Sligo Sport

DECEMBER 2015, ISSUE 3, VOLUME 1

KEITH RAYMOND

Lets Talk Rugby

Ross Mannion S.M.A.A. success at Irish Karate Nationals

It’s all in the Game

Sligo Astro Leagues

Beware of why you’re aiming for what you’re aiming for in 2016

10 Sports Books to Add to Your Christmas List

All Things Sport

Sligo IT Golfer Gets R&A Scholarship

-Life Coach, John Graham

at Summerhill College Competition Time At Tubberbride

Bit O' Red Set For New Kit Sponsor

DyNamo Gymnastics Club Win Titles

All Stars Under 12’s Blitz At Mercy

• 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 DECEMBER, 2015

DECEMBER Your critical guide to sports contents

and leisure activities in Sligo

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KEITH RAYMOND - IT’S ALL IN THE GAAME For anyone who has seen the Sligo County hurling team in action, Keith Raymond is a more than familiar face. Playing for the team since he was in his teens, the twentyeight year old has now racked up an incredible thirteen years with the championship-winning squad. Still with his eyes on the prize and as devoted to the game as ever, we caught up with Keith to talk about his career to date, the highs and lows of competing, and staying on top of his game.

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SLIGO ASTRO LEAGUES Kevin Egan Cars Premier Division 2015/16

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NEW MENS CAPTAIN AT COUNTY SLIGO GOLF CLUB

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ROSS MANNION If you were to describe to a non-rugby follower what a proper Rugby person looks like – you could describe Ross Mannion to them and probably not go too far wrong.

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BENBULBEN 5K

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SLIGO ALL STARS RETURN TO THE HARIS MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

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ALL THINGS SPORT AT SUMMERHILL COLLEGE

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REGIONAL AND NATIONAL TITLES FOR DYNAMO GYMNASTICS CLUB

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TEN SPORTS BOOKS TO ADD TO YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST...

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BEWARE OF WHY YOU’RE AIMING FOR, WHAT YOU’RE AIMING FOR IN 2016

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COUNTY SLIGO GOLF CLUB PRIZE GIVING

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MICHAEL SCHLINGERMANN RETURNS TO THE SHOWGROUND

40 42

HOCKEY BLITZ BELEEK 10K RUN

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NW REGIONAL LEAGUE IN THE MERCY

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SERVICES DIRECTORY

I

t's been a great year of sport. We know that sounds like the tired musings of Gary Lineker or Claire Balding as they introduce the Sports Personality of The Year Awards, but it has.

From the triumphant return of Usain Bolt to the very public downfall of Sepp Blatter, 2015 has seen plenty of unique, exciting and shocking moments from the worlds of kicking, running, catching and money laundering. Who will ever forget Sonny Bill Williams giving away his world cup medal to a young boy. Or Conor McGregor knocking out Jose Aldo in 13 seconds 2015 has also seen a massive rise in the recognition of women in sport. The gender boundaries are still intact, but are slowly being eroded thanks to continued brilliance of females all across the world.

Speaking of brilliance, a fighting fourth-placed finish from Fionnuala McCormack led the Irish women's team to magnificent bronze medals at the European Cross Country Championships in Hyeres, France. Fantastic result.

For anyone who has seen the Sligo County hurling team in action, Keith Raymond is a more than familiar face. Playing for the team since he was in his teens, the twenty-eight year old has now racked up an incredible thirteen years with the championshipwinning squad. Still with his eyes on the prize and as devoted to the game as ever, we caught up with Keith to talk about his career to date, the highs and lows of competing, and staying on top of his game.

If you were to describe to a non-rugby follower what a proper Rugby person looks like – you could describe Ross Mannion to them and probably not go too far wrong. Mark Foley met with Ross to discuss his coaching role as head coach at Sligo Rugby.

Rugby has been his life since he started at 10/11 years of age after a friend of the family had encouraged him to go out to Sligo rugby club and check it out, and that he did. Read his story inside.

Mention the name Summerhill College to any person throughout Ireland and automatically they will think of sport as both go hand in hand. Pat Tuohy is one of five PE teachers at Summerhill College and inside he talks to us about its rich sporting history, the benefits of exercise and routine for students and his hopes for the future of the I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for contributions to Sligo Sport so far, without you it would not be possible to bring this publication out each month. In 2016 please keep the photos and articles coming in and if you know of anyone that should be submitting material for print please get them to get in touch with me.

That's all for now, folks. In the meantime, Seasons Greetings from the Sligo Sports team; we wish all our readers a prosperous and happy New Year.

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.

4

MCINTYRE NAMED ROVERS ASSISTANT, CRETARO AND ARMSTRONG SIGN

Declan McIntryre

S

ligo Rovers can confirm the appointment of Declan McIntryre as the club’s new assistant manager to Dave Robertson.McIntyre is both a former player and coach at The Showgrounds. He signed for Rovers as a player in 1980 and was in goals for the FAI Cup final of 1981.

McIntyre left after two years at the club and returned for a brief spell again in 1992 under Dermot Keely. He had won the FAI Cup with Galway United in 1991.

Since retiring the Donegal man has had a long coaching career.

He has previously had spells working with Derry City and Finn Harps.

He was Rovers goalkeeping coach in 2013 as the club won the FAI Cup that year.

McIntyre spoke about returning to the club again for a challenge he is excited about.

“I am really looking forward to coming back to the club. I was here as recently as two years ago when I gave Ian Baraclough a dig out. Ciaran Kelly was the goalkeeping coach then but he got an injury, I was only supposed to come for a few weeks but it turned into half a season. We won the cup that year. There is still a lot of familiar faces around the club. I know the fans as well having played a couple of times, Sligo has always been very welcoming to me.”

McIntyre told us about how he

Raffaele Cretaro first met Robertson a number of years ago and the relationship they have had since: “I met him while doing coaching courses in England a number of times. And then when I was over with the FAI for the Ireland under-18s one of the teams we played was the Peterborough United academy where Dave was manager. I spoke with him then and we kept in touch ever since and watched his progress through as a manager.

“He has a very good reputation as an excellent coach. Once I spoke to him about coming here it was not hard to make my mind up about what I would do.”

Raffaele Cretaro has signed a new contract to stay with the club for 2016.

The club legend will be entering his 15th season with his home team.

The versatile Tubbercurry player passed the 500 career appearance during the past season and has played a total of 444 games for the Bit o’Red since his debut in 2000.

He scored twice in 2015 to take him to 70 goals with the club, the third most all-time behind Johnny Armstrong and Padraig Moran.

Cretaro is more than happy to be staying at the club he loves and is excited as ever about a new campaign to come.

“I am absolutely delighted to have signed with Rovers again. It’s great to have it all done so early and to get it over the line. I am

North West Physiotherapy

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Sligo City badminton Club Open Night

really looking forward to next season getting start already.

Hopefully it will be a better year for us than 2015 was.”

With plenty of young players emerging into the Rovers squad Cretaro is aware that he is a role model to them and is keen to take on that responsibility: “I am happy to take a leadership role. When you play a lot of games the more you have to pass on and that’s what I will do. Hopefully I have picked up a bit of knowledge over the years that can help others be it for the younger lads or whoever. I am happy to fill whatever role the gaffer wants me to fill.

“For me it will be important to encourage the other players and provide leadership in general in the dressing room. It’s something that you deal with when you get to the age I am, I can take that bit more responsibility.”

Gary Armstrong previously became the fifth player added to the squad along with Gary Boylan, John Russell, Regan Donelon and Micheal Schlingermann.

The native of Sligo has already played 21 times for the club and scored five times.

Like Boylan and Donelon he is a product of the club’s underage system. The 19 year-old made his debut in September 2014 and scored in his first start shortly after against U.C.D. in The Showgrounds.

He scored a further three goals last season and was man of the match in a key 3-2 win over Longford Town in The Showgrounds.

Armstrong is the grandson of Sligo Rovers all-time leading goalscorer Johnny Armstrong.

Armstrong is one of a group of local talent who have begun to shine at The Showgrounds over the last year and he is keen to play more again for 2016.

“I am delighted to be signing to stay here for next season. Sligo Rovers is definitely the place I want to be. There was a couple of other offers on the table for me but I always wanted to stay here.” others who come here from Dublin or abroad, it means that bit more to someone like me or Raff. I just really want the club to be successful and that is the aim now.”

Chartered Physiotherapists Shirley Foley MISCP Mary Mulvany MISCP Ray Finan MISCP

Saturday Night the 28th of November was a key night in the development of the newly reformed Sligo City badminton club. After lying dormant for the past twenty years the only current badminton club in Sligo City is alive and well with more than fifty members playing in Summerhill College.

The President of Badminton Ireland, Breda Connolly and Connacht Badminton’s chairperson, Anthony Walsh joined them on the night as well as local dignitaries.

Anyone who think that they may be interested in trying out badminton are urged to come and try the game for a while and if it’s not to your liking all you’ve lost is a few episodes of Coronation Street. They play from 8pm on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s in Summerhill College’s fabulous four court hall. If you were not able to make the open night, and are interested in playing, contact Paul on 0876100108. Badminton isn’t just about playing a game and there is a great social side to it.

Enjoying the christmas getogether are some of the members of the badminton club

Innisfree Wheelers and Lions club Christmas Food Appeal

We had a great turnout of Innisfree Wheelers both cycling and collecting in Johnston's Court for the first leg of the fund raising for the Lions Club Christmas food appeal.

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

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Message from the President of County Sligo Golf Club

I

t is a great honour and privilege for me to be elected President of our club for the next two years. As a native of Rosses Point I have always had a close

association with the Golf Club. I’ve been a Member for over fifty years, a Council Member for fifteen years and a team captain, I have been involved in golf administration and club affairs for many years.

This Club has a great history and many great Presidents; I hope to follow these men in doing my very best to uphold the standards and traditions that these men set and to be an effective Ambassador for the Club.

I look forward to working with Captain Jeff and the new Men’s Council. Vice Captain Tom and I have worked together for many years with the Golf Club Men’s Choir and I look forward to working with him again in his new portfolio. I would like to

Sligo All Stars return to the Haris Memorial Tournament

congratulate Lady Captain Carmel, Lady President Madge and vice Captain Margaret on their election and to wish them a most successful and enjoyable year, and I look forward to working with them.

We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful golf course which to me is very under rated but I look forward to the completion of the course redevelopment which I hope will raise the profile of the course. As the year 2016 draws close, I would like to wish all Members and their family’s good health and golfing for the year, and if the golf is not too good remember that we are lucky just to be able to get out and play.

Tony Cunningham.

County Sligo Swimming Club

Tubbercurrys Brendan Kilcoyne becomes part of Donegal management team

Donegal manager Rory Gallagher is finalising his senior panel in preparation of the 2016 season, naming Sligo native Brendan Kilcoyne as part of his management team. Since taking up residence in Letterkenny back in the 90s, Kilcoyne has both played and managed at St Eunan’s, and played a part in Maxi Curran’s under 21 panel this year, reaching an Ulster Final. Kilcoyne will replace Gary McDaid as a selector; McDaid stepped down at the culmination of the 2015 campaign.Kilcoyne’s experience and knowledge of the game will likely be of great use to Gallagher and his panel.

County Sligo Swimming Club are delighted to announce Jade Murphy and David Woods as their Club Captains for the 2015/2016 swimming year.

Both Jade & David are dedicated group 4 swimmers and all at the club wish them well in their role. Their first official duty was at their Christmas Fun Gala which was held last Saturday.

Congratulations Jade & David from all in CSSC.

New Coach for Swimming Club

We're delighted to announce our U18 mens team will be returning to the Manchester Magic annual Haris Memorial Tournament 2015 for the 3rd time. A fantastic opportunity to test ourselves against competition of the very highest level... Thanks to all our friends at Manchester Magic for our invitation in a very special year as it's the tournaments 10th anniversary.

Co. Sligo Swimming Club is delighted to advise that Eduardo Santos is joining us as Head Coach in January.

Eduardo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education, Postgraduate qualifications in Sports Science & Sports Training and is a fully qualified Level 3 Swim Coach. He is also the Head Coach of the Connacht Regional Squad.

Eduardo will be the lead coach for all four training groups and will be coaching all sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Coaching arrangements at the weekends will remain as they are. We wish to thank all our existing coaches for their continued dedication to the club.

Congratulations and good luck Eduardo!

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

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SILVER LINING FOR NORTH SLIGO WOMEN AS MEN TAKE BRONZE

T

he third and final leg of the Connacht senior crosscountry league took place in Forest Park Boyle recently,a true crosscountry course which included all the right mix of ingredients,

hills,muddy patches and sharp bends presented a real challenge to the runners.

North Sligo AC had seven men and seven women taking part in this final leg,two of the runners had taken part in

The North Sligo AC mens team who finished 3rd in the Connacht crosscountry league L to R Jimmy Currid,Peter Duignan,Michael Henningan,David McCullagh,Craig Brennan,Niall Hoey joint 3rd senior overall and Darragh Currid joint individual senior bronze

the Dublin marathon two weeks previously.Craig Brennan showed no ill effects of the marathon when he had a great run to finish 3rd and fellow marathon runner Darragh Currid was the clubs 2nd finisher in 9th position, Niall

Hoey finished in 10th position and Peter Duignan in 14th position put in another fine performance to become the club's 4th scorer.

Michael Henningan Jimmy Currid and David McCullagh finished 25th, 26th and 34th respectively.

The men's team finished 1st in this final leg but 3rd in the overall league as they were penalized in the 2nd leg for only having 3 runners scoring.

Sarah Healy showed great tenacity and strength when she finished 4th,Linda Lally had another good run to finish 8th,Andrea Horgan showed improved form to finish 10th and Mary Gilmartin 14th ran very strongly to be the club's 4th scorer.

Alison O Sullivan put in another solid run to finish 17th,Marie Foran had a fine run to finish 26th and Emma Neary finished 30th.The women finished 2nd in this final leg and 2nd in the overall league to a very strong GCH team.

