAIL info@sligonow.ie

Alternative Rock and Metal: The Clarance Gerry Grennan and Georgie Gorman in Residence - Hargadons Resident Djs from 10pm McHughs Trad Sessions - Shoot the Crows Fergal Harmen - Fiddlers Creek Dj Raff with late bar with best in Chart and Dance - Shenanigans

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED HERE, EMAIL info@sligonow.ie

Fri, Sep 26 MUSIC

North & South - Irish Jazz Allstars - Sligo Jazz Out Of Towners: Fureys Live DJ: Shenanigans “Live & Late” Garavogue Tabby - Fiddlers Creek

That Friday Feeling with Resident Djs - McHughs Trad Night:10pm: Foley's Trad Session from 9pm: Snug Eddie & Friends Hargadons Off The Hook -Kennedy's Bar

Live music: Swagman Open Mic Original music night: The Dunes Tavern, Strandhill Trad Session 8-10 PM The Harp Accoustic Session 10pm - Fureys Live music at 10.30 PM Strand Bar

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED HERE, EMAIL info@sligonow.ie

Sat, Sep 27 MUSIC

Mob Peppers Featuring Pee Wee Ellis - Sligo Jazz Seamus & Friends: Foleys Trad Sessions - Fureys Live Music: TD’s Dj Raff with Classics from 90s 00s and current tracks - Shenanigans Eugene cunningham The Irish House Live Music 7 – 9 followed

by DJ Dessie till late Fiddlers Creek

BackWater Jack: Morans Queen Bee: Pier Head, Mullaghmore

Trad Night 10pm: Foley's Live music: Gormleys SMILE -Kennedy's Bar Live Music - Owenmore Live music: Earlys Live music: Garavogue Interskalactic - 5th on Teeling Live music: Swagman Live DJ: Cullens Vinyl Night with DJ FLESH - Rafferty's bar The Saturday Sessions with Resident Djs McHughs The Duggan Brothers 10.30 PM - The Harp

Rian UnPlugged featuring Liam Ó Maonlaí In Rian eight hugely talented dancers from around the world share the stage with five of Ireland's top musicians in a joyful pairing of dance and traditional Irish music. Rian is directed and choreographed by Michael Keegan-Dolan with musical direction from Liam O Maonlai. It is an expressive cultural hybrid, tapping into Irish traditions with influences from faraway places.

Winner of a 2013 Bessie (New York Dance and Performance Award) for Outstanding Production, Rian premiered in the Dublin Theatre Festival in 2011. It has since been seen and loved by more than 40,000 people across the world. @ The Hawkswell on Sat 27 Sept, 8pm

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 32

Sun, Sep 28 MUSIC

Sunday Mass: McGarrigles Lunchtime Jazz with the Jazz Ladds: 1pm The Clarion Bluemoose unplugged session: Garavogue

Live Music: Owenmore The Sunday Special with Resident Djs - McHughs Trad Session: Snug Vegas Night with Scruffy Duffy: Fiddler's Trad night: Donaghy's Traditional session Fureys

Showband boys The Irish Bar Dj Ryan Geraghty – back to the old school. Shenanigans Out of towners 9.30pm Fureys Kieran Quinn & Seamie O' Dowd - Hargadons The Shindiggers from 6-8 - Harp Tavern Live music at 7 PM Strand Bar

PICK OF THE WEEK

Cherish The Ladies @ The Hawkswell “It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do,” says the Boston Globe, speaking of Cherish the Ladies, the long-running, Grammy-nominated, Irish-American super group that formed in New York City in 1985 to celebrate the rise of women in what had been a male-dominated Irish music scene and has since toured the world, played the White House and the Olympics, and recorded 15 outstanding albums, including their latest, An Irish Homecoming – Live from Bucknell University, which forms the basis for a new PBS special airing nationwide across America at the moment. With a spectacular blend of virtuoso instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements, and stunning step dancing, the group takes the best of Irish traditional music and puts on an immensely entertaining show. Sun 28 Sept, 8pm • €18/15conc. Friends €12

Mon, Sep 29 MUSIC Open Mike Night: Furey's Trad Session from 9pm: Snug Trad night: Donaghy's Live music: Shoots Rackhouse Pilfer: McGarrigles Industry Night: Garavogue Open Mic with Dean Mahon & Rory O'Dowd: The Dunes Tavern, Strandhill Traditional Irish Folk Session - McHughs Kareoke with Dj Scruffy Shenanigans

Thurs, Oct 2 MUSIC Trad Session: Earleys Trad Session: Shoots

Cuban Dawn: Swagman Trad night: Earley's Fireside Sessions: Barrys Gerry Grennan and friend - Hargadons The Rocketmen: Fiddlers

MUSIC

Trad Sessions 10pm Shoot the Crows Craic Addicts: The Swagman

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED HERE, EMAIL info@sligonow.ie

MUSIC John L: Foleys Comedy Club with Karl Spain - 5th on Teeling

241 drinks with Dj Scruffy Duffy: Garavogue Hugh O’Neil: Fureys Gerry Grennan and Georgie Gorman in Residence - Hargadons Resident Djs from 10pm McHughs Dj Raff with late bar with best in Chart and Dance - Shenanigans

DJ PC: Swagman Trad Night: TD's Bar Trad Night 10pm: Foley's Trad night: Durkins Ballinacarrow DJ Ambros: Rafferty's The McAndrews Fiddlers Tom Eaton & Amy Conroy: The Dunes Tavern, Strandhill Accoustic Session 10pm Fureys Live music at 10.30 PM Strand Bar

Suggar Rush - Kennedy’s

Wed, Oct 1 MUSIC

No Crows - Shoot the Crows Grooveology: Swagman Trad: McLaughlins Dj Ryan Geraghty best in chart rnb and dance music - Shenanigans Midweek Madness with Open Mic: Fureys Open Mic: Fureys White Gorillas: Fiddlers

Sat, Oct 4 MUSIC

Live Music: The Pier Head, Mullaghmore

Sun, Oct 5 MUSIC Live Music: The Pier Head, Mullaghmore Sunday Mass: McGarrigles Dj Ryan Geraghty – back to the old school. Shenanigans

Anything goes Hargadons

Live DJ: Shenanigans Out Of Towners: Fureys Fergal Harman: Fiddlers “Live & Late” Garavogue That Friday Feeling with Resident Djs - McHughs

Tues, Sep 30

Late Bar with Hot Fuss Band - Shenanigans Trad Session: Roisin Dubh, Gurteen Trad Session: Fureys Banging Yolks: Chasin’ Bull Bundoran

Fri, Oct 3

Dj Raff with Classics from 90s 00s and current tracks - Shenanigans Seamus & Friends: Foleys Trad Sessions - Fureys Live Music: TD’s Francie Lenehan and The Stratpack - Harp Tavern

The Connectors – SKA band: Rafferty's Live Music 10pm: Snug Mass - Garavogue Unstable: Fiddlers

Lunchtime Jazz with the Jazz Ladds: 1pm The Clarion Bluemoose unplugged session: Garavogue Live Music: Owenmore

The Sunday Special with Resident Djs - McHughs The Strap Pack, After Off Off the Hook - Kennedy’s Out of towners 9.30pm Fureys Kieran Quinn & Seamie O' Dowd - Hargadons

Live music at 7 PM - Strand Bar

Live music at 10.30 PM Strand Bar

Vinyl Night with DJ FLESH - Rafferty's bar Smile - Kennedy’s

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED HERE, EMAIL info@sligonow.ie

Trad night: Donaghy's The Quay Street Band Harp Tavern Celtic Note - Irish House

15th September Offer

EVERYTHING HALF PRICE

Main Street, Collooney • 07191 18010 Excludes Drinks • Collooney Branch Only

September 2014• Sligo Now Magazine • Page 33

Michelle and Roisin McLoughlin , Lisa McDaid and Brenda McLoughin

Laura Carty , Stacey Gallagher and Charlie Clark

Angela Hegarty , Emily Phiebs and Emma O Halloran

Laura O Doherty and Sarah Hanlon

Samantha Kilgallen and Michelle Finan

Erin Gallaghan , Catriona Fitzpatrick & Sharon Fitzpatrick

Ellen McGinley and Josephine Hanlon

Patricia Forde , Shanon Mohan , Niamh McHugh and Shauna McGrath

Noleen McLoughlin and Triona O Donnell

Melissa Slatery and Danielle Sheridan

A

nd we’re back folks!

What an amazing month August has been!

We hope that you all enjoyed the Fleadh and all the other wonderful events that have been going on in Sligo. We have never loved this county more.

This month we are talking sustainable living, speed dating and are looking for you the public, to nominate a challenge for us.

