Sligo Sport

FEBRUARY 2016, ISSUE 1, VOLUME 2

Sandra Deery

Mary Cullen Sligo’s Hope For Rio

How To Completely Detox From Sugar In 10 Days

The ultra-endurance athlete The Power Of Meditation With John G Coaching

Three Sligo players named in Ireland u20 squad for six nations

Sligo Gaa Unveil 2016 Strip Sligo All Stars Under 12’s

Kevin Egan Cars Premier Division 2015/16

County Sligo Harriers Hunt

Sport & Success @ Ursuline College

David Gillick’s Kitchen, from track to table

• Running • Cycling • Hill Walking • Kayaking • Basketball • Archery • Mountain Biking • Equine Events • Boxing • Hiking • Rallying • Karate • Surfing • Fishing • Shooting • Handball • Sailing • Workouts • Tennis • Horse Racing • Canine Agility • and much more!

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

FEBRUARY

Your critical guide to sports and leisure activities in Sligo

contents

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SANDRA DEERLY We speak to the ultra-endurance athlete, who currently holds the Irish record for distance cycled in 24 hours, which she set at the Mersey Roads Cycle event in the UK in August 2015.

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SLIGO ASTRO LEAGUES: KEVIN EGAN CARS PREMIER DIVISION 2015/16 Game Of The Month

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SLIGO CITY BADMINTON CLUB

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THE POWER OF MEDIDATION

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SLIGO GAA AND ABBVIE UNVEIL NEW 2016 COUNTY STRIP AT SPONSORSHIP OFFICIAL LAUNCH

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INTERVIEW: MARY CULLEN

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THREE SLIGO PLAYERS NAMED IN IRELAND U20 SQUAD FOR SIX NATIONS

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HOW TO COMPLETELY DETOX FROM SUGAR IN 10 DAYS

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DAVID GILLICK’S KITCHEN FROM TRACK TO TABLE

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SLIGO ALL STARS UPDATE

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GLOHEALTH NATIONAL CROSSCOUNTRY

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SCHOOL, SPORT & SUCCESS AT URSULINE COLLEGE Hockey coach at The Ursuline College, Clodagh Lynch, is a former Connaught, UCD and Muckross hockey player and Captain of the Irish Ladies Masters Team.

Here, she talks to us about sport, training, mindset and facilities at the school.

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VOLKSWAGEN TAG HOST CLUBS ANNOUNCED FOR 2016

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UNANIMOUS DECISION PAVES THE WAY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FACILITIES AT SLIGO RFC

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CSSC SWIMMERS PERFORM WELL AT THE GERRY RYAN INVITATIONAL GALA

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SERVICES DIRECTORY

W

elcome to the February edition of Sligo Sport. It is great to see the evenings getting that bit brighter, a sure sign that spring is well and truly on the way.

Between runners, cyclists and walkers I can honestly say that I have never seen so many people out on the streets and in the parks enjoying themselves while exercising.

It is great to see so many of you picking up Sligo Sport and enjoying it and if your club wants copies dropped to the clubhouse on a regular basis get in contact with me and I will organize it. If you are involved in a club or organization, which would like to highlight an event in any of our upcoming editions, please contact me to arrange it. Also if you know someone doing great work that we could profile please let us know and we will take care of the rest.

Sandra Deery is a Garda, who lives in Ballisodare, works in Ballina, is happily married to Pauric and has three sons. She is also an ultra-endurance athlete, holding the Irish record for distance cycled in 24 hours, which she set at the Mersey Roads Cycle event in the UK in August 2015. Here, she describes the experience to Kate Winter.

More and more clinical research is pointing to the advantages that sports people of all levels can gain from a regular practice of meditation. John Graham, who has been teaching meditation to people of all backgrounds, not only sports, for a number of years discuss the subject inside.

2016 – it’s an Olympic year, and while we all know this, no one knows it more than Sligo’s Mary Cullen and her supporters, family and friends. The 2008 Olympics, she actually met the standard time required, but at the time with some confusion over what standard time was required, Mary’s seat on the plane wasn’t available, the 2012 London Olympic Games were missed too due to injury and now this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio are on the horizon. Mark Foley chats with her inside.

Hockey coach at The Ursuline College, Clodagh Lynch, is a former Connaught, UCD and Muckross hockey player and Captain of the Irish Ladies Masters Team. Here, she talks to us about sport, training, mindset and facilities at the school.

Stretching is a key component of both exercise and health, as it helps to maintain flexibility and range of motion in your joints.

It’s easy to forget to stretch before a workout, perhaps because we don’t know exactly why it is that stretching is so important. Well, stretching improves muscle development, increases range of motion, reduces your chances of an injury and provides a warm-up for your muscles. Inside is an article I fund on the Internet, which I think you, will find interesting and informative.

Once again if you have any information of photos that you would like to appear in our next edition please contact me on 085 2498067 or seamus@sligosport.ie

We would love if your club could submit pictures and reports on what is happening in your organisation on a regular basis and we will be sure to include it. It is important that we get as much involvement from clubs such as yours from the get go so any info you have please send it to seamus@sligosport.ie or feel free to contact me on 085 2498067.

Managing Director/Editor: Seamus Casey seamus@sligonow.ie Design: Stephen Finney steve@sligonow.ie

Sales: Alan Gaffney alan@sligosport.ie Richie Bradley richie@sligosport.ie Lisa Gilmartin lisa@sligosport.ie

Editorial: Kate Winter Eamon O’Neill John Graham Cian Love Patrick McCarry

Photography: Jordan Cummins Patrick Regan jumpingthegun.com outdoorfitnesssligo.com Cian Love Sportsfile

Published by: IBS Publications Limited Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo F91 NX0T Tel/Fax: 071-9154538 Web: www.sligosport.ie Email: info@sligosport.ie

The information in Sligo Sport is carefully researched and believed to be accurate, but the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Statements or opinions expressed herein are not necessary those of the editor or publisher. Advertisements within the publication are not endorsed by the publisher. Neither are any claims made within the advertisements. Before consuming any products mentioned in the publication readers are advised to consult with their general practitioner or equivalent professional for opinion or advice.

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Beezies Double Diamond and Beezies Big Brother well placed in Kildare

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Run As One Dog Agility Club - previously known as Markree Dog Agility Club Riverstown classes are starting again! Sunday classes start next week, Sunday 7th February. Beginners at 2 pm, advanced at 3.30 pm.

Wednesday classes are back on Wednesday 10th February. Obedience at 7 pm and agility at 8 pm.

Please remember that all memberships are due for renewal at €20.

Sligo Walking Club away trip to Kerry Please note that this will be the only organised official away trip for Sligo Walking Club in 2016.

R

esults from the first show of 2016 for Simone and two of her horses, Beezies Double Diamond and Beezies Big Brother. They travelled to Kildare to compete at the Dressage Ireland show held at Coil Og EC. Beezies Double Diamond who was competing at a dressage show for the first time in over a year as he has been showjumping, placed 2nd in both novice

classes and also gaining his first required qualification score for the Winter Championships.

Beezies Big Brother placed 2nd in the advanced class which qualified him for the Winter Championships at this level. He also placed 3rd in the PSG class.

Simone and her team of horses are kindly sponsored by Horseworld and Gowla

Summerhill see off St Attracta’s

Deadline for Deposits To secure a place on our Spring Away Trip to Kerry, a deposit of €100 must be paid by Saturday 13th.

February. This deposit will be non-refundable unless the trip does not go ahead. Should that happen, the deposit would be refunded in full. The deposit may be sent to Mary Jordan or may be given to any committee member on a walk. Please make sure the amount is in an envelope with your name on it.

Contact details for Mary: Mary Jordan, Tubberbride, Sligo, 086-3485567.

The outline details are as follows: Date thur 7th April 2016 for 3 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for each night in Castlerosse 4* hotel Killarney Transfers and Transport to and from walks by luxury Coach price €265 pps, single sup €20 per night only 8 singles available

Sligo Mountaineering Club

S

ummerhill senior gaelic team faced St Attracts’s in the first all Sligo Connacht final ever held. The game was played in the excellent grounds of Connolly Park, Collooney in dry but cold weather.

Summerhill started off the strongest of the teams and soon pulled away with each point they put over the bar. Indeed only for some fine goalkeeping Summerhill

Program 10am: Groom & Tack Up Your Horse 11am: Horse Riding Lesson /Trek 12 Noon: Lecture & Quizzes 1pm: Lunch 1.45pm: Equestrian Fun & Games 3pm : Home Time.

Cost: €125.00 10%Off For Siblings Deposit Required Upon Booking €40.00 Early Booking Advisable Enquries/Bookings To Caroline T:0719130727 M:0872191786

Sligo Mountaineering club are always looking for new members to join. The next meet is at Tubs & Tiles Car Park, Duck St. Sligo, at 10.45am on Sun 7th february.

For your Health & Safety and to ensure a comfortable day is had by all please come appropriately dressed for a day in the mountain i.e.

Suitable Waterproof Footwear, (No Trainers) Waterproof Jacket & Over Trousers, Warm Clothing, (No Demins) Hat & Gloves, Warm Drink, Packed Lunch and a small day pack to carry these essential items.

Club Sundays are a ‘C’ Grade Walks and will last for approximately 4 hours, will cover approximately 10km and will involve an elevation gain over sometimes, tough, wet and uneven terrain. The hike is designed to introduce new members to Hillwalking and Mountain Craft and will be led by an experienced club member.

There is no charge for this walk but if you decide to join the club you must - for Insurance reasons - pay your club fees on your next hike.

After completing your Club Sunday you are free to join the Club. You must have aquired the full kit list before coming along on your next walk and have the correct footwear and clothing. On Saturday the 20th & Sun 21st February a navigation training day will be on for all new members.

Chartered Physiotherapists Shirley Foley MISCP Mary Mulvany MISCP Ray Finan MISCP

Upper Pearse Road, Sligo • Tel: 071-9162334 /9171912 Email: info@northwestphysio.ie www.northwestphysiotherapy.com North West Physiotherapy Sligo

could have had a few goals in the first half. Half time score was 11-3 in favour of the boys in blue. St Attract’s came out determined to close the gap and were first to score, and chipped away to narrow the score by 4 points with a goal. However Summerhill turned up the heat once again by scoring a goal and pulled away to see them lift the cup with a scoreline of 1-17 to 1-9.

Easter Horse Riding Programme At Markree Riding Stables 19 Days Off School!! Eek! Help Is At Hand, Let Us Take The Boredom Away. March 22nd& March 23rd Teens/Adult 2 Day Training Camp British Horse Society Stage 1 Training & Mock Exam Introduction /Revision To Riders Wishing To Further Their Career In The Equine Industry. 10Am -3pmm Cost: €80.00 Payment In Full Upon Booking Limited To 10 Riders Tuesday March 29Th -Friday April 1st 4 Day Childrens Horse Riding Camp 6Yrs -15Yrs 10Am -3Pm Riders Will Be Split Into Riding Ability And Age.

North West Physiotherapy

Sports and Exercise Medicine Clinic Assess • Diagnose • Treat • Rehab

• Sports Injuries • Back and Neck Pain • Orthopaedics • Manual Therapy • Trigger point dry needling • Flexibility Assessments • Orthotics Clinic Times: Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm

SHOP ONLINE www.ejmenswear.com

Quality Delivered

FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY *Delivery is free anywhere in ROI & NI next day from Monday - Thursday if order is placed before 2pm.

Bank Building, Grattan St, Sligo. Tel: 071-91-70824 OPEN 7 DAYS THURSDAY TILL 7PM, SUNDAY 2-6PM • www.ejmenswear.com

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Perfect weather for rugby

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

The Ladies Team Captains for the AIG Ladies Cups and Shields 2016 are assigned The Ladies Team Captains for County Sligo Golf Club in the AIG Ladies Cups and Shields 2016 are assigned and the Team Co-ordinator is the capable Catherine Johnson whom we wish every success to.

We hope that 2016 will help us to progress one step further than last year with a team being successful and winning an All-Ireland Pennant.

The proposed dates are also listed but these may be subject to change.

Team Junior Cup Intermediate Cup Minor Cup Challenge Cup Junior Foursomes Senior Cup Revive Active * HANDICAP RANGE Mixed Foursomes

J

anuary has been a good month with both Junior and Senior Rugby teams doing themselves proud, winning matches in the Connacht Schools Junior Cup and the the Connacht Schools Senior Cup. Matches were played in the Grammar School in cold, wintry weather - perfect rugby weather!? The first match was on Tuesday 12th Jan. when the Juniors met Roscommon CBS. Though trailing at half-time, the home team rallied and won the match with a final score of 12 - 9.

On Wednesday 13th the seniors played against Summerhill College, Sligo. After a

tough match the Grammar School emerged as winners, with a final score of 18 10. Brendan Martin and Ronan Molloy scored a try each and Niall Gray successfully converted one, as well as kicking two penalties. It was a great win and set the team up nicely fro its outing against St Geralds.They were away to St Gerald’s in Castlebar. The final score was 22 -14. Nial Gray gave an outstanding kicking display, clocking up 17 points for the team.

The Senior Team is pictured here after last week’s presentation of the Connacht League Cup and individual medals.

Handicap Range 8-15 16-22 23-28 29-36 +/-14 (min Combined 14) 15 to 30(min Combined 35) Handicap Limit 14

Team Captain Una Howley Mary Kennedy Una Gleeson Carmel Hatt Grainne Demmel Deirdre Connolly Mary Durcan Catherine McManus Miriam Mulligan

Another great cycling initiative with an Éire og connection.

Matt Brammeier 4 times Irish Road Race champion has launched the “Team Africa Rising Kit Appeal”. Matt won the first of his 4 consecutive road championships in 2010 in Sligo beating Nicolas & Dan Martin to the top step of the podium. This was the 3rd time since 2003 the Éire Óg promoted the National Championships and brought cycle racing of the highest caliber to the west coast of Ireland.

January 2016 saw the launch of a fantastic new initiative, led by pro road racer Matt Brammeier. Matt rides for Team Dimension Data World Tour team alongside Rwandan cycling legend Adrien Niyonshuti.

Spending time with Adrien as teammates, Matt came to realize the huge struggle Adrien and other Rwandan cyclists have faced to get where they are following the 1994 genocide, through which Adrien and fellow Team Rwanda founding members endured.

Matt launched the Africa Rising Kit Appeal in January 2016 to ask cycling enthusiasts to donate their unwanted cycling kit to then be collected and used to help young Rwandan cyclists realize their goal one day of joining the national team – Team Rwanda Cycling.

It is important we collect and transport useful kits. We are looking for any cycling gear in a presentable, gently used condition, including jerseys, shoes, helmets, glasses etc.

Clothing should be in XS/S/M sizes only.

Local collection point @ Garys Cycles, Quay Street. Please note sizes XS, S, M only of good quality unwanted cycling gear

SPORT GUARDS, BITE GUARDS & BLEACHING TRAYS ADA provides a range of sports and mouth guards and other retainers with our easy to use self impression kits.

