May 2012 by Anglo Printers

Essential Drogheda’s FREE Social, Entertainment & Lifestyle Magazine

Vol 3. Issue 7. - May 2012

ISSN 2009-2733

Drogheda

“Are You In It?”

The

Enemies On their catchy debut album and taking the band to the next level

Distributed Free to Over 19,000 Homes & Businesses

Going It Alone: By three women who chose to be their own boss

supporting

This Month in Essential Drogheda

E Social

6-9 Drogheda’s nightlife in pictures

E Feature

22-23 Not-to-be missed events

19 Drogheda’s Best Kept Secret All you need to learn about An Grianán, Termonfeckin 38 The Best of Everything with comedian Joe Rooney

E Real Life

E Weddings

E Out & About

4 Can’t Get Through The Month Without…

25-26 Local couples say ‘I do’

E Events

28 The Leon King Stephen Watson reviews the Seat Leon Cupra R & Top 5 Learner Cars under e2,000

10 A round up of local happenings

E INterview

12 Born Enemies E chats to Drogheda band The Enemies ahead of their debut album launch

E Beauty

15 Confessions of a Beauty Junkie with Andrea Smith of Townhouse Spa 14 Make-up Masterclass by Gillian Moore of Fuschia

E fashion

16 Style Spy E takes to the streets to see what shoppers are wearing

On the Cov

E drive

E Business

30-31 Our Road to Success Three local women reveal how they are making it in the business world 32 Know Your Rights Dermot Monahan answers your legal queries

E Food

33 Tasty Tea-Room Treats Recipes from The Gatehouse Tearooms, An Grianán

E entertainment

editor’s letter E

xpect fun and frolics this month as Drogheda on the Boyne comes alive! The Drogheda Arts Festival (DAF) kicks off summer on May 3rd with a five-day theatre and music feast (for the full DAF line-up see Dates for the Diary on pages 36 & 37). The Boyne 10K takes runners of all ages and abilities through the streets on May 6th (read our interview on page 38 with comedian Joe Rooney who’s in training for the run). And all the ladies will be out in style on May 18th when the Women of Worth Awards take place in the Westcourt Hotel (see pages 30 & 31 where three local entrepreneurs tell us about their road to success). It’s a big month too for local band The Enemies, who are releasing their debut album Sounds Big On The Radio in the coming weeks. See page 12 where E chats to the lads about taking the band to the next level.

Carmel Riggs Editor

26-27 All the latest in arts and culture 28-29 Event Guide Dates for your diary

The Enemies band members Johnny Crean, Martin Shields, Ronan

DH449-Essential Drog Ad 20 Apr_Layout 1 20/04/2012 Page 1at the d hotel Colin O’Donoghue and Mark11:49 Montague er: McQuillan,

Issue t x e Our N s st s i 1 3 M t ’ y n a Do Out M

If it happens in Drogheda

the d hotel

it happens in the d

RIVER BOYNE PACKAGES W E D D I N G S FROM JUST at the d hotel ��

€35 PER PERSON

GEMMA Gallagher ‘RAGING’ HAYES plus Support

LIVE AT THE d HOTEL

FRI 4 MAY 2012 TH

LIVE AT THE d HOTEL

THURS 17 TH MAY

Doors: 7.30pm, Tickets €15.00

Doors: 7.30pm, Tickets €20.00

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

from the d hotel & from www.ticketmaster.ie

NEW EXCLUSIVE WEDDING PACKAGES AT THE d STARTING FROM JUST €35.00 PER PERSON For more information, contact our Wedding Executive on 041 9877700 or weddings@thedhotel.com

W: www.thedhotel.com www.facebook.com/dhotel E: info@thedhotel.com T: 041 9877700

Essential Drogheda

Anglo House, Mell Industrial Estate, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Tel: 041 9830297. Fax: 041 9835485. e: info@essentialdrogheda.com w: www.essentialdrogheda.com Drogheda’s FREE Social, Entertainment, and Lifestyle Magazine Published Monthly and Distributed Free to over 19,000 Homes and Businesses in Drogheda Managing Director: Padraic Kierans e: padraic@essentialdrogheda.com Editor: Carmel Riggs Mob: 087-2248845 e: editor@essentialdrogheda.com Administration: Niamh Gardiner Tel: 041-9830297 e: info@essentialdrogheda.com Advertising Sales: John Doherty Mob: 085-1004001 e: ads@essentialdrogheda.com Design & Layout: Aisling Foley, Anglo Printers Photographer: Eric O’Neill Mob: 086-3462126 Photo Contributors: Tony Campbell, Paul Connor, Finbarr O’Donoghue Contributors: Claudia Werner, Andrea Smith, Gillian Moore, Stephen Watson, Dermot Monahan, Eoghan Darcy, Ciaran D’Arcy Published by: Essential Drogheda Publications Ltd. Printed by: Anglo Printers Ltd. Lo-Call 1890 624 624 The paper used in the production of Essential Drogheda comes from sustainable, managed sources and has been PEFC certified. Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to present all information accurately, however no liability is accepted for any articles or opinions offered, or advice given, or for omissions from the publication.

Are You In It?

If you would like to see your event or photographs featured in Essential Drogheda, email us at info@essentialdrogheda.com

E Drogheda

Can’t get through the month without . . . Claudia Werner selects the best of what May has to offer

Festive cheer!

Raising a toast to Drogheda! Indeed, it is hard not to, giving all the celebrations across our wee city this month! The Drogheda Arts Festival, the Fringe Festival, the Raft Race, the Boyne 10K run and the Famine commemoration are all on over the first two weeks in May! The historic Tholsel will act as the main information centre for the arts festival. Expect gigs, plenty of theatre, outdoor cinema, drama, poetry and much, much more! See www. droghedaartsfestival.ie for more info.

ne e gyoure o G hom r Giving

the edge. Sustainably walls and maintaining your four ion has never been dit con getting it in top-notch ’re into green living so in demand. Whether you want to jump start or you’re a newbie and r carbon footprints, your efforts to reduce you ine company Green check out Louth-based onl rgeous.ie). Having Gorgeous (www.greengo pression with their recently made quite an im and sustainable ary range of sleek, contempor me Expo in Dublin products at the Ideal Ho tures eco-friendly the one-stop online shop fea ing design-led and interiors and gifts combin ducts are chosen pro eco-conscious living. All sourced locally and s tial for their eco creden where possible.

Military displays

Musing over some original war and battle artifacts on Saturday, May 12th and Sunday, May 13th at Funtasia Waterpark’s exhibition of hardware by the Irish Military War Museum. Tanks and armoured cars will be on display outside the Waterpark, while inside the display will include weapons from major events in Irish history such as the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence plus the world changing conflicts of WW1, WW2, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The exhibition runs until the end of June. Entry is e1 with all proceeds going to the Irish Wheelchair Association.

Bluebislia

memora

Walking down memory lane with the Newtown Blues GFC as the club celebrates its 125th anniversary on July 12th. There will be a range of events taking place throughout the year to mark the occasion, but first in line is a fabulous photo expo which is being launched on Friday, May 18th at 7.30pm in the Barbican. Memorabilia and photographs from the club’s 125-year history will be on display for two weeks thereafter. Refreshments will be served on the evening. Check out newtownblues.louth.gaa.ie for details.

Telly talk

Sharing some witty banter with RTE’s sports panel John Giles, Eamon Dunphy and Darragh Maloney! The Sportsman’s Lunch in aid of the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre invites you to a champagne reception followed by a four-course lunch with the three talkative lads. Taking over will be Ireland’s top comedian Oliver Callan. The event will be held in the Westcourt Hotel on May 11th from 12.30pm. Costs are €60 per person with tables of 8-10 available. For bookings or further information contact Paddy (086-2206396), Declan (087-6686811) or Ann 0419805100.

Lads’ fitness Training your body to handle real life! Jumping on the functional fitness bandwagon is Labfitness in Drogheda who now have a range of classes that promotes the functional training method used by serious athletes. And if it’s good enough for athletes, why not everyone else? Okay, you might not be training to win the Champions League, but you are training to be able to perform all of your everyday activities to the best of your ability. This is where functional training comes in – it’s all about making the body capable of handling day-to-day activities, not just bench pressing more than your own body weight in the gym. Open to both men and women, visit www. labfitness.com for details.

Are You In It?

Social

The Party: Louise Matthews’s 21st The Place: The Westcourt Hotel The People: 1 Josh Cormican, Louise O’Connell, Holly

McHugh and Ciaran Cluskey Kelly 2 Louise Matthews and Grace Rogers 3 Megan Martin, Rachel Grimes and Pacelli Carolan

1 2

3 2 1

The Party: Regina Traynor’s 40th The Place: The Star Bar The People: 1 Regina Traynor and Larry Rafferty 2 Josephine

and Brian Greening 3 Roy, Regina, Nadine, Stephen and Kayleigh Traynor

4 3

The Party: Kiera Tiernan’s 21st The Place: O’Raghallaigh’s GFC The People: 1 Kiera Tiernan and Damien Boyle

2 Paul Rogers and Maeve Smith 3 Kathleen, Marian and Kerry Tiernan 4 Rachel, Vivienne, Ciara and David Tiernan

E Drogheda

Check out previous issues online @ www.essentialdrogheda.com

23rd May

Social 1

1 2

The Party: Boann Craft Exhibition The Place: The Abbey Gallery The People: 1 Katherine and Pauline Douce 2 Caoimhe

Curtin Tully and Karen Curtin 3 Breda McNelis and Eimhear Collins

3 1

The Party: Ailish Murtaghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40th The Place: The Star Bar The People: 1 Joanne Lynch, Ailish Murtagh and Rosari

Campbell 2 Shay Colbert and Sarah Higginbotham3 Susie Closkey, Tracey Withe and John Lynch 4 Nicola Briscoe and Edel Farrell

The Party: Linda Kiernanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hen Party The Place: West 29 The People: 1 Majella Walsh, Maura Bellew

and Paula Walsh 2 Jennifer Smith, Catriona Marron and Noelle Craven 3 Miriam, Josephine and Linda Kiernan

8 8

E Drogheda

Check out previous issues online @ www.essentialdrogheda.com

Are You In It?