Recent challenges July – The WWOOFER challenge On the 23rd of July we made our way for Tattie Hoaker Farm in Cliffoney, to meet Aidan Gillen, community farmer and local champion of sustainable living.

Aidan welcomed us and began by giving us a full tour of the farm. We were set to experience firsthand a day in the life of a WOOFFER volunteer (World Wide

Opportunities on Organic Farms) The land itself is five hectares in size but was only one fifth full of crop. We meandered through every variety of vegetable you could imagine; potatoes, leeks, pumpkin, beetroot, broad beans, tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, horseradish, cabbage and chillies. In addition to this the farm boasted an impressive collection of herbs that were both being nurtured from seedling and growing wildly.

The air was filled with the smells of dill, coriander, thyme, parsley, lemon grass and fennel.

When we finished planting we prepared a lovely lunch with all of the wonderfully fresh produce which we harvested by hand.

The farm itself over the years has transformed into a steadfast pillar of the community. What Aidan has created is a sanctuary by

where anyone can go to escape the pressures of life and simply be. Be amongst people, plant bulbs, weed, harvest crop and contribute knowledge. This social and ecological enclave is flourishing all the time because it is cared for, nurtured and thought about.

People only take out what they put in and Aidan hopes that visitors will continue to put in so that the farm can grow in size, covering the remaining 4 hectares in crop.

Aidan truly is a breath of fresh air. His wonderful farm is a meeting point, a place to be with nature, an education about sustainable living, a taste of home and an inspiration to anyone who has a dream. For more information about how you can get involved please contact Aidan at aidangillan65@gmail.com.

August- The public vote challenge Part of our promise with this project was to engage the public and ask them how they would challenge us. Last month we again asked the humble opinion of the public to help us out and nominate our challenge for August. Due to a slow response rate and the auld Fleadh, we have extended the deadline to the public, so get nominating!

You decide! To vote go to our site www.elektricgreen.wordpress. com

September- The speed dating challenge So we put our thinking caps on for this challenge and we decided to boldly go where no one has gone (well for as long as we remember) and organise a Speed Dating night in Sligo.

We now live in an age where dating websites have become the most efficient and effective way of meeting that special someone. Apps such as Tinder have replaced shows like Blind Date and deciphering preferential characteristics of a potential other half has become like ordering a pizza where you can even now select which blood group or uniform they should possess.

In a land known for its matchmaking festival and poets who captured what it was to fall in love at first sight, we have decided to go old school on this challenge and create a space where two people can meet up, face to face and talk.

We are hoping that romance will be in the air and this night will be relaxed, informal and open to anyone who wants to meet someone new. Whether you swap numbers or just stories you are sure to enjoy the experience.

The night will take place late September (exact date TBC) at Velvet Rooms. Tickets will be available on a pre sale basis from Friday 29th of August.

Please check out our blog elektricgreen.wordpress.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Professional make up artist based in Sligo offering a Nationwide Service • Nominated as 'Bridal Make Up Artist' of the year and featured on TV's Xpose.

• Specialising in bridal make up, make up classes and photo shoots.

• Commencing in September Sharon will be running her very popular professional 6 week make up course where you can learn to become your very own make up artist.

• One evening Masterclass for your workplace as part of your sports & social club activities!

• For more information log onto my Facebook page, 'Sharon McCormack Make Up'

Mobile: 086 1990418 • Email: info@sharonmccormack.com • www.sharonmccormack.com

Leo Nulty and Jenny Tonin

Alissa Rika and Janine

David Heffernan and Derek Little

Barry and Elaine O Sullivan

Keith and Grainne O Sullivan

Mark Scanlon and a group of Chinese elective students from Shanghai - students at UCD of computer Science

Visit Ireland’s Heritage Sites

Boyle Abbey

Donegal Castle

Ceide Fields

Parkes Castle

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

Sligo Abbey

SLIGO

L

ocated high on The Mall is the Samaritans building, home to the Sligo branch of the charitable organisation, which has been fielding calls from people in need for almost thirty years.

Despite the neon sign outside and the open door policy in operation, most people wouldn't even be aware of the existence of this resource right in the centre of our town. Kate Winter went to meet with Dan Scannell and Joe Waters, volunteers and administrators of the branch, to find out more.

In 1953, in London, a vicar named Chad Varah conducted his first funeral, the suicide of a young girl of just fourteen years old. So moved was he by this senseless loss of life, he set about creating a telephone helpline for people who were in despair. This helpline proved to be the foundation of the UK and Ireland-wide organisation we know as The Samaritans, acknowledged as the go-to source of support for victims of depression and suicide, and hailed as one of the primary life-saving resources available today. And all this, just by listening.

Joe Waters, a volunteer and the PR official from the Sligo branch, explains; "Sometimes you need a place where there's no identity. Where you can just talk and people just listen.

Nobody is trying to solve your problems, but by talking them through freely, without any judgement coming from the listener, inevitably the anxiety and depression around them tends to lessen."

And Dan Scannell, director of the Sligo branch elaborates; "The ethos of the Samaritans is the talking

29 YEARS LISTENING cure. Sometimes in the depths of despair, the obvious just isn't that obvious, and simply being able to talk can make all the difference to somebody's state of mind and ability to see the bigger picture.

We're non directional.

We impose no advice, beliefs or ideas on anybody. We just accept everyone as they are and deal with them on that basis."

It's a simple ethos, but one that has proved staggeringly effective.

The Sligo branch of the Samaritans alone took over 30,000 calls last year. Of those calls, almost 1,500 indicated suicidal feelings, with 300 expressing suicidal plans. The people who volunteer at the end of these phone lines deal with people at all stages of depression and despair, with a supportive and nonjudgemental ear, and this can make the greatest difference in life or death situations.

Whether it's a call about a situational upset, such as a break up or financial difficulties, or a fully fledged suicide attempt, all calls are dealt with in the strictest confidence and with the same acceptance and understanding. Joe describes the experience of fielding such a call, "The best part of the job for me is when you hear the angst in somebody when they call, and you hear it subside as they talk it through and slowly relax. Maybe two hours later they will be back to the original state, but at least for that time, you have helped to ease their pain, and that could have been the time they made a decision for the worse.

That's where you can see you've made a difference."

There is a huge taboo around mental health and suicide in Ireland, despite it being a very important and critical subject among our

PHOTO BY NICOLA GILLESPIE

population. The rate of youth suicide in this country is consistently in the top five in Europe, with men between the ages of 18 and 35 a very vulnerable group.

And it's this demographic which is the least likely to be willing to talk about their feelings.

The Samaritans are active in their pursuit of social awareness and alleviation of these taboos, however, and this year have partnered with the GAA in particular, to raise awareness among men and sportspeople with high profiles, that "It's good to talk". In Joe's words, "The message that it's ok to talk about your feelings is a very important one, particularly to men in Ireland. It helps to have celebrities such as Brent Pope and Bressie coming out and saying that the Samaritans helped them in their time of need and talking about their own mental health, but it's still a taboo subject, and we need to keep working on that."

The Samaritans are best known for their anonymous phone line, but they offer confidential email, text

and face-to-face services as well, and do great work with outreach programs in schools, community groups and online. They do considerable fundraising and all their many, hardworking volunteers are completely unpaid. It is truly a labour of love in its purest sense. Offering open nights twice a year and extensive training for volunteers, their doors are always open to people who want to help, as well as people in need. In fact, sometimes the best thing one can do for one's own state of mind is to reach out and help somebody else.

Something which is very important to both Dan and Joe is the idea that anyone might think they have to be in dire straits or considering suicide to make the call – far from it, they say. It's very necessary to dispel that myth, as the chat someone could have with a volunteer at the very start of a difficult state of mind could be

all they need to start them on the way to recovery, thus stopping them ever reaching the point of no return. As Dan says, "One in five people who call us might express suicidal thoughts. But then there's the other four, who just need to address normal, everyday stresses and strains. Like for example, sexual orientation, finances, family troubles, loneliness. And all of these are relevant things to get off your chest too, and exactly what we are here for."

The Samaritans are a valuable resource, not only for those who are desperate and experiencing extreme trauma, but perhaps for any one of us at some point in our lives when we need a kind and confidential ear.

Whether we know it or not, someone we care about could be struggling, and knowing there is somewhere to turn can make all the difference.

The Samaritans FREEPHONE national number is 116 123

email is jo@samaritans.org, website www.samaritans.ie or pop in between 12 and 10pm any day

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

You can’t put your finger on it but you’re not on top form.

You feel tired more often, you’re emotional and the things you used to love doing now don’t hold the same appeal - You can’t really generalise how struggling to cope can make you feel or act, but if you think these symptoms sound like you or someone you know, please get in touch with us now.