Mouth guards, which are now mandatory for GAA players, can be bought over the counter but these are not recommended by dentists or us at ADA dental laboratory due to their insufficient protection. Proper sports guards are custom made to the dental impression taken from the player and guarantee a secure fit.

Advanced Dental Aesthetics • 28/29 Castle Street, Sligo F91 E820 • Tel: 087-4558741 • www.adadentallab.ie • info@adadentallab.ie

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

SLIGO ACUPUNCTURE & TUINA

Acupuncture is perfect for enhancing athletic performance and increasing recovery times.

Acupuncture can reduce swelling, increase flexibility and manage pain.

Tuina (Deep Tissue Massage) • Sports Injuries • Sciatica • Ankle or Wrist Pain • Joint Pain • Neck Pain & Stress • Back Pain

For information or to make an appointment Contact Shane on 087-1340772 www.sligoacupunctureandtuina.com

Special offers on Calving Cameras for Spring 2016 Contact Barry for details

Barry Gallagher 085-8888-999

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COUNTY SLIGO HARRIERS HUNT

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016 PHOTOS: RICHIE VERDAN

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas from The Mill Pharmacy The Mill Centre, Coolaney, Co. Sligo • Tel: 071-9133587 • Email: themillpharmacy@outlook.com

Sandra Deery

S

andra Deery is a Garda, who lives in Ballisodare, works in Ballina, is happily married to Pauric and has three sons. She is also an ultraendurance athlete, holding the Irish record for distance cycled in 24 hours, which she set at the Mersey Roads Cycle event in the UK in August 2015. Here, she describes the experience to Kate Winter.

It was in 2013 that Pauric got involved in managing the four man team for The Race Around Ireland. It’s an ultra-endurance race around the circumference of the country, and watching their progression I became hooked. I was blown away by it, they worked so hard and pushed themselves through absolute torture to get to the finish and I thought it was amazing. So afterwards, when talk turned to what I was going to do next and the twenty-four hour time trial came up in conversation, I thought Well, that sounds interesting!

I was thinking that I needed something big to train for, or I wasn’t going to train at all. I still didn’t think I was tough enough for something at that level... But I just got cracking and in 2014 I went over to England and I did it. It went well and I was very happy with it, I was over there with Pauric and a couple of friends of ours, John and Beverly Mulrooney, who made up my management team and kept me going. Even before I had finished that time, I knew I wanted to come back and do it again, because I had learned

so much from the experience.

But the distance that I did fell below what I needed to qualify for an Irish record, and that’s what sealed the deal. I stuck up the letter I got from Cycling Ireland on the fridge and got back to training again.

I went back in August 2015 and this time I did get the record. But it was a very different experience to the first year, from the very start...

Because I had the specific target of the record in my head, I was under pressure straight away. It was really tough. The weather was bad, it

was raining and windy and that set me up badly. I woke up to a howling wind, which I hate even in normal circumstances, and on a time trial bike it just makes things so much harder.

I got on with it, but it really was so much harder than the first year. About three or four hours into the race I had awful problems with my feet. I knew I had to get it sorted or else it would be over before it had even started. So I pulled over to Pauric and changed my shoes, looked after my feet a bit and got back on the bike. Thankfully it settled and I was able to keep going. But psychologically it was just so tough. I stopped a couple of times for food and bits and pieces, and around eleven o’clock at night (not even twelve hours into the race) I said to the lads “Can I go to sleep now, I’m wrecked?”. They weren’t having any of it though and sent me off on my bike again!

After that wobble, it got better.

It was a real struggle up to then; I didn’t want to be there, in truth. But I knew I had to get through as these races only come along every so often and it’s not like there was another one coming up next week. I just had to keep going with this one.

The weather settled and things got a bit easier at around midnight. In my head, I just somehow got to a much better place. I had about thirteen minutes sleep in the car at 3am, a scheduled rest break and then I got on the road again.

But this time, I had my caffeine high - I had no coffee in the weeks leading up to the race so when I had some hitting the road, I felt mighty! I got a massive buzz off that. I kept going through the night then.

The night part of the race can be quite hard and lonely, and the roads are quite busy over there, it’s on the ferry route from Holyhead into Manchester, so traffic is heavy with trucks and that. You really have to keep your wits about you.

The sun started coming up at around 5am and I knew I was into the new day and that the

end was in sight. All I had to do was keep cycling until 1pm, keeping my average speed up, and I had it. I think I stopped one more time at six, me in zombie territory, and all I could think of was How many more miles do I have to do? I got the head down and didn’t leave that position on the bike then for the next seven hours. Just keeping the legs moving and trying to get some food and drink into me, although flat cola and gels were all I could take

at that stage. I got to the end and I had to be lifted off my bike by the guys. I was on another planet completely.

I had a shower and a sleep in the back of the van, but when I woke up I still wasn’t right. I remember I ate a chip buttie that was absolutely gorgeous, gourmet cuisine! But I felt all wrong, like I wasn’t in my own body. On the way into the hall for the prize-giving, everything went black and I spent about thirty minutes in and out of consciousness, hyperventilating, thinking I was going to die! It was weird, because I got a strange sense of satisfaction out of it at the same time as it was scary - it was like I really proved to myself that I didn’t leave anything out there...

Recovery took a long time.

When you do something like that you basically break everything back down, so when you go back at it again you’re starting from scratch.

You do destroy yourself completely.

Of course I want to go back and beat my own record! But not immediately. It’s a huge commitment and I need to take a step back. I have family, and work, to pay some attention to now. You have to be very selfish when you’re training for something like this. I am going to go back, but I need to knock it on the head for a few years and do ordinary stuff for a while!

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Sligo Tennis Club

Well done to all who took part in the recent Lough Lannagh Team Tennis ROGY Series launch in the Dome. A great day was had by all with over 50 players from Castlebar, Ballina, Sligo, Claremorris, Loughrea, Doughwishka, and Westport.

News from Strandhill Golf Club Oisin, Joe and Daniel got to meet two pro ballers from Davidson University, North Carolina and Rider University, New Jersey who play for Nuig Mystics and Carlow IT News from Strandhill Golf Club Strandhill Lodge & Suite Winter League – Week 7 The weather played a big part of the Strandhill Lodge & Suites Winter League yet again as the rain arrived to make conditions difficult. With only two weeks left in the group stages, very few groups have established a clear order as to who is going to qualify.

As it stands, there is only one section that has the group winners already decided as Ronnie Conlon & Aidan Gaynor have accrued a tally of 21 points.

Week eight will be held next Sunday and we will then take a break for Sunday, February 14th, resuming for the final group match on Sunday February 21st.

Group A Michael Keane & Michael Kivlehan beat Michael Phelan & Colin Foran Enda Halloran & John Stewart beat Bernard Mahoney & John Finan Michael Kelly & Kieran Staed beat Philip Gallagher & Paul Keaveney Martin Cadden & John Hackett beat Kevin Mulcahy & Kevin Burke Group B Pat McManus & Larry Culkin beat Martin Cunningham & Peter Carr Stephen English & Jimmy Glynn beat David Lindsay & Dessie Timbs John White & Declan Sheanon beat Shane McDonald & Conor McNulty Martin Ruane & Paul Byrne beat Rory McHugh & Geoff Corcoran Group C Mickey McTiernan & Mick Walsh beat Leo McNally & Johnny Martyn Derek Gray & Robert Kelly beat John McHugh & Anthony Skeffington David Moriarty & Fergal McLoughlin beat Colm Kavanagh & Brian Harte Brendan O’Mahoney & Pat Glynn beat Rob Jackson & Julian Flynn

SLIGO CITY BOXING CLUB Well done to Sligo City Boxing Club who have had recent success at the Donegal Open claiming 5 winners and 2 runners up, at the Mayo School Boy Championships claiming 3 winners and 2 runner ups, and the Longford/Mullingar Open claiming 3 winners. This club is supported by SSRP's Sligo East City Community Sports Hub Initiative.

Group D Pat Doherty & William Elliot beat Jim Coyne & Andy Leggett Declan McCabe & Jim Owens beat John Rainey & Joe Tuffy Pat Lee & Rory O’Connor beat Eamon Cunningham & Patsy Gallagher Thomas Lynch & Joseph Hussey beat Colm Kilbride & John Flynn Group E Colm Martyn & Frank Hannon beat Michael Cox & Paul Cox Gerry Fox & Mark Wehrly beat Padraig Tuffy & Sean Fenton Dermot Flynn & John Scanlon beat Norman Ashe & Eamon Conboy John Scanlon & Eamon McCafferty beat Bob Pierce & Frank Cullen Group F Martin Cronin & Peter Byrne beat Tristan Probst & Ruairi Fox Alan Lillis & Alan P Lillis beat Brian Henry & Kieran Egan Tommy O’Connor & Ray O’Keeffe beat Ronnie Conlon & Aidan Gaynor

Is sport an important part of your life?

Does your vision allow you to maximise your sporting potential?

We carry a wide range of sports eyeware fitted with your prescription and where suitable, contact lenses for unhindered movement, so no excuses for not improving your game!

We also offer Maui Jim & Bollé Sunglasses which are polarised for UV protection.

Carroll House, 15/16 Stephen Street, Sligo • Telephone: 071-9170169 • Email: info@deirdrecooke.com • Web: www.deirdrecooke.com

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

SLIGO ASTRO LEAGUES

TITLE RACE HOTTENS UP IN ASTRO LEAGUE

T

he Sligo Rovers astro league continued with five fixtures down for decision on the Sligo Rovers Astro facility located in The Showgrounds.

The opening fixture of the week saw Clinical Hygiene take on the Adelaide Casino on Tuesday last. In what was an emphatic win for the Adelaide Casino and a night to forget for Clinical, the final score line was a bizarre 13-1 in favour of the Adelaide Casino. Goals from

Damian Gannon, Paddy Smith, a brace from Gary Rooney and hat-tricks from Clive Sommers, Alan Armstrong and Barry Mc Loughlin ensured they returned to form and strengthened their chance of completing a top five finish. Clinical Hygiene will be keen to forget this result and will aim to bounce back with immediate effect.

Wednesday night provided a double header of fixtures, with EJs facing Forrest Celtic

moya mohan psychotherapy + mediation

followed by Borussia Teeth FC taking on top of the table The Belfry. EJs showed grit and determination and grinded out a 2-0 victory against a resilient Forrest side with goal from Lee Marshall and joint top scorer Ronan Cox. This result ensured that EJs continued to mount the pressure on The Belfry at the top. This was then followed by what could be described as one of the matches of the season as Borussia Teeth and The Belfry played out a highly exciting 1-1 draw. Ger Fagan had given Borussia a deserved lead with a wonderful strike; however this was cancelled out through a Kevin Egan penalty mid-way through the second half. Tempers flared at times both on the pitch and on the sideline, such is the commitment and interest from all concerned. As a result Borussia strengthened their grip on the top 5, while the Belfry are now 4 points clear at the top, with two more games played in comparison to their nearest title contenders.

Friday night provided the final two fixtures of the week with Bald Eagles facing an in form GSS side followed by Grange UTD against Strand Celtic. GSS registered their sixth

consecutive victory on a score line of 2-0, thanks to a brace from Dermot O Connor. It seems Bald Eagles will have to settle for a bottom half finish; however they will be major contenders for honours within the bottom five. The final fixture provided an emphatic 4-0 victory for an improving

Grange UTD side, thanks to goals from Jamie Mc Loughlin, Dermot Slevin, John Kilfeather and Seamus Kane. This was Grange UTDs third consecutive victory and they will be keen to continue this trend as the cup competitions approach.

GSS Side who have won 6 consecutive games in the league.

Counsellor, Psychotherapist & Family Mediator • Counselling & Psychotherapy • Child Play Therapy • Adolescent Councelling • Family Mediation

45 Wine Street, Sligo • Tel: 085-7204412 • moyamohanpsychotherapyandmediation.com

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

SLIGO ASTRO LEAGUES

KEVIN EGAN CARS PREMIER DIVISION 2015/16

Game Of The Month: Foleys Bar FC 4 - 3 Corky’s FC

I

Sligo Astro Leagues Player of the month" for December.Gareth Kelly of Cornview Celtic with Gerry Fahy of Sligo Astro Leagues.

n an enthralling encounter from start to finish and one of the most entertaining games we have witnessed in a long long time and not just on an Astro turf but in the wider scale of local football.

The current league leaders Foleys Bar FC had to use all of there talent and then some to claim all 3pts against a well organised and stubborn Corkys FC. The very experienced Corky’s took the lead early in the 1st half with a stunning strike from Brendan Lowry from all of 35 yards at an acute angle which flew past the helpless keeper like an bullet from a gun.

The game was level soon after when Sligo Astro Leagues top goal scorer

Martin Bystrainsky got the 1st of his 3 goals after some fine work from Gary Fallon and Alan Henry in the Foley’s midfield.

Foley’s took the lead soon after when again Bystriansky broke free and slotted home his 2nd after a neat one two on the edge of the box with Graham Kelly.

This seemed to anger Corkys rear guard as straight from the kick off their long standing leftback Jason Murphy found himself inside the penalty box after Ronan O’Hara had taken the ball out of the sky with a touch so gentle Messi would have been proud and laid it back to Murphy who struck a daisy cutter into the bottom of the net to equalise on the night 2-2.

Foleys manager Shay Corrigan was having panic

attacks on the sidelines even calling for 45s and timeouts at one point during the 1st half.

Corrigans prayers were soon answered when #ManOfTheMatch Bystriansky got his 3rd when he collected the ball midway in his own half and made a beeline straight for goal, leaving defender after defender in his wake and calmly finishing between the keepers legs to make it 3-2 and round off his 4th hat trick of the season in some style.

Myles Kavanagh and Philip McLoughlin rallied their troops once more and were rewarded late in the game when a fine cross from winger Stuart Rutherford was headed home from close range by Martin Feeney to level the game again at 3-3 with

Making History Together LFC U21s vs Sligo Rovers

T

he Official Sligo Branch Of The Liverpool Supporters are proud to welcome and to be the official sponsors for the up coming friendly fixture between Sligo Rovers and our own Liverpool FC U21’s on

Wednesday 10th February 2016 at 7pm in the Showgrounds.

The Liverpool U21 Red men will be arriving in Sligo on Tuesday 9th February at 1pm at the Clarion hotel so if any Liverpool fans would like to

join us to give them a special Sligo welcome we would love to have you in our company with flags scarfs and hats in hand.

We will have 11 lucky branch member mascots walking out hand in hand with the future greats of Liverpool FC plus we will be making a special halftime presentation on the night to Sligo Rovers FC. Tickets for the game can be bought from the following outlets plus at the ticket office of Sligo Rovers on Churchill Sligo at a cost of €10 for Adult and €5 for Children : Barton Smiths, Collerys Menswear Sligo, Collerys Beltra, Gerry Kenny Sport Ballina, Gillespies Sport Tubbercurry, Grennan Electric Boyle, John Lowe & Gartland Carrick On Shannon, Lavins Menswear Ballymote, Tanseys Centra Gurteen and also online at Sligorovers.com We would like to take this opportunity to wish Dave Robertson and all the players at Sligo Rovers all the best for the up coming season ahead.

only minutes remaining on the clock.