1 2

The Party: Shauna Fitzpatrick’s 18th The Place: The Star Bar The People: 1 James Nolan and Shauna Fitzpatrick

2 Kirsty Lenihan, Jemma Saurin, Megan Clarke and Kelly McArdle 3 Janine and Ian Brady

The Party: Daffodil Day Fashion Show The Place: The Westcourt Hotel The People: 1 Jenny Sheard and Nicole Hanlon 2 Nadine Woods,

Barbara McCabe and Therese Jones 3 Justin Stubbs and Des Grant

The Party: Des Smyth Drogheda Youth Foundation Tea Morning The Place: Scholars Townhouse The People: 1 Vanessa Hudson and John Carlos

2 Frank O’Donnell, Oliver Lynn and Noel Savage 3 Adrienne Gallen and Anna Carlos

Check out previous issues online @ www.essentialdrogheda.com 9

E Drogheda

EW Technologies

Events

going for European Gold

John Sullivan, Mac, Dualta ‘the Duke’ Kellegher and Boss Konkerz

Tattoo awards for DarkValley artists

ocal tattoo artist and portrait specialist Dualta ‘Duke’ Kellegher and blackwork/tribal specialist, Mac, from DarkValley Tattoo, Drogheda are celebrating after winning two awards for Best Portrait and Best Tribal at the North West Tattoo Show in Donegal recently. The tattoo show took place in the Abbey Hotel in Donegal town and featured artists from all around Ireland and overseas, including some from America and Canada. The competition was seen as an ideal opportunity and occasion to

celebrate DarkValley’s five years trading and upcoming first year in their new home above the Green Man barbers on Peter Street. Well known traditional hand poking specialist, Boff Konkerz, also graced the DarkValley booth in Donegal and even returned to Drogheda with the lads to attend a guest spot in the shop for two days. Suffice to say the lads are well chuffed with their double whammy which now affirms Dualta’s status as one of Ireland’s top portrait tattoo artists!

reland’s leading water purification company EW Technologies are going for European Gold after setting up its first Eastern European Office in Kanaus, Lithuania last June and with plans now in place to set up a base in Poland. The company was set up in 2002 and has grown from a two1 man operation working out of a room in a house in Lucan to employing 24 staff. Here Director of EW Technologies Oliver Ginty is pictured at the ActionCoach International Awards in Dublin where EW Technologies won ‘Business of the Year Award’. 1 Helen and Oliver Ginty with their award 2 Oliver Ginty, Marina Bleahen, Helen Ginty and Ahmed Rajab

A he go ll P el to roc ch T e ai he ed r A Ir s ss ish oc ia tio n

JOINING FORCES!

Join Funtasia Waterpark & The Irish Military War Museum for the launch of the Hands On Military Exhibition on Saturday 12th May & Sunday 13th May 2012.

ADMISSION ONLY €1 Exhibits include memorabilia from: • World War One • World War Two • 1916 Rising • War of Independence • Korean War • Vietnam War

PLUS

Tanks and Armoured Cars will be on show outside Funtasia Waterpark during the exhibition! Open every weekend from May 12th until the end of June Funtasia Waterpark, Donore Business Park, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Tel: 041 989 8000 www.funtasia.ie

E Drogheda

Eyecare Plus Opticians

EyEcarE with ExcEllEncE

Have an eye test and experience the difference for yourself

FREE Eye Examination and

Glasses for Medical Card holders and those with PRSI cover

HALF PRICE

SIGHT TESTS ONLY €15

SPECIALS • • • •

Fabulous frames from only €29 2 for 1 offer available Discount on designer brands Free contact lens trial LotS oF SPECIAL oFFERS on ALL ContACt LEnSES See instore for details

16 Shop Street, Drogheda TEL: 041 9807050

interview Describe your upcoming album? Ronan: It’s a pop/rock record, packed full of catchy tunes that should get stuck in your head! Johnny: I guess most of our stuff is radio friendly. We don’t try to be alternative as such. There’s a lot of bands out there that do that and probably do it better than us but our motto over the years has been fun and entertainment, an accessible sound and we’re trying to stay true to that in the record, I hope! Is this the beginning of the end of The Enemies as we know them, ie, your local appearances, wedding gigs etc? Ronan: Yeah, I suppose The Enemies has been on the go for 10 years now and I think it’s time to kick it into the next level. A lot of what we’re doing is really starting to snowball and help us along. It takes just one piece of luck to change everything. After 10 years, lots of gigging and new-found success working on TV s Johnny: We’re quite proud of commercials, The Enemies are finally self-releasing their debut album, Sound our heritage and have enjoyed Hotel Big On The Radio, in June. Carmel Riggs caught up with the lads in the d level playing in the Drogheda next the to band pubs and at weddings. The to hear about the trials and tribulations of taking the Drogheda people have always quite a bit to pursue his acting career? been behind us and I think that n stage they might be ‘Enemies’ but off stage they are best of Colin: The lads are great for letting me go away a lot of the good luck we’re friends. In fact they describe themselves as ‘brothers’ – and for a while, come back then drift in and out. having can be attributed to the after spending some time in the company of Ronan McQuillan (lead I’ve been in LA for the last two months; I got goodwill towards us. singer), Colin O’Donoghue (guitarist), Mark Montague (drums), back for two days and then we [the band] went How did you come up with the Martin Shields (bass guitar and vocals) and Johnny Crean (guitar, straight over to Texas. It’s a case of juggling the name for the album? piano and saxophone), the close bond that they share is clear for all two but it’s great to be able to do that. Johnny: This time last year to see. Having just returned from a music festival in America, these when we did the EP we lads have made the transition from gifted young musicians playing were trying to get some radio the local pub and wedding scene to a band which has the potential stations to play it which is quite to shape the sound of modern music. They’re most recent success in difficult when you don’t have commercials backs this. Last year alone they worked with General the back-up of a professional Motors on their Chevy Route 66 online campaign, Coca Cola on their label. A friend of ours was at a 5by20 project, Campbell’s Soup and Carte D’Or. They recorded the gig in the 02 and Dave Fanning theme tune for the animated European TV show Max Adventures was there – she just walked up and their song ‘Free Flags Fly’ was used on Chevrolet’s SuperBowl to him and put the album into XLVI half time advert. The Enemies are on the rise – and they’re his hand. Being the gentleman hoping their new album Sounds Big On The Radio will secure their that he is, Dave said he’d have place in the pop world. We’re hoping it will too... a listen and if he liked it he would play it on his show. Tell us about playing at the met a guy that worked in advertising and he asked We tuned in night after night European Premiere of Colin’s movie, The Rite? me to send on some material. I sent it on and he to see if he’d play it and finally he did. He played Colin: Yeah it was weird doing an interview for Perfect Stranger – and one of the things I thought liked it and then we started composing other music, a Mexican newspaper about The Rite and being that wasn’t necessarily for the album, it was more at the time was, ‘God it sounds big on the radio!’ In asked about the band back home in Drogheda other words it’s not just you listening to it, and this instrumental. which was great! You recently played at the prolific South by South piece of music that you played in your kitchen has Ronan: We do 200 gigs a year but it is gigs like that West festival in the States. How did it go? somehow become endorsed. that really stick out. They’re the ones that we’ll Ronan: South by South is based in Austin, Texas You are currently unsigned. What are the pros and always remember. Different scenery, different where the whole music world gets together once a cons?Ronan: You get a lot of artistic freedom when people – it was brilliant to be able to do it. It gave us year. We arranged a few private gigs and showcased you’re doing your own work and we decide among so much exposure. ourselves what we think sounds best for the band. our original set which was fantastic. The beauty of South by Johnny: We’ve had a few offers but the deal hasn’t The Enemies launch their South West is you can walk up to been right for us. debut album Sounds Big On How are you funding your album and trips to the people who you would normally the Radio in Whelan’s, Dublin not get within 20ft of and shake States? Ronan: With great difficulty! on Bank Holiday Monday, their hands, and there’s no Johnny: If we weren’t doing the work with June 4th and will be available problem. commercials we wouldn’t be able to fund it, it’s as to download on iTunes. Visit simple as that. The commercials came about after I Is it a problem that Colin is away www.theenemiesmusic.com for upcoming gigs 12 Drogheda

Born Enemies O

• Newspapers • Stationery

We make it easy

• Lotto • Deli- Hot & Cold

• Ice Cream

• Catering for Parties Confirmations & Communions

• Radio Bingo

• Coffee

• Stamps

• Dinners

• Bin Tags

• Sit In or Take Away

• Phone Top-ups

• Order Your Magazines

• Photocopying/Fax

West Street, Drogheda

• Western Union

• Newspapers

We would like to thank everyone for their support!

Ham & Cheese Sandwich (Hot)

Breakfast Bap with Tea/Coffee

e2.00

e3.00

New Smooch Milk Shakes In Store

Chicken Fillet Roll & Tayto Crisps & Tea/ Coffee/MACE Drink

e5.00

All Day Breakfast with Toast, Tea/Coffee

e5.70

Open 7 Days Monday 8-6 Tuesday 8-7 Wednesday 8-7 Thursday 8-6 Friday 8-7 Saturday 8-7 Sunday 8-6

Parcel Shop. Drop your parcel here for postage anywhere in the world All Credit Cards Accepted. weststdrogheda@mace.ie

Beauty Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster €65, Townhouse Spa, Fair St This product is basically like a drink for the skin. I see people come into the Spa week in, week out complaining that their skin is dry but they are getting breakouts, when in actual fact their skin is dehydrated which means it’s lacking in water and not oil. This is a highly concentrated fluid rich in hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 200 times its own weight in water, putting moisture back into the skin and holding it there. It can be used day or night under your moisturiser as needed. A winter must have.

Bio Oil €8.99, Mahers Chemist, West St Like

YSL TouchéÉclat €35, Hickey’s Pharmacy,

most women, I got West St As a new mum I need all the help I can stretch marks throughout get when it comes to banishing dark circles, this my teenage years from concealer is amazing, simply click the top and simply growing so paint on with the brush. Applied under the eyes it when I found out I was brightens due to its light reflecting properties and pregnant I resigned unlike most concealers it’s not heavy and won’t myself to the fact cake. It can also be applied around the lip to prevent that I would get strong lip colours from bleeding. them in pregnancy. Then I tried Bio Oil, I applied it twice a day throughout my Maybelline One by One Volum’ Express pregnancy and it was Mascara €12.99, Hickey’s Pharmacy, fantastic, I didn’t even West St This is a fantastic mascara – it has an get one. I would highly amazing rubber wand that grips and separates recommend it. the lashes and has just the right amount of product, it also stays on all day without flaking or smudging and doesn’t break the bank.

Confessions

of a

Andrea Smith, proprietor of Townhouse Spa, Fair St, spills her make-up secrets

Jane Iredale PurePressed Base €49, Townhouse Spa, Fair St This is by far my favourite product, so much so when I moved to Australia I had to track down the suppliers! This amazing foundation is a foundation, concealer, SPF20 and powder all in one and couldn’t be easier to apply, simply brush onto the skin in little circles to blend adding as much or as little as you like depending on the coverage you want. It leaves the skin looking dewy with a fabulous glow, I simply cannot live without this.