Talk to us any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.

Find out why our service works and what you can expect when contacting us. If you have any concerns about our service before you try it, hear from others about how we've helped them.

Please don’t suffer alone.

FREEPHONE: 116123

CHANGE A LIFE: YOUR OWN The Sligo Samaritans branch would like to extend an open invitation to anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, to attend our information and selection evening on Monday 8th September and Thursday the 18th in the Samaritan Centre The Mall at 7.30 pm.

The Samaritans, located at 3, the Mall Sligo, provide a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week confidential and non-judgemental listening service for anyone who may be feeling distressed or in despair; feelings which can often lead to suicide. The organisation are now also recruiting support volunteers who may have an interest in fundraising or learning about our outreach programme designed to highlight our service to groups who may need it. Those who may be interested need only to attend the meeting, and will be given general information about becoming a volunteer and up and coming training.

By becoming a volunteer for the organisation, you will be able to experience the rewarding feelings of helping others, as well as developing new personal skills. If you think you may be interested or are simply wish to make enqiries, please do not hesitate to join us on the night, everyone is welcome to come along! You can also contact our office at 071 91 47046 or view our website at wwwsamaritans.org for more information.

Samaritans Sligo, 3 The Mall, Sligo • Tel: 07191-42011 (Lo-call )1850 609090

Sligo Festival of Baroque Music 26th – 28th September 2014 in The Model, Sligo

Healthy Packed Lunches

by Deborah Sherlock

L

unch is an important meal. Without a proper lunch you will not have sufficient energy to focus on tasks for the evening ahead. It is not only school children that bring a packed lunch, a large percentage of adults bring lunch to college and work. It can however be challenging to think up new ideas for lunch options and bust out of that rut of the same boring sandwich. It is important to try to include a wide variety of foods. Avoid that afternoon slump and the urge to go to the biscuit jar by packing your lunch box with nutrient dense foods that will balance blood sugar.

Aim to: • To combine protein and fibre with carbohydrates. This will help to get you through the afternoon.

• Include a wide variety of different foods for e.g protein, good fats, starchy foods, dairy, fruits & vegetables • Switch up your carbohydrates. Use high fibre wholemeal pittas, bagels and rolls. These carbohydrates have a lower G.I so won’t cause an energy dip in the afternoon.

• Make the most of your leftovers. Include pasta & baked potatoes or baked sweet potatoes.

• Homemade soups are good in flasks. They hydrate and add extra essential nutrients along with giving warmth on a cold dark winter’s day.

• Lay off the calorie packed mayos and butters and instead choose a low fat alternative, yogurt, relish or low calorie dressing on your sandwich or salad.

• Choose healthy snacks throughout the day like handfuls of nuts, yogurts or fruit.

Tomato and red lentil soup This simple soup is a fast and sustaining lunch packed with protein & fibre.

Ingredients: • 1 tin of tomatoes or passata • 1 vegetable stock cube • 175g red lentils washed • 1 large onion (chopped) • Teaspoon of rapeseed or olive oil • 2 gloves of garlic (chopped) Method: 1. In a pot heat olive oil or rapeseed oil and fry off garlic and onions for a few minutes.

2. Add red lentils and stir but don’t allow them to burn.

3. Add in passata and stir.

4. Add water and stock cube. Leave to cook for 20 mins.

5. Blend ingredients together and enjoy.

M

usical excellence in an informal friendly atmosphere.

19th Sligo Festival of Baroque Music Programme of Events Friday 26th September 2014: An Introduction to the world of Baroque Music 8 pm Opening Concert: €18/15 Julia Corry Traverso; Marja Gaynor; Violin/ Viola; Sarah McMahon Cello; Malcolm Proud Harpsichord Saturday 27th September 2014: 1 pm Lunchtime Concert: €10/8 – Two Harpsichord Recital: Colin Booth & Yonit Kosovske 7.30 pm Evening Concert: The Irish Baroque Orchestra: dir Monica Huggett Muisc from Bohemia *10 pm * Late Night Concert: €10/8 – “Gentle love, sweet melancholy”. Valeria Mignaco with lutenist Alfonso Marin. English lute songs by J. Dowland, T. Campion, P. Rosseter and J. Johnson Sunday September 28th 2014: 2 pm: Heinrich Ignaz Biber Rosary Sonatas: €18/15 – Maya Homburger, baroque violin; Sarah McMahon, baroque cello,Malcolm Proud, harpsichord 5 pm: Marja Gaynor and Nina Treadwell: €10/8 7.30 pm Final Concert: €10/8 – Sligo Baroque Orchestra with guests directed by Therese Timoney The Sligo Festival of Baroque Music event promises a

weekend programme of music from the 17th and 18th centuries with something for almost everyone. Enjoy seven superb concerts with exceptional musicians from Ireland and abroad and master classes and workshops for young and old. The Festival Programme also will include a violin masterclass given by Maya Homburger; an introduction to playing the harpsichord with Colin Booth and open rehearsals including Therese Timoney directing a festival orchestra.This year’s festival will have a focus on the music of Bohemia, but concerts will also include Bach and the music of the Italian Baroque and orchestral, mixed chamber programmes and a two harpsichord recital.

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INSPIRED PLANTING

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 44

CONCEPT GARDENS T

Garden Designer and TV presenter Leonie Cornelius discusses how garden festivals like Chaumont sur Loire in France are paving the way for experimental gardens and opening up garden design to everyone.

he journey to reach the small village of Chaumont sur Loire in itself is quite magical. Taking the slow road along the Loire valley, where houses are built into caves and ‘degustation’ of wine and cognac tempt you to stop every few hundred metres one feels a little bit like time has stopped. To say the area is steeped in history is a bit of an understatement. The Loire valley has some of the France’s most elegant and grand castles due to it being the place where 16th century royalty preferred to spend the bulk of their time.

It is here, in the 10th Century castle of Chaumont sur Loire that we see a fascinating mix of history and modern thinking. The castle, which once was home to Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici and Nostradamus amongst others, is now a major hub of culture and art.

The place that inspired Balzac, Vigny and Proust is now fittingly the host to a vibrant cultural programme including installations by contemporary artists, exhibitions by great photographers and the International Garden Festival of Chaumont sur Loire.

the ‘concept’, which changes every year.

Concept. noun: an abstract idea. Though many flower shows such as Bloom and Chelsea have a concept section, Chaumont is one of a few, including Metis in Canada, to be fully conceptual in approach. The concept, or theme for this years gardens was ‘Gardens of the Deadly Sins’ which made me immediately want to start designing a garden.

How exciting to design a garden around Lust, or Pride or Envy! How fascinating to use the idea of Wrath or Sloth to shape the look and feel of a garden and not be bound by the normal restrictions of what makes a ‘pretty garden‘.

The idea of conceptual gardens set against the backdrop of the Chateau and its English naturalistic landscaped grounds is almost surreal in feel here and makes the often modern and urban garden designs contrast quite strongly to the ancient formal surroundings of the Loire valley. But it works, and it works well, drawing visitors

from all over the world.

gardens can be beautiful.

Though many of these gardens are the last thing that most people would imagine for their own domestic settings, the message here is strong. These gardens are created to make us feel, good and bad. To make us question actions and study reactions.

In French the word Peach tree, ‘Pecher’ is pronounced the same as the word ‘Peche’, which means sin, and this cropped up in a few gardens this year illustrating sexuality as the biblical metaphor of the Apple and creating some interesting stories based on Lust.

For example, one of the gardens was heavily scented by the stench of rubber and was highly effective in creating a reaction from the viewer, thus creating awareness of climate change and highlight our moral responsibility to the environment. There was a garden so ‘Gluttonous red’ in plant and mulch that when I sat at the banquet table overlooking the ‘floral feast’ I felt irritation and frustration.

This was exactly the aim of the designers.

The whole idea of the festival, ancient tradition and modern design was shown beautifully and simply, in the design based on the vanity of Narcissus. A giant gilt mirror reflecting the rounded Castle towers showed how well old and new can not only co-exist but create a new, exciting approach born from the risk taking of an open minded Jury and talented artists collaborating for the love of design.

Another garden sees a highly conceptual space based on a Mauri legend of two smoking male volcanoes fighting over a female volcano was a stunning space to be in, telling a lovely story and showing that conceptual

The International Festival of Gardens runs from the 11th April to the 2 of November. www.domaine-chaumont.fr Story by Leonie Cornelius Garden Design and Interior Architecture-Blume Design house. www.blume.ie

This concept based and boundary breaking international showgarden design festival and the surrounding landscapes are devoted to the relationship between nature and culture, artistic creation and the impact of the landscape, heritage and contemporary art.