Corrigan now threw all hands to the pump for the winner, pushing Glenn Hardagon up front and playing 2 at the back risking all for those magical 3points.

Just when it looked like the spoils would be shared Corkys hearts were finally broken with 1 minute from time the ball was lofted to the back post where Hardagon was waiting to tap home to send Corrigans men clear at the top after a pulsating 60 minutes of top class football, fulltime 4-3.

Everyone at Sligo Astro Leagues would like to give massive credit to both teams for playing the game the way it should be played and making the refs job easy.

15

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

SLIGO CITY BADMINTON CLUB F

rizzell completes the treble at the Connacht B competition in Summerhill College. All the work Ian is putting into his game is paying off. Michael Healy and Cecile Boff of Sligo City Badminton Club also pick up medals. Liz O'Dowd and Cecile Boff just miss out on the ladies doubles title.

Mens Singles Winner Ian Frizzell Sligo City Badminton Club Mens Doubles Winners Ian Frizzell and Michael Healey - Sligo City Badminton Club Mixed Doubles Winners Ian Frizzell and Michael Healey - Sligo City Badminton Club Mixed Runners up Sean Staunton and Corrina Delaney

Ballinahenglish BC Ladies Singles Winner Louise Regan Ballaghaderreen Ladies Doubles Winners Caroline Kennedy and Emma Murphy Galway Lawn Tennis Club. Ladies Doubles Runners up Cecile Boff and Liz O'Dowd - Sligo City Badminton Club.

Staunch Liverpool supporter Graham Cawley on a recent visit outside Carragher’s Pub in New York

Connacht B Mixed Runners up Sean Staunton and Corrina Delaney Ballinahenglish BC

Connacht B Ladies Doubles Winners Caroline Kennedy and Emma Murphy

Connacht B Mixed Doubles Winners Ian Frizzell and Michael Healey

Connacht B Ladies Singles Winner Louise Regan - Ballaghaderreen

Connacht B Mens Singles Winner Ian Frizzell

Connacht B Ladies Doubles Runners up Cecile Boff and Liz O'Dowd

Sligo U10s getting a half time talking to at a recent match in Ballina. Sligo had enough players that traveled they were able to field two teams.

The lads gave a great account of themselves and it did’t take them long to get to grips with the muddy conditions

Oisin, Joe and Daniel got to meet two pro ballers from Davidson University, North Carolina and Rider University, New Jersey who play for Nuig Mystics and Carlow IT

Sligo Badminton Club Well done to all that turned up for the coaching session provided by Graeme, it was a great success,and to Paula and Graeme for running this New Years team event, will keep you all posted on highlights. Great to see everybody back enjoying the badminton for2016.

The Badminton Club New Year Team Event is turning out close competitive matches; here's a quick summary of the group stages so far: Team C vs D - 12 - 9 Team A vs B - 7 - 14 Team A vs C 10 - 11 Team B vs D - 12 - 9 Team Standings: Team A on 17 pts Team B on 26 pts Team C on 23 pts Team D on 18 pts Coming up this week: Team A vs D on Tuesday 2nd Feb Team B vs C on Thursday 4th Feb All to play for as we near the semi-final stages.

Keep Saturday 27th Feb free for the finals night and party at Sligo Tennis Club.

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

THE POWER OF MEDITATION

By John Graham

M

ore and more

clinical research is pointing to the advantages that sports people of all levels can gain from a regular practice of meditation. Now I may be biased as I’ve been teaching meditation to people of all backgrounds, not only sports, for a number of years, but hear me out.

I’ve talked in previous articles about how our thinking affects our body & the neuroplasticity of the brain (The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life). I thought it would be useful to pinpoint some of the brain changes that can occur

from meditation practice.

One of the areas of the brain that is directly affected when you regularly meditate is the pre frontal cortex. The pre frontal cortex is the part of the brain that is associated with our higher order brain function such as awareness, concentration and decisionmaking.

A study at Massachusetts General Hospital looked at how focused insight meditation affected the brain. It found that those who meditated regularly found an increase in thickness of the pre frontal cortex. Like a muscle being worked the more focused meditation the stronger this area of the brain got.

There’s another part of the brain which is linked to some of our lower order thinking, the amygdala. One of the jobs of this small almond shaped part of our brain is detecting and responding to conscious and unconscious threats. It controls autonomic responses associated with fear, arousal and emotions. Due to the fact that it’s linked with how we respond to threats it’s sometimes referred to as the ‘fear centre’ or the ‘worry muscle’.

Seeing as we have imaginations and sometimes our imaginations can run away with us (admit it) , without awareness, our amygdala can be switched on for much longer than is

necessary. Keeping us on the edge, increasing feelings of anxiety. However using awareness mediation such as Mind Calm (yes the meditation I teach, plug plug) or mindfulness regularly can help dramatically. The functional connectivity between this part of the brain and rest gets weaker.

Through less constant use the amygdala starts to shrink.

In other words, our more primal, fight or flight, responses to stress seem to be

superseded by more thoughtful ones. We gain more effortless control.

So hopefully your having some light bulb moments on how a thickened pre frontal cortex and a smaller ‘worry muscle’ can help your game?

Would less connection to fear and greater concentration help you in that 10 foot putt to win the monthly medal? Would greater awareness of self and a sense of calm be advantageous to you before

a race begins (if not you had better tell Usain Bolt he’s doing something wrong).

Could less attachment to your thinking help you complete that back handspring in your next gymnastic meet?

The list goes on but I hope you can see the benefits of bringing meditation into your sport (and I haven’t even talked about the positive effect on pain relief & recovery today).

With less fear and reaction and more calm and control your game can only thrive.

For information on upcoming courses delivered

by John G or any queries around how he can help your game, your business or yourself go to www.johngcoaching.com Contact John: John G Coaching Warriors Watch, Carrowbunnaun, Strandhill, Co. Sligo johngcoaching@gmail.com Skype: john.graham1875

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

St Johns GAA ACADEMY Juvenile Football Registration 2016 Friday 26th February: 5pm –7pm @ Club Rooms in Cuilbeg, Carraroe, Sligo Ages 6 to 18 (Born 1998 to 2009)

Congratulations to the newest Corran AC assistant coaches who completed the assistant coach course in Drumshanbo recently ! Well done Coaching Officer Shirley for organising everyone!! Here's to many happy years of coaching

East City Spring Walk Some of St. John’s Coaches and kids enjoying the Summer camp last August at Cuilbeg numbers in the clubs fortnightly Coaching will commence on lotto draw where the jackpot Saturday April 28th and continue currently stands at over €9,300 for 8 weeks. Further information Membership fees can be paid will be released closer to the time, for on the day, or spread over the however, anyone that would like course of the year by paying €10 to pre-register for this program, per month by standing order. please text any of the numbers New Members, Warm Welcome below.

If you are new to the area, please take it as a given that we Easter Camp want you and your family to get The St Johns GAA Easter Camp will involved with St Johns GAA. A take place in Cuilbeg from background in the GAA is not Tuesday March 29th to Friday 1st required. We don’t do airs and April for boys and girls aged 7 to graces in St Johns, and you will be 15 years (Born 2001 to 2009). made feel welcome immediately.

Time: 10am to 2pm Cost: €25Book your place by Our very successful U6 Academy contacting Fergal Kelly on 087(Children born in 2010 and 2011) 6760277 or Gerry Quinn on will continue again this year.

087-2636914

There was a great start to Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership East City Spring Walk Series which is on each Thursday morning. All are welcome to join us this Thursday 10:30am at the Riverside Hotel & Fitness Studio, as part of our Sligo East City Community Sports Hub Initiative.

T

he start of another great season for our young footballers is upon us here at St Johns in Carraroe.

The registration for juvenile footballers will take place in the clubrooms in Cuilbeg on the evening of Friday 26th February.

If you have boys or girls wishing to train with or play for the club, it is mandatory that they are registered in advance of the new season which will commence at the end of March. So please make your way over to the club on the 26th of February and sign on the dotted line.

Fees Membership fees for the year is €120 and this covers you no matter how many children you have training and playing with the club. It also includes 2 sets of

The class of 2015. The St Johns u6 academy enjoying themselves with their coaches at the end of a very successful academy last year

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Gurteen men on SLIGO GAA AND ABBVIE UNVEIL NEW 2016 COUNTY the move!

STRIP AT SPONSORSHIP OFFICIAL LAUNCH

Sligo player Mark Breheny, right, with Peter Greene, left, Sligo County Board Treasurer, and Joe Taaffe, Chairman of Sligo County Board.

P

artnership forms part of the ongoing commitment of AbbVie and the GAA to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities Sligo GAA officially unveiled its new 2016 jersey and kit during a special launch event at AbbVie’s Manorhamilton Road facility in Sligo today. The County Board recently advised club delegates at the Annual County Convention that the local biopharmaceutical company would be their main sponsor for the next three years.

The new sponsorship deal will see the AbbVie logo appear on all Senior, U-21 and Junior Football team jerseys from the start of the Allianz National Football League season. The new jersey made its first competitive appearance in Miltown Malbay when Sligo began their Division 3 campaign against Clare last weekend Members of the Sligo senior squad, including Mark Breheny, Neil Ewing and Niall Murphy, attended the launch event sporting the distinctive black and white strip, which features the AbbVie logo on the front with associated sponsor branding from IT Sligo on the back.

AbbVie and Sligo IT work together across a number of engineering and science-based

educational projects so the presence of the two logos on the Sligo team jerseys reflects close ties between both entities.

AbbVie has two plants in Sligo,

one in Ballytivnan and the other at Manorhamilton Road and many of their 300 plus staff members, including a number who participated in the launch event today, have played GAA at various levels.

Marc O’Donoghue, Site Director, AbbVie Manorhamilton Road, Sligo said: “The GAA plays an incredibly important role in the lives of many of our employees in Sligo, and indeed employees at our other sites in Cork and Dublin, so it’s pleasing to be in a position to help nurture and support the game. We look forward to an exciting season and wish the team and management the best of luck in the coming months.”

Niall Kerlin, Operations Manager, AbbVie Ballytivnan, Sligo said: “We are delighted to formally launch the partnership with Sligo GAA and proud to be supporting an organisation that reflects our own commitment to the Sligo community and to the betterment of people’s health.”

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The Men on the Move programme aims to improve the physical fitness and overall health and well-being of adult men in Ireland. SSRP will be working with community based host organisations to roll out the programme in County Sligo in 2015.

The programme which consists of 12 weeks of twice weekly physical activity sessions along with workshops on nutrition and well being is currently being piloted in East Sligo. SSRP are working with Eastern harps GAA club to deliver the programme to over 40 men in the area. The first session which took place last week saw the participants being put through a rigorous fitness test!

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

W.W.C. WEST COAST CHALLENGE

Sligo some hope with a great win to make it 6-4 to Donegal, Donegal then took the next game to take the title 7-4. We (Sligo) are very happy with our performance, we have a great bunch of lads and a great team spirit now and we look forward to the All Irelands next month.

Where we will be hoping to do really well (maybe even win) Premier League 2016 The Premier League starts on Friday 5th of February 2016 in the Salley Gardens (Ballisodare). The League will be played in two venues, the other venue been The Crozon Inn (Alternative weeks). There will be 20 players with each player playing two games each night. The league will run for 10weeks with a prize fund of €1500-€1800. Players invite only. Some of the top players in the country will be playing the league; so good games/darts will be seen if anyone wants to call in to watch.

Sligo

T

he Sligo County Darts Team played in the W.W.C. recently, it was played in the Bush Hotel in Carrick on Shannon on Saturday 23rd of January. The W.W.C. has been running for 16years now and its looked upon as one of the best and competitive team events in the country. This year 8 mens teams took part, Leitrum A&B, Sligo, Donegal, Longford, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, there was also a ladies and youths event. Sligo were drawn in a group with Leitrim(A), Donegal, and Longford with two teams to progress from the group. The other group seen Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, and Leitrim(B) compete against each other.

Sligo played Leitrim(A) first and won this match 9-3, this was a very good competitive game closer than the score would suggest, Donegal bet Longford 11-1 in the other game. In the next game Sligo faced Donegal,

this was a super game with high scoring and high checkouts by both sides Sligo won this match 75, a great result. The 3rd group game for Sligo was against Longford, Sligo won this match 84, another good result for Sligo.

The team were playing well and looking forward to the semi-final.

Some notable performances in the group games were from James Durkin, Kenny Phillips, Ross Carty and Anthony Mullarkey, all playing very well. The semi-finals were Sligo V Galway and Donegal V Roscommon. Sligo bet Galway 7-3 and Donegal won 7-5. So it all came down to the final, Sligo V Donegal. This was a tense affair, Donegal took the first game but Declan Cunningham leveled things for Sligo. Kenny Phillips then put Sligo 2-1 up only for Donegal to level the game again. Sean McGowan put Sligo 3-2 up, Donegal then won 4 without reply before Karl Scanlon gave

Donegal

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MARY CULLEN 20

By Mark Foley

2016 – it’s an Olympic year, and while we all know this, no one knows it more than Sligo’s Mary Cullen and her supporters, family and friends. The 2008 Olympics, she actually met the standard time required, but at

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

the time with some confusion over what standard time was required, Mary’s seat on the plane wasn’t available, the 2012 London Olympic Games were missed too due to injury and now this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio are on the horizon.

No injury at the moment and a healthy Mary Cullen continues her training as she sets off for a training camp in Arizona with renowned athlete/coach Molly Huddle.

The standard qualifying times for the Rio Games are set in stone. The time required for the

Mary Cullen in the invitational 5000m at the Mount Sac meet in California in 2013

5k is 15 minutes 24 seconds. The time required for the 10k is 32 minutes 15 seconds. Mary Cullen has ran 5k in 15 minutes 26 seconds, and the 10k in 32 minutes 20 seconds… a mere 2 seconds off in the 5k and 5 seconds off in the 10k. It’s there for the taking I hear you say…

.Its straight forward ….. It’s anything but straight forward and simple – Lets have a look?

After a promising athletic career as a youngster and haven taken a year out after school, In 2001 Mary earned a scholarship to Providence in the US, finding herself in a completely different environment, the standard was higher, the facilities were second to none, everything was athletics and it took a while for Mary to find her “running” feet – the National cross country race she finished 214th just ahead of the back markers in her first year, but a year later she finished 28th, her true potential was showing through but Mary never really saw it as a career, not until Ray Treacy, sat her down, he had seen her - run a personal best for fifth in the 5000 metres at the Big East Championships, won the 3000 m at the Penn Relays. That 28th-place finish at the NCAA National Cross Country Championship earned her AllAmerican honours.

In indoor competitions, she took third in the 3000 m and fourth in the distance medley relay. She took fourth in the 5000 m NCAA regionals with a personal best of 15:56.96 and finished in fifth at the NCAA Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship, gaining her second AllAmerican honours of the season. Her final year at Providence College in 2003– 04 was perhaps her most successful: she won the mile run at the Women’s Challenge Cup and also won the mile and the distance medley relay race at the University of Rhode Island Invitational. Cross country competition brought further success: a number of podium finishes included second-place finishes at both the NCAA regionals and Big East Championships, and she capped off the season by finishing fifth at the NCAA National Cross Country Championships, receiving her third All-America honours for the feat.