• Health Foods • Health Supplements • Natural Cosmetics • Naturopathic Clinic 40 Laurence St, Drogheda

E Drogheda

Product

Watch

Glow With It

Green People Day Solution SPF15 Day Cream, available from Nature’s Gate, Laurence St Keep your skin looking radiant with this nourishing day cream that also helps prevent early signs of ageing. Ideal for and people with sensitive skin, even the man of the house will be impressed with this organic cream! Made with organic aloe vera, green tea and chamomile it is best to apply in the morning to a freshly cleansed and toned face and neck.

s as cl er st Ma P U EAK M ummer Trends

I like to wear fake tan on my face in the summertime as I find I need less foundation ummer is the perfect season to as a result. Applying a small update your makeup look and try new amount twice a week should be s prove a great e enough to maintain a healthy things, and whil the catwalk and magazine on, you do need to ntati glow. Make sure you use a source of inspiration for change and experime Mary Katrantzou the on seen as ck lipsti product specific to your face. be careful. We’re not sure blue Before I apply fake tan on catwalk would go down too well in Earth nightclub on a Saturday night! The with my face, I apply a small slick key to interpreting catwalk trends is to take elements from them, rather by ed Gillian Moore s being champion of Vaseline to my eyebrows than the whole look. The most friendly trend bright of pops s, brow to avoid the product getting clean thick are n seaso designers this of r than clogged in the hair. After the tan colours on the eyelids and bronzed rathe is applied, I also wipe my hairline ks. chee ed blush Bronze Goddess Next, taking your and the area around my nose with large bronzer brush, dust it lightly in your a piece of tissue; these are the areas Bright is Right favourite matte bronzer, tapping any excess off that tend to lodge product. Pinks, peaches the brush. Starting from your temples, move Minimum Coverage and corals are the down towards the cheeks, sweep underneath After you’ve moisturised your shades of choice from a plethora your cheekbones and then down your jaw. The of international designers. The movement should form an inward letter 3 and face with preferably an key to achieving this look is should be done once or twice more, using a small oil-free moisturiser and to apply a thickish line of your used a euro-sized amount amount of product. This process is known chosen colour along the bottom as contouring. Then on the apples of of primer, apply Fuschia’s of the eyelid, above the lash your cheeks, extending to the top sheer tint, €28. This has line, and using a clean blending of your cheekbones, apply a small an SPF 20, is hypoallergenic brush take some time to blend amount of shimmery bronzer, using and is clinically engineered the colour into the socket and your Fuschia angled blusher to multi-task as a foundation, crease of the eyelid. Finish off brush, €19.50. Finish off with sunscreen and antioxidant with waterproof mascara, such as a small amount of Fuschia’s lotion. Apply concealer to Fuschia’s Indelible Lash, €16.95, Loose Setting powder, areas that require additional which is available in three shades. €19.50, to your T-zone. coverage and blend well.

Guide

to Drogheda’s Best Health & Beauty Services % 0873 571 570 find us on

i n s t i t u t e o f b e au t y

May Specials

Mini Pedicure & Shellac €35 Full Leg Wax & Bikini €25 Eyebrow €5 Spray Tan €15 Shellac €20 Hollywood/Brazilian €20

Gift Vouchers & Wedding Packages Available Late Night Opening - Wed / Thurs / Fri 10 Dyer Street, Drogheda Ph: 041 98 39666

Brow & Lash Tints available

The world’s first 3-HOUR TAN

tel: (041) 987 2929

Cavitation Peeling & ultra sound with face mask only €50 (save €20)

Communion Girls Special File & Polish only €5 (Plus free lip gloss)

Organic 3hr Spray Tan only €20 (save €10)

(Take shower after 3hours, no need to wait)

Yumi Lashes only €40 (save €10)

St. Peters Hill/Magdelene Street, Drogheda (opposite the corner entrance to Laurence Shopping Centre)

paradisedrogheda@gmail.com

Divine Beauty Spray Tan, Gelish Nails & Toe Paint €40

Experts in all types of WAXING Amazing AFTERCARE products

May Specials

Vani-T

Organic Tan

1st Floor, 34 Shop St, Drogheda

w w w . s t u d i o - w a x . c o m

Due to demand Gelish 3week Manicure €15

Fiver Friday - EyEbrowS €5 Divine beauty & Claire Donnelly Hair Contact Louise on 041 9871715 / 087 2882176

24/25 West Street, Drogheda

visit: www.divinebeautyclinic.com

Townhouse sPa May Specials

Aromaflex with Mini Facial €60 OPI 3 Week Manicure & OPI Pedicure €55 Add Dr. Fish for €10

Tanning Thursdays €20 17 Fair Street, Drogheda, Phone: 041 9800888 www.thetownhousespa.com find us on

Fabulous

Beauty & Skincare Clinic

May Specials Eye trio €15

Eyelash, brow tint & Shape

½ Leg, Bikini (reg) & Underarm Wax €35 Brazilian or Hollywood Wax €30 Lycon 80% pain free wax

Full Body Tan €15 Make-up with Lashes €25 Termonfeckin Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth Email: fabulousbeautysalon@gmail.com

E Drogheda

Tel:

041 9833188

Fashion

Michelle Kells

STYLESpy

is 29 and lives in Aston Village, Drogheda

What are you wearing and where did you buy these items? Jeans – River Island Jacket – Zara Shirt – Zara Bag – TK MAXX Shoes – Super Tramp (The Outlet, Banbridge), Hat – Penneys Favourite place to shop? Penneys and River Island. How would you describe your style? Bright! Anything goes as far as I’m concerned – I don’t really play by any rules. Most exclusive item in your wardrobe? A fitted blazer by Pringle. What’s on your fashion wish list? A Hermès handbag would be great!

E Drogheda

Tara Maher

is a product manager from Drogheda What are you wearing and where did you buy these items? From head to toe, everything I’m wearing is from River Island! Favourite place to shop? River Island of course! How would you describe your style? Casual chic – I never go overboard with my look. I like wearing jeans and blazers. Most exclusive item in your wardrobe? My Guess handbags – I have about 10 of them! And purses too! They’re all very different though. I bought three in the US and the rest in Brown Thomas. It’s become a bit of fetish, really! What’s on your fashion wish list? Really expensive Manolo Blahnik shoes.

We hit the streets to find out where shoppers’ fashion inspiration comes from

Isabella Romanek

is a sales assistant from Drogheda What are you wearing and where did you buy these items? Dress, cardigan, top and shoes – all Pull and Bear, Tights – Penneys Favourite place to shop? Can’t you guess? It’s Pull and Bear – I just love the clothes there! How would you describe your style? Unique and quirky! Whenever I go into a shop I always go for the clothes no one else would wear. My boyfriend always slags me; he says if it’s ugly I’ll buy it! Most exclusive item in your wardrobe? Purple sandals I bought in Sophia’s, Laurence St about three years ago for my sister’s wedding. They are lovely. What’s on your fashion wish list? A Louis Vuitton travel bag.

make a statement this season Whether its fashion, food, beauty, music, entertainment or leisure, Scotch Hall Shopping Centre has it all this Spring/Summer Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget FREE parking after 5pm everyday and all day Sunday visit www.scotchhall.ie for more details Find us on Facebook

MAY

Feature

Drogheda’s best-kept secret… A

n Grianán, The Centre for Life Long Learning, located between Baltray and Termonfeckin, could be considered Drogheda’s best kept secret. Despite 10,000 people completing courses at the venue within the last two years, many of these were participants from the ranks of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association as well as students from the Did you know? UK, Europe and further An Grianán afield. lt residential Adu But An Grianán re cent n Educatio wants to ensure all of its was entrusted to the weekday and weekend Irish Countrywomen’s courses are accessible to Association in 1959 by everyone, especially locals. on The Kellogg foundati In recent years, the the of America ‘for centre has attained national the of health welfare fame as the venue for RTE’s people of Ireland’. award-winning Bootcamp and although this tongue’n’cheek series often portrays a light-hearted approach to activities at An Grianán, ‘we can

assure participants of a much more valuable learning experience,’ says John O’Callaghan CEO of the ICA. ‘Everyone is welcome here at An Grianán – men, woman, members and non-members.’ Through the years An Grianán has been a forerunner in keeping alive and fostering a love of traditional crafts such as crochet, Carrickmacross and Limerick Lace, embroidery, jewellery, lumra, macrame, rush work and much more. Tuition and instruction is provided for the

Out & About

endeavours of the hobbyist right through to the sophisticated techniques of the craftsman as an artist. Learner demands and expectations have seen the introduction of a whole new type of course with classes now available in personal fitness, IT, history and genealogy. Also the popular Introduction to Digital Photography Course is available all year round. Cooking and baking have always been a favourite at An Grianán with nationally renowned chefs Edward Hayden and Marie McGuirk demonstrating and teaching their extraordinary skills. In fact these cookery courses have become a big hit lately with men who are keen to take their kitchen skills to the next level! To book a course or for more information call 041-9822119/9822478, email admin@an-grianan.ie or visit www.an-grianan.ie

Senator Windows

Official Opening

1 Gary Moran and Geraldine O’Callaghan 2 Ella, Larissa and Catriona Dooley 3 Tony and Sarah Carley

3 2

Brú 1 Mikey Lennon and Lok Yipyau 2 AnnMarie Gallagher with Michelle, Tracey and Mary Flood

“Are You In It?”

E Drogheda

€149

vintage 60s shape

€149

Have you the look?

k o G

Our stylish ambassador Gok Wan Launches his New Collection

€149 €149

purple and pink floral pattern

Gok Wan Exclusive New 2012 Range - 2 for 1 e149

specsavers.ie/gw

Drogheda Town Centre, West Street, Drogheda Telephone: 041-9839482 Fax: 041-9839488 Also at Specsavers Navan and Balbriggan

Cannot be used with any other offers. Second pair from the same price range or below and to the same prescription. 1.5 scratchresistant varifocal, bifocal and other single vision lenses included in the offer - you just pay for lenses in your first pair. Extra Options available at an additional charge on both pairs. Excludes safety eyewear. SKU 25381870 ÂŠ2012 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

Out & about

4 2

Barroco 1 Ashley Boland and Pauline Swift 2 Lorraine Maher, Lisa Judge and Lisa O’Connor 3 Peter Harty, Zaid Chammas and Stephen McConnon 4 Kevin McMahon and Linda Harte

The Trinity Arms 1 Antony, Lynn and Katy Anna Mohan 2 Brigid Kearney and Tracey Kierans 3 Noel McCarron and Niamh Kerr

3 3

JB’s Bar 1 Brian Lawless, Victoria Bentley, Tara Mullan and Eoin Morrison 2 Niamh McHugh and James Pentony 3 Emma Healy, Niamh Cotter and Cora McEvoy

E Drogheda

McPhails

1 Rachel Grimes, Sophie Monaghan and Tammy Dowd 2 Aoife Seery with Melissa and Ciara Finlay 3 Graham McQuillan, Niamh Goodwin, Aoife Walsh and Brian McQuillan 4 Louise Griffin, Eilvhe Stanley and Sarah Finegan

1 2

O’Raghallaigh’s Hootenany Club 1 Paul and Ronan Kirwan with Paul Redmond 2 Suzanne Markey, Lisa McCabe and Lizzy Dunne 3 Val Redmond and Breda Kirwan

3 4

Earth Nightclub 1 Derbhla Mohan, Sarah Clutterbuck and Josephine Byrne 2 Lorna O’Neill and Muireann Smith 3 Stephen Beatty and Jackie McMahon 4 David Martin, Jenny Noone, Amy Duggan and Ian Murtagh

E Drogheda

The Light House 40th Ann n o i t a r b iversary Cele

1972 - 2012

You are cordially invited to our open days as we celebrate 40 years in business. Join us for special offers, free draws and refreshments.

Newbridge - Wednesday 2nd May 2012 Unit 5B - Newbridge Industrial Estate, Newbridge

Naas - Wednesday 2nd May 2012 Friary Road, Naas

Navan - Thursday 3rd May 2012

Unit 9 - Mullaghboy Ind. Estate, Athboy Road, Navan

Drogheda - Friday 4th May 2012 Industrial Estate, Donore Road, Drogheda

All Welcome

Weddings

OWen FOx J e W e l l e r s

39 shop street, Drogheda & 041 9838357

Jason Branigan weds Joanne Farrell The sky was clear and the sun was out for Drogheda couple Joanne Farrell and Jason Branigan who married in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Collon, on March 2nd. Nothing could have prepared Joanne – who works as a jeweller – when she accidently put Jason’s ring on the wrong finger during their vows. The bridal party consisted of bridesmaids Vikki McGinn, Emma Tormey, Siobhan Farrell and best men Shane Branigan, Mark Branigan and Mark Hughes. Also playing their part was the couple’s gorgeous daughter and flowergirl Molly May and son Liam who was pageboy. The bride wore an exquisite Edel Tuite creation and at the reception in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan, she wowed the 125 guests on the dance floor. For their honeymoon the newlyweds enjoyed a two-week Royal Caribbean cruise. Photos by Finbarr O’Donoghue Photography, 34 Bridge Street, Cavan, 049 4361027.