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

The Sligo Rovers Chirstmas Store is now open stocking plenty to help you find the perfect gift.

We are located on Market Street in the centre of Sligo town. The shops contains plenty of great Rovers merchandise which could make the perfect Christmas for your loved one this year.

We have jerseys, teamwear, scarfs, hats, mugs, clocks, pennants, caps and more.

There is also our 2016 Calendar, which is already proving highly popular, now in stock.

Season tickets can also be purchased at the shop. Christmas draw tickets with ten prizes topped by a trip to see Man Utd at Old Trafford are also available. The shop is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Dave Robertson and Micheal Schlingermann popped in at the weekend for a visit too.

Strandhill golf club Open Stableford Last week’s Friday Open was played in conditions that deteriorated throughout the day thanks to storm Desmond. Aiden McGoldrick took first place with a score of 32 points for 15 holes. Aiden scored a total of six pars over the course of his fifteen holes with four on the front nine and the remaining two on the back six to post his score of 32 points.

Frank Cosgrove took second place, one point behind the winner with a score of 31 points. Frank scored pars on the seventh and ninth holes as well as adding a birdie on the par four eighth on the way to signing for his score of 31 points.

Third place was taken by John S McGowan also with a score of 31 points. John scored a total of six pars, split equally between the front and back nines with three on each on the way to signing for a score of 31 points and third place.

1st Aiden McGoldrick (13) 32pts 2nd Frank Cosgrove (21) 31pts 3rd John S McGowan (20) 31pts

Golf Digest Top 100 Courses The North Sligo AC womens team who finished 2nd in the Connacht senior crosscountry league L to R Marie Foran 2nd novice,Alison O Sullivan,Mary Gilmartin,Linda Lally 3rd senior,Emma Neary ,Andrea Horgan and Sarah Healy.

Strandhill Golf Club have made another big leap in the Golf Digest Top 100 Ranked Golf Courses In Ireland. We move up from no. 70 last year to no.

65 this year. That’s 11 places in 2 years. Fantastic work by Jason, Declan & team.

Keith Raymond It’s all in the Game

For anyone who has seen the Sligo County hurling team in action, Keith Raymond is a more than familiar face. Playing for the team since he was in his teens, the twenty-eight year old has now racked up an incredible thirteen years with the championship-winning squad. Still with his eyes on the prize and as devoted to the game as ever, we caught up with Keith to talk about his career to date, the highs and lows of competing, and staying on top of his game.

On the sliotar; Eamon O’Neill.

Keith Raymond & Emma O'Connor at the GAA GPA All-Star Awards

Keith Raymond with Mayo footballer Tom Parsons during their IT days

S

ligo man Keith Raymond is one of the county team’s longest serving players. A decorated hurler, the young GAA man appears on first meeting to be an easy-going, laid back individual. His demeanour however, perhaps belies his passion - after all, you don’t get to be one of the top hurlers in the county without

solid grit and determination. “I suppose I’ve been around a long time now, so I probably would be one of the better known hurlers at this stage”, he says modestly as we sit down to begin our chat.

A man who has risen to the top of his sport at county level, Keith began playing in his early teens, having gotten bitten by

the bug when his mum – originally from the hurling heartland of Co. Tipperary – took him to see a local game.

“She decided to bring me to a club called Calry St. Joseph’s in Sligo”, says Keith taking up the story. “I fell in love with the game, and it took off from there. Soon I was playing myself, and once I turned

fifteen I started with the county team”. With a natural flair for the game from the off, Mrs Raymond wasn’t the only one encouraging the young sportsman to pursue his passion; “Joe Kane and Henry Cox at Calry St. Joseph’s gave me great encouragement”, he says. “They were hugely involved in under age hurling in Calry”.

Quickly progressing– “I turned fifteen in November, and I made my debut for Sligo in February of 2003 – Keith has remained with the county team to this day. However it was back when he first stepped-up that he met another important

figure in his development.

“There was a guy who passed away recently who was a guard in Ballyshannon”, he tells me. “Micky Galvin managed the Sligo county team during a period when we were very successful, and he was a huge influence in my career, he emphatically states.

With such positive influences, the young Mr Raymond was devoted from the off, pledging - in every sense of the word – to do his utmost to succeed.

“From the very start I wanted to be one of the big game players, and it was a mixture of enjoyment and ambition that drove me to try and reach that level”, he tells me. Singling out some of hurling’s most wellknown figures - among them Cork’s Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and Kilkenny’s D.J. Carey - Keith says he took inspiration from all areas of their lifestyles; “Both D.J. Carey and Seán Óg were pioneers - they never drank alcohol, so as a result I still haven’t taken a drink to this day”, he tells me proudly. Was this decision based on a physical fitness aspect, or was it simply a want to emulate his heroes, I ask? “It was because I wanted to be as good as those players”, he states affirmatively; “I decided that in order to be as good as these guys I’d better not drink as well”.

It’s a decision that has paid off for Keith, with big wins – under the aforementioned Mickey Galvin - for the county in both 2004 and 2008.

However, he says, that like in any game, the team has had its share of ups and downs. “In 2004 we won the national hurling league and we went up to division 2. We were playing against teams like Kerry, Carlow, Westmeath and Kildare, which was really a step up for us”, he confesses.

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Admitting that the team struggled in that grouping, it’s been mixed fortunes for Sligo since then says Keith; “from 2010 we’ve had a bit of a lull, and we haven’t made an impact at finals. He is however philosophical, stating; “’it’s been up and down. You have your good years and your bad years”.

Regardless of wins or losses, Keith says that it’s the multidivision (three-tier) system in the game makes it more accessible for teams that would perhaps struggle to make it to Croke Park ordinarily. “It’s great really because not everyone is up to the standard of the likes of Kilkenny or Tipperary, he says.

“It gives us the opportunity to make it to a final, and there is a huge incentive, which is to play in front of 80,000 people”.

He continues; “the introduction of those competitions by the GAA has been massive for teams like us in the lower divisions; we’ve gotten to Croke Park twice. It gives the team a huge lift, and there’s a bit of a buzz about the game.”

Although he has reached Crocker twice, Keith still has plenty of ambition left in him, and cites the achievements of one of his former team mates as an inspiration; “if I can match Paul Seevers from Tubbercurry that would be great”, he concedes. “He would have been known as Sligo’s best ever hurler, and he retired when he was thirtynine”. Longevity, it seems is something that is utmost in Keith’s mind; “when you hear of players having sixteen, seventeen year careers, it puts it in perspective”, he says.

PICTURE CREDIT: BRIAN LAWLESS / SPORTSFILE

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13

SLIGO SPORT OCTOBER, 2015

SLIGO ASTRO LEAGUES

SLIGO ROVERS ASTRO LEAGUE CONTINUES TO EXCITE

T

he 2015/16 Sligo Rovers astro league season has continued over the last month with plenty of matches full of excitement, goals and commitment from all teams.

Last years champions the Belfry and Ejs menswear continue to be the front 2 chasing the honours before the league is split into a top and bottom tiered system, similar to the Scottish Premiership system.

Despite the top 2 pulling

away from the chasing pack, it is still all to play for as the chasing pack as aim to make it into the top 5 to chase the major honours after the Christmas break.

All games are played on the 4G Astro facility in The Showgrounds under lights and are refereed by Sligo/Leitrim referees in order to bring a higher standard to the league as a whole. Ronan Cox is currently the leagues top scorer with 16 gaols in 12

games, followed by Orange Ramzan of Forrest Celtic who has 14 goals respectively. There are also just 2 goals separating the top 2 in the league, with both sides locked on 31 points after 12 games.

There is sure to be plenty of thrills and spills in the weeks to come. The overall standard of the league is quite high with the vast majority of games Fixtures are held on a Tuesday at 9pm, Wednesdays at 8 & 9pm

and Fridays at 8 & 9pm.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and can avail of teas and coffees at half time. The League is finishing up for Christmas on December 18th and will recommence on January 5th.

In order to be kept up to date on the league, please like the official “srfc astro turf” Facebook page or alternatively read reports on the league in local media.

The Belfry

Strand Celtic

Clinical Hygiene

EJ

Grange Utd

GSS Sligo

Henneberry Financial Services

Bald Eagle

Borussia Teeth FC

Forrest Celtic

Sligo East City Community Walking Group

A

s part of the Sligo East City Community Sports Hub initiative, SSRP will facilitate a 5 week recreational walking programme on successive Thursday mornings, starting at 10.30 am.

These walks are organised in conjunction with SSRP and the Riverside Hotel & Fitness Suite. Walking is free, friendly, fun and good for our health.

All ages and abilities are very welcome to come along and be part of Sligo East City Community Walking Group.

For Further details call SSRP at 071 9161511 or email diane@sligosportandrecreation.ie

moya mohan psychotherapy + mediation

TURKEYS FOR SALE

Both bronze and white turkeys available.

These turkeys are being reared on the very best of cabbage, nettles, apples and finisher to bring them along the way. Will be ready for oven when collected on 23rd.

Should average between 14lb and 18lb. €3.50 per lb white and €4.25 per lb bronze

Call Seamus on 085 2498067. Sligo area

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

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

14

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

SLIGO ASTRO LEAGUES

KEVIN EGAN CARS PREMIER DIVISION 2015/16 Puddleview Celtic FC : Schillaci’s new look #PVC bagged themselves 7 goals in their opening fixture but have been hit or miss since.With Scanlon, Egan and new world kickboxing champion Liam Codd in there ranks they could cause a lot of upsets after the break – Grade C

Sligo Astro Leagues supporting the Boys in Green in the Avivva Stadium Euro2016 playoffs.

Midterm Report by the Sligo Astro Leagues #Guru Foleys Bar FC : Current League leaders who have only dropped 5 points in 9 fixtures.Leagues top scorers with joint top marksman Martin Bystriansky in their ranks.Know how to win games under the guideance for Shay Corrigan – Grade A+ Corkys Bar FC : Started the league like a racehorse winning all of their first 5 fixtures but have since found the going tough.The most experienced squad in the current league with such stalwarts like Kavanagh and McLoughlin holding the defence together – Grade B+ Cornview Celtic FC : The dark horses of this years league who found the going

Boyle Celtic FC : The Roscommon men have caused problems for every team they have played this season and currently are the only team to take all 3 points of the league leaders.Joe and Michael have a strong squad put together, watch this space – Grade C-

Henneberry Financial Services : Huckle’s squad includes such stars as ex league of Ireland Conor O’Grady plus 2fm’s Off The Ball’s Alan Cawley.

They started strong but due to a few injuries have struggled of late to keep the pace with the leading pack – Grade D+

IT Sligo FC : The host’s of this year’s Sligo Astro Leagues have found points hard to come by at the Knocknarea Arena but with Kivlehan on the look out for some squad members and McGinty guarding the nets its all systems go for the IT – Grade D

The White Gorilla’s : The Ballina Boys find themselves in the lower half of the table but god knows how as they have held there own against all the top teams.

The Kennedy boys run a tight outfit but need to find that markman to convert there chances – Grade D

Everyone at Sligo Astro Leagues would like to wish all our teams, players, managers, supporters and sponsor’s a very Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.

See you all again in 2016 when we kickoff on Monday 11th January at 7pm #MoreThanYourAverageAstroLeague #LetsPlayBall

tough at the start but have found their feet and are currently the form side going into this week’s fixtures.Joint top marksman Gareth Kelly is on fire and pushing for top spot – Grade AS.T.S.G. UTD : Charlies men have surprised more than a few teams this years with their new look all out attack.John Joe and Gerry Ward are the stand out players while Arron Tucker is looking good in his new defensive role – Grade BThe Village Inn FC : Mickey and Kieran’s men got off to a slow start but have since come good and have Gavin McDonagh pulling the strings in midfield while also chipping in with 4 goals already.Expect the unexpected from the Village people – Grade B

Gary Rooney- September Player of the month with Sligo Astro Leagues Martin Farrell and Gerry Fahy.

Martin Bystriansky - October Player Of The Month with Sligo Astro Leagues Martin Farrell and Gerry Fahy

Sligo Astro Leagues Puddleview Celtic vs Corkys FC Match report Puddle View Celtic FC 0 - 1 Corky's FC Corky's on the Quay got back to winning ways tonight with a hard fought victory against Schillaci's new look thanks to a 1st half stike from Trevor Henry.

Puddleview started the stronger of the teams and were unlucky not to go ahead when Conor Lynch broke down the right and slide in

Kevin Egan who seen his shot saved at the foot of the post

by Stephen O'Hara in the Corkys net .Puddleview created chance after chance but time and time again could not find their way past the experienced Corkys rearguard with O'Hara blocking

90% of the efforts.Corkys were now getting more and more into the game and broke away with a counter attack of their own with Stuart Rutherford breaking the offside trap and squaring the ball to Trevor Henry on the edge of the box to fire home into the roof of the net 0-

1.Halftime came and went with both manager's keeping faith with their starting 11 and the 2nd half also started much like the 1st with Puddleview having all the possession but could not beat O'Hara in the Corkys nets who was putting in a man of the match performance saving shots

from Scanlon,Lynch,Egan and 2 outstanding saves from Cawley and a one on one duel with Danny Andrews who had Egan square at the back post for a tap in.Corkys are now 2nd in the table and close the gap at the top to 1 point behind Foleys who have no fixture this week.

15

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

New Mens Captain at County Sligo Golf Club

I am extremely proud and honoured to be elected Captain of our great club.

We have a long history as an outstanding golf club based on the very best traditions in golf and I will do my very best to represent you as your ambassador.

I am delighted to be working alongside our President Tony Cunningham and Vice Captain Tom Horkan, their appointments ensure the Club remains in safe hands now and for the future. We have a great committee for the Men’s Club and we will be communicating their roles in the next edition. My warmest congratulations to Lady Captain Carmel McGrath, Lady President Madge Smyth and Lady Vice Captain Margaret Conlon, we are committed to working together for

the benefit of the Club. They, plus our committees will ensure that our Club has a very enjoyable and successful 2016. The Breaking Points Newsletter has been the major communications success our Club has ever experienced, the transfer from Breaking Points to our Golf Club News has been seamless and I congratulate all those involved in the new production.