2006 saw some good momentum, in 2006 she began training with the renowned Mollie Huddle and gained a 4 year contract with Reebok. In the 5000 metres she finished twelfth at the 2006 European Championships, and competed without reaching the final at the 2007 World Championships. This world championship was an “eye opener” and it was later revealed she ran with a stress fracture in the fibula bone Though In the metres event she finished seventh at the 2007 European Indoor Championships.

21

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Mary Cullen finished 1st in the Terenure 5 mile back in May 2015 She just missed out on the medals with a fourth position finish at the 2008 European Cross Country Championships, ending up two seconds behind bronze medallist Inés Monteiro. A moment she remembers well and contemplating that great but fine line of what a 3rd position is compared to a 4th for one’s career. She suffered a calf injury a few months later and missed the 2008 Beijing Olympics as a result, but there was confusion over the qualifying time, she met the B standard, which was then later an approved time, but Mary was injured by then.

The winter of 2009 she moved to Australia, got in with a good training group, the environment was professional and she learnt a lot from her fellow pro’s picking up tricks of the trade and meeting up with her hero Sonia O’Sullivan and getting as much knowledge as possible She broke Sonia O’Sullivan’s indoor 3000 m national record at the Valentine Invitation Meet in Boston, Massachusetts.

Her time of 8:43.74 was the fifth fastest that year in the world and she was selected as Ireland’s athlete of the month. She won the bronze at the 2009 European Athletics Indoor Championships the following month.

But 2009 soon turned ugly, in April on the same day she found out she had a stress fracture in her pelvis, she also found out she needed an operation to remove a desmoids from her head, but Mary got back going again and in some quarters, there were high expectations for the 2009 European Cross Country Championships, which was held in her native Ireland. However,

she finished the race out of contention in twelfth position, she later commented that she had put too much pressure on herself to perform and had suffered accordingly. She rebounded the following month with a win at the Belfast International Cross Country, beating Anikó Kálovics and Cross Country Champion Hayley Yelling to the finish line.

The next few years saw more injuries upon injuries and heartache with the passing of her father, and before you know

its 2012 and London Olympics were on the horizon, but the injuries weren’t healing fully, and maybe the desire to get back quickly was hampering efforts also. A performance with the Irish cross country team at the world championships finishing 5th and a 5k timed in 15.23 were good markers all was well again, till injury struck - again.

It’s worth pointing out that Mary lost her funding in 2010, and her reebok deal ended then also. While the Institutes of sport in Ireland and various

governing federations of sport in this country will say they support their sports people and show you how they tick the box’s to do so.

The ticking the box method in reality doesn’t work. Mary has access to Physio’s, nutritionists, sports doctors’ etc etc. but only limited access and cover if that at all. A nasty Achilles injury in 2013 needed surgery in London which took place in 2014 – Mary had to pay the full costs on the surgery. The funding protocols don’t rely on potential or even a mix of potential and results, which Sligo’s Mary Cullen clearly has and proven, but funding only happens after results, and sure what’s the point in that?

Compared to a system that is used by various sports bodies in the UK, programs are initiated to develop potential to help it grow, and if one athlete needs more physio than another, they get it, without losing focus of the other athlete’s needs, the program sticks with you for at least the 4 year period set out – a system like this by the governing institutes of sport in Ireland could have helped Mary Cullen - her support comes from her family and friends and a loyal following she has in Sligo and in North Sligo in particular – “it’s been tough at times, I’ve had days with injuries and stuff and I probably haven’t been the best person to be around” says a very honest Cullen “but they don’t let me sit on my laurels – Tough Love in the most supportive way!”

August 2014 and Cullen begins building up her fitness and running miles nice and steady and it’s all looking great as she posts a world lead time for 5 miles 25 minutes 35 seconds.

2015 begins healthy, a little blip occurs in March with a fracture in her metatarsal, but experience now stands to hand and Mary now knows how to stay fit through injury and the benefits of mixing in some cross training, later in the year she returns to the

outdoor track season for the first time in 8 years, the momentum is moving forward again.

December 2015 in Donegal at 2015 Finn Valley 5k setting a course record in 15.45 inside previous of Olympic medallist and World champ Vivian Cheruiyot 16.14.

2016 starts well, Mary is healthy and as already mentioned heads to Arizona for training this February with two races the focus for the early part of the year. April in California – 5k at an outdoor meet and the goal to hit that Olympic standard of 15.24 and then again in California in May – a 10k meet and once again the goal to hit the standard required at 32.15.

“It’s important to try and hit the qualifying times earlier in the year” explains Mary “I can then concentrate on quality work then some more strength work followed by sharpening the form up leading into the games” She has it all planned out – but what if she secures that plane seat to Rio this spring, how will she feel?

“Excited, emotional, maybe a bit of shock too, to be an Olympian that’s all you dream about from when you are a kid” replies Mary and then you’re at the games what is the dream then once your there? “To make the final of my event, in the 5k that will be sub 15 minutes” At 33 years of age and the roller coaster of a career that Mary Cullen has had, if there is anyone who deserves that Olympic stage it is her. She just needs two seconds in the 5k and/or 5 seconds in the 10k and the Olympic stage is hers – on paper it sounds straightforward and simple, but as Mary will tell you it’s anything but. You need great Resilience, grit, determination and a warrior like character put into the mix also.

She has all those ingredients and they are mixed into her recipe, that she is cooking up to fulfil her Olympic dream.

Mary Cullen with her parents Geraldine and Pat and Sister Caroline after finishing 4th in the Senior Woman’s event during the 2008 European Cross Country Championships, Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Brian Lawless/Sportsfile

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Three Sligo players named in Ireland u20 squad for six nations Guinness Pro 12 league already this season. Conan’s experience will make him one of the senior players in the squad and is most likely to be in the starting 15 for the tournament. In the 2013/214 Conan became the first student from Summerhill College to represent Ireland at Schoolboy level and with his potential and excellent work ethic looks on course to continue the climb right to full International honours.

Stephen Kerins has made the breakthrough into the international ranks following some excellent performances for his club and the Connacht eagles squad this season. Equally effective at scrum half and out half , Stephen’s versatility and ability to raise the tempo of a game will be a huge asset to Carolan and is sure to make him a vital member of the match day squads.

Following in the footsteps of O’Donnell , Cillian Gallagher represented Ireland at Schoolboy level in the 2014/15 season and has nailed down a place on the Connacht Eagles squad during their British and Irish

2

016 has been a bit of a mixed bag for the Sligo Rugby Club Senior team so

far.

A narrow defeat to Ulster Bank League division 2C second placed Tullamore was followed up with an excellent win over Limerick stalwarts Bruff RFC before an understrength Sligo were well beaten in Limerick by table topping Old Crescent RFC. Despite their lowly current league position Sligo are a team full of quality and have proven a match for any side in the division when able to field their strongest outfit.

All season Sligo have had to battle with players being selected on various Connacht representative squads and consequently being unavailable for their home club. Players such Conan O’Donnell, Matthew Cosgrove, Cillian Gallagher, Stephen Kerins ,Jack Keegan, Ryan Feehily and Daire Byrne have all been called up for Connacht duty at various times which creates a difficult situation

SPORTS

071-9167113

for the club but ultimately is a huge indication of the quality of player that the club structures are producing at Hamilton Park.

This quality was shown to be particularly evident when Ireland U20 Coach Nigel Carolan announced his squad for the upcoming 6 nations tournament which runs in parallel with the senior six nations tournament from the weekend of Feb 6th to the weekend of March 20th No less than three Sligo players have been selected on the 20’s squad which is an amazing achievement for a club based in the North West of Ireland , far from the traditional Rugby strongholds.

Conan O’Donnell has been selected in the Ireland squad for the second year in a row. The tight head prop is one of only 4 players in Carolan’s squad returning from last season, and his progression as a player was highlighted by a number of appearances for the Connacht senior squad in both the European Challenge Cup and

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Cillian can play at second row or number 8 and his athletic ability and handling skills make him an excellent option at lineout time.

All three players look set to mark their mark throughout the six nations tournament which kicks off with the visit of Wales U20’s to Donnybrook on Friday 5th February.

Best of luck lads!

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

How To Completely Detox From Sugar In 10 Days

By Dr. Mark Hyman

T

his article which was taken from the internet is well worth a read...

Sugar is incredibly addictive.

Recent research has determined that sugar is actually as addictive as heroin to the human brain, not to mention the fact that added sugars are very harmful to our health. When you look at diabetes and obesity rates for, you see very quickly our sugar problem has gone out of control. Thankfully, this knowledge is spreading and people are getting off of sugar.

Only, it’s a bit harder than you might think. Here’s how you can make that process easier.

1. Make a decision to detox In my book, there are three simple quizzes to help you learn if you need to detox. If you answer, “yes” to any of these questions, a sugar detox is your ticket to feeling great quickly and losing weight painlessly.

The first is the diabesity quiz.

Do you have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes? (90 percent of us have not been diagnosed.)

Do you have belly fat?

Are you overweight?

Do you crave sugar and carbs?

Do you have trouble losing weight on low-fat diets?

Do you have high triglycerides, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, or been told your blood sugar is “a little high?”

The second is a food addiction quiz.

Do you eat when you’re not hungry?

Do you experience a food coma after eating?

Do you feel bad about your eating habits or avoid certain activities because of your eating?

Do you get withdrawal symptoms if you cut down or stop eating sugar or flour?

Do you need more and more of same bad foods just to feel good?

The third is the FLC Quiz (or the Toxicity Quiz). FLC stands for Feel Like Crap. FLC Syndrome has a list of symptoms including bloating, gas, reflux, irritable bowel, joint or muscle pain, brain fog, memory or mood problems, sinus or allergy symptoms, and more. Millions of us have FLC Syndrome and don’t realize that we are only a few days away from health and happiness.

2. Be a turkey (a cold one) There is no way to handle a true physiological addiction except to stop it completely.

Addicts can’t have just one line of cocaine or just one drink. Go cold turkey. But you won’t have to white-knuckle it because if you follow these 10 ideas, you will automatically reset your body’s neurotransmitters and hormones.

Stop consuming all forms of sugar, flour products, and artificial sweeteners, which cause increased cravings and slow metabolism, and lead to fat storage. Also get rid of anything with trans or hydrogenated fats and MSG (watch for hidden names).

Ideally, for 10 days you avoid any foods that come in a box, package, or a can, or that have a label. Stick to real, whole, fresh food.

5. Eat unlimited carbs (the right ones) Yes, that’s right, unlimited carbs.

Did you know that vegetables are carbs? And you get to eat as much as you want. There is one catch.

I only mean the non-starchy veggies such as greens, anything in the broccoli family (cauliflower, kale, collards),asparagus, green beans, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, tomatoes, fennel, eggplant, artichokes, and peppers, to name a few.

Avoid potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash and beets—just for 10 days. Also skip grains and beans for 10 days. It supercharges the results so you lose weight and feel great.

3. Don’t drink your calories Any form of liquid sugar calories is worse than solid food with sugar or flour. Think of it as mainlining sugar directly to your liver. It turns off a fat storage machine in your liver, leading to dreaded belly fat.

You don’t feel full, so you eat more all day and you crave more sugar and carbs. It’s also the single biggest source of sugar calories in our diet.

That includes sodas, juices other than green vegetable juice, sports drinks, and sweetened teas or coffees.

One 20-ounce soda has 15 teaspoons of sugar; Gatorade contains 14 teaspoons of the stuff in one bottle. One can of soda a day increases a kid’s chance of being obese by 60 percent and a woman’s chance of type 2 diabetes by 80 percent. Stay away.

6. Fight sugar with fat Fat doesn’t make you fat, sugar does. Fat makes you full, balances your blood sugar, and is necessary for fueling your cells. Along with protein, have good fats at every meal and snack including nuts and seeds (which also contain protein), extra virgin olive oil, coconut butter, avocados, and omega3 fats from fish.

4. Power up the day with protein Protein, protein, protein at every meal—especially breakfast—is the key to balancing blood sugar and insulin and cutting cravings.

Start the day with whole farm eggs or a protein shake.

Use nuts, seeds, eggs, fish, chicken or grass-fed meat for protein at every meal. A serving size is 4 to 6 ounces or the size of your palm.

7. Be ready for emergencies You never want to be in a food emergency when your blood sugar is dropping and you find yourself in a food desert such as an airport, the office, or in a maze of convenience stores, fast food joints, and vending machines. You need an emergency food pack. I have one with me all the time and it’s filled with protein, good fats, and good snacks so I never have to make a bad choice. Here’s what’s in mine: Packets of Artisana nut butters and coconut butter Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds Salmon jerky or turkey jerky A can of wild salmon or sardines Unsweetened wild blueberries.

8. Swap distress for de-stress If you are stressed, your hormones go crazy. Cortisol goes up which makes you

23

hungry, causes belly fat storage, and leads to type-2 diabetes. Studies show that taking deep breaths activates a special nerve, called the vagus nerve, that shifts your metabolism from fat storage to fat burning and quickly moves you out of the stress state. And all you have to do is take a deep breath.

Try my Take Five Breathing Break. It’s something you can do anywhere, anytime. Simply take five slow deep breaths—in to the count of five, out to the count of five. Five times. That’s it. Do this before every meal.

Watch what happens.

9. Put out the fire (of inflammation).

Studies show that inflammation triggers blood sugar imbalances, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and type-2 diabetes. The most common source of inflammatory foods other than sugar, flour, and trans fats are hidden food sensitivities. The most common culprits are gluten and dairy.

We often crave the foods we’re allergic to. Without them we feel lousy and want more.

Quit gluten and dairy for 10 days. Getting off them isn’t easy, but after just 2 or 3 days without them, you’ll have renewed energy, relief from cravings, and will see many of your common symptoms disappear.

10. Get your Zzz’s.

Getting less sleep drives sugar and carb cravings by affecting your appetite hormones. In human studies, depriving college students of just two hours of the recommended eight hours of sleep led to a rise in hunger hormones, a decrease in appetitesuppressing hormones, and big cravings for sugar and refined carbs.

You want more energy if you don’t sleep, so you go toward quickly absorbed sugars. Sleep is the best way to fight against the drive to overeat. You literally can sleep your cravings and your weight away.

HENRY’S SERVICE STATION DCI, HOT / COLD DELI, CONVENIENCE, NEWSAGENTS, COAL / BRIQUETTES, LOTTO, COFFEE TO GO, HOME MADE BREAD & COOKED MEATS & ICE-CREAM CONES Telephone: 071-9183343 • Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 6am to 10pm •Saturday 7am to 10pm • Sunday 8am to 10pm

24

25

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016 SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

David Gillick’s Kitchen

from track to Table

5 recipes you should try from Irish sports star David Gillick’s cookbook Chicken and Spinach Wrap

Lunch can be tough. A lot of people don’t have time to cook and are looking for something quick and healthy. Every meal should be balanced and include elements from all the food groups. I like using wraps, as they are lighter than paninis or ciabatta, and I pack them full of goodness. The avocado purée is full of healthy fats, plus it makes the wrap moist and appetising. Another good wrap filling is turkey and the homemade coleslaw (recipe available in book).