Owen Mullen weds Deborah Harrison

Walking up the aisle on March 9th, 2012 is something Deborah Harrison, from Ballsgrove, will never forget. Deborah wed husband-to-be Owen in a civil ceremony at Cabra Castle – and she couldn’t take her eyes off him as ‘he looked so nervous’. The couple had met three and a half years previously in Earth Nightclub after Owen had moved here from Clonmel in Tipperary. The bridesmaids – who all wore dresses from The Bridal Studio, Drogheda – included Maria Levins, Rita Tracey and Deborah’s 12-year-old daughter Caoimhe Connor. The best men were Damian Tracey, Joe O’Neill and Christy Rourke and they each wore suits from Sean Freeman of Drogheda. The couple’s two-and-a-half year old daughter Cadhla attended the ceremony too and was delighted with her flower wand which was created by florist Susan Clinton in Beamore. At the reception guests queued up to get their portrait drawn by Dublin caricature artist Niall O’Loughlin. Even Deborah’s 82-yearold grandmother Kathleen Kelly from Marian Park joined in the fun. ‘It was wonderful having my grandmother there,’ said Deborah. ‘She loved her caricature and she now has it hanging on her wall!’ Photos by Paul Connor

email your wedding photos to info@essentialdrogheda.com

E Drogheda

Weddings

Brian Black weds Joanna McCormack

It all started with a simple text message from Brian Black asking Joanna McCormack out and little did they know 10 years on they would be tying the knot and living happily ever after together. The couple, both originally from Donacarney, married on September 3rd, 2011 in Star of the Sea Church, Mornington, Co. Meath. The stunning bride wore a dress by Pronovias bought in Frilly Frocks in Drogheda and her bouquet was arranged by The Flower Yard, Mornington. Up to 100 guests joined the couple at their reception which was held at The Hamlet Court Hotel, Enfield, Co. Meath. The bridesmaids were Joanna’s friends Sarah Reilly and Lisa Lambe, while the groom’s brother Alan and friend Oliver Rickard were the best man and groomsman. The couple honeymooned for 10 days starting in Santa Monica, Los Angeles and then finishing up in Las Vegas. Photos by Tony Campbell

Guide to Drogheda’s Best Wedding Services

Karen Kierans Professional Make-uP artist

for weddings, Parties & sPecial occasions

Mobile: 087 86 88 593 eMail: karen.kierans@gmail.com

E Drogheda

saying ‘I do’? ‘We do’ personalised... Invitations Place Names Mass Booklets RSVP Cards Menus Thank You Cards Mell Ind. Estate, Drogheda E: sales@angloprinters.ie W: www.angloprinters.ie Locall 1890

624 624

Boyne Jewellers Specialists in fitted wedding bands. Large range of bridaL gifts avaiLabLe in store Scotch hall Shopping centre, DrogheDa tel: 041 9842796

Custom marde cakes fo all occasions Contact us /customcakesdrogheda info@customcakesireland.ie

041 9818315

McCormacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Greeneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

The Mall, North Quay, Drogheda. Call in & vie foors, b w our extensive range of ca rpets & lino (all on rolls), wooden eds and b edroom furnitu re, sofas, recliners & much much more

SHOW THE LOVE

Just a Perfect Day It all starts here . . .

www.GlensideHotel.ie 041 9829185

say it with

We offer expert fitting and do talk to us if you need old furniture removed or old carpets lifted

We offer the complete package! Call us on 041 98 04200

ink

Mell Industrial Estate, Drogheda, County Louth T: 041 983 5000 F: 041 983 5485 E: sales@angloprinters.ie W: www.angloprinters.ie

Locall 1890 624 624

E Drogheda

Drive SEAT Leon Cupra R Price as tested: €40,305 2.0 TSI 260 Rivals: Golf R, Scirocco R, Audi S3, Megane RS265

The Leon King By Stephen Watson, of

hat was once a Spanish manufacturer whose models you would traditionally see when on your summer holidays, the SEAT brand has begun to take the Irish market by storm. Why is this? Well, gone are the badge snobs who bought a brand for its name, and here are the value seekers who want a good car that will put a smile on their face. The latest edition to the handsome mid-size Leon range which we test drove this month is the most powerful production car that SEAT has ever made. It’s called the Cupra R, it replaces the standard Cupra, and it sports the 2.0 TSI Petrol engine along with the drivetrain from Volkswagen’s Scirocco R. This unit puts out 260 horses through the front wheels yet returns an impressive fuel economy of 8.1/L 100km. That makes it relatively ‘affordable’ to run even in these tough times.

Top 5 Learner Cars under €2,000

So what’s it like to drive? Well, if driven with spirit, this thing quickly makes those broken white lines look continuous, and in doing so you’ll be rewarded with some awesome aural candy. Unfortunately, the noise becomes somewhat addictive, and we discovered the hard way that revving the engine just to hear its growl will affect the economy figures, and not in a good way. Around town the car is relatively refined, albeit a bit noisy in part due to those huge 19” alloys creating some road noise, in turn contributing to a slightly harsh ride on rougher surfaces. Admittedly, the deep bucket seats do a good job of absorbing the smaller bumps. A stiff set-up might not be the most attractive of characteristics, but buyers of this class of car know that it adds to a sports car’s character, if not just making it handle better.

MyFirstWheels.ie is a concise new online information source aimed at making life easier for those who wish to get driving. It supplies everything you need to get on the road, in the quickest and safest way possible. For Young Drivers, By Young Drivers

2003+ Renault Clio Not only is this age proof little runner cheap to tax and insure, it’s also cheap to fix if you scuff it off your garden wall. Plastic body parts mean panels are cheap as (higher end) chips!

For those not in the know, Volkswagen actually own SEAT, along with Audi, Skoda, Bently, Lamborghini and even Bugatti. Do some minor research and you’ll learn that a lot of their smaller models share parts. This means that the Leon is essentially a cross between the Volkswagen Golf Gti/ R, Scirocco R and Audi S3. Each is a brilliant car in its own right. However, if you find yourself in the lucky position of being in the market for a full fledged sports car which has five doors and room for the kids, you can have the best bits of each of those cars in the form of the Leon Cupra R, but at an attractive €10,000 discount.

2002+ Volkswagen Polo Couple German build quality with fuel efficiency and you end up with this notorious learner car. The 3dr variant is particularly good looking too!

2004+ Seat Ibiza Volkswagen Polo’s alter ego!

2003+ Alfa Romeo 147 Your insurance will cost at least half the value of 2004+ Fiat Punto the car itself, but this is Not for everyone, but in sporting one beautiful car. Find a guise you’ll have a pretty slick low mileage one as high looking car that your friends will find hard to dislike. Beware of rear miler’s are known to leg space though, or rather lack of! cause some gruff.

NEW State of the art Showroom NOW open. Open Monday – Saturday 9am to 5pm. Outside hours by appointment. Windows – Doors – Extended Living Fully Certiﬁed • Full Range of Colours • 10 Year Guarantee • Extensive Range of Designs

Contact Gary Moran on

046 9075077 or 086 3833052 Dublin Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth (old Blackstone Motors Showroom) Sat Nav Coordinates N 53* 42.792’ W 6*20.569’ E: drogheda@senatorwindows.ie or navan@senatorwindows.ie

www.senatorwindows.ie

E Drogheda

DARKVALLEYTATTOO DROGHEDA

Website: http://dukestattoos.pcriot.com

• CUSTOM TATTOO & PORTRAITS • REWORKS & COVER WORK • LARGE RANGE OF INTERNATIONAL FLASH TRIBAL • KANJI • POLYNESIAN • MAORI CELTIC • OLD SCHOOL • LOGO & CRESTS GOTHIC • HORROR • LETTERING • FANTASY

31 PETER STREET, DROGHEDA, CO. LOUTH (ABOVE THE GREEN MAN BARBERS) TEL: 041-9871551 / (089) 4492387 email: dualtastattoos@gmail.com OPENING HOURS: MON – SAT 10am – 6pm (late sittings by appointment)

Business

Women of Worth AWARDS 2012

OUR ROAD to SUCCESS

Friday 18th May at 7.30pm in the Westcourt Hotel, Drogheda

With the Women of Worth Awards just weeks away, these three Drogheda women reveal how they are making it in the business world

ne of the hidden benefits of the current recession is that more and more people are starting their own business. And some of the most impressive entrepreneurial success stories are those of women. According to business experts there are quite a few reasons for this, in particular the flexibility it affords. As an entrepreneur, you can create your own schedule, work from home, and even restrict the number of projects you can take on at one time. These benefits are especially meaningful for working mothers, a particularly fast-growing sector of the entrepreneurs club. The efforts of Drogheda’s women entrepreneurs will be acknowledged at the wonderful WOW Awards in the Westcourt Hotel on Friday, May 18th. ‘It is great to see we have so many success stories in our community and these awards are a celebration of that,’ says Anne Marie Graham from Healthforce on behalf of Drogheda & District Chamber. The evening will start with a Champagne reception, followed by a 3-course dinner and entertainment from local band Deco5. MC for the evening is RTE presenter and Barrister-at-Law Theresa Lowe, while local entrepreneur Denise Walsh from Relish Café & Foodhall will be the guest speaker. Tickets cost €49 and can be purchased direct from Drogheda Chamber at 041-9833544. To nominate a woman who you think leads by example, visit www. droghedachamber.com and download the nomination form. All nominations must be entered before May 4th, 2012.

EILIS FITZGERALD

looking fresh. I have a large following on Facebook also which is how I keep my customers up to date on what new products we have. There is a fine line with Facebook between the hard sell and connecting with your customers. I try to put up items that I think might interest my customers such as celeb news, funny quotes, articles of interest to new mothers etc, so that’s it not all about promoting my products. Tell us about your journey into the online world – Describe your average day? The boys Jack (age 2) and Harry (8 months) go to crèche from 9am-2pm and what led to the launch of Heybaby.ie? I lost my job while pregnant with our first child. I five days a week so that has added structure to all our lives. This is the time where I am dedicated had worked in the airline industry for the past 10 to Hey Baby, getting orders ready for delivery, years both in the Middle East and Ireland. While unemployed, I was shopping for items for our first answering emails and calls, sourcing new products and putting orders in. In the afternoon, late at child. It was then I noticed there was a lack of choice in the main high street baby stores. I spent night and weekends, I still regularly have to pop up to the office and do any of the above as needed. the rest of my pregnancy researching the market Working for yourself has no set and sourcing products from around the world. The website went online when Jack was only a few hours unfortunately. How do you stay motivated and months old. inspired? I get such positive Have you always wanted to work for yourself? No, it wasn’t planned at all. My parents were self- feedback from my customers employed for over 30 years and my sister, brothers which really motivates and I saw from a very early age the hard work that me to continue. Also I have is involved in running your own business. many regular Can you share with us some tips for successfully customers now promoting and managing a website? I try to update the content as regularly as possible which mean I must be doing on the homepage especially, to keep the website Mum of two , age 30, started her successful internet business HeyBaby.ie in Grange Rath, Drogheda two years ago. The online baby store stocks the coolest products and brands for little ones including Rock Star designed by Bon Jovi’s drummerTico Torres, Sleepytot, Oh Baby London, Pink Lining, JJ Cole,Little Green Radicals and lots more

something right. I love to spot someone with one of our products; it really makes it all worthwhile. Do you view yourself as a business woman? An entrepreneur? Neither really, I’m just a working mother trying to do the best for my family. Have you made any mistakes along the way that you can share? I have made many small mistakes but nothing really major. It’s all a guessing game, you just have to go with your gut feeling. What lies ahead? Your future plans, goals and missions. I plan to expand the range of products further. I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting products that are not available here in Ireland. I would love in the future to open a small store to showcase all our products but that’s a long way off yet.