In case I don’t get another opportunity I wish the season’s greetings to every member, employee, and their families wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

- Jeff Hatt

Sligo Bridge Club Results 2015/16 30th Nov. 2015 Final Round of League.

23rd. Nov.2015 North/South 1st. P.O’Hara & A.McGill 2nd. H.Clarke & B.Johnson 3rd. P.Neiland & A.Flanagan 4th. G.Hynes & M.Dufficy East/West 1st. A.Soden & A.Mullen 2nd. E.Canning & O.Williams 3rd. U.Gleeson & M.Brennan 4th. C.Gill & M.Costello 16th Nov.2015 North/South 1st. P.Keyes & O.Bodeker 2nd. C.Johnson & M.Heraughty 3rd. P.O’Hara & A.McGill 4th. J.O’Brien & R.Walsh East/West 1st. P.Kilcawley & G.McCafferty 2nd. A.Soden & T.Clarke 3rd. M.McGowan & J.Noonan 4th. S.McMunn & M.Dufficy

South Sligo Athletics Club The annual St Stephen's day 5k run hosted by South Sligo Athletics Club will held on Saturday 26th December in aid of SHOUT. Registration from 10:30 with the race to commence at 11am. More details to follow shorthly. Look forward to seeing you all there.

Yeats County Hockey Club Bad day for a game in Kilcoyne Park! picture courtesey of Tubbercurry Gaa Club Facebook / Tom Callanan,

ST FARNAN’S LADIES Come Unstuck at final hurdle The U-14’s heroic bid to be crowned Co. “A” champions came unstuck at the final hurdle when they were defeated by a stronger and well drilled Tourlestrane. With Scarden, the appointed venue, declared unplayable just hours before the throw-in the team and management were faced with the unenviable prospect of playing the game on their opponents home turf and they deserve the highest of praise for going along with this decision rather than prolong an already drawn out competition any further. Our girls got off to the ideal start kicking the opening two points of the game but the home side gradually got into their stride and went in at the break leading by 1-7

to 0-5 after a half during which there was little between the sides, Alannah Cunnane (3) and Rachel O’Brien (2) being the players on target. Unfortunately this was as good as it was to get for the visitors as a whirlwind start to the second half by the South Sligo girls, which saw them score 4-3 without reply, put the result beyond doubt long before the finish. A late flourish from our girls which yielded a Shona Lang goal and a point from Claire Dunne stemmed the tide momentarily but it was a case of too little too late to prevent Tourlestrane running out winners on a scoreline of 5-13 to 1-7. Despite losing, this side which was boosted by the inclusion of a number of girls

from the neighbouring St. Patricks club, have had a great year with winning the “B” League and reaching the “A” C’ship final. The group and their management team of Deirdre Kilgannon, Paul O’Brien and Aoife Connolly are to be complimented on their commitment throughout a long season as do the parents of the players. Team: É. McGowan, A. Brady, C. Connolly, Siobhan Lang, H. Davis, C. Dunne (0-1), K.Golden, E. Kerins, R. McHugh, Shona Lang (10), R. O’Brien (0-2), S. Cunnane, C. McCloat, A. Cunnane (0-3), A.Hallinan. Subs: L. Devaney, K. Hallinan, A. McAndrew, H. Kilcullen, C. McGee, C. Hynes, A.Colleary, N.Muldowney.3

Congrats to the Mercy Sr B team who beat Salerno 3 nil in the semi final of the Ward Cup with goals coming from our Yeats players. ..Mary Stenson, Ciara Redmond (capt) and Ellen Monaghan.

A great squad preformance. They will face Calasanctius in the final when a date and venue is decided.

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16

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

YET ANOTHER TITLE FOR SLIGO NATIVE DESSIE LEONARD.

A first for Collooney Kickboxing Club

Dessie Leonard with Chief Instructor & Father Des Leonard

L

ast week saw 800 of the world’s top kickboxing athletes from over 60 countries descend onto the City West in Dublin to represent their country in the WAKO Senior World Kickboxing Championships in a week-long event, which saw all fights streamed live around the world.

Making their way to that event was brother-sister duo Dessie & Aine

Leonard, and Alex Block from Collooney Kickboxing Club.

Dessie Leonard, Double European Gold Medallist competed in the -69kg Light Contact division, beating off opponents from France and Russia before meeting an Italian in the final.

Finals Day came on the fifth day of the competition.

In what would be the most difficult fight of his kickboxing carreer, Dessie took to the mats eager to secure the number 1 spot on the podium.

Dessies opponent, reigning World Champion, was not prepared to give up his title and so, Dessie had a battle on his hands. This was going to be the biggest fight of the competition, the crowd circled around the mats to view 2 of the best fighters in the world. The Sligo natives year long preparation paid off when his arm was raised in a unanimous decision – he was for the first time crowned Senior World Kickboxing Champion. This is the first time a World Kickboxing Champion has come from Collooney Kickboxing Club.

Aine Leonard, current European Bronze Medallist, competed in the 60kg division. Making her way to

the quarter finals Aine fought extremely well beating Croatia and seeing herself in the semi-finals Day 4 Aine stepped onto the mats with an Italian opponent, after putting up a brilliant fight, Aine was unlucky to be beaten.

The talented fighter stepped on the podium to receive a bronze medal, adding an additional title of World Bronze medallist to her list.

Team mate Alex Block competed in the -55kgs continuous division.

Alex was successful in her first fight taking her through to Day 2 of the competition and into the Quarterfinals.

In what was a very close fight, Alex was unsuccessful narrowly missing out on a Bronze medal All 3 fighters performed at the very top of their games, something their Chief Instructor Des Leonard is very proud of, commenting “I couldn’t have asked for anything more from any of these fighters, they have shown discipline and dedication in their training, all of which paid off this week. Dessie has put Collooney Kickboxing Club on the map and has a title no-one from the club has achieved before him. His kickboxing career is going from strength to strength. All eyes are on him, more is to come”.

Connacht Development Squad The second Connacht Development Squad day of the 2015/2016 season will take place in Athlone IT on Sunday December 20th from 11am.

This was originally scheduled for Claremorris on Dec 13th, but has been re-scheduled for a number of reasons.

This is an excellent opportunity for athletes to avail of collective training with peers under the guidance of an experienced coach, to complement the coaching you receive in your club.

All Connacht athletes aged u14 to u19 in 2015 that finished in the top 6 at a Connacht Schools or Connacht Clubs championships in Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Cross-country or combined Events in 2014/2015, or are at an equivalent standard, are invited to attend.

If insufficient numbers confirm attendance in any given event, then that event will not be catered for, and those who have registered will be notified of this.

3 further sessions will take place in the new year

Bit o' Red set for new kit sponsor

TUBBERCURRY VISIT COLLOONEY HANDBALL CLUB Sligo Rovers wish to advise supporters that its three year contract with its kit sponsor Umbro expires at the end of the current year. The Club would like to thank Umbro for its sponsorship and support over the course of the contract term.

Details of a new sponsorship agreement will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Current Umbro stock is available in the club store on Market Street including discount offers.

T

he Girls from newly formed Tubbercurry handball club visited the Collooney handball 40 x 20 facility and played a number of games on the impressive 40 x 20 court on November 27th.

Their parents were very impressed with the warm, bright setting and complimented the club on the wonderful effort that went into delivering this facility for Collooney.

2015 Town v Country Stephens day Match at Sligo RFC At present the girls play in St. Bridget’s Hall in Tubbercurry and everyone agreed that playing in Collooney was a much more pleasant experience.

"This alley represents the level of facilities that people expect nowadays and if we want to continue to attract young players into the game we must try to provide warm bright venues

indoors. Handball is an excellent game for all round agility and fitness levels, a great lead in to tennis ,badminton etc, because of the hand eye co-ordination it develops," said John Cawley a teacher in the Holy Family National School in Tubbercurry.

The group expressed their thanks to Shane Bruen and Collooney Handball Club for hosting them.

It's Decided! After much deliberation the Captains have been announced for the 2015 Town v Country Stephens day Match at Sligo RFC! Club Junior Vice President Aaron ' feet of flames' Tansey will captain the Country team and Michael 'The Iron Man' Mc Morrow will captain the town team! With two such prestigious captains a massive battle is in store! Can the City slickers zoom to victory or will the Tractor boys plough their way over the townies!

Bring on the heat!!!!!!

17

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Competition time at Tubberbride

Everyone had a brilliant day at Tubberbride Stables showjumping league final, a lovely warm and welcoming show as always and Northwest Agri Supplies were delighted to have supported it along with Pegus Feeds Congratulations to the prize win-

ners in the horse classes; 80cm class- Diarmaid Lang with Charlie and Richard Kerins with Caia 90cm class- Kelly Morgan with Wizard and Gareth Nethercote with Highvaro 1m class- Katy McAleenan with

Larkhill Rose and Richard Kerins with Jack 1.10m class- Richard Kerins with both Touch of Quality and Little Chieftain, and Vanessa Sweeney with Vanessa's Pride 1.20m class- Richard Kerins with both Dudley and Penelope Cruz

IT Sligo Sigerson Footballers Face Trip To Carlow The draw for the 2016 Higher Education Sigerson Cup competition in gaelic football was made at Croke Park on Wednesday.

IT Sligo have been drawn away to IT Carlow in the opening round. The winners of that contest will face either the holders DCU or Athlone IT in the quarterfinals.

IT Sligo are three-time past winners of the competition (2002, 2004 and 2005) – and reached the quarterfinals of last year’s competition before losing to UCC. The team is managed this year by Sligo man Willie Gormley, who guided Tubbecurry to a Sligo Senior Club Championship title in 2014.

2016 Sigerson Cup draw in full: Preliminary Round: NUI Galway v Trinity College (TCD) Garda College v Cork IT St Pat’s Drumcondra v GMIT. First Round: UCC v St Pat’s/GMIT NUI Galway/TCD v UCD UL v IT Tralee Maynooth University v Queen’s Ulster University v Garda/Cork IT St Mary’s Belfast v DIT DCU v Athlone IT IT Carlow v IT Sligo.

Dates and times to be confirmed (End of January 2016). The Institute’s senior hurlers have been drawn with Dundalk IT and GMIT (Letterfrack) in the group stages of the Fergal Maher Cup.

Calry/St Joseph's GAA

What a fantastic turnout last night at our Bord na nÓg medal presentation!!! Great fun had by all!! In particular, thanks to Ross Donovan, County Underage Development Coach who always obliges with whatever, whenever asked. Thanks also to our sponsors on the night, Nicky Brugous Jako Sports, Regional Stores, Daveys Hazelwood, The Mall Pharmacy, Mullins Spar, Brian Coyle Cartron Mace, Supermacs, Healthwise Pharmacy and Edel Hackett. Thanks to you , the parents, who came along and made it such a memorable night, but most of all thanks to our Young Champions and their coaches for giving us such a memorable year!!!

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GOLFER DECLAN GETS R&A GOLF SCHOLARSHIP

The progress of one of IT Sligo's most promising young golfers has been recognised by the sport’s leading administrative body globally.

Declan Reidy, who is a final year Business with Marketing student at the Institute, has been awarded a prestigious golf scholarship by the

Royal & Ancient (R&A).

The R&A Foundation makes awards to universities and colleges to assist them with the education and development of talented young golfers during their course of study and to enhance the general standard of university golf. Awards

are also made to individual student golfers.

Declan's award is believed to be the first of its kind to be made to a golfer from an Institute of Technology.

"While the scholarship recognises a player's achievements and development to date, there was a challenging set of criteria laid down by the R&A," said Declan. "So, it's a nice feather in the cap to get this recognition."

In addition to his new scholarship award, Declan is also a current IT Sligo Sports Scholarship recipient.

This scheme provides financial and mentoring support to athletes of outstanding talent, many of whom may have already represented the Institute, their county or Ireland in their respective sports.

Reidy plays his golf out of County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point and recently finished 7th at the Irish Intervarsities event in Rosslare.

He will be a key member of the IT Sligo team, which will compete in the Intervarsities team championships next March.

New sponsors for St Johns G.A.A. Club

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Kevin & Con Smith memorial cup

Another big coursing success for the Kilcoyne brothers from Tubbercurry winning the prestigious Kevin & Con Smith memorial cup with greyhound " Ougham Ellen " at the recent Co. Cavan meeting, this is her 2nd victory of the season and many followers of the leash have her short listed as a fancied runner in the Champion Stakes at the National meeting in Powerstown Park Clonmel on January 31st 2016.

Pictured presenting cup in Ray Smith sponsor to Mickey Kilcoyne owner , Luke Kilcoyne trainer receiving glass trophy from Michael Lyng, Bernard Sharkey, Michael, Paul and Cameron Kilcoyne with greyhound " Ougham Ellen ".

Well done to North Sligo boys

Driving to success: Niall Gordon Joint Chair St. John's G.A.A Club, John Reilly club secretary and player, Shane Burns & Seamus Flanagan A cut above the rest: Ann Kelly sponsor, Niall Gordon Joint Chair St. John's G.A.A. Club with Charlie Kelly of Kelly Barbers Teeling Street with the new club jackets and Seamus Flanagan Club Treasurer

The St. John's team already look set to be the one of the most stylish teams when they take to the field in 2016.

A number of well known local businesses have come on board as sponsors and at a colourful presentation ceremony in the

Riverbank Hotel Sligo on Friday November 13th last the club were formally presented with their new club jerseys, tops and jackets. Niall Gordan joint Chairman of the Club thanked all the businesses for their generous sponsorship to the club.