Ingredients 1/2 ripe avocado 1 tbsp tomato purée 1 tsp garlic purée 1 wholegrain wrap 150g cooked chicken, sliced small handful of spinach 1/2 red pepper, diced 50g mozzarella, sliced a few fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 tsp olive oil serves 1

Courgette ‘Spaghetti’ Bolognese

All-in-One Breakfast

Everyone has their own way of making Bolognese. I like mine with a bit of Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar, just like my gran made it. Her secret was to let the sauce simmer for as long as possible. Delish! To cut down on the calories and because I don’t need all that energy in the evening, I replace pasta with courgette ribbons.

THIS IS A great sharing breakfast that I picked up in Australia. The Aussies love a good brunch and I tried something similar to this in a café in Canberra.

I’m a big fan of chorizo, so I have used it here instead of bacon and I’ve added kidney beans.

With loads of flavour from the balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, it’s a great dish to kick-start your weekend.

Ingredients 1 tsp coconut oil 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 300g lean beef mince salt and pepper 2 red or yellow peppers, chopped 1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato purée 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 courgette Parmesan shavings, to serve serves 2 Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over a medium heat.

Add the onion and garlic and cook for five minutes. Add the mince, season with salt and pepper and cook until lightly brown. Mix in the peppers and cook for three minutes.

Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar and stir well.

Cover the pan and let it simmer for as long as you like. The longer you leave it, the more flavour will be in the dish.

When you’re ready to eat, use a vegetable peeler to peel the courgette into strips. Add the strips to the Bolognese and mix for one minute to heat through. Serve with a few Parmesan shavings if desired.

We are all entitled to a dessert now and again, and as part of training week I would have a treat meal on a Saturday or any time I felt I deserved something sweet. I also made this for the dessert task on Celebrity MasterChef Ireland and it’s fair to say the lads enjoyed it!

Protein Balls Ingredients 50g porridge oats 30g shredded desiccated coconut, plus extra for coating 10g chocolate or vanilla-flavoured whey protein 4 tbsp good-quality low-sugar peanut butter 2 tbsp honey 1 tbsp cocoa powder makes 8 balls

Place all the biscuits in a large

‘An Equestrian Establishment with a difference’ • Lessons for all ages and levels of experience on school horses or riders own horse • Dressage & showjumping training to advanced level • Off road trekking in scenic Ox Mountains • Training shows, camps, 4 week intensive courses, clinics and Student training.

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

ziplock bag and seal it tightly, then crush the biscuits by bashing them with a rolling pin (or you could use a food processor). Transfer to a bowl and mix well with the melted

Ingredients 100g amaretti biscuits or biscotti 100g digestive biscuits 100g unsalted butter, melted and cooled 500g fresh ricotta cheese 115g icing sugar + 1 tbsp icing sugar zest and juice of 1/2 orange 80g white chocolate, half finely chopped, half grated 60g shelled pistachios, chopped 400g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved serves 8—10

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Divide into eight equal portions and roll into balls between the palms of your hands.

Sprinkle some extra coconut in a shallow bowl and roll the balls in it. Chill until ready to eat.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Est 1997

Preheat the grill.

Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat and add the diced chorizo. Cook for two minutes, until it has started to release its oil, then add the chopped tomatoes, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.

Turn up the heat and leave for four minutes to let it reduce, stirring occasionally. Add the drained kidney beans and mix well.

Make four wells in the mixture and crack one egg into each well. Leave for another couple of minutes, until the bottom of the eggs turn white.

Transfer to the grill and cook for another couple of minutes, until the eggs are cooked through.

Bring the pan straight to the table and let everyone help themselves.

Strawberry, Ricotta and White Chocolate Tart

Put the avocado in a bowl and mash with a fork. Stir in the tomato and garlic purées and mix together well.

Lay the wrap out on the worktop and spread the mashed avocado down the middle of the wrap. Cover with the chicken and spinach. Finish by adding the diced pepper, sliced mozzarella and chopped basil. Drizzle with olive oil and fold the wrap up tightly. Cut in half on the diagonal and serve.

AIRE approved

Ingredients 100g chorizo, diced 1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes 1 green pepper, chopped 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar salt and pepper 1 x 400g tin of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 4 medium eggs serves 4

Qualified trainer (BHSAI, HSI & FETAC) Resident rider with proven compe""on record Homebred schoolmaster horses Horses & ponies for sale from Beezies Stud Top class, all weather & customer friendly facili"es

Call Simone: 087-6793696 / 071-9184207 • www.woodlandsequestrian.ie • Loughill, Lavagh, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo

All leading sports brands stocked

butter. Press into the sides and base of a 25cm loosebottomed tart tin, then press down with the back of a spoon to smooth it out.

Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

To make the filling, beat the ricotta and 115g of icing sugar until smooth, then fold in the orange juice, the chopped white chocolate and half the chopped pistachios.

Spoon into the chilled tart base, then put back in the fridge and chill for four hours.

Half an hour before serving, mix the strawberries with the remaining tablespoon of icing sugar and the orange zest.

Transfer the tart to a serving platter, then pile on the strawberries. Top with the grated white chocolate and the remaining chopped pistachios.

More recipes can be found in a new book entitled ‘David Gillick’s Kitchen,’ which is published by Mercier Press.

Large selection of trophies and medals stocked

“Where all sports people call” 28 Grattan Street, Sligo • (071) 916 2929 Email: johnkentsports@eircom.net

Clubs and schools catered for

24

25

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016 SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

David Gillick’s Kitchen

from track to Table

5 recipes you should try from Irish sports star David Gillick’s cookbook Chicken and Spinach Wrap

Lunch can be tough. A lot of people don’t have time to cook and are looking for something quick and healthy. Every meal should be balanced and include elements from all the food groups. I like using wraps, as they are lighter than paninis or ciabatta, and I pack them full of goodness. The avocado purée is full of healthy fats, plus it makes the wrap moist and appetising. Another good wrap filling is turkey and the homemade coleslaw (recipe available in book).

Ingredients 1/2 ripe avocado 1 tbsp tomato purée 1 tsp garlic purée 1 wholegrain wrap 150g cooked chicken, sliced small handful of spinach 1/2 red pepper, diced 50g mozzarella, sliced a few fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 tsp olive oil serves 1

Courgette ‘Spaghetti’ Bolognese

All-in-One Breakfast

Everyone has their own way of making Bolognese. I like mine with a bit of Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar, just like my gran made it. Her secret was to let the sauce simmer for as long as possible. Delish! To cut down on the calories and because I don’t need all that energy in the evening, I replace pasta with courgette ribbons.

THIS IS A great sharing breakfast that I picked up in Australia. The Aussies love a good brunch and I tried something similar to this in a café in Canberra.

I’m a big fan of chorizo, so I have used it here instead of bacon and I’ve added kidney beans.

With loads of flavour from the balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, it’s a great dish to kick-start your weekend.

Ingredients 1 tsp coconut oil 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 300g lean beef mince salt and pepper 2 red or yellow peppers, chopped 1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato purée 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 courgette Parmesan shavings, to serve serves 2 Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over a medium heat.

Add the onion and garlic and cook for five minutes. Add the mince, season with salt and pepper and cook until lightly brown. Mix in the peppers and cook for three minutes.

Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar and stir well.

Cover the pan and let it simmer for as long as you like. The longer you leave it, the more flavour will be in the dish.

When you’re ready to eat, use a vegetable peeler to peel the courgette into strips. Add the strips to the Bolognese and mix for one minute to heat through. Serve with a few Parmesan shavings if desired.

We are all entitled to a dessert now and again, and as part of training week I would have a treat meal on a Saturday or any time I felt I deserved something sweet. I also made this for the dessert task on Celebrity MasterChef Ireland and it’s fair to say the lads enjoyed it!

Protein Balls Ingredients 50g porridge oats 30g shredded desiccated coconut, plus extra for coating 10g chocolate or vanilla-flavoured whey protein 4 tbsp good-quality low-sugar peanut butter 2 tbsp honey 1 tbsp cocoa powder makes 8 balls

Place all the biscuits in a large

‘An Equestrian Establishment with a difference’ • Lessons for all ages and levels of experience on school horses or riders own horse • Dressage & showjumping training to advanced level • Off road trekking in scenic Ox Mountains • Training shows, camps, 4 week intensive courses, clinics and Student training.

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

ziplock bag and seal it tightly, then crush the biscuits by bashing them with a rolling pin (or you could use a food processor). Transfer to a bowl and mix well with the melted

Ingredients 100g amaretti biscuits or biscotti 100g digestive biscuits 100g unsalted butter, melted and cooled 500g fresh ricotta cheese 115g icing sugar + 1 tbsp icing sugar zest and juice of 1/2 orange 80g white chocolate, half finely chopped, half grated 60g shelled pistachios, chopped 400g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved serves 8—10

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Divide into eight equal portions and roll into balls between the palms of your hands.

Sprinkle some extra coconut in a shallow bowl and roll the balls in it. Chill until ready to eat.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Est 1997

Preheat the grill.

Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat and add the diced chorizo. Cook for two minutes, until it has started to release its oil, then add the chopped tomatoes, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.

Turn up the heat and leave for four minutes to let it reduce, stirring occasionally. Add the drained kidney beans and mix well.

Make four wells in the mixture and crack one egg into each well. Leave for another couple of minutes, until the bottom of the eggs turn white.

Transfer to the grill and cook for another couple of minutes, until the eggs are cooked through.

Bring the pan straight to the table and let everyone help themselves.

Strawberry, Ricotta and White Chocolate Tart

Put the avocado in a bowl and mash with a fork. Stir in the tomato and garlic purées and mix together well.

Lay the wrap out on the worktop and spread the mashed avocado down the middle of the wrap. Cover with the chicken and spinach. Finish by adding the diced pepper, sliced mozzarella and chopped basil. Drizzle with olive oil and fold the wrap up tightly. Cut in half on the diagonal and serve.

AIRE approved

Ingredients 100g chorizo, diced 1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes 1 green pepper, chopped 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar salt and pepper 1 x 400g tin of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 4 medium eggs serves 4

Qualified trainer (BHSAI, HSI & FETAC) Resident rider with proven compe""on record Homebred schoolmaster horses Horses & ponies for sale from Beezies Stud Top class, all weather & customer friendly facili"es

Call Simone: 087-6793696 / 071-9184207 • www.woodlandsequestrian.ie • Loughill, Lavagh, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo

All leading sports brands stocked

butter. Press into the sides and base of a 25cm loosebottomed tart tin, then press down with the back of a spoon to smooth it out.

Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

To make the filling, beat the ricotta and 115g of icing sugar until smooth, then fold in the orange juice, the chopped white chocolate and half the chopped pistachios.

Spoon into the chilled tart base, then put back in the fridge and chill for four hours.

Half an hour before serving, mix the strawberries with the remaining tablespoon of icing sugar and the orange zest.

Transfer the tart to a serving platter, then pile on the strawberries. Top with the grated white chocolate and the remaining chopped pistachios.

More recipes can be found in a new book entitled ‘David Gillick’s Kitchen,’ which is published by Mercier Press.

Large selection of trophies and medals stocked

“Where all sports people call” 28 Grattan Street, Sligo • (071) 916 2929 Email: johnkentsports@eircom.net

Clubs and schools catered for

26

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

SLIGO ALL STARS PHOTOS: Jordan Cummins Email: jordancumminsphotography@gmail.com

Under 12’s perform well

The Under 12 boys traveled to Letterkenny to take on Ballyshannon, Letterkenny and Donegal Town, in a jam-packed day of basketball. Well done to the lads with 3 great wins. Unfortunately due to not having enough players i.e. 10 we had to forfeit the points. Thanks to all that travelled

Ladies Seniors flying high A 3rd win on the bounce for the ladies senior team at the Mercy winning 59-53 again LYIT. The ladies won despite only having 5 players and Kelly Mc Munn on 4 fouls for the entire 2nd half. The All Stars scores were spread very evenly with all 5 players scoring in double digits. Well done girls.

Team: Kelly McMunn, Orla McGowan, Lorraine Dolan, Cynthia Water and Molly Egan

Paddy’s

Tel: 087-6198001

Hackney Coolaney Co. Sligo

8 Seater Mini Bus • For all occasions

27

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

GLOHEALTH NATIONAL CROSSCOUNTRY

W

ell done to all our athletes who performed very well in Dundalk in the National Juvenile B,Intermediate and Masters Crosscountry. Congrats to Ailbhe Morgan who won the U15 2,000m where Eva Delahunt also had a fine run.

Ross Doherty finished 8th in the

Boys U13 race. The boys U15 won team silver medals with great running by Jack Connor,Cathal Corcoran,Michael Morgan,Sam Mc Dermott and Eoin Carty.

Aoife Morris won a fine silver medal in the U17 3,000m where the club won a great team silver thanks to Tara Carty,Mary

Brigid Mc Donagh,Rionna Connor and Emma Wimsey.

Leo Doherty had a fine 6th place finish in the U17 3,000m.

Finley Daly was 11th and here the club won team silver thanks to Conor Melvin and Mark Kilcawley In the Masters Women's race,Mari Johnston followed up her great run in

Antrim with another solid race.

Well done to the Men's Masters team who were led home by Richard Gorman in 13th place,Seamus Somers in 74th,Shane Hayes 78th,Rory Connor in 181st place and Bill Carty completing another Masters Crosscountry. Well done to Fionnuala Silke who

Sligo Athletic Club Update C leveragh was buzzing for the the hill session as a super turnout of 81 runners embraced the hill repeats with great gusto. Thanks to the coaches and group leaders who are doing great work. 4 weeks almost done and great progress by everybody,keep it going guys!

P.S. We had new runners joining this week and they are very welcome.

It's never too late to make a start!

took time out from her busy secretary's role and made her Crosscountry debut. Thanks to the coaches and parents who helped out on the day and nice to hear the jingle of medals on the bus on the way home! Thanks to Rory Connor & family,Annette Gardiner and Michael O'Connell for photos

28

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

SCHOOL, SPORT & SUCCESS Photos Brenda McCalllion

AT URSULINE COLLEGE H

ockey coach at The Ursuline College, Clodagh Lynch, is a former Connaught, UCD and Muckross hockey player and Captain of the Irish Ladies Masters Team.

Here, she talks to us about sport, training, mindset and facilities at the school.

Clodagh Lynch

Elayne Mc Dermott Irish ex international hockey player from Sligo Ursuline

AN EYE ON THE BALL I’m from Sligo, and I went to the Mercy. It wasn’t a big sporting school, but I did get really into hockey. I was a gymnast first. In fact, I got spotted by Connaught and I opted not to play for them the first year, because gymnastics was too big in my life. Then the following

year, I didn’t turn down the offer when it came around again. I played for Connaught for my last three years in school, and then moved to Dublin to go to university. It was there that my hockey really took off. The standard in Connaught, unfortunately, doesn’t reach that high - you get to a certain level and you’re kind of at the top of your game. Whereas in Dublin, the doors just opened up for me. I played for UCD first and then I moved to Muckross which was the top club in the country at the time. I played for them for the next six years.