The fascinating juxstaposition of ancient history and modern thought sees an incredibly interesting and unique design process emerging. The jury of the festival encourages crossgenre collaboration and there are few restriction in terms of who can enter as long as there is one Garden Designer or Landscaper in the group.

Groups of artists, architects, garden designers, and students of all artistic genres come together to create 24 amazing gardens based on

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 45

Katie Molloy, Arleen Mc Donagh, Niamh Hunt and Hayley McAvoy

Rebecca McCaul and Tara McDermott

Aoife Finan and Rebecca Hanley

Coco Kelly

Sarah McDermott and Martha Keaney

Ciaran McDonagh, David Acheson, Niall Hunt, Katie Molloy and Chris McQuaid

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“The element of surprise is a given and that is what makes creating work your satisfied with in addition” - A. Flanaghan

In this feature I had the pleasure of getting to know the talented Sligo based artist that has everyone talking.

I

NTRODUCING upcoming artist, the strikingly beautiful Andrea Lucy Flanaghan. In this feature, you will gain an insight into her stunning work, the process of making and creating it and what it is like to live the life of a full time artist.

Andrea sells her work nationally and is part of the ‘Central Bank collection’ as well as the the ‘Wesley College collection’. Her work is featured locally in the new Shells cook book. In my opinion this very modest lady is one to watch!

Andrea Lucy Flanaghan:

Andrea studied Fine Art for four years at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. While studying in NCAD (National College of Art & Design) she undertook several modules in print making, glass blowing, sculpture, painting/drawing classes, and media. You name it she tried it! Despite the invaluable exposure and

experience of trying and testing this wide variety of media, Andrea said that she went to art college knowing that she would end up specializing in painting.

“I learned so much in those four years; each module, experience and discussion with tutors and classmates has curved and impacted my style. I remember my tutor Robert Armstrong saying “you have to go too far and then come back from it”. This really impacted my process and gave me the freedom to work in a loose manner.” The summer Andrea finished college was the start of a fantastic year for her. She spent the year making large scale paintings, some for private residencies and one for two art collections. “What I love about commission based work is knowing where the painting is going to sit, the environment it will be contained in and the people who will enjoy it.” After a year of concentrating solely on commissioned work she traveled South America for five months. Andrea found this trip very inspirational and with out her equipment and studio space she delved into photography. The imagery from this trip is still referenced in the work she makes today.

is a given and that is what makes creating work your satisfied with in addition”.

With Andrea’s current process she admits that she gives the power to the chemical and colour reaction that takes place while she is

experimenting. “I nearly follow myself around the canvas, each layer and texture aids the next decision”. She is often asked if her work falls under the term ‘abstraction’, but she said that while this question has led her to

Process:

Andrea explained that she has a strong ability to previsualize in general but when it comes to making a piece the finished piece is always a distorted version of this vision and never on mark. Andrea says “The element of surprise

Title: White shed. 112cm x 145cm. Oil on Canvas.

consider whether or not it does she asks herself “in referencing the outside world is there an escape route?”

Andrea explained that the materials used with the constructed environment of her work have the ability to disrupt the temporal and physical planes of representation but she feels the abstract impulse, while stirring away from its context, never quite arrives at a final elusive purity.

Studio Life:

Andrea tries to open up the doors of her studio located at no.3 Wine Street, as much as possible. She likes giving people an insight into the process of her work and to help aid a greater understanding of it within the viewer. She says “It makes being an artist more enjoyable”.

Title : Drop. 15cm x 10cm. Oil on canvas.

A day in the studio painting for Andrea usually starts with mixing up colors.

This usually takes a good bit of time because she said she is very particular about colour.

Her studio is filled with imagery all over the walls. She is constantly collecting. Her studio is where she does mapping and makes connections. Following this, she applies layers of thin films of paint containing a lot of oil and tourps. Over time the layers build up and the environment start to appear.

Andrea explained that this is not something that can be rushed - “my average painting takes 2 and a half to 3 months to be completed, if all goes well of course!”

particularly fascinating and I love the energy her work possesses. And great news, Andrea plans to have an exhibition of her work in the near future in Sligo! In the meantime she will keep working on commission based work. If you would like to commission a piece from Andrea or meet her why not arrange a viewing of her studio at no.3 Wine street, Sligo.

Contact Andrea: Website: andreaflanaghan.ie

On Facebook ‘Andrea Flanaghan’.

If you are an artist, designer or creative based in Co. Sligo and would like to be featured in my column, I would only love to promote your work so why not contact me on zaramcdaid@hotmail.com. I also have a Facebook page: ‘Zara Mc Daid Art’ & a Blog www.zaramcdaidartist.blogspot.ie where you can read my previous columns if you have missed them. I look forward to hearing from you.

Inspiration:

Andrea’s two top artists which she loves for their use of colour are David Schnell and Graham Crowley. She says “ I have a colour obsession and these guys are the colour kings”.

I loved the opportunity of getting to know the artist behind the work that I have admired from afar for quite some time. As a fine artist myself, I found the creative process behind Andrea’s work

Tittle : Stage. : 105cm x 105cm . Oil on Canvas.

MICHAEL

TOM

CERAMICS

CERAMICS

michaelkennedyceramics@gmail.com Market Street, Sligo

Visit the website: www.tomcalleryceramics.ie

KENNEDY CALLERY Tel: 071-9148844 Mob: 086-8253616

GALLERY

NO.

Tel: 071-9197977 Mob: 087-7674992

6 NOW OPEN

Sligo comes alive for Diverse mix of events, all free-of-charge, to take place across Sligo

C

ulture Night celebrates culture, creativity and the arts and takes place Friday 19th September 2014.

Arts and cultural organisations will open their doors until late with free events, workshops & performances for you, your family and friends to enjoy. The diverse mix of events, all freeof-charge, will take place across Sligo’s leading arts venues, the Hawk’s Well Theatre, The Model, Blue Raincoat Theatre Company, and in private artists’ studios.

Running from early evening until very late, there will be

something for everyone.

Children will be enchanted by ‘Set Sail’ a collaboration between the Hawk’s Well Theatre and The Model with Monkeyshine Theatre. ‘Set Sail’ will be a fantastical theatre adventure with tall tales to be told. It's all hands on deck for this mini voyage into the unknown. Ships will be setting sail from The Model at 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm, 4.30pm, 5pm, 5.30 pm and the Hawk’s Well Theatre at 4pm, 4.30pm, 5pm, 5.30pm, 6pm and 6.30pm. This show is ideal for children ages 5+ advance booking is required.

Gary Reddin, Pauline Terry and Amy McGovern are just some of Sligo’s leading artists who will be opening their studios to the public on Culture Night. The Model Artists Studios will be open to the public from 6-8pm, with artists in attendance to talk visitors through their work. Renowned Northern Ireland Artist Graham Gingles will be at Hamilton gallery on Culture night from 6 – 8 pm for an informal meet and greet with art lovers, against the backdrop of his exhibition Bad flowers, glass birds and other ideas which runs at the gallery throughout September.

Sligo’s galleries will also remain

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 50

open late. You can visit exhibitions by Susan Hiller & Jack B Yeats at The Model from 6-8pm, the Paul Rose Exhibition at the Hyde Bridge Galley will remain open until 10pm as will Helen Pinof’s exhibition Urban Jungle at Hawk’s Well Theatre.

The Sligo Drink and Draw group will meet in Osta Café at 7pm 9pm. The idea of Drink and Draw is simply to meet and sketch informally over a few drinks in a pub or café. There are no tutors analysing your work or any exams, it’s just a relaxed evening where you can sketch, share your art, your influences and company! The group is open to all skill levels.

Sligo Crafts are also represented with the esteemed Bettina Seitz & Lydna Gault hosting workshops for both adults and children. Sculpture workshops with Bettina Seitz start run from 6pm -7pm and 8pm-9pm. Lynda Gault will host Halloween themed Ceramic Workshops from 6pm-7pm and 8pm-9pm. You will find the artists’ studios at Area 4 Art Studios, Lower Quay Street, Sligo. In his unique, humorous and intrepid style Blue Raincoat Theatre Company's John Carty will provide a theatre workshop for the whole family that will get everyone moving and shaking.

This workshop takes place in the Factory Performance Space, Lower Quay Street, Sligo, at 7pm sharp.

Enjoy a variety of live performances throughout Culture Night Sligo. Music Generation Sligo presents ‘The Big Bang’ at The Bakeshop & Lyons Café. Young composers & musicians will perform a selection of music from the popular Music Generation Sligo’s productions Big Bang & Fleadh Fusions. The performance begins at 5pm.