Seamus Flanagan Club Treasurer, Berni Chambers from Radisson Blu Hotel Sligo with the new club tops and Niall Gordan Joint Chair St. John's G.A.A. Club

Well done to North Sligo boys at the Connaught Juvenile Uneven Ages Cross Country on Sunday, 8th November at Lough Key Forest Park.

Michael Kerins, was fourth in Under 15. Darragh Kelly won 2nd place in Under 17 boys.

The Under 17 boys team also took home bronze for the club on the day. The U17 team was Darragh Kelly and Cathal Burke.

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19

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND VS NORTHERN IRELAND

Saturday 28th and 29th November, Southern Hotel Sligo

A

fantastic crowd turned out to see local man Sean “Skipper”McGowan along with his republic of Ireland teammates take on Northern Ireland in the Open Darts competition, which was held in the Southern Hotel.

Northern Ireland won on a score

line of 17-11.

The home side made a spirited comeback but Northern Ireland had always too a good lead to be put under any serious pressure!

There were a few guys and girls wearing the green white and gold for the first time and to

Northern Ireland team

see them coming off the boards brimming with confidence after a good match makes the day!

This is a great experience for each and every player!

A big thanks to all the voluntary markers, and well done to the R.O.I. ManagersOllie, Anne, Annette & Trisha.

Sligo’s Sean ‘skipper’ McGowan played a fantastic captains role and did a lot of work behind the scenes ensuring that the event went as smoothly as it did.

Congrats to the Mens winner, Kevin Burness, and Michael Meaney the runner. A big well

done also to the Ladies winner Grace Crane and Runner up Jennifer Donaghy.

Lastly well done to a fabulous bunch from up north- who all played fantastic darts. A welldeserved victory and we are looking forward to next year already!

Republic of Ireland team

Rep Of Ireland captain - Sean McGowan with his conterpart from Northern Ireland Davy Glenn

Anne & Sean McGowan

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Lets Talk

By Mark Foley

I

f you were to describe to a non-rugby follower what a proper Rugby person looks like – you could describe Ross Mannion to them and probably not go too far wrong. I meet Ross to discuss his coaching role as head coach at Sligo Rugby club and he arrives looking every bit like you would expect from a rugby player, a solid build wearing a professional branded rugby tracksuit and at the same time delivering a very courteous manner. Rugby has been his life since he started at 10/11 years of age after a friend of the family had encouraged him to go out to Sligo rugby club and check it out, and that he did.

He played at Connacht youths and Connacht Schools level before securing a place on the Sligo Senior team at 18 years of age, a full year of senior rugby benefited him before going across to collage in England and St. Mary’s, where like any young man in love with his sport wants to go all the way, and fulfil that dream.

Ross in his playing days with Sligo

Ross with Connacht Coach Pat Lam

Ross embedded himself in the Rugby set up at St. Marys, and quickly spotted the gap that existed between the two countries. “It was a step ahead, in terms of the approach, the training and the professionalism” he continues “this was around the time it was all going professional, England was an eye opener, every setup had its academies and structured training, to gym sessions, to nutrition, and guys were more developed, it was another level up, we have narrowed the gap in present day and we are more educated in training systems and technical ability” but the gap remains I suggest? Which leads us into a conversation, about the gap not only in collage terms and Connacht, but within the provinces and Ireland? “Munster and Leinster are going through a changing of the guard and that has enabled Connacht to come in a bit, the difference is huge now in Connacht with more kid’s sessions, strength and conditioning. It all adds up” though it was in college where Ross realised that that ambition to be a top player one day wasn’t going to quite happen for him. “I wasn’t at that level, kept tipping away and making the first team, which was a high standard, had some Irish trials and got knocked back which is

a huge disappointment, and in England there was a lot of clubs with really good guys floating from A to B teams, in teams like Harlequins, London Irish etc. and those guys were at a high level, so you just know and I decided to come back to Sligo and help us get back into the AIL League, I have had a lot of support and encouragement from people in Sligo rugby Club, especially after the Irish trials I am a club man”.

Returning to Sligo, Ross once again embedded himself into a rugby setup, this time his home setup and knuckled down as a senior player on the team and achieved that promotion 5 years ago to the AIL League, where Sligo have stayed and now a team that Ross stands over as Sligo lie in the 2C section of the league.

The route to becoming Head coach of Sligo rugby club, came after qualifying from St. Marys with Sports Rehab and biology and instead of going down the Physio route, Ross took the coaching route, initially running some programs for Sligo sport and Recreation Partnership, then some schools programs and gaining a part time coaching position within Connacht rugby, a youth development role if you will, developing links between clubs and the community.

21

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Ross Mannion Ross Mannion with some of the Connacht players at this years summer camp in Strandhill

One such program invested in is taking kids of 14/15 and developing a training session that is just based around skills and the fundamentals of the game.

“It helps going forward” We speak further about coaching and in particular resources and closing that gap further, now that we are as close to closing it as there ever

has been. It’s nearly agreed that to fill that gap resources are needed it terms of money to bring in the right coaches, players, professional and well experienced back room staff to

do it and do it to an exceptional high standard and education.

And that’s it, a windfall! And who better knows than the man who has seen it first-hand.

Looking at his Role as Head coach, Ross admits it’s different from his previous coaching roles which would mainly have had him coaching youths and schools, there is more man management with the senior squad and the delicate art of mixing youth in with experienced older players and being patient with such players as they learn to grasp the pace and physical aspects of senior rugby, which is much different than the rugby previously played by the new stalwarts in the squad, and this patience than extends to the experienced players who would be relatively young themselves, late twenties, and the patience needed by them as the younger guns get a full handle on senior rugby and before a full cohesive and efficient team can exist.

So what’s the objective? “consolidate our league position and then in the next few seasons aim to move up into the next section” I ask, Sligo Rugby Club has had a couple of really stand out exciting days, which would you prefer as coach, to gain a really good league position or coach your team to a thrilling victory, a day that will never be forgotten?....Immediately Ross replies “to gain a really league position…and if possible to have a thrilling victory day enroute”!

A leader both on and off the field

We wish him luck. The very best.

22

S.M.A.A. success at Irish Karate Nationals

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Northern Athletics Open Meeting Well done to the Sligo AC speedsters at the Northern Athletics Open Meeting held in Sheffield. Zak Irwin won his 300M race in 34:72. Zak was in third position at the 100M point but powered ahead from the middle lane to win comprehensively. Aaron Cadden also won his 300M race in a time of 36:90. Running on the inside lane,Aaron controlled the race from the 100M point onwards and won impressively. Not to be outdone by her male colleagues, Lauren Cadden made it a hat trick of Sligo AC victories with a top class performance. Lauren led from the starting gun and romped home in a time of 41:16 in her 300M race. Well done to all three athletes and their coach Dermot McDermott.

AAI Glohealth uneven Cross Country

Sligo Martial Arts Academy recently travelled to the national arena in Dublin to compete at the Karate Ireland national championships.

Over forty students travelled to compete and during the course of

the day the club secured 3 gold,5 silver and eleven bronze medals at national level .

Huge congratulations to all who went out to compete at this level as it takes a lot of hard work and dedication for months to get to the

standard required. All students conducted themselves with grace and courage on the day and really represented all the great qualities that martial arts training adds to a persons life. You did yourselves and Sligo proud !

Under 12 blitz at Mercy The under 12 Blitz was held yesterday with Ballyshannon Basketball Club and Blaze Basketball making the journey to the Mercy.

Result were : Sligo All Stars 16 v 16 Ballyshannon Letterkenny 10 v 22 Ballyshannon Letterkenny 14 v 34 Sligo All Stars A great few game of basketball and thanks to all who traveled in the terrible and to anyone who provided refreshments for the traveling teams. (Photos Jordan Cummins)

Pic Credit: Annette Gardiner Well done to Ailbhe Morgan and Aoife Morris who both had fantastic runs in Dungarvan recently. Ailbhe finished in 30th position in the U/15 while Aoife had a fine run to finish in 28th place in the U/17 event.

Congrats girls.

Castleconnor Charity Match Castleconnor GAA Club will host their Annual Benefit Match on Sunday 27th December at the GAA pitch in Corballa @ 2.00pm. All proceeds will go to Cystic Fibrosis Sligo. All players young and old who wish to participate are asked to contact club secretary Ronan Keane @ 0879401432, Chairman Bart Barrins @ 0868421733 or Darren Ruane @ 0872230419. Since this tradition started two years ago, this annual event is something that the whole community comes out to support and meet friends during the festive period.

Many club legends return to the playing field for the day with a blend of youth also!...

Refreshments and a hot cup of tea will be provided after to all. That night the GAA club will hold their annual awards night in Muddy Burns. Music is by the Curly Bobs followed by DJ Mark. The club are extending an invite to everyone to come along for a great day and night.

23

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Sport For All – Disability Inclusion Training I ncluding people with a disability in sporting and active recreational activity has been an integral part of the work of Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership (SSRP) to date.

Through the establishment of their Sports Inclusion Disability Project in 2008, added focus has been placed on the area of inclusion and a key objective of the project involves the coordination of training and education opportunities in disability awareness through sport. Coaching Ireland, who take the lead role in the development of coaching in Ireland on an all island basis long with the CARA Adapted Physical Activity Centre are responsible for rolling out the Disability Inclusion Training nationally.

To help ensure the highest standards of training and education in the area of adapted physical activity (APA) a working group was established to developed a framework outlining the future of training and education for inclusive physical activity, sport and physical education in Ireland.

This working group is made up of a collection of key national agencies in inclusive sport and physical activity including; Coaching Ireland, CARA Adapted Physical Activity

Centre, Football Association of Ireland, Special Olympics Ireland and Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland.

Locally the training is facilitated

by Shane Hayes; the local Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with SSRP. He is responsible for the coordination, facilitation, promotion and delivery of education and training in the area of sport, adapted physical activity and adapted physical education in Sligo.

The new updated Disability Inclusion Training Workshop took place on Saturday 16th November in the Knocknarea Arena at the Institute of Technology, Sligo. The six hour course is designed to give sports development officers, coaches, sports leaders, teachers, volunteers and anyone involved in the provision of sport or physical activity for people with a disability the ideas and confidence to adapt their sessions to make them more inclusive for participants with a disability. The course, which involves both theory and practical elements, also examines various perceptions and experiences in relation to sport and physical activity for people with disabilities and looks at disability awareness in terms of legislation, communication and potential barriers to

Coaches, volunteers, community workers and disability service staff who participated in the recent Disability Inclusion Training delivered by Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership at the Knocknarea Arena, Sligo. participation.

Twenty four people attended the training, highlighting the increasing interest and work in the area of adapted physical activity and sport in Sligo.

Participants came from a variety of backgrounds including volunteers on SSRP’s Sports Inclusion Disability Project, third level students, community workers, teachers and sports coaches from local clubs and

schools who have been very proactive in working towards becoming more inclusive of people with a disability within their sports and physical activity sessions. Following the training, the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer will continue to work closely with these sports clubs and organistaions to improve access and programming for people with disabilities. Any local sports clubs or organisations who

wish to become more inclusive can contact Shane Hayes, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership on 071 9161511 or shane@sligosportandrecreation.i e. In addition if any local clubs or individuals want to find out more about future opportunities or training in the area of sport and physical activity for people with a disability they can get in touch with Shane as above.

Games For All Adult Programme

A

key part of the Sports Inclusion Disability Project run by Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership involves proving quality participation opportunities for adults of all ability levels.

A ten week ‘Games for All’ programme for adults with a disability was set up to help achieve this objective. The programme was delivered at the Regional Sports Centre in Cleveragh with over fifteen adults of varying abilities taking part in the activities.

The ‘Games For All’ progamme involved a series of warm-up activities, skills sessions and fun games designed to get the participants active in a safe and fun environment.

Each of the sessions was delivered by experienced coach Aaron Costello who kept the interest and safety of

the participants at the centre of the various activities. Aaron was also supported by a number of volunteers each week throughout the programme. These volunteers helped with supervision and support where required ensuring that activities ran smoothly and all participants were fully involved. All of the activities, sessions and games were selected because of their inclusive nature and each of the participants commented that they thoroughly enjoyed the programme. The ‘Games For All’ approach provides the adults involved with the opportunity to develop the key fundamentals of movement (agility, balance, coordination) and also the core fundamental skills in sport including (throwing and catching, striking and kicking,).

Developing these skills is important as it places the focus on the participants overall sporting and physical development rather than on a specific sport, with the emphasis on fun, enjoyment and social interaction.

The ten week programme has just been completed but it will recommence in January/February 2016 with the plan to extend the sessions to engage more adults next year.