‘Losing my job changed everything’

E Drogheda

Theresa Lowe

DOROTHY WALSH

contact with the workload in the office when I am out and about, particularly with a busy court diary so they have really helped in allowing me to be in two places at once almost. Do you view yourself as a business woman? An entrepreneur? I Can you tell us a bit about your journey into the legal profession? Was it always your dream career? don’t see myself as an entrepreneur as such I have always been interested in law as a career as I am not providing and after finishing my primary degree, I followed a new or innovative the usual route of postgraduate positions before service but I do think undertaking training in law. I completed an that I provide legal apprenticeship with O’Reilly Thomas Solicitors services in a new in Drogheda, which I loved. I really enjoyed the way. I didn’t initially direct client contact and problem solving. After qualifying, I broadened my experience by practising want to give into in Cavan town before coming back to Drogheda to the idea of being a set up my own practice. I have to say I am doing exactly what I have always wanted to do. When things get difficult how do you stay motivated and inspired? Thankfully, I am a very positive person and having set up a business in the deepest business woman as I felt that law was my strength not business, however, I have become a business recession this State has ever seen I have needed it. woman in every sense over the last three years and I can honestly say I love my work and that is the have learned so much and have been able to transfer greatest motivator. Do you have an average day? How do you manage that knowledge into a service I can provide to business clients. your time? I don’t really have an average day as such but I do find that diary management is the key Do you have any top tips for anyone wanting to become a solicitor? Make sure you want to become to keeping everything on track. The iPhone and the iPad have become a large part in keeping me in a solicitor for the right reasons. Acquire work

experience, consult any solicitors you may already know or come into contact with during your work experience, as they will always have a wealth of knowledge to help you in your career planning. What has been your most proud moment? One of my proudest moments in terms of legal career was my involvement in closing down headshops operating in Ireland. My firm applied for Injunctions in the Circuit Court on behalf of landlord clients to stop headshops operating on their premises. It was the first application of its kind to have been before a Circuit Court in Ireland and it opened an avenue for owners and landlords up and down the country to do the same to stop these activities on their premises. How do you successfully manage your work along with your kids and other household duties? It is very difficult to balance life as a mother and a solicitor. I have two children – a boy of three and a girl of four months. It can be done but not without a team effort. I am extremely lucky with the help I get from family, particularly my parents. You have to be very well organised and use time very efficiently. However, I make the most of any time off and I devote that time to my family.

AISLINN TRODDEN opened her first hair

many but I never regret anything I’ve done, I just learn from them and they don’t happen again. What brings you the most joy personally or professionally? On a personal level, my husband Joe and my mum Rosie make me very happy – we have such a laugh! Professionally, Tigi is my religion, I love the passion, creativity and imagery that comes from our company. I love taking their inspiration and making it my own. I also love the craic and the laughs I have in Buddha Head and those big smiles that walk out the door!

Solicitor set up her company Dorothy J. Walsh & Co Solicitors, Drogheda three years ago. She provides legal services in the areas of family law, health and safety and employment law to name but a few

‘I love my work and that is the greatest motivator’

my clients will vouch for that! I’m very lucky in my career as if I’m not in Buddha Head then salon when she was just 22. Today, the 31-year-old I’m teaching for Tigi Ireland, doing a shoot or is the proprietor of Buddha Head Hair & Make-up training myself in the UK, Germany or some Studio, Drogheda and a Tigi Ambassador for Ireland other wonderful part of the world! If I’m away Can you tell us a bit about your journey into working with Tigi then my time is managed for hair and make-up? Was hairdressing always me. In my studio I work alone so sometimes I your dream career? When I was little living in run behind schedule because I like to chat with Scotland my ambition was to be ‘on the stage’! clients! But my mum Rosie helps me to stay on But when I moved to Ireland I decided I wanted top of it all. to be a teacher, a hairdresser or a make-up Do you have any top tips for anyone wanting artist and everything was going to be in Spain! to be self employed? Prepare to work hard but I suppose I teach hair and make-up all over the stay happy. Love what you do because you will world on the stage so I believe I am living my be tested every so dream! often and you need to Have you always wanted to work for yourself? believe in yourself and Yes, I always knew that I would be self employed your business. – and so did my first boss! He could see it in me What has been your at age 15! most proud moment? When things get difficult how do you stay I have had so many proud moments! But I look motivated and inspired? I’m always researching back and can’t believe I was only 22 when I what’s going on in fashion, hair and make-up opened my first hair studio here in Drogheda trends and love to watch the work and new and it was a great success! Whilst there I also collections of my idols, Anthony Mascolo and the represented Ireland in the World Final of Wella Tigi International Team. I also have very creative Trend Vision in Milan, and I’ve assisted Anthony friends here in Drogheda and worldwide who Mascolo too – a dream come true! inspire me, in all life areas. Have you made any mistakes along the way that Do you have an average day? How do you you can share? I wouldn’t call them mistakes, manage your time? I never have an average day; more learning curves ! Yes, I’m sure there are

‘I always knew I’d be my own boss’

E Drogheda

Guide

to Drogheda’s Best Restaurants To advertise here email ads@essentialdrogheda.com or call

John on 085-1004001

Main St. Dunleer Co.Louth Tel: 041-6861366 find us on

• Early Bird Times Wed – Fri 6-9pm, Sat 6-7pm, Sun 5-7pm • Full a la carte menu • Take away available Wed – Sun • Mid-Week €10 Menu Wed/Thurs/Fri 6-7pm Design your own pizza & pasta

Ristorante ~ Pizzeria M-Sat 5-Late, Closed Tue, Sun 5-Late Mell, Drogheda 041-9845444 / 45381

Now taking bookings for Communion & Confirmation Lunches Early Bird Menu �23.95 3 course meal & free glass of wine

Kids Menu �7.50 Takeaway & Delivery

Quality Authentic Food - Locally Sourced New Menu Items - Good Value

Know your

rights Dermot Monahan of Monahan & Co Solicitors,

answers your legal queries... Monahan & Co solicitors

E Drogheda

Monasterboice Inn

forge gallery restaurant

Located just off the M1, Monasterboice Tel: 041 9837383 Open 7 days Home-made, Fresh, Locally Sourced Food

Special Menu e25pp Available Mon-Sun 4.30-9pm Sat 4.30-10pm

• Spicy Roast Tomato & Basil Soup • Our Famous Spiced Buffalo Chicken Wings with Aioli Sauce • Butterly’s Smoked Salmon • Prime Sirloin Steak 8oz

Cooked to your liking with sautéed onions, mushrooms & sauce

• Butterflied Chicken Supreme, Smokey Bacon & Mushroom Sauce • Spiced Vegetable Curry (All Dishes Served with Fresh Veg & Potato of Your Choice)

• Home Baked Apple Pie • Sarsfield Delight • Milk Chocolate Amaretto Mousse with Danucci Salted Caramel Truffle • ‘Local Award Winning Cheese’ Plate with apple & plum chutney • Freshly Brewed Tea or Coffee

Double A (4 Course Meal) Choice of: 2 Appetizers, 1 Soup, 1 Main Course & Tea or Coffee Sun-Thurs e17.50 Fri-Sat e19.50 Kiddies Meal e9 (Main Course & a glass of Soft Drink)

A La Carte Menu Available Chinese Restaurant

Bettystown

Mon-Sat 5pm-12am Sun 1.30pm-12am

Tel:

041 988 6804 041 988 6693

Set Dinner 2 Courses e23.95 3 Courses e29.95 Church Street, Collon, County Louth. Tel: 041-9826272 E-mail: info@forgegallery.ie www.forgegallery.ie Opening hours: wed-sat 6-9.30

Excellence in Fine Dining and Original Artwork

Scholars Townhouse Hotel A lA CArTE main courses from e14.95 Available Every Day from 6pm - 9.30pm

EArly

BirD

2 CourSES €19.95 3 CourSES €23.95 4.30pm-6.30pm Mon – Sat

SunDAyS - 3 course menu e25 Available all day Tel: 041 9835410 www.scholarshotel.com

find us on

The Rendezvous Modern Irish cuisine with a classic French twist • Early Bird Special 3 courses from €19.95

Served Wed to Sat (all night Wed & Thurs, 6pm to 8pm Fri & Sat).

• New A-la-carte Menu available at all times

• French classic specials every Friday night The Waterfront, Upper Mell, Drogheda Tel: 041-9838804

Dear Dermot,

My friend took my 12-year-old son out for the day with her own children and was involved in an car accident which she was not responsible for. My son broke his arm and has injuries to his neck and shoulder. This all happened about six months ago and his doctors have since said that his injuries have healed nicely. I know my friend and her children are suing the driver of the other car but I was wondering where my son stands. Debbie

Dear Debbie, Sorry to hear about your son’s injuries. Your son was not responsible for his injuries. He is entitled to seek compensation from the insurance company of the driver of the vehicle responsible for the accident. Your son is under 18 years of age which means that any personal injury action will have to be brought by an adult acting on his behalf – usually the child’s mother or father. Any compensation that your son receives will be held by the courts on trust for him until he reaches the age of maturity (ie., 18). However, there may be exceptional circumstances where the court will release some of the money before that time, for example, educational or health needs but not for holidays or toys! For more information on the personal injuries process you can visit our website www.monahansolicitors.ie. Please note a claim for a personal injury must be made within two years from the date of the injury occurring. Need legal advice? Email your query to info@essentialdrogheda.com

T a s t y tearoom e ak ec es he Mango C Food

What you need:

350g Polo Biscuits 160g Butter For the filling: 250g Philadelphia cream cheese 100g caster sugar 2 tps vanilla extract 4 gelatine leaves ¼ pint of milk ½ pint of whipped cream 1 lemon jelly 100 oz mango couli

What to do: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Mix broken biscuits and melted butter. Press into 9” cake tin. Cream the cheese and sugar, before adding vanilla. Warm the milk to dissolve the gelatine, add to the mixture. Fold in the cream and allow to set. Melt the jelly, add the couli and pour on top. Allow to set. Serve with ice cream of your choice.

An Grianan Brown Bread What you need:

What to do:

1 lb coarse wholemeal flour 1. Place all dry ingredients in bowl. 1 tbsp bran 2. Heat a spoon and measure out honey. 1 tbsp wheatgerm 3. Make a well in centre of dry 1 tbsp pinhead oatmeal ingredients and pour in honey. or oat flakes 4. Mix with buttermilk and make a wet dough. 1 rounded tsp bread soda 5. Add oil with buttermilk and honey. 1 level tsp salt 6. Pour into a greased and floured loaf tin. 1 tbsp honey Bake in the oven for one hour at 200C/400F/Gas 7. 1 tbsp olive oil Reduce if necessary after 30 minutes to Buttermilk to mix 180C/375F/Gas 5.