After I had my first child I moved to Corinthians, a smaller club,

just to take the pressure off a little bit. They were an up and coming club who had just made it into the premier division that year. I played with them for a couple of years and did some coaching, but then we moved back to Sligo in 2005. With three children at that stage, I took a bit of a career break and some time out to focus on them. I did get on board with a setting up a Junior Hockey Club in Sligo, and some coaching for the Seniors for a couple of years, but I stopped playing. Then by the time I had four children in 2007, I decided to step away from hockey completely for a while.

It wasn’t until 2010, when I

29

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Ursuline College 5k Walk-Run

3 Ursuline girls who played for the Connacht U.16 hockey team in the schoolgirl interprovincials in October. Katie Haran, Medbh Martin, Eimear Osborne started working in the Ursuline, that I threw myself back into coaching again.

HOCKEY AT THE URSULINE Hockey is the main sport at the Ursuline today, it has the highest

2015-16 u17 Ursuline soccer team

participation and we are going from strength to strength. There are eight teams at the moment, and I coach them all.

When I started teaching in the school, the hockey standard, despite having been excellent

back in the days that I was in the Mercy, had gone downhill.

After the first year, I decided that there was potential in the girls, though, so I put them into the A league and really started to push them. It was a huge step up but they were up to it. Once they saw that they had the potential to win and to progress, they really wanted to.

It was pretty hard to coach them to a high standard though, just because we didn’t have the facilities. We were training on an old grit pitch, which really doesn’t help when you’re trying to improve skill levels, and then we’d go to an astro turf pitch for the matches in Galway, which they weren’t

used to at all. They were coming up against players who were used to playing on this surface all the time. It was difficult, but they really did their best and we hung in there and competed well, getting to semi-final stages and even in the past few years to finals.

A NEW ERA We have a great set up now.

We’ve gone from having two teams when I started in 2010 to having eight now, and a lot of that is because of the new facilities. We have our own astro turf pitch now, right outside the front door, it’s just fantastic. It has changed things completely... Even just the fact

that it’s all-weather. On a horrible day, pouring rain, the old pitch would have been destroyed with puddles, which would stop us training properly.

Now, we can just go out there and get on with it and ok, the girls will get wet, but they’re going home to a hot shower, that’s my attitude! Rain actually enhances the surface. They’re getting to train in all conditions, which massively improves their competitive chances.

This year I have four girls representing Connaught from the school, our profile is starting to heighten, and hockey is really starting to progress for the Ursuline. We now have better facilities than anybody else in Connaught.

OTHER SCHOOL SPORTS The astro-turf pitch has been of benefit for lots of sports at the Ursuline, including the soccer and Gaelic side of things. We do all our sports training out there, and the soccer team play their matches there too. So long as everyone wears astro turf runners! Soccer boots and blades would just wreck the delicate surface.

Soccer is huge in the Ursuline.

We have great coaching facilities in Sligo, too, which keeps the standard high. We’ve got to several All-Ireland semis over the last couple of years, and we had Emma Hansberry (Republic of Ireland Ladies player) in the school, who also did some coaching when she was finished at the school...

We’ve always had a succession of girls who have really made it.

We’ve always been strong at Basketball, in fact, we won an All-Ireland final, three years ago, I think it was. And with Gaelic, though this year we haven’t done so well, up to now we’ve been good. We’ve been in finals and semis over the last few years. Soccer and Gaelic have always done well, they’ve never lacked in playing facilities and expertise of coaching. Hockey in some ways is playing catch up still. But it is progressing!

30

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

2015-16 Friendly 1st Year Blitz on Ursuline Astro pitch SPORTS FOR LIFE Nowadays, students are so academic. They are so into their studies, they don’t want to miss any school time, which can impact negatively on the sports side of things. I think that the girls who play a sport are actually at an advantage. You can see that when they go into class they are completely focussed

on their school work and if they miss time they are more inclined to do the catch up and try to work on their own initiative. It really gives them a better mindframe, a healthier outlook, and more independence. It comes down to character development, really.

The pressure to achieve academically is given far

2015 U16s league Ursuline v Kiltimagh

Pitch Development

015-16 U17 Ursuline soccer team greater importance than the overall character, talent, life skills and other valuable aspects of these young lives... I’d love to see the emphasis taken off academics. The points system is just wrong. I’d love to see points being given for sports - it’s the only extra-curricular activity that isn’t accredited. If you’re good at music, if you’re good at art, you can do those subjects in your Leaving Cert and get points for your talent, whereas in sport you don’t, which I think is quite harsh.

Sport and fitness are so vital for children, in many ways, not solely for their health and wellbeing, physical and mental.

They have scientifically proven that thirty minutes of exercise a day has a significant effect on mental health, let alone the physical benefits.

Competitiveness gets a bad name sometimes too, in today’s PC world. Personally I think this whole ‘everybody is a winner’ thing is nonsense. Understanding that there are winners and losers in life is a good thing. You’re never going to win at everything in life, nor succeed at everything you try to do, it’s an important lesson... And in my opinion, you don’t deserve a medal if you don’t win!

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS We will be having our official opening for the pitch with Tony

McLoughlin and Michael Ring soon, a big day where we cut the ribbon and probably have a match. There will also be lots of fundraising activity to come, as we’ll probably be a while paying off our lovely new pitch.

We’ve already had a Boston Tea Party and we have a Golf Classic coming up in May, as well as a Come Cook With Me event. The problem with hockey in Sligo is that there are so few people based here who have significant experience. But Brenda McCallion has recently started a group up in the club, called Chicks With Sticks, for people who have never played hockey before, or who played it years ago in school and want to

take it up again, and it’s a great way of getting people involved.

A lot of these people are parents of girls in the school, and it’s great that by participating they can really see what their daughters are doing first hand. This will help get them more involved, and give the girls more encouragement.

I’d love to encourage more parents to come in and watch the matches. We have a viewing area now at the pitch, although the girls can be a little self-conscious about that. But we do have a Facebook page, where we list the home matches, so if any parents are interested, that’s where you’ll get the information!

2015-16 Friendly 1st Year Blitz on Ursuline Astro pitch

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

The Mattie Carden Memorial

31

10K & 5K RUN & WALK IN AID OF

THE IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION Saturday March 5th 2016 @ 12.30pm • Enniscrone, Co. Sligo Event is chip timed / Course is AAI accredited.

Reg. www.runireland.com www.coretiming.com MAIN SPONSORS

GIVE A GIFT OF HEALTH THIS VALENTINE’S DAY. OUR VOUCHERS ARE THE PERFECT GIFT

32

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

34 PICTURES THAT SHOW YOU EXACTLY WHAT MUSCLES YOU’RE STRETCHING S

tretching is a key component of both exercise and health, as it helps to maintain flexibility and range of motion in your joints.

It’s easy to forget to stretch

before a workout, perhaps because we don’t know exactly why it is that stretching is so important. Well, stretching improves muscle development, increases range

of motion, reduces your chances of an injury and provides a warm-up for your muscles. When your muscles are more flexible, the body can perform activities and

1 Camel Pose: Best reserved for those with good flexibility, the muscles highlighted in this stretch are the rectus abdominus and the external obliques.

Sit on your heels and place your hands on your feet as you push your hips up and forward. Avoid putting too much pressure on your neck or spine.

exercise with the correct form; therefore, stretching also helps to improve posture.

So stretching is important. Got it.

But what stretches work for what muscle groups? Vicky Timón, a

yoga expert and author of “Encyclopedia of Pilates Exercises,” created 36 beautiful illustrations to show you which muscles are affected by different stretches.

2. Wide Forward Fold: This is a great exercise to open the hips while stretching the adductors and the hamstrings. Start this stretch with your knees bent. As your muscles begin to release, slowly straighten your legs, round out your back and reach for your feet.

3. Frog Pose: This is a deep groin stretch that works the adductors.

Start by resting on your hands and knees and slowly widen your knees until you feel stretching in your groin muscles. Move your hips back and forward to feel slight variations.

5. Butterfly Stretch: This stretch highlights the adductors. Start in a seated position and bring the soles of your feet together and sit tall.

Place pressure on your knees with your hands. Bring your feet farther from your hips and slowly round your body to release your back muscles.

4. Wide Side Lunge Pose: This is another stretch for the adductors. Start with both feet forward in a wide stance, and slowly walk your hands to your right foot while bending your right knee and rotating your left toes to the ceiling.

6. Forearm Extensor Stretch: To stretch your forearm extensor, start by pushing your shoulder down and back, then externally rotate your shoulder. Once in position, apply pressure to your opposite hand and begin to stretch.

8. Neck Rotation Stretch: To stretch the SCM, slowly rotate your neck while keeping your chin elevated.

For a deeper stretch, apply pressure with the hand opposite from the direction you are rotating.

7. Lateral Side Flexion of the Neck: This stretch highlights your sternocleidomastoid or SCM. Keep your neck as long as possible while slowly dropping your ear to your shoulder. You can progress this stretch by being seated on a chair and grabbing the bottom of the seat.

9. Neck Extension Stretch: To work the SCM, place your hands on your hips while keeping your spine long and tilt your head back.

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016 10. Lateral Side Flexion of the Neck with Hand Assistance: Stretch the SCM and upper trapezius by keeping your neck long and slowly dropping your ear to your shoulder.

11. Half Kneeling Quad / Hip Flexor Stretch: This stretch works your psoas and quadracep.

Start in a halfkneeling position. Slowly bring your right hip forward, grab your back foot and squeeze your back glute.

12. Forearm Extensor Stretch: Stretch the forearm extensor by pushing your shoulder down and back, and externally rotating the shoulder. Apply pressure with your opposite hand to begin the stretch.

13. Lateral Shoulder Stretch: To stretch your side deltoid, bring your arm across your body and lightly apply pressure to increase the stretch on your shoulder.

14. Standing Assisted Neck Flexion Stretch: This stretch will work your Trapezius muscle. Start by standing with your feet together.

Keep your spine long, slowly sit your hips back and round your upper back while tucking your chin into your chest.

15. Lat Stretch With Spinal Traction: To stretch the latissimus dorsi, take a firm grip on a bar while slowly lifting your feet off the ground. Avoid this stretch if you have recently injured your shoulder.

16. Lat Stretch At The Wall: Also for the latissimus dorsi, place both hands on the corner of a wall or post. Keep your spine long while slowly pushing your hips out to the side. Avoid this stretch if you have lower back problems.

17. Child’s Pose: This is another way to stretch the latissimus dorsi. Start on your hands and knees, then slowly bring your hips back until your forehead is on the floor. Arch your upper back and rotate your shoulders to stretch your lats and chest muscles.

19. Front Split: This is an advanced stretch to work your psoas and hamstring. Start in a kneeling lunge position, and proceed with caution if you have any hip problems.

18. Standing Calf Stretch: To work the soleus and gastrocnemius, perform this stretch on the edge of a stair step. Lightly rotate your ankles to actively stretch the calf muscles.

20. Seated Forward Fold / Seated Toe Touch: To stretch the hamstrings and calves, sit and bend the knees as needed.

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016 21. Single Leg Forward Bend: To work the hamstrings, start this position with one foot in front of the other. Bring your hands to your hips while keeping your back straight, and begin to bend from the hips.

22. Deep Squat: To work your glute muscles, stand with your feet shoulder width apart and slowly lower yourself into a deep squat.

Once in position, bring your arms inside your legs and lightly apply pressure to the inside of your knees.

23. Seated Half King Pigeon Pose: To work your glutes, start in a seated position and slowly pull your leg to your chest while rotating your hip and keeping your spine straight.

24. Standing Calf Stretch At The Wall: This stretch works your soleus and gastrocnemius. Start out in a lunge position with your back foot slightly turned out. Bring your back heel to the ground to stretch your calf muscles.

25. Lateral Flexion At The Wall: To stretch your external obliques, keep your spine long and slowly push your hips to the side.

26. Supine Twist: This will stretch your glutes and external obliques. Lie flat on your back and bring one leg across your body.

Slowly rotate your upper body in the opposite direction.

28. Triangle Pose: This will work your external obliques.

Start with a wide stance, your front foot straight ahead and your back foot at 90 degrees. Place your hand on your front leg or the floor as you sit back into your front hip, keeping your back straight.

27. Lateral Flexion With A Dowel: To stretch your external obliques and latissimus dorsi, keep your spine long and push your hips to the side while keeping your shoulder rotated.

29. Chest Stretch At The Wall: Work your pectorals by facing the wall with your thumb up. Slowly rotate away from the wall to stretch your chest muscle.

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016 30. Assisted Chest Stretch: To stretch your chest and latissimus dorsi, lie on the floor with your palms facing up. Your partner will sit into a deep squat while helping you stretch.

32. Supine Shoulder External Rotation Stretch: This will stretch your subscapularis.

Lie flat on your back and bring your arm straight out to the side with your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Slowly bring the back of your hand to the floor.

31. Seated Half Pigeon Variation: To work your anterior tibialis, sit with your feet in front of you and bring one hand behind you as you rotate your hip and bring one foot above your knee.

34. Assisted Chest Stretch Variation: To work your pectorals, lie face down on the floor with your palms facing down as your partner pulls back on your hands.

Stretching not only helps to save you from injury and maintain flexibility, it releases dopamine which makes you feel happier and more positive. Now seems like the perfect time to start perfecting these moves!

33. Down Dog Variation At The Wall: To stretch your pectorals and latissimus dorsi, position yourself far enough from a wall so that when you touch the wall your body becomes parallel to the ground. Hinge at the hips and keep your spine straight. Push your chest forward creating a slight arch in your upper back; stretch your lats and chest muscles.

North Sligo AC Superstars L uke Casserly emerged as the overall superstar in an action packed fun filled day at the North Sligo Sports Centre last weekend. Sixty five athletes from the club took part in the competition which tested their speed, stamina, strength and balance. The seven events which comprised the superstar competition were 100m, 600m, shot putt, long jump, obstacle course, squat jumps and jump overs. There was huge involvement from coaches and parents to help with the running of the many events and the club appreciate their help and support to make the event a success. The athletes were treated to some hot food and treats before the presentation of prizes which was enjoyed by all. The results are as follows U-9 Girls 1st Kate Walsh, 2nd Aoife Casserly, 3rd Ellie Haran. U-9 Boys 1st Darragh Gilmartin, 2nd Mark Phelan, 3rd Conor Van Rensburg. U-11 Girls 1st Tara Casserly, 2nd Esa Mc Caffery, 3rd Kate Walsh. U-11 Boys 1st Patrick Phelan, 2nd Peter Kerins, 3rd Philip Gillen. U-13 Girls 1st Marianne Kelly, 2nd Rachel Kelly, 3rd Bronagh McGee. U-13 Boys 1st Luke Casserly, 2nd Augustine Watters, 3rd Sam McGreal .U-15 Boys 1st Oisin Gilmartin.