If anyone is interested in finding out about future initiatives aimed at increasing sporting and active recreational opportunities for people with disabilities they can do so by contacting the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, Shane Hayes at VEC Offices, Riverside , Sligo 071 9161511 or shane@sligosportandrecreation .ie

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BENBULBEN 5K RUN 24

25

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015 SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

POS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

COUNCILLOR GINO O'BOYLE

Name Damien O'Boyle Liam Feely Lee McCallion Niall Hoey Shane Hayes Brian Kinsella Donal Egan James Callaghan Leo Doherty Darragh Kelly Eamon Murphy Declan Martin Michael Kerins Alan Kearins Michael Heneghan Aisling Van Resnburg Kevin O'Hara David Lipsett Leonard Gildea Jimmy Currid Zola Flynn Paul McGrath Karl Boyce Rory Connor Sarah Healy Keenan Deering Gerry Gilmartin Paul McDermott Gary Gallagher Martin Feeney Joe Davey Alison O'Sullivan Cindy McCarthy Pamela Healy Michael Brennan Karen Gillen Conor Neiland Joe Stagg Paul Gillespie Octavius Job Pietro Ventura Sortha Fallon Theresa Flynn Enda Whelan Charlie Hamilton Seamus Kane

Club/County Craughwell AC Nth Leitrim AC Corran AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo AC QUB Triathlon Nth Sligo AC Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC JZP Nth Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo Nth Leitrim AC Sligo Nth Sligo Calry AC Sligo Tri Club Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo AC J2P Sligo Corran AC Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo Sligo AC Sligo Drumcliffe Nth Sligo Sligo Corran AC Calry Sligo Corran AC Nth Sligo Sligo Sligo AC Sligo Sligo

Category SM SM JM SM SM SM SM SM JM JM M40 JM JM M40 SM SL SM SM SM M50 SL M40 M50 M40 SL JM M40 M50 M40 M50 M50 F40 F40 W W F40 M40 M50 SM SM B14 JG W M50 M50 SM

AIRE approved Est 1997

47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93

Corinna Kiernan Ciara Kelly Malachy Gillen Paula Devaney Mary Bridget McDonagh Michael Coll Gary Reynolds Aishling Cawley Stephanie McSharry Susanne O'Beirne Brendan McCarrick Ciaran Donnellan Fiona Lenehan William Parke Sadhbh McCarthy Roisin Jenkins Olivia Branley Mary Vesey Dermot Cunningham Sarah Kisby Declan Carroll Jane Byrne Vanessa Foley Marita McMorrow Yvonne Lang Michael Carroll Collette Hamilton Marie Casserly Hazel Melly Maria Hunter Naoimi O'Boyle Elizabeth King Chirs Addis Jack Cawley Lily Flynn Anne Marie Sayers Susan Leonard Paula Dillon Mary Sayers Aisling Daven Padraig Tierney JJ Lipsett Patrick Lipsett Matthew McGrath Karen Keyes A O'Hara Gallagher Geiorgina Casey

Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo Nth Sligo A Sligo AC Sligo Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo Nth Sligo AC Sligo Sligo Sligo Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo Sligo Sligo AC Nth Sligo Sligo Nth Sligo Sligo Nth Sligo Sligo Sligo Sligo Sligo Sligo Sligo AC Sligo Sligo Sligo Nth Sligo Sligo Sligo AC Sligo Sligo Sligo Corran AC Sligo Tri Sligo Sligo

SL SL SM F50 JG M50 M40 F40 SL F40 SM M50 F40 M50 JG SL SL F50 M40 JM M40 F40 F40 SL SL JM F50 F40 F40 W W F50 SM B14 W F40 F50 F40 F40 F40 M40 JM M40 B14 F50 SL SL

00:22:20 00:22:21 00:22:23 00:22:33 00:22:34 00:22:42 00:22:44 00:22:47 00:22:51 00:22:56 00:23:01 00:23:17 00:23:21 00:23:27 00:23:35 00:23:37 00:23:38 00:23:47 00:23:54 00:23:55 00:24:22 00:24:38 00:24:42 00:24:44 00:25:11 00:25:19 00:25:20 00:25:27 00:25:34 00:25:44 00:25:46 00:25:58 00:26:04 00:26:06 00:26:13 00:27:15 00:27:27 00:27:30 00:27:31 00:27:48 00:27:50 00:30:08 00:30:11 00:30:43 00:32:05 00:32:11 00:32:13

‘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.

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year People Before Profit • 1 Stephen McDonagh Place, Sligo Mobile: 086 0757915 • Email: ginopbp@outlook.com

Finish 00:15:31 00:16:29 00:16:40 00:16:51 00:16:52 00:17:20 00:17:22 00:17:24 00:17:32 00:17:41 00:18:06 00:18:29 00:18:36 00:18:46 00:18:48 00:18:50 00:19:03 00:19:05 00:19:08 00:19:12 00:19:19 00:19:22 00:19:28 00:19:32 00:19:34 00:20:23 00:20:39 00:20:42 00:20:45 00:20:51 00:20:52 00:21:14 00:21:16 00:21:18 00:21:19 00:21:25 00:21:27 00:21:31 00:21:39 00:21:57 00:21:58 00:22:02 00:22:09 00:22:14 00:22:17 00:22:18

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

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

BENBULBEN 5K RUN 24

25

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015 SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

POS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

COUNCILLOR GINO O'BOYLE

Name Damien O'Boyle Liam Feely Lee McCallion Niall Hoey Shane Hayes Brian Kinsella Donal Egan James Callaghan Leo Doherty Darragh Kelly Eamon Murphy Declan Martin Michael Kerins Alan Kearins Michael Heneghan Aisling Van Resnburg Kevin O'Hara David Lipsett Leonard Gildea Jimmy Currid Zola Flynn Paul McGrath Karl Boyce Rory Connor Sarah Healy Keenan Deering Gerry Gilmartin Paul McDermott Gary Gallagher Martin Feeney Joe Davey Alison O'Sullivan Cindy McCarthy Pamela Healy Michael Brennan Karen Gillen Conor Neiland Joe Stagg Paul Gillespie Octavius Job Pietro Ventura Sortha Fallon Theresa Flynn Enda Whelan Charlie Hamilton Seamus Kane

Club/County Craughwell AC Nth Leitrim AC Corran AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo AC QUB Triathlon Nth Sligo AC Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC JZP Nth Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo Nth Leitrim AC Sligo Nth Sligo Calry AC Sligo Tri Club Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo AC J2P Sligo Corran AC Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo Sligo AC Sligo Drumcliffe Nth Sligo Sligo Corran AC Calry Sligo Corran AC Nth Sligo Sligo Sligo AC Sligo Sligo

Category SM SM JM SM SM SM SM SM JM JM M40 JM JM M40 SM SL SM SM SM M50 SL M40 M50 M40 SL JM M40 M50 M40 M50 M50 F40 F40 W W F40 M40 M50 SM SM B14 JG W M50 M50 SM

AIRE approved Est 1997

47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93

Corinna Kiernan Ciara Kelly Malachy Gillen Paula Devaney Mary Bridget McDonagh Michael Coll Gary Reynolds Aishling Cawley Stephanie McSharry Susanne O'Beirne Brendan McCarrick Ciaran Donnellan Fiona Lenehan William Parke Sadhbh McCarthy Roisin Jenkins Olivia Branley Mary Vesey Dermot Cunningham Sarah Kisby Declan Carroll Jane Byrne Vanessa Foley Marita McMorrow Yvonne Lang Michael Carroll Collette Hamilton Marie Casserly Hazel Melly Maria Hunter Naoimi O'Boyle Elizabeth King Chirs Addis Jack Cawley Lily Flynn Anne Marie Sayers Susan Leonard Paula Dillon Mary Sayers Aisling Daven Padraig Tierney JJ Lipsett Patrick Lipsett Matthew McGrath Karen Keyes A O'Hara Gallagher Geiorgina Casey

Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo Nth Sligo A Sligo AC Sligo Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo Sligo AC Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo Nth Sligo AC Sligo Sligo Sligo Sligo AC Nth Sligo AC Sligo Sligo Sligo AC Nth Sligo Sligo Nth Sligo Sligo Nth Sligo Sligo Sligo Sligo Sligo Sligo Sligo AC Sligo Sligo Sligo Nth Sligo Sligo Sligo AC Sligo Sligo Sligo Corran AC Sligo Tri Sligo Sligo

SL SL SM F50 JG M50 M40 F40 SL F40 SM M50 F40 M50 JG SL SL F50 M40 JM M40 F40 F40 SL SL JM F50 F40 F40 W W F50 SM B14 W F40 F50 F40 F40 F40 M40 JM M40 B14 F50 SL SL

00:22:20 00:22:21 00:22:23 00:22:33 00:22:34 00:22:42 00:22:44 00:22:47 00:22:51 00:22:56 00:23:01 00:23:17 00:23:21 00:23:27 00:23:35 00:23:37 00:23:38 00:23:47 00:23:54 00:23:55 00:24:22 00:24:38 00:24:42 00:24:44 00:25:11 00:25:19 00:25:20 00:25:27 00:25:34 00:25:44 00:25:46 00:25:58 00:26:04 00:26:06 00:26:13 00:27:15 00:27:27 00:27:30 00:27:31 00:27:48 00:27:50 00:30:08 00:30:11 00:30:43 00:32:05 00:32:11 00:32:13

‘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.

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year People Before Profit • 1 Stephen McDonagh Place, Sligo Mobile: 086 0757915 • Email: ginopbp@outlook.com

Finish 00:15:31 00:16:29 00:16:40 00:16:51 00:16:52 00:17:20 00:17:22 00:17:24 00:17:32 00:17:41 00:18:06 00:18:29 00:18:36 00:18:46 00:18:48 00:18:50 00:19:03 00:19:05 00:19:08 00:19:12 00:19:19 00:19:22 00:19:28 00:19:32 00:19:34 00:20:23 00:20:39 00:20:42 00:20:45 00:20:51 00:20:52 00:21:14 00:21:16 00:21:18 00:21:19 00:21:25 00:21:27 00:21:31 00:21:39 00:21:57 00:21:58 00:22:02 00:22:09 00:22:14 00:22:17 00:22:18

EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

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

26

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

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

U14 challenge match at Mercy College with local rivals, the Warriors.

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27

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Regional and National Titles for DyNamo Gymnastics Club D

DyNamo Grade 6 Team take Regional Gold and National Bronze medals

DyNamo's Grade 5 Take first place

yNamo Gymnastics Club returned from the National Acrobatic Gymnastics Team Trophy held on the 29th November in the University of Limerick with huge success, claiming 24 Regional Gold Medals and 2 bronze National Medals . DyNamo’s Grade 3 team took Gold at Regional Level, including the following gymnasts Jenny Demmel, Anna Flanagan & Lisa Kilfeather;Aoife McGlinchey, Aislinn Doggett & Ceoilin Byrne; and Clara Battell & Lauren Morrissey. DyNamo’s Grade 4 team took Gold at Regional level and 4th at National Level including the following gymnasts Sarah White, Carrie Brennan, Cliodhna Davitt; Conor Grennan & Pauric O’Reilly; Megan Byrne, Aoife Loughlin & Kaylin Rooney.

DyNamo’s Grade Grade 5 took gold at Regional Level including the following gymnasts Roisin Henehan, Sarah Mc Cormack, Orla McGlinchey; and Kate McGuinn, Meadhbh McHugh, Megan Cavanagh. And finally DyNamo’s Grade 6 team took Gold at Regional level and bronze at National Level including gymnasts David Bryne & Aoibhinn Darcy. David and Aoibhinn performed the highest score overall in the Grade 6 Event, and claimed the second highest score in artistry in the overall NDP event.

Congratulations to all the DyNamo Gymnasts who represented Sligo so proudly achieving fantastic scores and overall team results.

DyNamo's Grade 4 Take 1st Place

DyNamo Gymnasts in action at National Finals

DyNamo Grade 3 Team take 1st Place

DyNamo pair claim highest score in Grade 6

All things sport at my stature, my endurance base.

Left to Right, Patrick Tuohy, Adrian Barrett, Declan Brennan, Brian Tivnan, and Missing Keelan Watters,

By Kate Winter

P

at Tuohy is one of five PE teachers at Summerhill College in Sligo. He talks to us about its rich sporting history, the benefits of exercise and routine for students and his hopes for the future of the school.

What’s your own background, in terms of sport an education?

I’m from Castlebar, I went to St

Geralds and Davitt College. It was a good mix for my initial education. When I finished secondary school, I worked for a year in the swimming pool in Castlebar as a lifeguard and I also coached a club, to give back to the sport. After that, I did a year in Tiglin National Adventure centre in Wicklow, doing a course in Outdoor Pursuits. From there I went to England and did a diploma in recreation Management, and it

was from there I went to Jordanstown to study PE. I took the long road!

I was a competitive swimmer all my life, and it was an era of over-training. We did an awful lot and really we were just burning ourselves out.

Swimming was my main sport, but mostly because no other sport could fit in around the hours we piled in to the training for that. It did give me great timekeeping, and it gave me

How long have you been here at Summerhill?

Fifteen years, since 2000. I worked in Belfast for a few years before coming here. One of the first things I did, and the reason I know a good bit about the history of sport in the school is that when I arrived I went into the staff room of the old building and noticed that it was full of Irish pennants of golf and soccer and I wondered, “Who was it that won all these?” so I set about finding pictures and lining the corridors with them.

For the last ten years it’s been a project of mine and I still have a lot to get. But now the sporting history of the school is in the corridor. You walk down the corridors and you’ll find a photo of David Pugh playing against Pele. You’ll find Mattie McDonagh, one of the greatest Connaught players ever, his 1966 jersey which he told his wife to be sure that Summerhill got when he passed away.

These kind of things are special and they create a good feeling. It’s important for people to be recognised.

What has Summerhill traditionally excelled at in terms of sport?

Everything, to be honest! And it has done so because there are so many people giving of their free time to support and help out. This is all evenings and early

Summerhill Kayack Club on the Ballisodare river. Front Ciaran Kennedy, Sean Kennedy, Diarmuid Brennan and teaher Mr. Alan Moore

mornings and weekends, really.

Take last year, we won the league and championship with the under 16 basketball team, the senior basketball team got to the All Ireland final, the senior gaelic team got to the championship final, and for the first time in the history of the school, our senior rubgy team got to the Connacht Cup Final.

That’s top level at three sports, in one year!

What changes would you like to see in the way PE is approached in schools?

In Ireland there’s a junior cycle program, but the senior system is limited. Fifth years have just four recreational classes a term and sixth years have nothing at all. We are working towards changing that.

The thing is, especially at a senior level, you’re actually putting habits in place for life.

It’s not just for school it’s for life, and that has to be valued. You can be completely academic but that’s not everything.

According to the theory of multiple intelligences, humans have eight forms of intelligence and sport hits on five of those, as opposed to academics which actually only use three. I guess that’s where you get the fully rounded person.

What are the main benefits of PE for students?

They’re developing interpersonal skills in a huge way.

Summerhill College

First year class St. Fiachra in Physical eduation class in Basketball on new outdoor courts You ask any young person why they are doing sport and they are going to tell you, no doubt about it, it’s the bonds and the relationships they develop. It improves posture, confidence, interpersonal skills, communication, problem solving, dealing with criticism, there’s so many benefits.