Hungry for funding!

Calling all self-confessed foodies and aspiring philanthropists, now you have the opportunity to indulge both of your passions by investing in SMÖRGASBOARD™, the board game for foodies, which is now live on crowd funding website, Fundit.ie. Created by Drogheda couple Richard Kelly and Maggie Leonard, SMÖRGASBOARD™ is a board game for foodies, friends and family alike. Players take on the guise of aspiring chefs as they work their way around the board in search of gastronomic success. The object of the game is to be the first team of chefs to graduate from Rick’s Culinary Academy. The losing team does the dishes! The duo are hoping to make their SMÖRGASBOARD™ dream a reality by raising €8,500 to put the game into production. Those who want a bite of the SMÖRGASBOARD™ action can simply log on to fundit.ie and pledge anything from €10 to €500 in return for varying levels of SMÖRGASBOARD™ rewards. Every pledge will also come with a side order of sincere and heartfelt gratitude from Richard and Maggie no matter what the amount. For more information or to make a pledge log on to fundit.ie.

treats

The only thing richer than the food at The Gatehouse Tearooms at An Grianán, Termonfeckin, is perhaps the history and the customs of the ICA itself. taste it for yourself at home over a cuppa!

here’s nothing that smells quite as good as a batch of freshly baked scones or brown bread just out of the oven. And if anyone knows a thing or two about homemade cuisine it’s the ladies at ICA, An Grianán. The Gatehouse Tearooms at the ICA’s Termonfeckin headquarters reopened in 2011 and has built up a fantastic local following with regulars popping in for fresh scones, soup of the day or the popular ‘All Day’ breakfast. The Tearooms are open daily from 10am until 5pm and everything is cooked fresh on site using only the best of local ingredients. So sought-after is the produce that the experienced staff has recently branched into outside catering for all events. When you’re finished your lunch you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the onsite Garden Centre or view the restoration progress of the Centenary Walled Garden. A flawless way to spend your Saturday!

sageandstone.com ideas for cooking | baking | giving | | Living

Now Serving Breakfast

Stitch n’ Bitch Class every Wed 10am – 12pm €5 per class

Coffee Shop & Children’s Play Area

Sat 26th May

Opening hours 9am -5pm Monday - Saturday (closed Sundays) Newlanes (Julianstown Road), Duleek, Co. Meath Tel. 041 9814362

E Drogheda

entertainment

WIN TICKETS TO DJ Don Letts

Up the Windmill

Road

s a new era of fiscal sustainability is ushered in by all involved with Drogheda United, a greater emphasis has been placed on ’Arcy youth development within with Ciarán D the club. Gone are the days of bringing in players from all over the country and paying them exorbitant wages. Indeed, the financial constraints that Airtricity League teams must now compete with may prove to be a blessing in disguise in the long run. Rory Kerr, head of youth development at Drogheda, is only too delighted to see local talent prevail on the first team. ‘There are currently five lads in the first team squad from Drogheda,’ says Rory. ‘Overall, there are around eight from the Louth area which is great to see. I run a barber’s shop in the town and people are always asking how the local lads are getting on. They’d be more inclined to go to games if local lads are playing, so it is massive for the town to see that.’ Rory coaches the Under-19 squad at the club. When asked about ones to watch for the future, he has no shortage of suggestions. ‘Chris Kerr and Ryan Brennan are the obvious examples of lads who have come up through the youth set-up in recent years. They went away for a few years and got a bit of football, and now they’re back with the first team which is good to see. ‘In terms of underage players at the moment, Conor O’Keefe was involved in a couple of first team squads last year and has been training a bit with the senior team this year. Keith Boyle is another of our lads; he was on the bench for the Shamrock Rovers match. That said, it is a massive step up from Under-19 to senior level, and the timing has to be right for the player. It can’t just be for the sake of it.’ The quality player that the club now produces is plain to see, and thankfully it is there in abundance. ‘Of the current Under-19 squad, eight are eligible to play again next year, and three of them can play again the year after that. Other teams can take players from DDSL (Dublin District League) sides but we don’t have that luxury, so we must bring local talent through. Drogheda Boys is our feeder club so we can now develop young players from eight to 16 Ryan years of age with the goal for them being that Brennan they feed through into the Drogheda United youth set-up.’ Huge strides have been made with the youth Chris development section, but further improvement is Kerr always possible. Rory believes that an all-weather pitch would help to improve the youth structure immensely. ‘In terms of coaching as well as the players’ enjoyment and progression, an all-weather pitch would be the ideal facility. Facilities like that keep young lads interested so that we can develop them and hopefully make them into first team players. Other sporting bodies around the town could also avail of this facility to nurture their own young players and sport.’

DJ/Dance/Electronica

E Drogheda

This month is jammed packed with quality events, thanks in part to the annual Drogheda Arts Festival which takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Top billing is the arrival of BBC 6 DJ Don Letts at The Purple Room on Saturday, May 5th. This is a visit to the town by a true legend that has been at the cultural cutting edge of music and film since the 1970s. His DJ residency at the infamous London Punk club ‘The Roxy’ is widely acknowledged as the catalyst for the merging of Punk and Dub Reggae. He formed ‘Big Audio Dynamite’ with ex Clash guitarist Mick Jones in 1984 and they quickly established themselves as an innovative group with their signature sound incorporating Reggae, Hip-Hop, Punk Rock, Funk and Dance Music. Tickets for this event are priced at €10 and are on sale from Town Centre Barbers. For your chance to WIN a pair of tickets to see DJ Don Letts in action, email editor@essentialdrogheda.com with your answer to the following question before 6pm on Thursday, May 3rd. Only over 18s need apply and please include contact details. Name the band that DJ Don Letts formed in 1984 with ex Clash guitarist Mick Jones ? Any DJs, producers or electronic types will be interested in which takesplace at The Barbican on Saturday, May 5th. This is an opportunity to experience the full range of the latest ideas in sonic arts, electro acoustic music and electronica production, all in the one building, all in the one day. The event will have workshops on production software and techniques, as well as performances, lectures and demonstrations from some of the leading local and national figures in the electronic music movement. It runs from 10am until 5pm and entry is completely free.

Sonic Abyss Abys Sonic

Up to 30 local bands will feature in Drogheda’s biggest music festival which takes place over the June Bank Holiday. The 2012 Beat on the Boyne Festival in partnership with Scotch Hall Shopping Centre and Coca Cola International Services kicks off on Friday, June 1st in the Barbican Centre with headline act Damien Dempsey and support from local artists Conall Bailey and Rapscallion. Please check out the Beat on the Boyne Facebook page over the coming weeks for more details. It promises to be a good one!

3 to SEE

at Drogheda Arts Festival, May 3rd-7th, taking place at various venues around town

Ship Street Revisited – presented by Upstate Theatre Project, May 3rd- May 7th, 6pm and 8pm, Ship Street Travel back to the Drogheda of the 1940s. This is the story of local people, working people, and the town they remember. Weaving the oral history of an industrial age with contemporary technique, Upstate Theatre Project uses the urban landscape and over 50 local performers to evocative effect. Actually, the play will be performed in vacant premises in the area using the testimony of the men and women who worked in the shoe factories, breweries and mills and those who lived on Ship Street itself. Tickets €10/€7, www. droghedaartsfestival.ie.

bands towatch By Eoghan Darcy

he music world is full of many famous families that have made their name through their collective talents. From Johnny Cash and The Carter Family, The Jacksons, The Wilson’s in The Beach Boys and, perhaps most famously, we have the Gallagher brothers whose well publicised disagreements are never far from the front pages. Drogheda’s musical heritage is no different and has had a long standing tradition with many families across the town including The Judge’s, the Maher’s and the Leddy’s to name but a few. Continuing this fine tradition are The Carolan Brothers from the Ballymakenny Road. Gene, Stephen and James – who share vocals, guitars and mandolin – are a talented and experienced group having played in numerous bands between them over the years. Gene previously fronted Holy Matrimony, a funky four piece with a lot of kick, and James combines playing guitar with his brothers and drumming for well known local act, Baby A. The Carolan Brothers formed after a stint busking during the Boyneside Samhain Festival in November. They are heavily influenced by folk rock legends Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Band and Creedence

Class Act

Clearwater Revival while also referencing their Irish roots with a powerful rendition of The Waterboys Fisherman’s Blues. The most striking aspect of their songs is the well-crafted three-part harmonies which accompany their polished playing style. The Carolan Brothers Recently, at a charity Neil Young Tribute Night the group expanded to become The Carolan Brothers Band. With Ian Hand on drums, David Coffey on keyboard and Ailbhe Rogers on violin this band looks set to entertain the masses this summer starting with two big gigs over the June Bank Holiday weekend. They will play at O’Caseys Bar on Saturday, June 2nd and again at the The Scotch Hall Shopping Centre Beat on the Boyne Free Concert on June 3rd. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming gigs.

A HUGE congratulations to the 76 students of Our Lady’s College, Greenhills school choir who were crowned the winners of the Waltons Music for Schools Competition which was held in the National Concert Hall on April 16th last. Their winning entry ‘Africa’ by Toto not only wowed the judges but also bagged the school €3,000 worth of musical equipment. ‘It was a very close call,’ says teacher Grainne Diskin. ‘All of the secondary schools were fantastic so when we heard our name called out it was a wonderful shock!’ Mrs Diskin and 6th year student Aoife Sharkey accepted the prize on the day on behalf of the choir. The school now intends to buy ukuleles and mandolins for students.

Murtaghs of DrogheDa Gemma Hayes, May 4th, 8pm, d Hotel

Paints, fabric & wallPaPers

Gemma Hayes actually had to postpone her Drogheda gig in February so her local followers will be delighted to hear that the Irish chanteuse is back in town as part of DAF. Promoting her fourth album ‘Let it Break’ the singer/songwriter will showcase her unique style of music, combining prog rock, folk and electronica that made her a firm festival favourite over the years. Tickets are priced €15 and are available from the d Hotel, Drogheda.