Sligo’s Yeats Day will curate a celebration of the William Butler Yeats including poetry, drama and music at City Hall between

r Culture Night

6pm to 9pm.

Sligo Youth Theatre present Culture Vultures three sharp witty creations devised directed and performed by members of the Youth Theatre at 7pm, 8pm & 9pm at the Youth Theatre, Lower Quay Street, booking advisable. Pop into The Nest at Custom House, Lower Quay Street on Culture Night and enjoy the Tea House and Exhibition space as the members of Branching Out, youth arts group, bring the venue alive. Spike Sligo presents SPIKEd, Barry Cullen’s one man show about the life of Spike Milligan at the iconic Masonic Lodge, The Mall Sligo.

Performances at 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm. Sligo’s Masonic Lodge will also open

its doors to the public for tours and a presentation on its history on Culture Night. For further details on Masonic Lodge events please e-mail Spike@spikesligo.com.'The Ravens among the Reeds' is an immersive theatre experience that combines all the glamour, guts and romanticism of Sligo's revolutionary history. Produced

by Margaret Kilcoyne the location will only be revealed upon booking Call 0719163761 to find out more.

Vinyl Culture presents an interactive selection of music sharing and passionate storytelling revealing Sligos’ favourite music from the vinyl era at Fureys, Bridge St from 6pm. There’s a double bill of exceptional talent at the

Hawk’s Well Sligo. Two of Scotland’s most revered multiinstrumentalists, Mairearad Green (accordion and bagpipes) and Anna Massie (guitar, banjo, fiddle) join with The Almost Unwanted; Cathy Jordan (voice, bodhrán and tenor guitar) , Rick Epping (harmonica, concertina, banjo, jaw harp) and Seanan Brennan (mandola, guitar) for an evening of transatlantic music.

Tickets are free but demand will be high therefore advance booking is recommended.

PassePartout Circus are delighted to present their brand new night-time show, Inferno, a spectacle that brings to life the element of Fire, especially for Culture Night at The Model. Mysterious, skilful and totally unique, INFERNO will transport you into a realm of fire & shadow, music and wonder. Two performances will take place at The Model, Connaughton Road Car Park entrance, 7.45pm to 8.30pm & 10.30pm to 11.15 pm.

All events are free of charge but places are limited for some events. Further info on booking is available on the Culture Night Sligo Facebook page and from each of the venues directly.

Get updates from Culture Night Sligo Facebook Page, Twitter: @culturesligo, Instagram: @culturesligo and download the app for free in the App Store or in Google Play. Be sure to use Hashtag: #culturenight #sligo Culture Night Sligo is coordinated by Hawk’s Well Theatre on behalf of Culture Night Sligo partner venues Hawk’s Well, The Model and Blue Raincoat Theatre Company and supported by Sligo County Council Arts Service. Culture Night is brought to you by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in partnership with the regional arts offices, local authorities and other cultural organisations throughout the island of Ireland.

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 51

Vanessa Saunders , Lucy Gallagher, Blaithin Sweeney

Meadb Charleton, Ana Vahey, Melanie Hopper

Andreas Mohr, Martina Henry and Val Robos

Katie Winter, Noel Carter and Sylvia Hodgins,

Kate Winter at the launch of her book

Annie Mc Loughlin, Lydia Mc Loughlin, Muireann Charleton

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La Vie en MODE

BY TRÍONA O'DONNELL

that year, she could come through anything.

R

ebecca Marsden is one to watch. This 25 year old local fashion designer is certainly not just a pretty face; She is talented, educated, resourceful and very hardworking.

I was interested to meet Rebecca, after having spotted her impressive designs featured in The Irish Independent.

We first met this year at an event called CREATE, organised

by Swell Sligo. I then visited her stunning home and studio at Tully to learn more. Her womenswear label 'Rebecca Marsden Designs' has been awarded 'Designer of the Year' (2014) as well as the overall 'Innovation Award' at the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards 2014.

Did you always know this was the route you would take?

'Well, I always loved dressing up.

My mum has a hamper full of vintage clothing, which she held onto and I remember my sister Rachel and I raiding it at weekends during college, looking for something to wear. I don't recall a definite moment when I decided this was going to be my career path'.

Rebecca enjoyed English in Sligo Grammar School and although she studied art, she actually didn't put time into her portfolio until after her Leaving Cert. She did a portfolio course here in Sligo and then went on to study a BA in Design at LIT for four years. After exploring a broad spectrum of disciplines in her first year, she then decided to focus on fashion design.

Second year was a pressurefilled, make or break year. She knew that if she got through

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 54

When did you design and construct your very first collection?

'In third year we had the opportunity to create a mini, two-piece collection as the end result of the year. 'Collapse and Fall' was the name of my avantgarde pieces. There was a big focus on fabric manipulation and pleating.

The concept behind my collection was a dancer who had a spinal injury. Dancing denotes her freedom of movement and expression, while her injury causes her to become contained and restrained. My collection depicted the emotional and physical consequences of the injury'.

Plan A: Japan Following her mini collection, she had the chance to do internships from April to September of that year. Her original plan was to visit Japan.

She had everything organised: internship, flights, accommodation... but unfortunately all fell through at the very last minute as the Tsunami hit.

Of course, Rebecca recalls 'how could I be upset about her situation considering the scale of what had just happened?

Anyway, I had to turnaround my plans fairly snappish'. She still hopes to visit Japan one day.

Plan B: London and India (not a bad Plan B) Rebecca managed to get a placement at Kingsland Road in East London. To date she still returns to source fabric. Her time in London was a stepping stone to the fashion industry and it opened her eyes to the fantastic opportunities for fashion graduates, the media presence, as well as the support available in the form of bursaries. She then spent two and a half months in India, working six days a week. It was very hands on designing, developing and sampling in Dehli and she found the fast turnaround at the factory incredible.

Can you tell us about your final year in LIT? 'In my forth year, the key focus was my final collection. It was intense but I really loved that buzz and energy and the continuity. I loved being a student; It was a challenging, but rewarding time.'

Being fascinated by product design and processes as well as the new technologies and techniques, Rebecca took advantage of the facilities and machinery that were available in other departments at LIT. She worked a lot with the Sculpture Department.

She used rigid plastic and a vacuum former to create her garments. She showed her initiative, innovation and resourcefulness as although LIT

woods and being close to the sea. She loves to go walking to process her thoughts and clear her mind.

I notice a lot of earthy tones in your collections, can you explain?

'Yes, it seems I'm drawn to matte earthy tones, but there is always a thread or pop of metallic coming through to give it a lift and movement.

There is jazzy feel in her new collection 'These Altered Lands'.

It is inspired by coastal erosion and organic processes, which comes through in my work with rigid structure forms. There is lots of tucking and folding of fabric and knitwear. There is a textile focus in Rebecca's work, manipulating fabrics: pleats, ripples, layers. It is evident from her work that Rebecca enjoyed Geography at school: 'The power of nature fascinates me and how we interact with nature'.

encourages interdisciplinary work, this hadn't been done before. It was a whole new approach that both departments learned from, and it was this cross-disciplinary approach that possibly securing her LIT Graduate Award (2012) and her College Collection Award for most innovative use of materials.

LIT has a strong and established knitwear focus and Rebecca loved working with knitwear, despite not being keen about the idea at first. It was her tutor who opened her eyes to what knitwear could be putting a contemporary swing on traditional knitwear techniques.

What is the concept behind your collection 'Cellular Collision'?

Her final year collection was called 'Cellular Collision' inspired by the Theory of Cellular Memory and cellular change that takes place posttransplant. This collection conjures up the story of a girl who receives a heart transplant. The organ donor was a marine biologist.

Overwhelmed by this foreign organ, she is moulded by his traits that emerge; these strange feelings and emotions rippling to the surface. A major focus in her collection was moulding and vacuum forming. These processes reflected the concept of emerging emotions, marine

life and forms from the sea.

Shortly after her graduate show, her designs featured in an International Design Collective at the closing ceremony alongside designers from New Zealand, Dubai and South Africa. There was a lot of press exposure and she was then contacted about the CREATE project in Brown Thomas.

Working with Brown Thomas Her current A/W14 collection 'These Altered Lands' is now available at Brown Thomas CREATE until the end of September. CREATE at Brown Thomas showcases emerging Irish designers. It is a capsule collection, exclusive to BT and the fact that she has been invited back shows consistency in her brand. This will be her third consecutive year working with Brown Thomas.

How do you stay focused?