Exercise releases endorphins which is good for your health. If you don’t release those regularly it can affect your mental health and even cause anti-social behaviour. And boys certainly need exercise and sport and timetabling to improve their mood and their focus.

Outdoor pursuits improve not only kids’ appreciation of nature, but also general ability to cope with whatever life might throw at them. The chances of such kids knowing what they want to do by the time Leaving Cert comes around are much higher than those who don’t get involved in such extra-curricular activities.

How can parents encourage less active kids to get involved in sports, if they just don’t seem that interested?

I love seeing adults out and about being active but what I really like to see is a whole family active together and there is so many opportunities for this in Sligo. It is really important for parents to make exercise a normal part of every family week. This contributes to a balanced happy family environment. By encouraging an active lifestyle you’re giving your children a precious gift. I’ve seen parents get involved in local clubs who sometimes seem to be getting more out of it than the kids!

What does the future hold for the school and its sporting culture?

It’s important that people get involved. Past pupils and adults with some time on their hands can be so valuable to the school. We need people, and the more involvement the

better. It is great when past pupils help with coaching and mentoring. It builds a stronger school community. If you’re going to have a balanced sports curriculum. It benefits every area of the school.

We also need to fundraise for facilities, especially an allweather pitch. Facilities can make all the difference when it comes to performance. When I started here it wasn’t unusual for the cows to still be in the field where we were training, you really had to watch your step! As soon as we had somewhere proper to practice, the teams started doing so much better. Sligo Rovers are very good to us, they let us use their all-weather pitch in the evenings, and tonight we’ve got kids training there and in Cleveragh because our pitches are out of action for at least five months of every academic year. It’s definitely something we need to be looking at for our future, and we have some plans underway already.

Transition year students can do a foundation course in Gaelic, Soccer, Basketball, Rugby and Athletics and then use their knowledge teaching in primary school and Sligo clubs each year. Photo is the foundation course in Gaelic with Gaa development officer Liam Og Gormaly

Senior Gaelic and Basketball Cian Lally reaching high for the ball

Free Students 7am Gym Club every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the Academic year

Past pupil Paraic Mc Munn presenting Principal Paul Keogh framed photo of the Summerhill senior relay team winning the all Ireland 4 x 100m Senior relay in Ballinasloe in 1962. Team members Paraic Mc Munn, Anthony Brophy, Michael Keane and Val O'Brien

30

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Pregnancy and Exercise

I

t can be confusing to know how much or what kind of exercise you should be doing while pregnant and it is important to try to keep your body in good shape so that you can support your body and your baby’s growth.

Maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout and after your pregnancy can help you stay healthy, feel your best, help prevent gestational diabetes, relieve stress, and improve self-image whilst building stamina needed for labour and delivery. The safest activities during pregnancy are swimming, Aqua aerobics, brisk walking, indoor stationary cycling, and step or elliptical machines which carry little risk of injury, benefit your entire body, and can be continued until birth.

Aqua Aerobics which has both the benefit of gentle exercise and support for your body is the ideal activity to partake in during pregnancy.

Some of the joints become more mobile during pregnancy, particularly in the pelvis, so it is very important to be careful not to overdo it. Many experts believe the buoyancy of water with exercise can reduce the impact to your joints by 85% and thus reducing the risk of injury. Exercise in water makes your muscles work harder, burning more fat and toning them faster than land based exercise. Each exercise uses the resistance of water making it more intense the faster you

move and in turn burning more calories. Aqua Aerobics can burn up to 11 calories a minute which is better than jogging on land which only burns 6-8 calories per minute. Aqua aerobics also has a cooling effect on the body as you are working out in the water, your body is not sweating as much to cool the muscles down. This means there is less chance of you becoming dehydrated during your workout. However, it is still important to drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your workout to make sure you are not risking dehydration.

You may be more dehydrated than you realise because the water has been keeping you cool. Aqua Aerobics is

available three days per week at HealthStyles Leisure Club and is included free in all precious cargo and special delivery memberships.

Fitness and well-being during and after pregnancy is a very important part of healthy parenthood. As new parents it is important to give your baby the right start in life, and by taking part in regular exercise you can educate your children from an early age the importance of health and fitness Regular exercise during pregnancy helps to better prepare women for labour, delivery, and offers long-term benefits for the baby. One of the major prevailing issues for new mums in our society is returning to a healthy weight after birth.

Exercise during pregnancy is proven to reduce the risk of obesity in mums after delivery and Precious Cargo and Special Delivery Fitness will help you to safely return to a healthy weight in the months after birth.

It is very important to remember that returning to exercise should only be advised by your health care provider but in normal circumstances a minimum of 12 weeks after birth is the recommended length of time your body needs to recuperate after birth.

Returning to exercise earlier

than recommended may harm or hinder your ability to return to your pre pregnancy weight and we always advise new mums to take their time before getting back in the gym and enjoy the precious time while baby is so small.

Although some mums can continue to exercise as they had prior to becoming pregnant it is not advisable for every expectant mum to continue it at the same pace so you should speak to your healthcare provider.It is also important to speak to your healthcare provider before you take part in any exercise during pregnancy and prior to returning after delivery.

Healthstyles Leisure Club offers a unique membership package that provides a plan, advice, support and a host of free and discounted benefits for expectant mums. Lorraine Kearns Leisure Club Manager and Mum of three children is there to advise you on your exercise plan.

“I know exactly how expectant and new mums are feeling; I’ve been through that feeling of elation of a pending new arrival quickly followed by morning sickness, tiredness, feeling bloated…and nothing to wear to mention just a few.

The pressure on women to look amazing during and after pregnancy is particularly

Healthstyles Leisure Club, at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo offers Precious Cargo and Special Delivery Fitness, With the support of the Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnerships “Want2Move” initiative, which involves the North Sligo Primary Care Team, Community Health Forum and the Health Service Executive. stressful. Celebrities appearing in fantastic shape after what seems a very short time after giving birth puts us under immense personal pressure to look the way we did before having our babies….it is not easy but you can get there!!

Give yourself time to enjoy the precious moments while baby is so small and when you’re ready come out to Healthstyles I can help you on that journey ” Both precious cargo and special delivery fitness are specifically designed for pregnant women, new mums and dads or partners in mind.

Healthstyles Leisure Club is delighted to have the support of the Sligo Sport and Recreation partnership through the “Want2Move” initiative which involves the North Sligo Primary Care team, Community Health Forum and the Health Service Executive.

We invite any expectant or new mums, dads or partners to contact us for advice or more information about Precious Cargo and Special Delivery Fitness.

For more information or booking call Lorraine on 071 91 92429 Email: lorraine.kearns@radissonblu.com Facebook: Healthstyles leisure club radisson sligo Healthstyles Leisure club opening hours: Monday to Friday 7am -10pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 8am-8pm

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

The Mill Centre, Coolaney, Co. Sligo Email: themillpharmacy@outlook.com Tel: 071-9133587

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

A Man’s World “I kill a man and most people forgive me. However, I love a man and many say this makes me an evil person.” Donald McRae tells the story of Emile Griffith, a welterweight world champion who struggled to conceal his homosexuality in a socially conservative 1960s America. When his great rival Benny Paret taunted him ahead of their third and final bout, Griffith was so enraged he pounded the Cuban into unconsciousness. He never woke up.

The World of Cycling According to G Sit back or saddle up as double Olympic gold medallist and multiple world champion Geraint Thomas gives you a warts-and-all insight into the life of a pro cyclist.

Along the way he reveals cycling’s clandestine codes and secret stories, tales from the peloton, the key characters like Wiggins, Hoy and Cav, the pivotal races and essential etiquette.

Geraint Thomas is treasured for treating his sport just as the rest of us see it: not a job but an escape and an adventure.

He’s been with Team Sky since its inception, and is one of our most successful and gifted track and road riders, but Geraint reminds us that getting on the bike still puts a smile on your face and fire in the legs like nothing else.

Funny, informative, diverting and droll, this is a joyful celebration of the world of cycling.

Commitment: My Autobiography The story of one of the most recognisable and successful players in world football. Didier Drogba is renowned for his heading ability, sharp shooting and sheer strength. He has played for his native Ivory Coast and for clubs in France, China and Turkey, but it is as a Chelsea striker that he is best known. His feats with Chelsea have made him a cult hero among supporters. In Didier Drogba’s honest and revealing autobiography he will talk about life as an immigrant in Paris, the importance of his education and how finding success later than most professional footballers has kept him grounded. In 2012 Didier was voted Chelsea’s greatest ever player. He talks from a privileged behindthe-scenes position about tactics and how he felt mentally and physically as well as anecdotes from the dressing room. Didier provides unique insight into important and controversial matches from the first trophy he won with them in 2005 to the Premier League title a decade later; as well as what persuaded him to stay when he was at his lowest ebb. Away from football Drogba has been widely applauded for his involvement in trying to broker peace in the Ivorian civil war - he is a UN Goodwill Ambassador and does a huge amount of work with the Didier Drogba Foundation - Time magazine named him one of the world’s 100 most influential people. Go behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge and find out about life on and off the field for this humble Chelsea hero.

Dan Carter: The Autobiography of an All Blacks Legend Dan Carter’s last game as an All Black culminated with him declared Man of the Match following the 2015 Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham - an unforgettable ending to the career of the greatest fly-half of all time. But along with the triumphs of his signature World Cup win, his performance against the Lions in 2005, and an unprecedented run of Bledisloe Cup successes, there was also the pain and doubt he felt during a prolonged period of injury and rehab following the 2011 World Cup. He watched that victory from the sidelines, as he had the All Blacks’ defeats in two previous tournaments. Indeed, heading into the 2015 World Cup he had never finished the competition on his own terms. His autobiography tells of that redemption, and gets you up close and personal with one of the most celebrated sportsmen of our time. Threaded throughout the book is an intimate diary of his final year as a Crusader and All Black, during which he worked tirelessly to make one last run at that elusive goal: a World Cup victory achieved on the field. Dan Carter’s autobiography is essential reading for all sports fans.

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Guy Martin: When You Dead, You Dead: My Adventures as a Road Racing Truck Fitter ‘The maddest 12 months of my life. The journey starts with an oddball race up an American mountain and ends with me checking myself out of hospital with a broken back. Again...’ As Guy Martin’s grandfather Voldemars frequently reminded him,’When you dead, you dead.’ So, before it’s all over, Guy Martin is making the most of the time he’s got. In this past year alone, Guy has raced the Isle of Man TT and finished on the podium; bike trekked through India; competed in solo 24-hour bicycles races; flown a stunt plane; broken a go-kart speed record down a French mountain and dusted himself off after a dramatic crash at the Dunrod 150 Superbike race.

And he’s done all this around his day job as a truck mechanic. But let Guy tell you about it himself: “This book starts in a Transit, ends in a Transit, and in between I’ve raced a few pushbikes, raced a few motorbikes and got a fair few stories to tell you.” (Spot on).

1001 Walks: You Must Experience Before You Die - 1001

The white heat ‘His commitment, determination and never say die attitude were plainly visible every time he took to the pitch. These were the days that he enjoyed most.

The days that defined him.’ Éamonn Fitzmaurice, Manager Kerry Senior Team When Tomás Ó Sé retired from the Kerry senior panel in 2013, he did so as one of the longest-serving players in intercountry history and one of its most prolific winners. But his drive and determination weren’t forged in a vacuum: they came from growing up in a family and place where Gaelic football was all that mattered. For Tomás and his brothers Marc and Darragh, football always came first - each of them inspired by the larger-than-life personality of their uncle Páidí, the talisman of Kerry’s fabled team of the early 1980s. In his memoir, an account of his upbringing and time in the Championship cauldron competing alongside and against the sport’s modern greats, Tomás writes candidly about life as a member of Ireland’s greatest sporting dynasty.

1001 Walks You Must Experience Before You Die features wide-ranging, carefully chosen routes varying from the rugged delights of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path to the wilderness of Jamaica, and the Harz Witches’ Trail high up in the German mountains.

The hand-picked excursions take in mountain passes, woodland paths, ancient Native-American trails, and much more. There are easy walks for beginners-some lasting barely an hour - and more demanding challenges that may take several weeks to complete. Every fact-packed entry provides a wealth of information about a must-try walk, including essential details about its start and finish points, overall distance, difficulty rating, maps, and the time it should take to complete. In short, 1001 Walks You Must Experience Before You Die is an essential reference book and guide for all those who love to get out of their cars, get off their bikes, and lace up their walking shoes.

Dub Sub Confidential by John Leonard A GAA memoir like no other. John Leonard was a gifted Gaelic football goalkeeper who had the misfortune to reach his prime at the same time, and in the same county, as one of the all-time greats: Stephen Cluxton. Unless something happened to Clucko, Leonard was always going to be number 2. Of course, it didn’t help that he had a problem with drink and drugs ... Dub Sub Confidential is John Leonard’s vivid, witty and searingly honest account of his life in and out of sport. He was both a committed Dub and a sceptical observer of the goings on in the dressingroom and on the training pitch.

He writes about the players and the mentors, and about the oddity of being part of the GAA’s biggest circus while never expecting to get on the pitch.

And he writes brilliantly about the demons that led him to addiction, his efforts for many years to party hard and train hard, and his eventual breakthrough to sobriety. Dub Sub Confidential is a GAA memoir like no other yet published - a book about how Gaelic games collide with real life. It is also a brilliant read from a remarkable personality. ‘Reads likeFear and Loathing in Las

Vegas ...a great read’Ray D’Arcy, RTE Radio 1 ‘Asfascinatingas its insights into the Dublin dressing room and the big matchdays are, to reduce Dub Sub Confidential to being just a sports or GAA book is to do it an injustice; it is anastonishing, exceptional, visceralaccount of a confused young man’Irish Examiner ‘ Remarkable... a stark and searingly honest memoir’the42.ie ‘Students of Gaelic football will be intrigued by his account of the rivalry with Cluxton, arguably the most important player of modern times’- Sunday Times

Running like a Girl If you hate running but you still want to do it then this book is for you!