Outdoor Cinema - Monty Python’s The Life of Brian, May 4th, doors open 10.30pm, start 11pm, car park behind Clarke’s Bar, Peter Street Enjoy the delights of outdoor cinema when one of the most quoted film classics will be shown at the back of Clarke’s Bar. Banned in Ireland from its release in 1979 until 1987 the ultimate satire ‘Monty Python’s The Life of Brian’ follows the path of Brian, the unfortunate hero who is mistaken for a prophet and becomes a very reluctant messiah! Make sure to dress for the weather and we’re sure a snug blanket won’t go astray either (although the organisers will provide a limited supply on a first come, first served basis). Tickets €10, www.droghedaartsfestival.ie

8 fairgreen, Drogheda. tel: 041 9843733 www.murtaghsdrogheda.ie find us on

at Murtaghsofdrogheda

E Drogheda

EVENTS

Events

SULLIVAN Cabs & Coaches

Thurs 26th April McPhails: The Enemies

Boyne Valley Hotel: Slimming World Classes, 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Daly’s, Donore: Whole Shebang O’Neill’s, Duleek: Keltic Moods An Grianán: One day courses in photography, painting with beeswax and gardening, ]55pp, booking essential d Hotel: Salsa Classes. Beginners 8pm-9pm, Improvers 9pm-10pm. Classes ]10, contact Frank on 087-0613590 Boyles of Slane: The Purple Sessions featuring Andy O’Reilly, Storyfold, Twin Terrace and Chris Brady Oldbridge: Drogheda Photographic Club Members Lecture Night

Dates for The Pheasant: Elvis (Greg Traynor) Salthouse: Live music Sarsfields: Bagful of Songs The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish music d Hotel: Live music with Gemma Hayes. ]15, 7.30pm Drogheda Arts Festival 2012 Clarkes Bar: Evensong, 5pm/6pm/7pm/8pm Secret Location, Drogheda: Legs Foundation for The Translation of Things. By appointment only Highlanes Gallery: 7.42 Exhibition Opening, 7pm Ship Street: Ship Street Revisited, 6pm/8pm St. Peter’s Church: Arabian Waltz with Rabih Abou Khalil, the EQ Ensemble and Elisaveta Blumina. Tickets ]10, 8pm Droichead Arts Centre: Mirror Mirror. ]12/]10, 8.30pm Clarkes Bar Car Park: Outdoor Cinema: Monty Pyton’s Life of Brian. Tickets ]10, doors 10.30pm

◾ Fares from only €5.00 ◾ Airport from €40.00 ◾ Fast reliable friendly local men & women drivers Fri 27th April ◾ 4, 6, 8, 16, 24, 36 & 53 seaters Droichead Arts Centre: That’s About The Size of It, Tickets ]12, 8.30pm available at fantastic rates! Sat 5th May McPhails: Wizard of Sonic The Thatch Bar: Elvis Night with Peter Carroll The Pheasant: Live music with Nash Market Bar: Music by Level 2 ◾ Stags, Hens, Weddings and all occasions Salthouse: Live music d Hotel: Live music with 2morrows Party The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish music McPhails: Shaken Edge d Hotel: Local Heroes Fundraising Race Night ◾ Chauffeur service also available Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith. Late bar with Boyles of Slane: The Electric Hob’Rockin Blues Band

10% OFF ALL FARES when you mention this ad

041 98 111 98 086 838 44 44

www.sullivancoaches.com

AA Amber Roofing & Gutter repairs

Sat 28th April Droichead Arts Centre: The Love Hungry Farmer.

Tickets ]16, 8:30pm McPhails: Tequila Rose McHugh’s: Rarely Seen Above Ground with support acts Super Turbo Ninja Club and Carried by Waves. Doors 9pm, tickets ]10 from McHugh’s and www. ticketmaster.ie d Hotel: Live music with The Bitter Lemons The Thatch: Live music with The Two Guys The Market Bar: Music by Cliché Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith, late bar with concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave, contemporary music Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: Live music with Just Us The TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: Jazz Night with David Leddy. Tickets ]25, 8pm Sage & Stone: Farmers’ Market, 11am-4pm Fairyhouse Cookery School: One day cookery workshop, ‘Six Simple Suppers’, 9.30am-2.30pm. Tickets ]95 Boyles of Slane: The Sunbeams

Sun 29th April McPhails: Bear Garden

Boyne Valley Hotel: Slimming World classes, 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Market Bar: Music by Snazz Boyles of Slane: Sarah & Ultan

Mon 30th April Market Bar: Monday Club

McPhails: Monday Club The Punt: Traditional Irish music sessions

Tues 1st May Droichead Arts Centre: Film Club – Romantics

Free

• All repair work carried out advice and • Loose slates and tiles quotation • All leaking roofs repaired • Chimney repairs and pointing • Torch on felt flat roofing • Gutters cleaned, repaired and replaced • UPVC fascia soffits and gutters supplied and fitted • Chimney cleaning and nests removed • Cowls supplied and fitted

No job too big or small - All areas covered & 087-1754022

Anonymous. Tickets ]8, 8pm Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night The Thatch: Bingo, 9pm River House: Traditional Irish music sessions

Wed 2nd May Boyle’s of Slane: Traditional Irish music sessions Thurs 3rd May McPhails: The Enemies

Westcourt Hotel: Colour Me Beautiful in aid of Gary Kelly Support Centre. Tickets ]15, 8pm Daly’s, Donore: Traditional Irish music sessions O’Neill’s, Duleek: Traditional Irish music sessions d Hotel: Salsa Classes. Beginners 8pm-9pm, Improvers 9pm-10pm. Classes ]10, contact Frank on 087-0613590 Oldbridge: Drogheda Photographic Club AGM Drogheda Arts Festival 2012 Clarkes Bar: Evensong, 5pm/6pm/7pm/8pm Droichead Arts Centre: Exhibition – Wake Festival Opening, 6pm Ship Street: Ship Street Revisited, 6pm/8pm Droichead Arts Centre Bar: The Wheelchair in My Face. Tickets ]10/]8, 8.30pm

concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: Live music with Orion Drogheda Arts Festival 2012 Clarkes Bar: Evensong, 5pm/6pm/7pm/8pm Secret Location, Drogheda: Legs Foundation for The Translation of Things. By appointment only Barbican Centre: The Sonic Abyss, 10am-5pm West Street: Flutterby Circus, 1pm-5pm Ship Street: Ship Street Revisited, 6pm/8pm TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: Gift Grub Live 2. Tickets ]38.70, 8pm The Purple Room: Don Letts. Tickets ]10, 11pm

Sun 6th May d Hotel: Live music with The Bitter Lemons

Market Bar: Music by Pat C and Guests McPhails: The Seducers Drogheda Arts Festival 2012 Secret Location, Drogheda: Legs Foundation for The Translation of Things. By appointment only Millmount: Traditional Day, 1pm-5pm Ship Street: Ship Street Revisited, 6pm/8pm Barbican Centre: Disrupting Alzheimers, 6.30pm DBC Car Park: Macnus – Rumpus, 7pm St Peter’s Church: Macnus – Rumpus, 8pm Millmount: Macnus – Rumpus, 9pm Droichead Arts Centre: Thought Once Was. Tickets ]15/]12, 8.30pm

Mon 7th May Bank Hol McPhails: Monday Club The Punt: Traditional Irish music sessions Drogheda Arts Festival 2012 Oldbridge: Trio Eleatha, 3pm Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Oldbridge: Oldbridge Country Fair, 11.30am-6pm Ship Street: Ship Street Revisited, 6pm/8pm

Tues 8th May Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night. Admission is free River House: Traditional Irish music sessions The Thatch: Bingo, 9pm

Wed 9th May Boyle’s of Slane: Traditional Irish music sessions

McPhails: Open Mic Night Highlanes Gallery: Drogheda Civic Trust presents its inaugural Whitaker lecture to coincide with the National Famine Commemoration. Free event, 6.30pm Droichead Arts Centre: Kin. Tickets ]5, 2pm

Thurs 10th May Droichead Arts Centre: An American in Paris. Free

admission, 2pm McPhails: The Enemies Boyne Valley Hotel: Slimming World Classes, 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Daly’s, Donore: Traditional Irish music sessions O’Neill’s, Duleek: Traditional Irish music sessions d Hotel: Salsa Classes. Beginners 8pm-9pm, Improvers 9pm-10pm. Classes ]10, contact Frank on 0870613590

17a Donore Business Park, Drogheda, Co.Louth Mail: aaamberroofing@goldenpages.ie

Fri 11th May Fri 4th May TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: Gift Grub Live 2. Tickets Droichead Arts Centre: Classical music – I Hear you ]38.70, 8pm McPhails: Point Blank

Calling Me. Tickets ]22 Westcourt Hotel: Sportsman Lunch in aid of the Gary

E Drogheda

Are You In It?

email your event details to info@essentialdrogheda.com

r your diary Kelly Centre McPhails: Big Generator The Pheasant: Live music with Green Machine Salthouse: Live music The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish music d Hotel: DIFE Fashion & Design End of Year Show/ Exhibition, 7.30pm d Hotel: Live music with Roy Taylor Oldbridge: Drogheda Photographic Club – Guest Stephen Le Provost FRPS from Guernsey. Stephen is the leading exponent of Creative photography. Cover charge ]2

concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave Salthouse: Live music

Westcourt Hotel: National Famine Commemoration Day Conference Market Bar: Music by The Biz, late bar 2am d Hotel: Live music with The Enemies McPhails: Electric Avenue Funtasia: Hands on Military Exhibition. Admission only ]1 Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith. Late bar with concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: Live music, late bar The TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: The Three Tenors with Star Violinist. Tickets ]25/]28, 8pm

River House: Traditional Irish music sessions The Thatch: Bingo, 9pm

Sat 12th May The Thatch Bar: Live music with Supernova

Sun 13th May The Thatch Bar: Take your Pick with Groggy Mac

McPhails: Tara Hill The Market Bar: Music by Shiftrate, late bar 1am The Pheasant: Live music, late bar Funtasia Waterpark: Hands on Military Exhibition. Free admission, any donations to Irish Wheelchair Association

Mon 14th May McPhails: Monday Club

The Punt: Traditional Irish music sessions The Market Bar: Monday Club

Tues 15th May Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night. Admission is free River House: Traditional Irish music sessions The Thatch: Bingo, 9pm

Wed 16th May Droichead Arts Centre: The Miracle. Tickets ]12, 10.30pm Boyle’s of Slane: Traditional Irish music sessions

Thurs 17th May Droichead Arts Centre: The Miracle. Tickets ]12,

10.30pm McPhails: The Enemies Boyne Valley Hotel: Slimming World Classes, 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Daly’s, Donore: Traditional Irish music sessions O’Neill’s, Duleek: Traditional Irish music sessions d Hotel: PJ Gallagher. Tickets ]20, 7.30pm Oldbridge: Drogheda Photographic Club Committee Meeting

Fri 18th May Droichead Arts Centre: The Miracle. Tickets ]12,

22.30pm McPhails: Vertigo Westcourt Hotel: Drogheda Chamber of Commerce WOW Awards. Tickets ]49 d Hotel: Roy Taylor Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: Back Again The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish music The Parochial Hall, Slane: Sounds of Slane Charity CD launch, ]15 (includes entry and CD). Doors 7.30pm

Sat 19th May The TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: Dickie Rock.