'It's very important to have a theme and focus that keeps you rapt and gripped during the whole process, that way, it's easier to see it through. For example, the story behind Cellular Collision was completely fantastical and it kept intriguing me. I'm glad I chose it.' Although Rebecca enjoys the buzz in Dublin, there are distractions and she's happy to escape the city for a while. She finds it easier to work here in Sligo and works better in solitude, surrounded by the

Accolades The roster of awards she is amassing will put us all to shame. Ready? Designer of the Year' (2014) as well as the overall 'Innovation Award' at the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards 2014; LIT Graduate Award (2012) and College Collection Award (2012) for Most Innovative Use of Materials; Rebecca was named 'One To Watch' at the Irish Fashion and Innovation Awards, and won the Future Makers Award (2013) as well as the Homi Makers Design Award in Milan for her accessories range of wearable neckpieces.

What can we expect from Rebecca Marsden designs in the future?

'There is lots of talent leaving Ireland and so I'm reluctant to

take flight, but there are fantastic opportunities for fashion graduates in London.

I'd like to do an MA at the Royal College or Central Saint Martins in the near future.' Part time lecturing in St. Angela's is also on the cards for Rebecca, but she affirms 'it will not distract from my work; it will complement it if anything.' She will start working on her S/S15 collection and collaborate with her sister Rachel, who recently graduated from a Textile Design course in London.

Screen printing hasn't featured a lot in Rebecca's work, so Rachel will bring new elements to her upcoming collections.

Rebecca is spontaneous and experimental, whereas 'Rachel has a more organised, considered approach to design. I think we will work well together and complement each other. It will be an exciting balance. Like I said, I love the knitwear process so I hope to keep an element of that in the studio. I also want to focus on building stockists both here in Ireland and internationally'.

Contact Rebecca: Email: rebeccamarsdendesigns@gmail.com Website: www.rebeccamarsdendesigns@weebly.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/RebeccaMarsdenDesign Call: 0860501954

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 55

William, Darren, Amanda and Bridget Toland

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Sile Nic Suibhne, Teresa Ward, Marie Shannon, Orla Tuohy, Dympna O'Carroll, Dolores Carr, Bernie Conlon, Samantha Armstrong Love

Veronica Cowley, Andrina Rogan and Josh Rogan

Tracy Brooks, Muireann Harkin, Jane Fehrmann

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Des Campbell, Mairead Mc Mullan, Rosaleen McGoran, Francis Mc Goran, Josephine Russell and Patick Mc Carten

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 57

Victoria Monstvilaite, Dovile Povilaityte

Susan McWamee and Irene Fleming

Sylvia Ripon and Stephanie Paxton

Chris MacManus and Clare Lynch

10 writers - Maura Gilligan, Andrew O'Reilly, Emma Pureell, Nora Ryan, Jean Toumey, Liam Moloney, Sile NiChuirc, Eamon O'Cleirigh, 2 writers missing (Stephanie Ripon and Ann McKirdy) and editor Peggie Gallagher

Bernie and Michael O'Kelly and Siobhan Cleary

Sligo's Café Writers launch A First Collection

Abbie Clarke, Vincat Clarke, Bernie Gordon, Katie O' Flaherty & Eamon O' Cleirigh

Kevin Buckley, Enya Clarke, Kelsey Clarke, Abbie Clarke and Ryan Clarke

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 58

A NEW, refreshing collection of Sligo writing has been launched. Café Writers, a local writing group, unveiled A First Collection – their debut compilation – at St Michael's Family Life Centre, Church Hill, earlier this month (Wednesday, August 6). The well-attended launch featured selected readings from A First Collection, as well as music and speeches from those involved in its birth.

A First Collection contains vibrant prose, poetry and images from 10 Sligo-based writers of varying artistic and writing backgrounds.

The collection is edited by Peggie Gallagher, an awardwinning poet and a winner of the Listowel Poetry Collection prize in early 2012.

Gallagher, who resides in Sligo, has been short-listed in other prestigious competitions and her first collection of poetry, Tilth, was published last year. Café Writers, an 10-strong eclectic group, was established following writing classes attended at St

Michael's Family Life Centre, under the tutelage of creative mentor Maura Gilligan, a wellknown arts facilitator and inspiration behind the annual Bealtaine Festival in Sligo.

The writers in A First Collection includes the aforementioned Maura Gilligan, Andrew O'Reilly, Emma Purcell, Stephanie Ripon, Nora Ryan, Jean Tuomey, Ann McKirdy, Silé Ní Chuirc, Liam Maloney and Eamon Ó Cléirigh. When compiling the book, the Café Writers received a grant from Sligo VEC (now part of MayoSligo-Leitrim ETNB). Café Writers also plan to hold a launch event in Castlebar, County Mayo – one of the contributors, Jean Tuomey, is based there – in early September. A First Collection will be available locally – from a number of select outlets in Sligo town – and is priced at €10 per book. Copies can also be obtained from the writers involved. Profits from the sales of A First Collection will go to North West Hospice.

Michael D . on his final address before leaving Sligo town after the Fleadh opening at Sligo Town Hall Colmcille Peagant after their performance at the official Fleadh Cheoil 2014 opening ceremony

Sarah Kelly and Laura Clifford

Aoife and Aine Whyte - street Fleadh workers

Irish dancer entertaining the crowd

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Angelscopes F

iona Faery is an Irish Psychic Medium who unites people regularly with their loved ones in spirit & also offers psychic guidance with her Faery oracle card readings. She is a regular on Irish radio & has monthly columns in various publications. Fiona is known for her optimistic no-nonsense approach to life. She teaches workshops on mediumship and helps 'baby' mediums build their confidence & step into their power. Her spiritual poetry has found a home on her Facebook page; Fiona Faery where she posts a daily poem. Her poetry is aimed to motivate & empower, as Fiona believes in helping people connect with their soul purpose. She reads internationally through her website www.fionafaery.ie

Aries

Angel of healing This summer has flown for you Aries. You may feel the need of some TLC before the September rush begins. This angel also brings emotional healing over an issue hat has been troubling you. Your angels advise you that you need to hand over your problems so they can take care of them. A walk near a Forrest or place if natural beauty will restore weary spirits.

Lucky Day: 30th September Lucky colour: Green

Leo

Angel of retreat Sometimes it's wise to retreat from the world to creat a solitary space just for you. This can be a long soak in a hot bath, a walk in the woods or an early night listening to your favourite music. You are being guided to take some time out and re connect with your own inner wisdom.

Take a deep breath and breathe in the positive energy as you exhale the stress of the last few weeks. Time out will give you some perspective on your current situation.

Lucky Day: 14th September Lucky colour: Blue

Sagi#arious

Angel of freedom Poor Sagittarius, your head is full of other people's problem to month. There is a list a mile long on your head of things to do, bills to be paid etc. this summer has come and gone in a blink for you and you may feel slightly overwhelmed. Ask yourself, how many things on your list truly belong to you?

Are you guilty of being a martyr? You are being advised to delegate, call in a favour if it's due and ask for support. This will enable you to have the freedom you desire. Help is there but you must seek it out!

Lucky Day: 19th September Lucky colour: Orange

Taur!s

Angel of answered prayers You prayers are bring answered! Your angel has heard your call but you need to get out of your own way so they can help you!

Too often when we fixate on a problem we make that problem bigger than it actually is.

You are being guided to let go and let god and watch as your prayers manifest into reality.

Lucky Day: 15th September Lucky colour: White

Virgo

Angel of romance To truly fall in love, we must fall in love with ourselves first.There is no such thing as the perfect relationship. All it requires that two imperfect people are perfect for each other! This card asks for you to find the balance in your love life. If you are single, ask yourself what is it truly that you seek?

Focus only on the positive aspects me bring that self love into your life. If you are in a relationship, instead of focusing on the flaws, draw the attention to the positive aspects and compliment your partners attentiveness. You will soon find you are pulling together as a unit instead of against each other! Lucky Day: 28th September Lucky colour: Pink

Capricor$

Angel of manifestation The card of luck has entered your spread.

Be aware of your thoughts this month as you may manifest joy or manifest chaos! It's time to do an emotions check in with yourself. Is your glass half full or half empty? Its time to raise your energy and expect the best to happen as that is exactly what will unfold. The choice is yours Lucky Day: 17 September Lucky colour: Black

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Gemini

Angel of soul mate Gemini you are in the mood for love and for those single Gemini's the later part of this month will bring in a meeting with a very interesting character. Say yes to a new opportunity! For those in relationships, you are being guided to spend some quality time together. This can mean a meal out or a simple walk with each other.

Take time to add some romance into your relationship and ignite that spark!

Lucky Day: 19 th September Lucky colour: purple

Libra

Angel of listening It's time to listen to the truth within. That time voice that tells you if something feels wrong or to act when someone feels right. It's time to drown out others opinions and voices as he situation you have asked for guidance with must come from yourself.