Over 15 1st Connor Herrity, 2nd Ethan Beukes

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ENNISCRONE GOLF CLUB FEATURES AS CASE STUDY IN NEW HANDBOOK • Safeguarding Children in Golf • Girls in Junior Golf

‘Club Handbook for Junior Golf’ unveiled by Confederation of Golf in Ireland, Irish Ladies Golf Union and Golfing Union of Ireland to assist Golf Clubs in Co. Sligo develop services for younger players A new handbook designed to help Golf Clubs in Co. Sligo develop and extend the services and opportunities they offer to young people has been unveiled by the Confederation of Golf in Ireland (CGI), the Irish Ladies Golf Union (ILGU) and the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI).

The ‘Club Handbook for Junior Golf’ offers Golf Clubs access to a range of content and practical advice on achieving a ‘best in class’ Junior Golf offering across a variety of areas including: • Junior Club Operations (coaching, competitions, handicaps, communication) •Junior Club Committee and Leaders

The guide also offers access to a variety of templates and checklists to assist in the implementation of Junior Club programmes, such as recruitment forms, role descriptions, permission forms and safety checklists. A number of real life case studies are also included which provide excellent learnings and ‘best practice’ examples, including Balbriggan Golf Club who initiated a Cadet’s Section, Enniscrone Golf Club which developed a Junior Club Programme and an insight into how Naas Golf Club worked to increase participation among young female players.

To access the new Club Handbook for Junior Golf visit http://www.epageflip.net/i/62784 3-club-handbook-for-junior-golf The CGI, the ILGU and the GUI will host a number of seminars throughout March and April 2016 which will focus on the variety of different areas featured in the Junior Club Handbook. Golf Clubs can find out further information about these seminars on www.cgigolf.org or www.golfnet.ie.

John Roche, Director of Golf and Business Development, Confederation of Golf in Ireland

commented: “This document is the result of months of hard work and brings into one place the wealth of Junior Golf knowledge and experience available from the GUI and the ILGU, along with contributions from the PGA and other sports bodies. Golf is truly a game for all the family and we recognise the importance of fostering a love of the sport amongst the next generation. The advice and guidelines contained within the document are very relevant and current and we’d encourage all Golf Clubs to utilise the materials as appropriate to them. Together we can ensure the future success of the sport we all love.”

Sinead Heraty, Chief Executive of the Irish Ladies Golf Union, said: “The Club Handbook for Junior Golf provides practical and easy to follow guidelines and recommendation for the development of junior golf. It will be a key reference point to Clubs who are seeking to grow their junior membership and instil a lifelong passion for the game in young golfers. It is a great example of the golfing organisations in Ireland working together on a very worthwhile initiative.”

For more details check out www.cgigolf.org and www.golfnet.ie

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Cloonacool Gaa 5K Road Race Sunday 14 February Starting at the Community Pitch Cloonacool on Sunday February 14th 2016 at 12:00. Runners, Joggers, Walkers all welcome.

Entry on the day from 10:30 at pitch and the fee is €10 for adults, €5 for children and €25 for a family.

Changing and shower facilities available.

Refreshments afterwards.

Prizes: 1st 3 men, 1st 3 women, 1st local man, 1st local woman, 1st Junior and 1st National School runner.

This is a very fast course to a great opportunity to set a great time. Or if you want come out and support the event and participate in the walk, all support would be greatly appreciated.

For more details see www.cloonacoolgaa.com

NORTH SLIGO ATHLETIC CLUB RUNNERS ON NEW YEARS DAY IN BARNARIBBON

The Sligo All Stars U14 boys enjoyed a team bonding session in Carrick on Shannon. A big thanks to parents Ger O'Brien and Claire Walsh for organising it!!

Hopefully the start of a successful year for the lads!!

Child Protection Safeguarding

Call Alan Shaw on 086‐854‐3092 • email: devenneyshaw@eircom.net

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SSRP will be hosting Child Protection Safeguarding 1 Awareness training on Mon 15th February next, 6.309.30 pm. Places must be booked in advance so please see our website for an application form. This is essential training for all those involved in sport for young people.

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Scanlon and Flannery appointed to backroom staff

S

ligo Rovers can announce the appointment of Tommy Scanlon and Sean Flannery as the club’s new physio and strength and conditioning coach respectively.

Sligo-born Scanlon returns home from Scotland to take the role of physio with the first team.

Sean Flannery is a former striker with Rovers who made his debut in 1997 and spent most of his career at The Showgrounds before retiring in 2007 having won a League Cup and First Division.

With the team back working in pre-season this week the duo have been working hard in preparing the players physically for the coming year.

Scanlon spoke about his decision to take on the job and what his plans for the year are: “Growing up in Calry I always played a lot of sports be it GAA, hurling, football, basketball or

athletics. After doing my degree in Galway I decided this was the career I wanted to get into and I spent two years doing a Masters in Edinburgh. I worked for three years with the NHS there and during that time I worked with several sports clubs. “Footballwise I worked with Hearts at underage level and the Dunfermline under-19s and reserves. More recently I have worked with some semiprofessional rugby clubs and then with a professional Scottish Premiership tam Currie RFC. There we had four players come down every week from the Glasgow and Edinburgh squad and it was great to work with them. I also spent time working in a private practice but from my experience with the rugby team I knew working with a sports club was what I wanted to do. When I got the call to come to Sligo Rovers it was a no-brainer. I am delighted to have the job.

“The main career path I want now is to establish myself in a role like this, it has the right feel for me.

I want to be able to work with a full-time team and with professional athletes. The work I did before cemented my decision on that. Coming here wasn’t just a chance to come home I really like the environment.

“We are doing analysis and

exercises which will help the players prevent injuries as well and treating injuries. We will analyse things to see what has worked tailor specific programs for everyone to help them prevent injury.”

Being from Sligo Scanlon was a follower of the club when living here before and describes this as his ideal job: “I have always been a fan of Rovers. I used to go to The Showgrounds all the time when I was younger with my dad. I played a bit of football but it wasn’t my best sport but I’d definitely go to games and be a big fan. In the last few years while being away I have followed things closely and I was really excited to see the team winning leagues and cups and doing well in Europe. It’s great to be here working with a full-time club and for it to be the club I support is ideal.

He began his new role on Monday working at training with manager Dave Robertson and he says the atmosphere is good: “I have found the first few days really good, there’s a really good vibe here. Speaking with Dave I am really impressed with how he has gone about his business. He is very professional and he brings that professionalism to all aspects of the club.

“He has given great support to the medical team and we are looking to bring in more people to help bolster that in the sports science area and we already have a video analyst working here.”

He will work with the new strength and conditioning coach in Sean Flannery and they have been busy planning already: “Sean has come onboard and we have been planning programs together. He has been here before so it is good to have that experience. It will be a good team and there is already a good atmosphere at the place.

“Sean is working on designing programs for injury prevention, that is his main area. It will be to try and keep the players on the pitch and also improve their mobility and endurance. We want the players to be less likely to get injured. He will also look at building their core strength as well as their agility and speed. The program he is putting together will improve both strength and endurance.”

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Player profile: Cillian Gallagher Photo inpho/james crombie

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I was born and raised in Sligo and didn't pick up an oval ball until I was 13; instead I played soccer and Gaelic during my earlier years. I started playing rugby with Sligo RFC at U-14 and continued until U-18s last year and currently at senior level this year.

I went to Summerhill College and while it was not traditionally a rugby school, last year we reached the Connacht Senior Cup final for the first time in the school's history, losing narrowly to Garbally College.

I was first selected for Connacht for the U-15 development squad and although I was selected for the U-16 and U-17 squads it wasn't till U-18s that I started to seriously focus on rugby, managing to secure a place in the sub academy at the end of last season.

Favourite Connacht game?

There's a few that stick out in my mind but it has to be the 10-9 win over Leinster in 2014, Kieran Marmion's great solo try from that game is one that I will never forget!

Most memorable game I have played in?

It has to be last year's Senior Cup semi-final with Summerhill against Sligo Grammar. There has always been an intense rivalry between the two schools and it was Summerhill's first senior victory against them, and winning in front of their home crowd made it all the sweeter!

Favourite ground?

The Sportsground of course! It was the pitch where I first played in a Connacht jersey and it has been the location of so many memorable moments for me.

Date of birth: July 23, 1997 Place of birth: Sligo Height: 197cm Weight: 111kg Position: Lock/Back-row Club: Sligo RFC School: Summerhill College, Sligo International honours: Ireland Schools 2015 Other sports played: Basketball, Gaelic, Soccer Article first appeared in Irish independent

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Fitness4All - Strandhill

F

itness4All located in Strandhill is an inclusive fitness studio with a unique approach that tailors classes to meet the needs of a diverse population.

REPS certified and qualified experienced instructors Miriam and Aileen provide classes using a variety of techniques.

Affiliated with Sligo Sports Partnership and Park Run Ireland they are both coaches and motivators at encouraging the less fit person to get active.

Their new class “Battle the Bulge “is specifically for overweight people and is low impact and fun.

Other areas of expertise include exercise for people with

intellectual and physical disabilities through play therapy.

They also offer one to one classes to assist with increased mobility and agility to people recovering from stroke, brain injury, and other debilitating factors that impact people’s well-being.

Other areas that are designed to meet specific requirements are Team Fitness Training focusing on strengthening, endurance, conditioning and flexibility training which enhances performances and decreases injuries.

Theirs a class for everyone including Mums and babies Afterschool kids fitness it incorporates games which helps

develop gross motor skills and increases co-ordination and agility.

Fitness4All facilitate kids’ birthday parties with a twist, skip and a jump and it’s guaranteed to be a fun party.

Classes include but are not limited Spin /circuits Trilogy(kettlebell/trx suspension and circuits) Cardio spin Bring your baby – spin circuits and Pilates AM Fitness Pilates AM PM Tabata / Rebounding Battle the bulge Legs bums and tums AM Beginners spin 50+ fitness Active retirement 70+ Kids fitness Beginner /intermediate Running class Kids birthday parties Contact Miriam 0879104713 /Aileen 0868239966 Web fitness4allsligo.com email fitness4all2@yahoo.ie fitness4allstrandhill Unit 8/9airport rd business park Strandhill.

Tourlestrane GAA Club notes The Ladies AGM took place on Saturday evening last in the Hillary Rooms, Banada. The main talking point of this year's AGM was to highlight the excellent achievements of our underage girls teams. The U-14 girls winning both league, championship and their outstanding journey in the Feile competition and the U-16 and Minor girls also winning respective titles.

Congratulations was extended to a group of girls who featured on the triumphant U-14, U-16 and Minor teams and also to their management of Leo Gaughan, Pat Hegarty and Maureen Walsh.

The club would like to welcome onboard Sharon Hegarty who will be a selector with the U-14 management and to Connie Walsh who will be a selector with the U-12 girls. The Senior Ladies management will consist of Colm Corcoran and Dermot Mooney and the first outing for our Senior team will be on the 13th of March.

The Hurling AGM took place shortly after. The club is asking anyone interested in becoming involved in coaching underage hurling in the club to please contact a committee member or John Lang as their are a high number of talented players coming through the ranks but unfortunately our number of coaches have decreased over the last number of years.

Congratulations to Stephen Roddy who was named Senior Captain for 2016 with last year's captain Peadar Leonard taking the role of Vice Captain. The Senior Hurlers get their season underway on the 6th of February when they compete in the Tain League. The teams first game is a home fixture with Cluainin Iomaint and will throw in at 2pm.

Well done to James Callaghan who finished 2nd as a guest in the Galway Indoors 3k in Athlone.

Thanks to Donal Egan for the pics

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Mugendo Open 2016 VOLKSWAGEN TAG HOST CLUBS

T

his year the Mugendo Juniors will take place in the Knocknarea Arena in Sligo. It has been held here for over 10 years in a row now.

The venue is widely popular mainly due to its size, location and availability of hot food. The arena is situated off the main road and has a large car park which adds to the safety of the children. The arena allows for seating of many competitors and spectators and has multiple changing and bathroom facilities. Finally there is a hot food canteen and viewing area which allows you a nice hot meal and the best view of all the action.

Invitation Mugendo Association of Ireland would like to invite you to the 2016 Mugendo Open. This year we are introducing a new format and are running a two day event on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st February 2016 with the seniors competing on the Saturday and the juniors on the Sunday. For years M.A.I ran two separate tournaments in the year, one the Junior Open and the other the Senior Open. Both competitions cater for both novice and advanced competitors in light contact, points fighting, kata and musical forms & weapons.

Over the years our junior competition has been regarded as one of the best and biggest junior only competitions within Ireland. Along with this both our competitions are renowned for being a great starting place for novice fighters.

On the Saturday we will be running 4 6x6 matted areas. 1 will be used for the Kata and forms.

Afterward 2 for light contact and 2 for points fighting.

On the Sunday we will be in full operation with 6 6x6 matted areas. 2 areas will run the Kata and forms followed by 3 for light contact and 3 for points fighting. Manning these areas will be many of Irelands finest officials, many having experience at an international level.

We look forward to seeing you for our new format and hope you enjoy the weekend.

ANNOUNCED FOR 2016

I

n its tenth year, Volkswagen Tag sees its leagues expand again around Ireland with new host clubs, nights and grades all available for players of all ability and even more locations New Spring, Summer, and Autumn leagues are on offer to Volkswagen Tag teams around Ireland this year with registrations opening online (on www.irfutag.ie) on Wednesday morning at 11am.

The new additions include Spring Leagues at the ALSAA grounds with Swords RFC and two Summer leagues with Railway Union RFC. Following this will be some very exciting news indeed on Volkswagen Tag in Munster region. Watch this space or follow the Facebook page to be in the know once news is released!

Volkswagen Tag is a form of social, NON-

contact rugby, played by mixed teams, men’s teams or women’s teams.

It is Ireland’s only IRFU-run tag rugby programme and is hosted solely at rugby clubs. The season takes place during a time when the regular rugby season quietens down and a busy clubhouse is still desired.

In Connacht, Spring gets going at the fantastic setting of NUI Galway with 24 teams blowing the dust and cobwebs away and hitting the tag field. Sligo and Galway Corinthians then lead the way into Summer.

Sligo is a vibrant club with the emphasis on the fun side of the game and is growing still, while Galway Corinthians is the largest tag venue ANYWHERE, seeing over 1,100 players each Thursday turn up to play and then enjoy the busy social calendar the club puts on for them.

In Leinster, the Northside of Dublin has grown exponentially with Suttonians RFC, Clontarf FC, Malahide RFC and Swords RFC all hosting leagues this year. Never before has tag been this big on this side of the city.

Meanwhile, on the South Side, accommodating the growth in number of teams, we welcome Railway Union RFC to the Volkswagen Tag family.

The club are ready to get this Summer going already and will complement very well the already well-established, quality host clubs Old Belvedere RFC and Lansdowne FC, as will Donnybrook Stadium, where hosts Old Wesley RFCare set to build even bigger on their first season in 2015. Tallaght RFC have moved grounds to Firhouse Community School and promise an enjoyable 10 weeks with them. Tullamore RFC, the

home of Midnight Sevens, look set to grow again in tag numbers, with Martin & Co lighting up midlands tag showing how it should be done.