Tickets ]24, 8pm Droichead Arts Centre: The Miracle. Tickets ]12, 22.30pm d hotel: Live Music with The Enemies McPhails: Fador The Market Bar: Music by Paul & Linda The Thatch Bar: Live Music with Dawn Sarsfields: Out of the Bag presents Harvest, Neill Young Tribute Band. ]5, 9.30pm The Pheasant: Classic Hits Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith, late bar with

Sun 20th May McPhails: Orion

The Market Bar: Music by Gerry & Paul

Mon 21st May McPhails: Monday Club

The Punt: Traditional Irish music sessions The Market Bar: Monday Club

Tues 22nd May Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night

EVENT GUIDE Gift Grub Live 2

as part of droichead arts festival

4th & 5th May 8pm, Tickets €38.70

The Three Tenors, 12th May 8pm, Tickets €25/28

Wed 23rd May Boyle’s of Slane: Traditional Irish music sessions McPhails: Open Mic Night

Thurs 24th May McPhails: Live music

Boyne Valley Hotel: Slimming World Classes, 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Daly’s, Donore: Traditional Irish music sessions O’Neill’s, Duleek: Traditional Irish music sessions d Hotel: Salsa Classes. Beginners 8pm-9pm, Improvers 9pm-10pm. Classes ]10, contact Frank on 0870613590

Dickie rock & special guest Sharon Gaynor 19th May 8pm, Tickets €24

The Sands Family, 26th May 8pm, Tickets €25

Fri 25th May McPhails: The Profile

The Pheasant: Live music with Ged McMahon Salthouse: Live music The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish music d Hotel: Live music with Roy Taylor McHughs: Seanie Vaughan plus support Baby A. Doors 9pm; tickets ]8 available from McHughs

The Dubliners

Sat 26th May McPhails: The Enemies

50th Anniversary Tour

9th June 8pm, Tickets €35/38

d Hotel: Live music The Thatch: Live music with Mystic The Market Bar: Music by Double Trouble, Kevin & Fiona Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith, late bar with concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave, contemporary music Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: Live music with The Biz The TLT Concert Hall & Theatre: Sands Family in Concert. Tickets ]25, 8pm Sage & Stone: Farmers Market, 11am-4pm Grangegeeth Inn, Slane: Fun Night in aid of Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre. Beard shaving, hair cutting, darts competition, karaoke with Sharon, spot prizes and snacks on the night

B-town Dance Studios

Birthday Bash with Chris & Wes

16th June 8pm, Tickets €15/50 Moscow Ballet Presents

Swan Lake

18th Oct 8pm, Tickets €35/40

Sun 27th May McPhails: Tequila Rose

Barroco Bar: Rapscallion. Free admission, 9pm Boyne Valley Hotel: Slimming World classes, 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Market Bar: Just Us The Thatch: D2GS

Mon 28th May Market Bar: Monday Club

McPhails: Monday Club The Punt: Traditional Irish music sessions

Tues 29th May Droichead Arts Centre: Film Club – Black Pond. Tickets ]8, 8pm Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night The Thatch: Bingo, 9pm River House: Traditional Irish music sessions

Wed 30th May Boyle’s of Slane: Traditional Irish music sessions Thurs 31st May McPhails: The Enemies

Des Bishop

17th Nov 8pm, Tickets €25

Music Summer Camp for

4-7 year olds, from 16th - 20th July, €60, Please contact Ann Marie - 087 7946524 (after 4pm)

Book online at www.theTLT.ie or phone the box office on 041 9878560 East Coast Business Park, Matthews Lane, Drogheda, Co Louth Ph: +353 (0)41 9878560 Fax: +353 (0)41 6849906 Email: info@theTLT.ie Web: www.theTLT.ie SAT NAV Coordinates: for TLT Concert Hall N53° 41.970 W006° 22.301 Other ticket destinations: Service and credit card fee’s may apply Sound shop 041 9831078 Finlays Ardee 041 6856505 D Hotel 041 9877700 (packages only)

All entries correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this listing, however no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Check with venues.

E Drogheda

Best

interview

The

of everything

with comedian

Joe Rooney, a supporter of the Boyne 10K

arrived and believe me the police in Dubai are not to be messed with. The manager of the venue was at the side of the stage looking very nervous trying to tell me not to curse. Eventually, the audience copped on to what was going on and I was making fun of the fact that I wasn’t able to curse and the possibility that I would be escorted to the airport straight after the gig as the police looked on. It turned the gig into a bit of a rally. Best one-liner you never tire of: Before we had our first child we decided we wouldn’t find out if it was a boy or a girl. It’s five now, we’re dying to have a look. Best rumour you heard about yourself: Well, there was one that I started myself. I put in my biography that I was currently working on a romantic comedy musical set during the Famine. It was a joke of course but every time I did a radio interview I got asked about it. Maybe I should actually write it now! Best tip for anyone considering running a 10k for the first time: Just start training over a short distance at first. I started my training for the Boyne 10K by running the length of the beach from Bettystown to Mornington, stopping to stretch and get my breath back and then running BruSh SEt worth back down again. That is 2.5K each way. It’s a good idea to do a bit of stretching before wIth EvEry and after the run. MaKE-up CourSE* *T&C’s apply It’s not something I’d have been great the at over the years but gIvEaway! it’s really beneficial and it gets easier the 5 CourSES & BruSh SEtS more ye do it. to BE gIvEN away Best place to run: The Simply log onto our Facebook page facebook.com/thefuschiaeffect and best thing about running “LIKE” our page to be in with a chance to win is you can do it anywhere and you don’t have to pay phone 041-9801563 to make an appointment for it. I don’t like doing info@fuschia.ie www.fuschia ie 041 980 1562 the road too much because

Best thing about doing stand-up: It’s something you can do with a minimum of skill; you don’t have to play an instrument and you don’t have to bring anything but your mouth and whatever ideas you have in your head. As long as you are prepared to occasionally completely and utterly die on your arse and be totally humiliated then it’s a great job! This is something that happens more often when you start out but now I’ve got it down to once a year. Invariably, it’s a Christmas corporate do, the staff have been drinking all day and I’m getting well paid so I just keep talking and in the back of my mind I’m thinking of what I’ll buy with the money. Best live gig so far: It’s hard to pick one but last January I was out in Dubai doing a gig to expats in a venue that was half enclosed/half open air. The gig went really well but someone from the apartments nearby had heard one of the acts use bad language and phoned the police. While I was on stage two police

BaCK By popuLar DEMaND…

FS42-A1 Poster_Layout 1 16/01/2012 13:09 Page 1

FrEE

€150 BIg

E Drogheda

I have ‘dodgy knees’ (I think that’s the medical term for it as well!). Drogheda and District AC have a great track which I’ve only just discovered in Meadowview pitches. It’s open everyday and they have running sessions every Tuesday and Thursday for all ages. It looks like a grass track but it’s got rubber underneath which makes it easy on the joints. Best snack after running: If you have a calorie counter on ye while running you can find out what you’ve lost. I was thinking of inventing an app that tells you if you’ve run off the equivalent of a brownie and maps out your run so you end it at a café where you can replace the brownie you’ve just run off guilt free. Best drink: A simple glass of tap water after a run. I heard a coffee before a run is good but it was just some fella in a pub that said that so I’m not sure if there’s any scientific back up on that. Best moment on Celebrity Come Dine With Me: I did Celebrity Come Dine With Me recently though it hasn’t gone out on air yet. When they came to my house I put on a big open fire to make it feel homely and as we were standing around the fire a log fell out of the fire and nearly set fire to Rosanna Davison’s legs. She didn’t seem to notice as her back was to the fire but the director was gesturing to me manically and I didn’t know what was going on. I don’t know if her legs are insured against fire or if she had sprayed them with any flammable liquid as they were quite orange but luckily I spotted the log just in time. Best read: True Grit by Charles Portis or Two Caravans by Marina Lewycka. Best film: Senna, the documentary about Formula One driver Ayrton Senna or Scorcese’s Raging Bull. Best place to holiday: Either New York or Italy for the food but Donegal is amazing too! To register for the Boyne 10K – which takes place in Drogheda on Sunday, May 6th at 3pm – visit www.Boyne10k.ie. Entry fee is e25

Services

Removals

Accountants

• Specialising in start-up business • General tax advice • Preparation of ALL tax returns incl. Income tax, Capital gains tax • Company formations • Bookkeeping service 26 Magdelene Street, Drogheda

041 9834524

kevin@droghedataxclinic.com

blinds

alarms/security

tel: 041 981 0815 moB: 086 8949846

FLOOring prices • carpets • Vinyl • Laminate • semi solid Floors

Floor STyle

79-81 patrick street, DrOgheDa

Tel: 041 9835556

bouncing castles

EurobouncE Best rates for School Holidays Largest supplier of Bouncing Castles in the North East

Castles, Slides, Gladiators, Sumo Wrestling & Obtstacle Courses

SPecial offer

12 x 14 castle from e45

087 911 2411 / 087 279 8738 AlSo Quality used castles for sale

Book early for communion & confirmation Safety Mats included. VAT reg IE9536888T

• • • • • •

Washing Machines TuMBlE DRyER Dishwashers NoT hEATiNg? o N Making a noise? Dryers llouT A Not spinning? C Cookers E g R ChA Save eee’s by getting Fridges it repaired! Ovens, Hobs etc

Phone Mike for FREE Advice 041 983 5617 085 777 5570

BER

Selling, Renting, Building or SEAI Grants Bullring, Drogheda

041 983 2638 086 835 1273

www.raywhite.ie

Mini-bus hire

LOw LOw

DOn’t buy untiL yOu check Our prices

Quick, Efficient Flexible Service with Excellent Backup

CERts

We will BEAT ANY Like for Like Quotation

Flooring

The Washing Machine Man

BER

DrogheDa Business Development Centre DrogheDa inDustrial estate, DrogheDa

We Do it all Fast, FrienDly serviCe WeekenD & evening appts Call us toDay For a Free Consultation

appliance repairs

motoring School

Irish School of Motoring

Mini CoaCh hire T: 041 98 44602 or 087 2628793 E: kieransmbh@vodafone.ie www.kieransmbh.ie

CONCERT TRANSPORT €12pp RETURN Bus departs Drogheda 6pm – 3 Pick up locations RECEIVE A LOYALTY CARD – 8 STAMPS – 1 FREE TRIP BElfAST TiTANiC ExPERiENCE €30 adult / €20 child Price includes transfers & entry. Contact us for dates!

GRADUATiON BAll TRANSPORT

From €150 per bus. Luxury bus HOLDS UP TO 9 COUPLES Complimentary bottle of champagne

MYSTERY TOUR PUB CRAWlS Ideal for Hen / Stag / Birthday Parties

SChOOl TRANSPORT Now taking bookings for next year, servicing Fatima / Congress / / Sacred Heart / St. Mary’s / Drogheda Grammar / Cartown NS / Greenhills

insulation

Eyres

North East Insulations Cavity Wall insulations ExtErnal insulations attiC insulations

FrEE

Folding attic stairs or e100 oFF

w/every fully insulated house

Joe Ward’s Driving School approved rsa: 36672 expert Tuition dual Controlled vehicle same Instructor Throughout Book 5 12 edT Lessons & Logbook provided GeT 1 Nervous Beginners Welcome 2 Hour pre-Test-Test routes Car available For Test student discounts

Free

joebward@hotmail.com 087 777 333 6 www.safetrader.ie/irish-school-of-motoring-joe-w

Building All building work big or small

www.timberworld.ie Extensions, Renovations, Shop Fittings, Garage & Attic Conversions, Decking & more

FrEE

Complete attic insultation

w/every external insulation

Government Grant Scheme approved InStallerS

T: 041 9881576 M: 086 8149673

Call Peter 046

9431359 or 087 6896366

The

New Chef Tanya O’Connor

New Summer Menu Mid Week Lunch from €6.95

Pheasant • L unch • Dinner • Music • Sports • Entertainment 86 Duleek St. Drogheda Call us on: 041 9831421

Gig G uide Fri 4th May…. Elvis (Greg Traynor) Sat 5th May…. Orion Fri 11th May…. Green Machine Drogheda Arts Weekend Sat 12th May…. Late Bar & Live Music Sun 13th May…. Late Bar & Live Music

Live Music

Fri 18th May….. Back Again Sat 19th May… Classic Hits Fri 25th May…. Ged McMahon Sat 26th May…. The Bizz Fri 1st June…. Liam Bridgeman Sat 2nd June… O’Brien Brothers (Late Bar) Sun 3rd June… Our Kids Brother (Late Bar)