Take one step at a time as the pay will be revealed to you the more your trust.

Lucky Day: 20 th September Lucky colour: Pale blue

Aquarius

Angel of new beginnings Aquarius. you at closing he end of one chapter in your life and beginning a new.

The past cannot harm you, only if you let it.

For those of you seeking a new job, the 15th of the month should be quite a lucky time for news. Endings are new beginnings.

You must close the door on one area of your life to truly open the door for joy to begin.

Lucky Day: 15th September Lucky colour: lilac

Cancer

Angel of balance Cancer, you have been rushing along at such a busy pace lately you may have been neglecting you own needs for the sake of others. Family can place such heavy burdens and responsibilities on us that we forget to look after ourselves. Take some time out or call a friend and release those worries that are living rent free in your head.

Everything will sort itself out but worrying will simply not make it go a away. Chin up advice is near. Lucky Day: 27th September Lucky colour: Olive Green

Scor"io

Angel of children It does not matter what age your children are, they can still drove you to distraction!

Try not to become involved in family disputes or become caught between sibling rivalry. Instead try to look for positive distractions or antidotes to remind them of how much you love the positive aspects of their personalities.

Be careful if your words, they may just come back to bite you!

Lucky Day: 29th September Lucky colour: Red

Pisces

Angel of music The angel of music has entered your card today to remind you of your connection with song. Turn on your records, turn up your music and dance. It is also a sign that a loved one in spirit is trying to connect with your through a familiar tune! Music has the power to lift our hearts in an instant and you will get a song as confirmation for the next move you are looking to take in your life's path. Lucky Day: 30th September Lucky colour: Gold

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With Dale Barber of The Swagman Bar,Sligo

Beef and Leann folláin Stew and Mash chocolate tones with a hint of vanilla combine with the mild mocha aroma.

Opaque black in appearance with tan head, this luxurious stout has a classic European hop bitterness given a refreshing bite after the chocolate subsides.

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Ingredients • 2 lb lean stewing beef • 2 tblsp flour • 2 tblsp olive oil • 400 g chopped seasonal vegetables • 2 garlic cloves (chopped) • 150 ml chicken stock • 2 x 500 ml Leann folláin • 2 fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs • 4 local smoked rashers (cooked & chopped) Method 1. Pat beef dry in kitchen paper and leave to sit out of the fridge for about 20 minutes.

2. Brown in the saucepan with a little rapeseed oil over a high heat.

3. Add the vegetables to

the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the flour and mix well, scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pot and stirring frequently for about 5 minutes.

5. Slowly add the Leann folláin and the stock and bring to a simmer, then pour into a casserole dish and cover.

6. Allow to simmer away gently in the oven at 170°C until the beef is cooked, about 1½ - 2 hours.

7. Season by adding the smoked rashers and add a drop of Leann folláin to your own taste.

8. Serve with really creamy mash that I have blended with

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 64

Cream, Irish Butter and fresh herbs A Lovely Addition for our winter menu True to it’s name, “Leann folláin” being the Gaelic for “wholesome stout”, our full-bodied extra Irish stout is a fantastic example of how good stout can taste.

Flavours of dark

WINE GUIDE H

ere is a quick reference to the most popular wine varieties and how to pair wine with food.

Types of white wine grapes

RIESLING Food-wine pairing: dry versions go well with fish, chicken and pork dishes.

Districts: the classic German grape of the Rhine and Mosel, riesling grows in all wine districts.

Germany’s great Rieslings are usually made slightly sweet, with steely acidity for balance. Riesling from Alsace and the Eastern USA is also excellent, though usually made in a different style, equally aromatic but typically drier (not sweet).

Typical taste in varietal wine: Riesling wines are much lighter than Chardonnay wines. The aromas generally include fresh apples. The riesling variety expresses itself very differently depending on the district and the winemaking. Rieslings should taste fresh. If they do, then they might also prove tastier and tastier as they age.

GEWÜRZTRAMINER Gah-vurtz-tra-meener) A very aromatic variety.

Food-wine pairing: ideal for sipping and with Asian food, pork and grilled sausages.

Districts: best-known in Alsace, Germany, the USA West Coast, and New York. Typical taste in varietal wine: fruity flavours with aromas of rose petal, peach, lychee, and allspice. A Gewürztraminer often appears not as refreshing as other kinds of dry whites.

CHARDONNAY (Shar-doe-nay) Chardonnay was the most popular white grape through the 1990’s. It can be made sparkling or still.

Food-wine pairing: it is a good choice for fish and chicken dishes. Districts: chardonnay makes the principle white wine of Burgundy (France), where it

originated. Chardonnay is grown with success in most viticultural areas under a variety of climatic conditions.

Typical taste in varietal wine: often wider-bodied (and more velvety) than other types of dry whites, with rich citrus (lemon, grapefruit) flavours. Fermenting in new oak barrels adds a buttery tone (vanilla, toast, coconut, toffee). Tasting a USD 15 Californian Chardonnay should give citrus fruit flavours, hints of melon, vanilla, some toasty character and some creaminess

SAUVIGNON BLANC Food-wine pairing: a versatile food wine for seafood, poultry, and salads.

Districts: New Zealand produces some excellent Sauvignon Blancs.

Some Australian Sauvignon Blancs, grown in warmer areas, tends to be flat and lack fruit qualities. Of French origin, sauvignon blanc is grown in the Bordeaux district where it is blended with semillon.

Typical taste in varietal wine: generally lighter than Chardonnay — Sauvignon blanc normally shows a herbal character suggesting bell pepper or freshly mown grass. The dominating flavours range from sour green fruits of apple, pear and gooseberry through to tropical fruits of melon, mango and blackcurrant. Quality unoaked Sauvignon Blancs will display smokey qualities; they require bright aromas and a strong acid finish; they are best grown in cool climates.

flavours of wild black-fruit (such as blackcurrant), with overtones of black pepper spice and roasting meat. The abundance of fruit sensations is often complemented by warm alcohol and gripping tannins.

Toffee notes if present come not from the fruit but from the wine having rested in oak barrels.

The shiraz variety gives hearty, spicy reds. While shiraz is used to produce many average wines it can produce some of the world’s finest, deepest, and darkest reds with intense flavours and excellent longevity.

MERLOT (Mer-lo) Easy to drink. Its softness has made it an "introducing" wine for new red-wine drinkers.

Food-wine pairing: any will do.

Districts: a key player in the Bordeaux blend, merlot is now also grown on the US West Coast, Australia, and other countries.

Typical taste in varietal wine: black-cherry and herbal flavours are typical. The texture is round but a middle palate gap is common.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON (Ka-ber-nay So-vee-nyon) Widely accepted as one of the world’s best varieties. Cabernet sauvignon is often blended with cabernet franc and merlot. It usually undergoes oak treatment.

Food-wine pairing: best with simply prepared red meat.

Districts: cabernet sauvignon is planted wherever red wine grapes grow except in the Northern fringes such as Germany. It is part of the great red Médoc wines of France, and among the finest reds in Australia, California and Chile.

Typical taste in varietal wine: fullbodied, but firm and gripping when young. With age, rich currant qualities change to that of pencil box. Bell pepper notes remain. Vanilla notes if present come not from the fruit but from the oak treatment. They increase review ratings but may overwhelm the varietal taste.

PINOT NOIR (Pee-no Nwar) One of the noblest red wine grapes — difficult to grow, rarely blended, with no roughness.

Food-wine pairing: excellent with grilled salmon, chicken, lamb and Japanese dishes.

Districts: makes the great reds of Burgundy in France, and good wines from Austria, California, Oregon, and New Zealand.

Typical taste in varietal wine: very unlike Cabernet Sauvignon. The structure is delicate and fresh. The tannins are very soft; this is related to the low level of polyphenols.

The aromatics are very fruity (cherry, strawberry, plum), often with notes of tea-leaf, damp earth, or worn leather.

Yet pinot noir is very transparent to the place where it is grown.

Types of red wine grapes SYRAH (Sah-ra or Shi-raz) Shiraz or syrah are two names for the same variety. Europe vine growers and winemakers only use the name syrah. Food-wine pairing: meat (steak, beef, wild game, stews, etc.) Districts: syrah excels in France’s Rhône Valley, California and Australia. Typical taste in varietal wine: aromas and

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Cut, Blow Dry and Shave for only...€25 September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 65

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Mystique

Hairstyle Trends for Autumn/Winter

D

o you want to try out the hottest looks for autumn/winter ?

No problem, since the trends you see on the runway are rarely as wearable and simple as the looks for 2014. We present hair colours that are setting the trend this season and the hairstyles you should definitely not miss out on this year.