In Munster, players in Cork will see Tuesdays and Thursdays hopping weekly with host Venue Managers, Joerg and Fiona looking to continue the success of the previous seasons. Spring Leagues will fill up before you know it too. Watch out for more Munster news very shortly.

Last but most certainly NOT least, in Ulster, Queen’s University Belfast has had to expand in order to cater for the teams who did not make it on time last year. Gets better and better at this venue. Belfast Harlequins RFC will build even more on the two nights per week and we will most likely see even more than last year’s record number of 72 teams signing up to play this Summer.

After ten years of Volkswagen Tag, we see an impressive list of host clubs open to registrations, as you will no doubt agree, and all for a registration fee that will not be beaten anywhere else.

Teams signing up automatically enter draws for exclusive competitions which include tickets to see Ireland play at the Aviva Stadium and Ireland shirts signed by the squad.

Beach Tag dates will be announced in due course as will details of this year’s All-Ireland Championships.

To sign up to play Volkswagen Tag, just go to www.irfutag.ie anytime after Wednesday morning at 11am. Be warned however, leagues DO fill up by the middle of February at various host clubs. Don’t waste any time in getting organised.

Ensure a happy team by signing up promptly. This is not ‘sales talk’ either.

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

UNANIMOUS DECISION PAVES THE North Connacht Schools Cross Country WAY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FACILITIES AT SLIGO RFC

Sligo AC athletes were in action in the North Connacht Schools Cross Country held in Calry.

Maeve Mooney moved nicely through the field and finished 5th position in the Minor Girls while Michael Morgan was 2nd in the Minor Boys. In the Inter Girls, Ailbhe Morgan was 2nd with Aoife Morris 3rd and Eimear Joyce in 8th position. In the Boys Inter, Leo Doherty finished 7th while Finlay Daly was 15th, Connor Melvin 22nd and Jack Connor 23rd. In the Senior Girls, Laura Joyce was 2nd with Rionna Connor 8th and Mary Brigid McDonagh 9th with Emma Wimsley 20th. Keenan Deering ran well in the Boys Senior. The Connacht Finals will also be held in Calry on Tuesday 23rd February. Well done to all the Sligo AC athletes who took part today and apologies to any of those not mentioned.

Pics & words courtesy David Kearins

A

Special Meeting of the members of Sligo RFC was convened on Tuesday Jan 26th, 2016 to consider a proposal on the development of facilities at the Club by the Development Committee.

Members turned out in great numbers and a good discussion was had on the proposal following its presentation by Club Chairman Brian Mullan, Rory Raftery, Trevor Sweeney and Development Committee Chairman Michael O’Hehir. Other members of the Development Committee are Tom Nielsen and Brian Roche.

Following the presentation a good discussion ensued with plenty of questions from the floor. The proposal was voted on and a unanimous decision reached to pave the way for the new development.

The Development Committee must now go about raising the balance of funds necessary to make the project a reality, in addition to already secured Sports Capital funding, IRFU loan, Bank loan and the Clubs own existing funds.

For more information and to contribute to the development fund please contact Michael O’Hehir (086) 245 9432 or Rory Raftery (087) 2613011.

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

CSSC swimmers perform well at the Gerry Ryan Invitational Gala Last weekend Limerick Swimming Club hosted their annual Gerry Ryan Invitational Gala at the University of Limerick. This is a 2 day event and CSSC had 16 swimmers who took part in many individual events and relays. Swimming went great with PBs galore under the watchful eye of Coach Eduardo

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44

ROVERS ADD JORDAN RICHARDS AND MIKEY PLACE

Jordan Richards

S

ligo Rovers can confirm the signing of Jordan Richards on loan from Notts County.

Richards is an 18 year-old who can play in both defence and midfield joins until the end of June.

His father Pedro was also a defender for Notts county playing 399 times for them in the 70s and 80s.

Richards graduated through the ranks at Meadow Lane where he was a captain of their youth team and was given a professional contract last summer.

He joined Boston United for a loan spell in September and impressed there as a regular in the team until the loan ended earlier this month.

He started 19 games there and scored one goal. Richards has been training at The Showgrounds this week.

The signing takes the squad up to 16 players now signed.

Dave Robertson is very exciting about the prospect of bringing the young talent into his squad.

He feels that he has all the attributes needed to fit in with his style of play and will bring plenty to the team.

The 18 year-old is a player known to Robertson for a number of years: “He is an exciting talent. I

know him from playing against by teams at Peterborough United for Notts. County so I was aware of him from then and through his loan spell with Boston United. I have a good partnership and link with Guy Branston, the chief scout and head of youth at Notts County so I spoke with him, they brought him through their system.

“From what I have seen of him play and the background checks I have done he will be an ideal one for us. I think he will be really good this year and he is relishing the challenge of coming over.”

Jordan Richards says he is relishing the opportunity to come and play with Sligo Rovers and under Dave Robertson.

After finishing an impressive spell on loan at Boston United he is keen to continue his education with more games at The Showgrounds.

“I arrived on Monday and had my first training session on Monday morning. The standard of everything here is really good so far, I have been really impressed. I had a look at the ground too at the stadium and it looks very good so I can’t wait to b Earlier it was confirmed that Mikey Place has signed his first professional contract with the club.

He becomes the latest player to

graduate through the Rovers underage system to join the likes of Regan Donelon, Gary Armstrong, Gary Boylan and Liam Martin who are currently in the first team squad along with many others who have featured in recent years.

Place hails from Dunmore in Galway, the same town as Regan Donelon.

A central midfielder he played his youth football with Dunmore Town and Lough Harps as well as in Dublin with Lucan United.

Dave Robertson identified the talent of Mikey Place early on and is very happy to have him signed.

The Galway midfielder has been part of the squad throughout preseason training and with the deal now signed will continue to play a part during Rovers pre-season friendlies.

Place is likely to feature during the friendlies Rovers will play in preparation for the new season and the Bit o’Red boss says he could play his way into the team: “He will gain a lot of experience this year. We will have to manage his transition to the first team and manage him through it. He will get his opportunity in pre-season and whether he takes it is entirely down to him. But what I do know is that he will give 100% day in, day out and week in, week out.”

SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Congratulations from all at Sligo Swimming Club to Lynsey Dunne on winning the Connacht Open Water Swimmer of the year at the ILDSA awards recently

Sligo Kelloggs Cul camp venues 2016 announced Venue Tourlestrane Geevagh Coolera/Strandhill Easkey St.Mary's Eastern Harps St Michaels Castleconner Tubbercurry Drumcliffe Ballymote St Johns Enniscrone/Kilglass St.Molaise Gaels Shamrock gaels Calry/St Josephs St Pats Owenmore Gaels Curry

Camp Dates 4-8 July 4-8 July 4-8 July 4-8 July 11 - 15 July 11 - 15 July 11 - 15 July 11 - 15 July 18 - 22 July 18 - 22 July 18 - 22 July 18 - 22 July 25 - 29 July 25 - 29 July 25 - 29 July 25 - 29 July 10 Aug - 14 Aug 10 Aug - 14 Aug 10 Aug - 14 Aug

Pella Games

An indoor gaelic programme combining skill improvement with a programme of games in a fun based environment is currently in full flow at the tennis club in Sligo The age group catered for is 10 to 12 year olds Dates: Girls: Boys: Mon 25th Jan Wed 27th Jan Mon 1st Feb Wed 3rd Feb Mon 8th Feb Wed 10th Feb Mon 15th Feb Wed 17th Feb Mon 22nd Feb Wed 24th Feb Mon 29th Feb Wed 2nd Mar Time: 5.45pm-7pm 7pm-8.15pm

Liam Martin

Lynns Dock, Sligo • Tel: 071-9157830

BEDS • SANDING • FLOORING

Laminate Floors Only €5.99 sqyd

Cost: €5 per session/€30-6 week programme *24 spots available in each programme.

Contact Conor: 087-1174702

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Unit 8/9 Airport Road Business Park Strandhill • Spin/Circuits • Bring your baby - spin circuits and pilates AM • Trilogy (kettlebell/trx suspension and circuits) • Cardio Spin • Fitness Pilates AM / PM • Tabata rebounding • Battle the bulge • Legs, bums and tums AM • Beginners Spin • Fitness 4 All Ages • Active Retirement 70+ • Kids Fitness • Kids Birthday parties • Beginner/intermediate running class Aileen: 086-8239966 • Miriam: 087-9104713 fitness4all2@yahoo.ie • www.fitness4allsligo.com Airport Road, Strandhill, Co. Sligo

Learn to Coach for Health: A unique Postgraduate Applied Health and Wellness Coaching programme now taking applications at St. Angela’s

S

t Angela’s College, Sligo is taking applications for the postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in Applied Health and Wellness Coaching (Level 9, NFQ) for September 2016. The aim of the course is to provide each participant with the education and skills needed to coach people towards improving on their existing health status, whatever that might be. Coaching is used in a wide variety of ways and is used to support people with whatever goals they have for their health and fitness. Examples of possible goals are “establishing a fitness regime, achieving weight loss, managing stress”. Coaching is particularly useful for those coping with chronic illness and evidence suggests that maintaining underlying health and fitness is particularly important for those with chronic illness as taking control of one’s health leads to better patient outcomes and fewer periods of acute illness.

The programme will be led by Dr Helen McGloin and Dr Patsy McSharry who are both certified Health and Wellness Coaches and Lecturers in the Department of Nursing, Health Sciences & Disability Studies.

“The course is aimed towards graduates of health, nutrition and/or fitness, health care professionals or any person who has a role in supporting people to change health behaviour” explains Dr McGloin.

The programme is unique in Ireland and will be delivered in a blended

learning format. “Students will study independently at home, supported by on-line lectures and assignments and attend a small number of scheduled workshops” adds Dr McGloin. “The programme can be undertaken over two to five years on a part-time basis, completing modules at their own pace.”

The flexible nature of the programme allows students to complete all six modules to receive a postgraduate Diploma in Applied Health and Wellness Coaching or complete the first three modules to attain a postgraduate Certificate.

The closing date for applications to the course is the 30th April 2016. For more information about the course you can visit www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie or contact Margaret Hession at mhession@stangelas.nuigalway.ie or 071 9195540

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

Corbett Sportsfield Services

RM Topsoil & Stone Call John: 087-6655871

Professional Sportsground Construction and Maintenance Services for GAA, Soccer and Golf Clubs Utilising the most up to date machinery available for use on sports pitches and golf courses our qualifications and experience, ensures that your grounds are maintained to the highest standard all year round.

Moorehall, Ballyglass, Claremorris, Co. Mayo • Mobile: 087-4139724 Tel: 094 - 9360160 • Email : corbettsportsfieldservices@gmail.com Website: www.corbettsportsfieldservices.com

If you are organising a sporting event and would like to nominate a local charity for donations, think of North West Simon Community

Loads of Top Quality Top Soil Screened or Un-Screened Only €15 Per Tonne

Working with those at risk of homelessness in counties Sligo, Donegal and Leitrim.

All; types of Farm Stone and Garden Stone Covering Sligo, Roscommon & Leitrim areas

Further Details contact 087 7708865 or email mary@northwestsimon.ie

Pitch Dimensions Buncrana Co. Donegal

Specialists in Pitch and Tennis Court Construction and Maintenance 15 years experience in agriculture drainage private developments and plant hire We specialise in Astro Turf Sand Based and Basalt Dust pitches and Tennis Court Construction

Tel: +353 (0)74 9361015 E-mail: pitchdimensions@eircom.net www.pitchdimensions.ie

IRISH CONCRETE STAIRS

Concrete stairs offer a fast and sturdy option in any development and have many benefits over wood.

Escape in a fire: Concrete has a significantly higher fire resistance than wood.

Flood resistant: Concrete stairs are a lot more flood resistant.

Sound proof: You won’t hear people running up and down concrete stairs.

Faheens,Midfield, Swinford ,County Mayo Contact James for a friendly, reliable service: Telephone: 087-0578566 • www.irishconcretestairs.ie

Advertise Here!

Contact our Friendly sales team on 071-9154538 for details

McMorrow tiling

All Tiling work undertaken Domestic & Commercial Marble, Porcelain & Mosaic Tile Covering all of County Sligo Call Keith on 087-7783537

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

The Ideal Gift Order Now! For details of your local stockist Phone Noel: 087-9896948

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SLIGO SPORT FEBRUARY, 2016

RBB PARTY Rodeo Bull Hire for Kid's Party & Events From €195 including a Zoo Bouncy Size 4x4x4 mts Complimentary.

Top Quality Animal Feeds From Pirate Ship Bouncy From €135 Size 8.2x4.2x4.2 mts

Also specialising in equestrian, yard and agri supplies.

Rodeo Bull Hire for Adults Party & Events From €250 Size of mattress 6x5 mts

Full Public Liability Cover, can be using in Pubs, Night Clubs, Community Hall, etc.

Tel: 087-0907188

P.B Carpentry & Construction Sligo

QQU L5 Occupational First Aid

Sligo

23rd Feb, 1st & 8th March

SafePass

Sligo

25th Feb, 7th Apr

Occupational First Aid Refresher

Sligo

4th March

Basic First Aid

Sligo

25th February

Manual Handling

Sligo

26th February

UK CPCS Plant & Trade Assessments

Drumkeen

Weekly

UY Health and Safety test

Sligo

Weekly

Unit 3 Rathrippon Business Park, Union Rd, Collooney, Co Sligo • nwagri@eircom.net • Tel: 071-9118892

Michael O Doherty Plexus Bio Energy Approved therapist to help you retore your life energy. Treat conditions such as pain, stress, disease and sports injuries What can be treated?

Because we work at an energy level it doesn’t matter what your problem is. Our job is to deal with what causes your problem, so people come to our clinics with every conceivable problem be it physical, emotional or mental. Children also benefit hugely from the treatment.

How does the therapy work?

Your body is made up of energy and if this energy system becomes imbalanced then your body becomes. We balance that energy system with specially developed techniques which in turn allow the body to heal.

What is the role of the Plexus therapist?

The first step in the bodies healing process is to get your energy system balanced and flowing again. The Therapist will also create a health-care programme for you depending on what your problem is. This involves looking at your diet, teaching you how to deal with your stress on a daily basis, look at your muscular and skeletal system and most importantly get your mind focused on your journey back to health.

Contact Joseph McGuiness on 086 3051356

Bundoran Star Bundoran, County Donegal.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters are offered for reef, sand, bottom and shark fishing.Our full and half day fishing charters are suitable for larger groups of anglers while shorter 2 hour trips are very popular among smaller groups, families and individuals.

Suitable for Hens, Stags and All Corporate Events

For Bookings Contact the Skipper, Patrick O Doherty on 0874198323

We provide full ball stop solutions to a range of clubs schools, colleges, soccer , golf, rugby clubs, and all other areas where high netting is required, in retractable or stationary forms.

Along with supporting new net structure we also repair nets to our highest standard where possible.

Telephone: 086-0224141| sales@connachtsportsnets.com www.connachtsportsnets.com