Whether you’re a camogie player who needs stronger legs or someone just dreaming of a fitter 2016 Alexandra’s got the right motivation.

The opening chapters as she learns about pacing herself, buying the right shoes (seriously, if you can afford a night out you can get better shoes) and slowly falls in love with running are some of the best I’ve read on motivation. How running changes her relationship with her dad is just lovely to read.

Her tips for running a marathon are gold including dealing with your period, and whether or not to wear make-up. Reading the book feels like talking to your big sister; a big sister who’s fitter and faster than you but really, really wants you to be as good as her!

Mountain: A Life on the Rocks Steve Backshall has been climbing since his teens and has a genuine love affair with the mountains, and with an environment that has the power to make a human being feel very small, very vulnerable and very alive.

MOUNTAIN - A LIFE ON THE ROCKS is the dramatic account of a life of daring, a narrative peppered with memorable anecdotes. In 2008 Steve broke his back climbing in Wales. It gave him the motivation to contend with his devils and seek new challenges. His gripping memoir flashes back to his advanced Himalayan mountaineer qualification with the Indian army, surrounded by soaring lammergeiers (which the Tibetans use to crunch down the bones of their dead and bear their spirits skywards), chough and ravens. It also describes the first ascent of Mount Kuli in the Bornean rainforest in search of new species of animals, and tells of the traumas and neardeath experiences Steve went through summiting this menacing peak.

He tells of Karakoram, and the foothills around K2, the world’s secondhighest mountain, and the other Himalayan challenges of Lhotse and Cho Oyu, and of his climbing companion’s fall into a crevasse on the trail of a snow leopard. Another marvellous episode is the first ascent of the Venezuelan sandstone massif, Tepuis, and sleeping out on the rockface for five days. MOUNTAIN - A LIFE ON THE ROCKS is both a quest and a wonderfully absorbing autobiography by one of Britain’s most intrepid climbers.

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

BEWARE OF WHY YOU’RE AIMING FOR WHAT YOU’RE AIMING FOR IN 2016

By John Graham

I

t’s so common to see high profile sports stars lives hit the skids when they stop competing.

Loss of identity, boredom, insecurity are all reported.

Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard famously quoted, “Nothing could satisfy me outside the ring… there is nothing in life that can compare to becoming a world champion, having your hand raised in that moment of glory, with thousands, millions of people cheering you on.” Leonard was a man who made many comebacks in between bouts of depression, trying to regain that feeling of glory.

The list goes on with Frank Bruno, Paul Gascoigne & more recently Ian Thorpe openly talking about their struggles after retirement.

In my eyes, without knowing the backgrounds of these individuals, so many sportspeople could make the adjustment out of competitive sport and the spotlight more smoothly.

Simply by being educated on where their experience is coming from.

Why am I bringing this up?

Well we are now moving into

Paul Gascoigne

the time of year where people are starting to set their goals for the year. Maybe starting something new, improving at something or maybe giving something another shot.

This is great, don’t get me wrong, but before you set off in your new runners have a think about the following: What ever it is you would like to get in your life, its not the achievement that’s giving you the good feelings of happiness, confidence, satisfaction. You’re thinking in the moment that gives you the experience (I’m not talking about endorphins here).

You might get a burst of pride for example when you complete the Metal Man swim series and that’s great.

However if your looking externally for something internal, I almost guarantee, once its done you will be looking for the next thing to provide you with that feeling.

The search will never end.

It’s very common for me to work with people who put far to much pressure on the end goal being achieved.

Normally I find through coaching, that the reason for this is that they believe their future positive feeling rides on achievement.

Going into something with the added stress that your confidence hangs on the

balance of achieving your goal is not conducive with peak performance.

For some people it can have the opposite effect leading to fear, lack of self worth disappointment etc.

With that in mind I’d like to look at the difference between intention and goals.

With a goal there’s a mind made definition of success and failure. This is fine if its external success like finishing in a certain position or getting a certain time. However if we feel that if we achieve, life will be better in some way, this is really dangerous. If we don’t achieve, we can create feelings of failure, unworthiness and self doubt.

Examples of poorly formed goals that I’ve heard from clients would be: “I’ll be e.g. happy/confident/calm when I achieve (the goal)” “Until I achieve (the goal) I wont be able to feel happy/confident/calm” “If I don’t do (the goal) now I’ll never feel happy/confident/calm” “I think I should do (goal) to help me feel happy/confident/calm”

Intention is where we follow a dream and do it for the passion of doing it. Nothing is attached to the outcome, we do it to follow of feeling of

Sugar Ray Leonard

desire, creativity, the enjoyment. It’s a natural path we would like to explore, happy to push our boundaries.

For example we learn to walk and talk from a place of intention. Its something we are born to do. If parents start testing kids on their walking skills, set stretch goals on how many steps they should have by a certain time and gave the toddlers clear signals of what success and failure was to achieve you can probably imagine the results.

Once we take away the fear and work through authentic desire we can start to be more specific with our goals and targets and plans.

From a place of no fear we are far more likely to achieve more, naturally.

From this place we are more likely to work from a place of being in flow, clarity or in the zone.

Like the sportsmen I mentioned at the start. The only way your confidence happiness, self worth or what ever your looking for can be damaged, is if you are looking for it from somewhere outside yourself.

Understand where you experience is coming from and your performance and more importantly your enjoyment will go through the roof.

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

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

CSGC PRIZE GIVING

Lynns Dock, Sligo • Tel: 071-9157830

BEDS • SANDING • FLOORING

Laminate Floors Only €5.99 sqyd

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Sligo Triathlon Club T

he club hosted our AGM last night. We had a sizable attendance of approximately 60 members. We managed to select a new board after a brave heart speech from the mouse.

Congratulations to Robert

Stallard (Chair), Sean Carleton (Secretary), Elane Garreth (Treasurer), John Graham (PRO), Jenny Algar (Training Coordinator), Tom (Vice Chair), Sandra Draper (Social Officer?) and Myra Mc D ( Children Officer). We are in safe hands for

the coming years. Thanks again to the previous board for their trojan work in 2015. Lots of interesting discussions last night on streamlining and they had noting to do with swimming. We also have our race committees sorted out in 2015 with Fergal

Henry, Cecilia Mc Guiness and Caoimhe Ni Murchu looking after the sprint race & David Gormley, Kevin O Donnell, Ross Mc Lynn & Colm Casey looking after the Olympic race incorporating the super series draft legal races. Please any

Best progress award 2015 Tom Heneghan

Club Olympic distance champ 2015, Kev O'Donnell

Club person of the year 2015 Carmel Mullaney

Female Olympic champ 2015 Saoirse O'Donoghue

Half Iron Champ 2015 Paul Rutherford

Mr flexible/yoga 2015 Barry Cosgrove

members who are not involved in the committees we need your help volunteering during the year and helping out with marshaling at races. If everyone gives a couple of hours it will make the committee jobs a lot easier.

Female Half Iron STC award for 2016 Cathy McCarthy

Sligo Martial Arts Academy New Lady Captain at County Sligo Golf Club Carmel McGrath the new CSGC Lady Captain for 2016 comes from a family of very prominent

A recent Self defence course completed with Sligo Grammar school 6th years with a great group of students

golfers. Her Dad, Jimmy, and Mum, Frances, are members for over 30 years and have encouraged all their children Gerard, James and Raymond to play golf.

Carmel, however, was the black sheep in the family and only took to the fairways in the last ten years. Carmel attributes her involvement in golf to the persistent encouragement of her mother Frances.

Carmel’s husband Mike and children David, Cal and Emily are also keen golfers and will be giving her huge support on the

A Happy and Peaceful Christmas and Healthy New Year to all our neighbours, friends and customers Cllr.

EAMON SCANLON & Eamon Scanlon Auctioneers

Mobile: 087-6803660 • The Rock, Ballymote, County Sligo • Email: escanlonmcc@eircom.net

Drive-in on New Year’s Day. Once Carmel took up golf she became totally involved in the Lady’s Club and was the Junior Convenor for three years even representing CSGC on the Junior Girls Connacht Committee.

Carmel has had many roles including Marketing on the Management Committee and Teams Co-ordinator in 2015.

Carmel will bring her super organisational skills to the Ladies Club in the year ahead and has great plans to expand the Social side of the club. We wish her every success in the year ahead.

The Village

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Ballisodare

70%

30%

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WE ARE MOVING! STOCK CLEARANCE BIG DISCOUNTS

Ladies & Men Outdoor Wear / Men Clothing Top Quality Brands – Great Value!

Enjoy your Christmas Shopping with us and take a break in our cozy Coffee Shop. Home baked cakes and homemade lunches and sandwiches all worth to indulge

Fleeces and Waterproof Jackets

The Village, Town & Country Clothing – Gifts & Crafts – Coffee Shop Main Street, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo | Tel: 071 916 74 17 | email: thevillagefashion@hotmail.com Opening times: Monday to Friday – 10am - 6pm | Saturday – 10am – 6pm | Sunday closed!

3 FREE Vouchers with Sanovitae Membership Get a voucher for a complimentary night in our 4* Hotel PLUS a voucher for a complimentary meal for two PLUS a voucher for a complimentary Spa Treatment With any membership worth €150 or more

Ideal as gifts for Christmas or Birthdays, or just treat yourself

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70% 50%

We have 19 years of proffesional experience in diagnostics and repairs of any type of vehicles, trucks, vans, cars, motorbikes etc.

• The prices we offer are competitive take a look in our price list • We provide you with courtesy car if longer work is required

Offer Valid 10th Nov - 31st Dec 2015 Sample Voucher

Terms and Conditions Apply. Contact Staff for full terms and conditions

Sanovitae Health & Spa Clarion Hotel, Sligo • Tel: 071-9119037 sanovitae@clarionhotelsligo.com

Pre Nct Testing Starting from €35 • Diagnostics Each diagnostic service €35 Tyres - All Brands And Sizes / Puncture Repairs/ 4 Wheel Alignment / Wheel Balancing MG Motors, Unit 8, Toberbride Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo Telephone: 071 916 7948 •Mobile: 085-1001838 www.mgmotors.ie • Email: mgmotorssligo@yahoo.com Open: Monday to Friday 11am to 7pm / Saturday 11am to 5pm

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SPORTS HALL ATHLETICS COMPETITION

The Sligo County Athletics Board organised a Sports Hall Athletic competition in the IT Sligo Knocknarea Arena. This was attended by around 250 aspiring young athletes, ranging from 7 to 10 years of age, from Sligo AC, North Sligo AC, Corran AC, Tireragh

AC and South Sligo AC. There was a feast of athletics on view in an array of events ranging from shuttle runs, hurdles, obstacle relay, speed bounce and medicine ball passing. The emphasis was solely on fun and participation though the large crowd of spectators were

still provided with many keenly contested races at the well organised event. Well done to all the coaches,athletes,parents and helpers and a special mention to our own Anne McHugh for her time and effort. A great night was had by all.

Sligo Rovers Season Tickets available

S

eason Tickets for the 2016 season are available now! With new manager Dave Robertson in place and squad building underway all focus shifts to the big kick-off of the new season on March 4. And this year there is more reasons than ever to be a part of the Bit o’Red. • We are giving away 300 FREE Super Reds membership for their children between the ages of 5 and 12.

• All adult Season Ticket holders will get two free ‘bring a friend’ tickets allowing you to bring a friend to any league game during the season for no charge.

• A monthly draw will be held giving away prizes exclusively to our Season Ticket holders.

As well as this all of our prices remain frozen or reduced from last year.

Early Bird Again we are giving discounts to those who but their Season Ticket early. Get your season ticket before the December 24th deadline to avail of major savings.

You can save up to 20% by buying early.

Benefits • Reserve you own seat at The Showgrounds with a Golden Seaton ticket.

• See every league game in 2016 for just €12.50 per game.

• Avail of discounts for our club shop. • Great savings with family season tickets.

• Prizes will be won every month in our new draws.

• Bring your kids for FREE with Super Reds membership.

Prices Adult Early bird €200, Full Price €230 Two adult family ticket Early Bird €375, Full Price €410 OAP/Concession**** Early Bird €120, Full Price €150 Second level student Early Bird €60, Full Price €70 Third level student*** Early Bird €120, Full Price €150 Super Reds (First 300, €45 after)FREE Gold** Early Bird €270, Normal Price €300, OAP Gold** Early Bird €190, Full Price €220 * Early Bird prices valid until 24th Dec @ 2pm. ** Entitles ticket holder to reserve a seat in the main stand for the season for SSE Airtricity League games only. *** Student Applications must be accompanied by valid student ID. **** Concession applications must be accompanied by Social Welfare Card Super Reds In 2016 we are giving away 300

Super Reds memberships for FREE. That means that if your child is aged between 5 and 12 they can go to every home league game for free and get many more benefits including: • A signed birthday card from their favourite player • 10% off voucher for the club shop to be used against a single transaction (Not to be used on season tickets).

• Photo opportunity with Benny the Bull with photo given to child in a presentation card.

Super Reds need to be under 12 on the 31st October 2016 and that proof of age (copy of birth cert or passport) must be produced. Super Reds must always be accompanied to a game by an adult.

How to buy • The Showgrounds office • Phone 071-9171212 • Our Christmas shop (coming soon) • Any of the following outlets: • Barton Smiths, Sligo • Collerys Menswear, Sligo • Collerys, Beltra • Gerry Kenny Sport, Ballina • Gillespies Sports, Tubercurry • Grennan Electric, Boyle • John Lowe, Carrick • Lavins Menswear, Ballymote • Tansey’s Centra, Gurteen • Tony Quinn, Cliffoney

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

UEFA payment for 2016 confirmed The Bit o’ Red can confirm that the club will next year receive a payment from UEFA as a result of Financial Fair Play.