The French plait is also with us for autumn/winter. It moved prominently to the top position at the international shows.

Whether as a highlight parted from the centre and braided in the front part of the hair or as a total hair sculpture woven around the entire head: braids are aways a real eye-catcher.

French Plaits: Instructions and Styles

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Main Street, Collooney, Sligo Tel: 071-911 8747 • www.mystiquebeauty.ie

T

he French plait is a classic, which is constantly being reinvented. Although this favourite style takes a bit of

practice, the results are definitely worth it. Here we show, step by step, how to best do it and how varied it can be.

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We love the French plait in all its lengths and variations. Since it is so unique as it may look, it can be woven and styled. The French plait put together as a plaited strand is by far the best known method, but it can also be divided, for example, for a very eye-catching effect 1. Work some mousse into the hair in order to have some body. Next, pull back the hair, and take a section from the top and divide it into three equal parts.

2. Weave the right-hand strand over the middle strand, so the right-hand An intricate french plait swept strand now is in the all the way around the head to middle. create this look. From behind 3. Weave the left strand the ear onwards, the links of over the middle strand, hair were loosened by pulling so the left-hand strand is on each section gently, which now in the middle. This is makes the plait look fatter as it the base for the French winds its way under the crown. plait.

4. Now take some hair from the right side, weave it with the right strand, and braid it again over the middle strand, so that this hair from the right strand is now in the middle.

5. Take some hair from the left side, weave it with the left strand, and braid it again over the middle strand, so that this hair from the left strand is now in the middle.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until there is no more hair length remaining, and braid the rest normally to the tip.

7. Finally, set it all in place with hairspray for an optimal hold.

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Follow Kate on Twitter @katicut

M

y new leaf this month is one I've dabbled in before. If you've been following my endeavours over the past year, you'll recall that my first step was to 'detox', in order to prepare myself for all the new challenges I intended to take on. Well, I re-toxed. Quite considerably. And I had a great time doing it, though some parts are still blurry.

So, when I woke up on the 31st of July feeling like a ton of bricks had been dropped on me, I made a snap decision. For the month of August, Fleadh and all, I would not touch a drop of drink. No excuses.

Not like that last detox, when I managed to sneak in a few 'medicinal' glasses of wine. No, I would go completely teetotal, and on top of that, I would endeavour to have the most social month possible.

Now, I think we are most of us the same, in this fine country of ours. We like a drink. We like ourselves with a drink. We like other people more with a few drinks in us, and we term most experiences "Great Craic" once there's a few drinks involved. I know the thought of a night out on the dry fills me with a kind of dread I usually only experience prior to an exam or a job interview. It's a challenge, indeed. Even if it's only the one to steady you, you get the guts of what I'm saying to you, don't you? If not, my problem is larger than I previously imagined. Or else you're lying. Either way, I shall continue.

So I set about laying off the sauce and laying into the events with gusto. Conveniently, a dental issue arose that needed treating with the KING of all antibiotics, the one they definitely warn you about. "Now, whatever you do, don't drink any alcohol on this one. You'll die." So my first two weeks I actually had an excuse. And I needed one. Because people really don't trust you when you don't drink on a night out, in our culture. And far from seeing your choice as a healthy one and encouraging it, they will declare you a 'dry shite' and offer you a shot without drawing breath. Which would usually be a welcome gesture as far as I'm concerned, but started to grate on me as the month wore on.

Thankfully, most evenings, my companions would quickly forget that I was sober, particularly with the help of the fabulously foolhardy glass of non-alcoholic beer in my hand.

They would get slurrier and sloppier and I would start laughing more, and all would be well. Except one weird thing about not drinking struck me straight away. I was like a goldfish swimming around my bowl with this ever-present feeling that I

was forgetting something. The absence of alcohol in my hand and in my life made me consistently sense that something was missing; That nagging sense you've left the iron on or lost your keys. It was quite the wake up call.

Once I got past that, I started to really notice the upside. When you're sober, you spend hardly any money.

People don't involve you in rounds and you don't feel the need to always have a glass on the go. The social crutch is gone, but so is the expense. When you're sober, you know instantly when you've had enough and it's time to go home, so you always leave the party at its peak, instead of wringing the life out of it like a scraggy farmyard fowl.

When you're sober, you can drive and you don't have to wait around for anyone else to be ready to go (unless you foolishly offer to be designated driver, in which case you're at the whim of a gang of booze-fuelled maniacs, silly you).

I started to enjoy it. It took a lot more real confidence than I'm used to carrying around in my belly, particularly when I went to gigs alone, or went on a date. And yes, I went on a sober date. That was nerve-wracking indeed, but I learned something very useful.

Now pay attention women, this is important: Beer goggles are a curse. You'd be amazed the self control you have when you haven't had a few glasses of vino. It's genuinely pleasant to spend a nice evening with a man and not end up snogging in the corner because his physical appearance got more and more alluring through the night and his glaring personality defects slowly faded out of consciousness, thanks to the soft-focus filter of 14.5% Syrah.

I'm not saying my date was defected, just to be clear. I'm not saying he wasn't either, mind you.

Just that my brain was functioning on a higher level than my libido and it helped me ensure my brakes were working properly.

I still managed to have a good time despite being fully compus mentus for the month of August. I woke up at an early, bright hour every day and got loads of work done and I went to far more gigs and events than I normally would because I could afford to. I danced (a little more self-consciously than usual, but that's no bad thing), I laughed, I chatted and I did no unidentified injuries to myself. All in all, I think the pros outweighed the cons. So much so that I'm considering keeping it up for September too...

So whatever you do, please don't offer me a whiskey anytime soon.

September 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 70

Month in Review August highlights, with Kate Winter

T

he Blue Raincoats – A Brief Taste of Lightning was a lunchtime show staged by The Raincoats, and offered a truly wonderful way to spend an August afternoon.

Written by Malcolm Hamilton, directed by Ciaran McAuley, starring Niall Henry and Sandra O'Malley, this darkly comic play intrinsically linking marriage and death wasn't your usual lunchtime pursuit, but a delicious morsel of Blue Raincoat offering nonetheless. After enjoying considerable success last year, The Dunes bar in Strandhill ran its day-long mini music festival, Dunes Day, over the August bank holiday weekend. Though it was a perfectly wintery summers day with constant drizzle, all in attendance rocked out to such local legends as Seamie and Rory O'Dowd, The Grizzly Dippers, and Oddsocks Revival. Summer Fest, the lively and buzzing precursor to the fleadh, saw local bands like Tucan, Oddsocks, The MASS Band and Rackhouse Pilfer sharing the stage with eighties legends Sister Sledge and more recent Irish sensation The Riptide Movement in Stephen St car park. Kudos to the hardworking team who put together this free event. Fleadh Cheoil Na hEireann was the runaway star of the month, with knockout performances from Dervish, Kila, Altan and De Dannan, and so many local and national bands gigging all around the town. Moxie, Goitse, No Crows, The Craic Addicts, The Latchickos, Old Hannah, The Barley Mob... The list was as inexhaustable as it was impressive. Every bar in town rang with the sound of music and the streets were alive till the wee small hours every day.

Impromptu sessions, kids busking, ceilis, dancing,

laughter and craic were the name of the (seven) days. On the fringes of the Fleadh, several great events took place too.

One of my favourites was a seaside music session at Shells Seaside Bakery and Cafe, where the John Conneely Trio played a stunning acoustic set one wet and windy Wednesday night. With the backdrop of the Atlantic ocean behind them, and the warmth and buzz that Shells is famous for all around them, the group played their exceptional brand of guitar/fiddle based tunes and not one person left that gig without music in their hearts and smiles on their faces. Another fringe gig that was more than worthwhile and for a truly important cause was the Grange to Gaza Night at Barry's Public House.

Spoken word, music, film and poetry, mostly relating personal thoughts and experience on the atrocities that are happening right now in Palestine, were the order of the night. Despite the harrowing theme, there was a lively and friendly atmosphere and a crowd delightfully different from that you would encounter on a regular night out in Sligo. The Swagman Bar threw a wild and wonderful Fleadh Decompression Session for all the hospitality staff to wind down after their hard work throughout that crazy week. Giving away free beer and BBQ, live music and a lot of pats on the back, proprietor Dale Barber was the best loved man in town that night.

Last and loveliest, Spike Sligo staged a fantastic musical comedy night at 5th on Teeling in aid of Rennafix and The Rape Crisis Centre. The Bright Side of Life was a much needed belly laughing treat. I highly recommend a touch of comedy to soothe a tired soul at the end of a hectic month.

15th September (Monday)

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