Rovers, Derry City, Dundalk and St Patrick's Athletic will each receive €38,970 through UEFA's Financial Fair Play Payments Redistribution system for the 2014/15 season.

This is a redistribution of monies withheld from other clubs who competed in European competition in the 2014/15 season and breached the Financial Fair Play rules.

The club had been aware of the forthcoming payment since earlier in the year and has been factored into the 2016 budget.

Club secretary Brendan Lacken said: "We are very pleased to welcome the UEFA payment from the FFP. It will be a timely boost when arriving early next year."

Golf News The Council of National Golf Unions Limited (CONGU) has announced that the Unified Handicapping System has been revised. Among the most significant changes in the 2016 edition of the manual are the following: • Dates – The handicap year will now follow the calendar year,1 January to 31 December, and a player’s handicap will be based on scores returned within that period • Four Ball Better Ball Handicap Allowance: In both stroke play and match play the back marker now concedes strokes to the other 3 players based on 90% of the difference between the full handicaps rather than 75% (3/4) as at present • Reinstatement of Handicap Status: The reinstatement of a competition status handicap requires a player to submit 3 qualifying scores (which could be 18 hole competitions, 9 hole competitions or Supplementary Scores both home and/or away) • Continuous Handicap Review: To assist with this process there will now be a computer generated report which highlights those players with 7 consecutive 0.1 increases. Handicap Committees are now recommended to review the performance of such players and to give due consideration to applying a handicap increase where applicable or required.

• Exact Handicaps: In Ireland lowest exact handicap is now restricted to 1.0 stroke increase in a calendar year.

Ursuline Hockey Update The U.16 hockey team took on The Jes in Galway today in the semi final of the A league. The Ursuline got off to a great start after a fantastic move down the left saw Eimear McCallion score from a tight angle.

However, the Jes got into the game as the half progressed and managed to grab an equaliser just before half time. Despite having the greater possession throughout the match, the Ursuline girls failed to convert any other opportunities and with 7 minutes left the Jes got the winner. Well done to all the girls on a fantastic league campaign. Now that we have our new AstroTurf we look forward to improving our performances over the coming weeks and months.

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

MICHAEL SCHLINGERMANN RETURNS TO THE SHOWGROUND

Photograph: Gary Carr/Inpho

S

ligo Rovers are delighted to announce Michael Schlingermann as Dave Robertson’s first signing.

The keeper returns to where he started his career at The Showgrounds having left in 2009 with one appearance.

Since then the Mayoman has established himself as one of the top keepers’ in the league and was named in the PFAI Team of the Year for his performances this year with Drogheda United.

After initially joining Athlone Town from Rovers he signed for Drogheda in 2012 following a short stint with Monaghan United.

He was part of the Drogheda team that finished as runner-up in all three domestic cup competitions in 2013, including the FAI Cup to Rovers.

He was an ever-present with Drogheda last season playing every minute of the league season and has a total 134 career appearances.

Schlingermann joins John Russell, Regan Donelon and Gary Boylan in Dave Robertson’s squad for 2016 so far.

He will be unveiled at a press conference at Connolly’s Volkswagen this Thursday.

The 2015 PFAI keeper of the year comes from Drogheda United and puts pen to paper at The Showgrounds.

He gave his reaction to joining the Bit o’Red: “I am delighted to be signing with Rovers.

Last season was disappointing for me so I was looking to get sorted as soon as possible. As soon as Dave rang me I got excited about coming here. It’s coming back home and to a big club in Sligo Rovers so it’s great.”

Schlingermann started his career with Rovers six years ago making one first team appearance against Bohemians: “I was here when I was 17 and I made my debut under Paul Cook. It was then that I built a hunger to play football because I had been playing GAA as well up until then. My time here was a big part of the decision to stick with football and it’s worked out really well for me. “After leaving I went to Athlone,

initially it was just to be for a year and come back but it went so well and I became number one so I stayed. From there I worked my way up the league and I had two and a half great seasons with Drogheda. But it’s time to come home.”

While 2015 seen the Mayo keeper receive many personal accolades it ended with the disappointment of relegation for his team, that’s something he wants to change next year: “It was a great year for me personally last year but it was disappointing for the team.

The aim for me this year is to keep up the performances but with a team that is up there competing in the league and for cups. I know that’s what Sligo Rovers fans will want.

We will want to bounce back from last year and hopefully I can be a big part of that.”

Schlingermann also spoke of how impressed he was with new Rovers manager Dave Robertson and credited him with his decision to sign: “Everything he said made me want to sign even more. It was a big decision to leave a full-time job, I had been made to feel like a local in Castleknock. But Dave was a big part of that decision. He made the move even more attractive and appealing. I would have been foolish to say no.”

Manager Dave Robertson expressed his delight at making Micheal Schlingermann the first addition to his Rovers squad for 2016.

He feels Schlingermann fits the mould of the type of players he wants at The Showgrounds and he is working hard to bring more.

“He was one that I wanted and targeted very early on. It’s important that we have the right type of players here and he fits that.

I like his professionalism and his performances last year speaks for itself being voted in the team of the year. It shows the standard and calibre of player that we want to bring here.

“I identified goalkeeper as a position I wanted to strengthen. We will get a

number two as well who will provide cover but I have brought him here to be the number one.”

Robertson said that though there was other clubs chasing the keeper the right fit for him is at The Showgrounds: “There

was competition for his signature but the thing that impressed me most from my conversations with him is that he wants to keep progressing in his career. He still wants to learn and improve as a player.

He is someone I think can bring a lot to our dressing room.

“He has got experience but he is also still quite young and has the hunger and desire to improve and that fits the bill exactly with what I want. I am delighted to secure his services and I think he will be a key part of our team for the 2016 season. People can often overlook the value of a good keeper but they can give you 12 extra points in a league season and that is what I think Micheal will do.

“I want players who have commitment and desire to play for the badge, that the very least the fans should be ask to expect. He will bring professionalism and a hunger and desire to succeed to the squad.”

The new manager also gave an update on the progress in addition more players to the squad which he expects to do soon: “There is plenty of work going on behind the scenes. I am talking to players and agents on a daily basis.

The key factor is that I don’t want to rush into making any panic signings. I am clear on the type of player I want at the club and that is what I will look to sign.

Cleveragh, Sligo 071 9160539 • email: regsport@gmail.com Find us on facebook - Sligo Sports Complex

• 25 metre swimming pool • Childrens Pool • Steam room • Gymnasium • Air Conditioned Changing Facilities Astra Turf Pitches

Aqua Aerobics Monday @7pm Wednesday @6pm Circuit Training 6.45pm on Tuesday & Thursday Get in Shape after the festive season at Sligo Regional Sports centre with our monthly membership or if you prefer pay as you go!

Why not lose weight and tone up at our circuit classes or in the pool at Aqua Aerobics. Learn to swim with both Adult and Children’s swimming Lessons available.

We are also offering facilities for Birthday Parties at very low rates

HOCKEY 40

BLITZ SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Photos by ©Brendamccallion.com

Over 100 1st years from the Ursuline,Mercy and Grammar took part in a friendly hockey blitz on Friday 27th November. The weather wasn’t that kind but it didn’t stop the players from having a great time.

Well done to all and many thanks to the Ursuline TYs who helped out on the day.

West of Ireland Training Team Meeting Your Mandatory Training Needs Receive all you mandatory training with one provider saving you time and money

Courses include: • Defibrillator training • 3 day Occupational First Aid (QQI Level 5) • 1 day Occupational First Aid refresher • Basic First Aid • Paediatric First • CPR , AED

- IMT Services covers a wide range of courses to suit the mandatory training needs for the sporting sector

Contact Carmel on 0879211517 or email info@imtservices.ie • visit www.imtservices.ie for other courses available

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

MICHAEL MORAN Car Sales and Service Pontoon Road, Ross, Castlebar Come and See for Yourself Our Selection of Cars - Fully NCT’d and Ready to Go

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Tel: 094-9022322 or 086-8341196

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

BELEEK 10K RUN SLIGO AC CHRISTMAS PARTY

Congrats to Seamus Somers who bounced back from the disappointment of missing the Dublin Marathon to finish 2nd in the Belleek 10k in Ballina in 34.46.

A great run by Damien Kennedy saw him finish in 3rd place in a new PB 36.11.

A great night was had by all with many awards given out on the night. Storm Desmond didn't deter these partygoers...

Club Sligo members draw winners November and December Club Sligo Members Draw November 1st € 1,000 Ronald Brennan, Greenfort, Sligo 2nd € 250 Sean McKeon, Dublin 3rd € 100 Damien Tansey, Wine St, Sligo 4th € 100 Frankie & Robert Carr, Australia 5th € 100 Edmund O’Mahony, Rosses Point, Sligo 6th € 100 Liam Henry Cold Chon, Sligo 7th € 100 Joe & Mary Kilcoyne, Tubbercurry 8th € 100 John McCormack, McCormacks Fuels, Sligo Club Sligo Members Draw December 1st € 1,000 Frankie & Robert Carr, Australia 2nd € 250 Ballymote GAA Club 3rd € 100 Tony Farrell Dromard, Co. Sligo 4th € 100 Brendan Gillen, Dublin 5th € 100 Eamonn M Gallagher, Tubbercurry, Co.Sligo 6th € 100 Stephen Mullen, Sligo Haulage, Tubbercurry 7th € 100 Padraig O’Dowd, O’Dowd Storage & Warehousing, Gurteen 8th € 100 Abbive, Sligo

Storm Desmond left plenty of water in Ballina for the lads to rinse their legs before Securicor escorted them back to Sligo.

A fantastic run by the evergreen Lucy Brennan to finish 2nd in the Ladies race in 40.41. Well done to all who took part.

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

North West Regional League in the Mercy

Some action from the recent North West Regional League in the Mercy.

Scores: U14 Girls - SAS 24 v 32 Ballyshannon U13 Boys - SAS 35 v 28 Ballyshannon U16 Girls - SAS 41 v 65 Ballyshannon Well done to all involved and thanks to those who travelled.

Some photos from today's action, including the U14 challenge match and a visit from our local rivals, the Warriors.

Photos: Jordan Cummins

Island View Riding Stables news

Big Congrats to Ransboro juniors who passed their gradings recently!

Nations cup winners!

The Irish pony team won the big tour at the international show at Hippische Centrum De Warre in Belgium today .

Uschi is a very proud mum to a very proud Elisa and a smashing pony that put in an amazing performance recently!

QUIT SMOKING AND START VAPING! The best prices for top quality e-liquids, e-cigarettes and accessories

The largest selection in County Sligo

Wine Street, Sligo • Main Street, Carrick on Shannon • Online: ecigarettesworld.ie

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CORRAN AC CHRISTMAS PARTY

SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Well done Corran AC

Well Done Corran AC boys who came in 8th overall out if 17 in what turned out to be a very tough race in even tougher conditions in Dungarvan Cross Country Race today ...,We are very proud of you boys! Under 11 Tough Under Pressure!!

Markree Dog Agility Club There is an interesting change regarding course times in IKC's agility rules for 2016 which will be of interest to anybody who competes at their shows: "An appropriate set time for each course shall be calculated by the judge, who shall take into account the course length, the height category of the dogs competing, and the grade or grades of the dogs competing in the relevant class, together with any other relevant factors. The course length must be measured by the judge using a commercially available measuring wheel. The set time shall be stated by the judge before judging commences.

Judges may elect to use UK system (straight line) or FCI system (dog’s path) for measuring a course."

Corran AC Gerri Tighe winner of the award for Outstanding Contribution to the club!

Corran Winner of the Fastest Feet Award 2015 Sara Doohan

Winner of the Very Venerable Veteran Award Mr. Joe Stagg

Corran Fantastic 5Ker award went to Mr. Shane Scully..

Shane seems to beat his PB every time he runs a race!!

RATHCORMAC CRAFT MARKET

Woodlands Equestrian Centre News

The "Moylough team" completed their riding display for their parents recently. Well done to Niall Jones riding Coral Marcus, Hannah Moffitt riding Beezies Sun, Jane Davey riding Beezies Twix and Finn Jones riding Beezies Star. The team won a trophy for their result with a collective score 471. Pictured with the team is their trainer Simone Hession.

Night Market

Branley’s Yard, Rathcormack

Santa arriving by Old Cart & Horse at 7.30pm Dance Duo Vyzantia performing 7pm - 7.30pm Live Music on the Ridge Stage with a Variety of Artists Starting a 6pm

An evening not to be missed - Mulled Wine, Mince Pies & Carol Singing For more information contact Michael on 085-2752589

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Sligo Park Hotel, Pearse Road, Sligo Tel: 071-9161053 or 071-9190408 • www.sligopark.com

Spinning Classes Aqua Fit Classes

Classes open to Non-Members Everone welcome

V-LINE active slimming on vibro-treadmill in the vacum

The 7.15AM Spinning Class is now back on a Wednesday Morning

Christmas Vouchers Available

Suitable for: • People with limited mobility

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT

• People who have had hip surgery • People with back aches

For details of your local stockist

Phone Noel: 087-9896948

• Burn Fat, up to 1500kcl in 30 min • Reduce Cellulite • Drop 1 clothes size in one month SPECIAL OFFER: 20x30min plus FREE 5x30min rollomassage... €130 BOOK YOUR FREE 15min TRIAL ON 0871123622 Open: Monday - Friday 11-8 • Saturday 11-7 • Sunday 2-5

Telephone: 086-6211792 • Mobile: 087-1123622 Quayside Shopping Centre (Second Floor), Wine Street, Sligo

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

Corbett Sportsfield Services

RM Topsoil & Stone Call John: 087-6655871

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

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

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

The Perfect Christmas Gift Give a Subscription to Sligo Now this Christmas The Ideal Christmas Gift for those living at home or abroad.

Postage available to USA, Canda, UK, etc Prices from just €50 Call us on 071-9154538

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SLIGO SPORT DECEMBER, 2015

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

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