September Issue by Anglo Printers

Essential Drogheda’s FREE Social, Entertainment & Lifestyle Magazine

Vol 3. Issue 11. - September 2012

ISSN 2009-2733

Drogheda Ship Street

in the good old days

3 Exercise tips for parents 3 Kids’ health checklist

BACK TO SCHOOL

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This Month in Essential Drogheda

E Social

E health & Fitness

6-8 Drogheda’s nightlife in pictures 16-17 Not-to-be missed events

20 Back to School, Back to Exercise Fitness tips from Integral instructor Mat Stevens 21 Keeping Kids Healthy A checklist for parents by pharmacist Kathy Maher

E Real Life

E interiors

E Out & About

editor’s letter

14 The 20-Minute Wonder by Gillian Moore of Fuschia

E entertainment

o September’s here and while we haven’t actually had a summer, there’s still lots to smile about! Inside; Fuschia’s Gillian Moore is on hand with her post-holiday beauty tips, interior designer Elaine Keogh talks curtains, while Caroline McElroy looks at autumn’s must-have fashion staple, the blazer! With kids everywhere returning to school it can only mean one thing for many mums – back to the gym! Check out Integral Health & Fitness’s exercise tips on page 20, and on page 21 Duleek pharmacist Kathy Maher provides parents with a health checklist to ensure their little ones are in tip-top shape for learning. As an English teacher in St Mary’s Diocesan School, Drogheda, Joe Murphy has always fancied himself as a novelist. E catches up with the Wexford native on page 30 where he talks about his new psychological thriller Dead Dogs, which is set for release on September 10th.

28-29 Event Guide Dates for your diary

Enjoy your read!

E fashion

E INterview

Carmel Riggs

4 Can’t Get Through The Month Without… 22 Curtain Call Turn an ordinary room into a special place with the correct window dressing

E Events

9 All Eyes on Bellewstown 19 Ship Street Revisited Take 2

E Business 12 Born Perfomers Three Drogheda choreographers talk about their experiences on the dance floor 24 Chamber News

E Beauty

18 Cute cover-ups Why the blazer is Autumn’s must-have fashion staple

E drive 24 Good Sport Stephen Watson reviews the Opel Insignia OPC

E Weddings 25-26 Local couples say ‘I do’

E Food 27 Seaside Retreat Dinner is served by the Fairground Steakhouse & Pizzeria, Bettystown

30 The World According to... Author Joe Murphy

On the Actress Orla Mallon steps back in time during National Heritage Week for DH492-Essential Drog Theatre Ad 22 Aug_Layout 2-Print of 22/08/2012 Page Project’s production Ship Street 14:47 Revisited. See1page 19 Cover: Upstate

Issue Editor t x e Our N r 2 7 t h s s i M be m e Don’t t p e Out S

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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: Tel: 041-9830297 e: info@essentialdrogheda.com Advertising Sales: Karen Gaynor Mob: 085-1004001 e: ads@essentialdrogheda.com Design & Layout: Aisling Foley, Anglo Printers Photographer: Eric O’Neill Mob: 086-3462126 Photo Contributors: Barndoor Studios, Barry McGreevy, Picture Perfect Photography Contributors: Claudia Werner, Gillian Moore, Caroline McElroy, Mat Stevens, Kathy Maher, Elaine Keogh, Stephen Watson 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 September has to offer

Are you a Legend?

Cultural Delights

…taking in all the cultural delights our area has to ’ ends Leg of offer when Drogheda joins 30 other towns, cities, ds Lan ‘The the …rising up to scros The . districts and counties to mark ‘Culture Night’ on 23rd er emb Sept challenge on at e plac s September 21st. Culture Night will see a host of take t even ing runn country s bine com and venues, historic buildings, cultural centres, artists’ tre Cen an estri Equ n Piperstow r wate s, acle studios, and many more throwing open their doors obst ral natu and de man-ma e the leav we to the public to enjoy free performances, events, As ! mud of lots and s, sing cros to beat try nd, talks and tours. So watch out for a great range of behi don Lon in pics Olym 2012 erina Cath nd activities and events right at your doorstep! Visit lege ting spor and er runn t gues 3,000 www.drogheda.ie or www.culturenight.ie for McKiernan who competed in the a elon Barc in more info! es metres at the Olympic Gam ily fam of lots be 20 years ago! There will mobile fun too including a petting zoo and a and ket mar ers farm a playground, as well as and €20 is fee ance craft stalls. The entr all proceeds go to the Gary Kelly … swapping buckets and spades for a race card and a pint! The Cancer Support Centre. Check out annual Laytown Races kick off on September 13th with thousands of om. 8k.c ends www.landofleg race-goers promised to strut their stuff on the beach, sans their swimming costumes mind! Weather permitting the first race is scheduled for 4.30pm and there will be six races in total. See their Facebook page or email info@laytownstrandraces.ie for package deals and further details.

Race to the Beach

Harvest Fest

…mingling with the crowd at this year’s Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival from September 27th-30th. The festival is set to follow the Solheim Cup Challenge Grand Final which will take place a few days prior to the festival on September 23rd at Killeen Castle when 130,000 visitors and golfers from Ireland and abroad will travel to the Meath town. Enjoy the buzz with music, street theatre, a craft and heritage village, artisan foods, and plenty of good old-fashioned games for the little ones. Check www.dunfest.com for details.

Blues’ Run … kicking your running training

programme into touch with the help of the Newtown Blues! As part of the club’s 125th anniversary, the Newtown Run 12.5k will take place on Saturday, September 15th at 2pm. The course leaves the clubhouse on the Termonfeckin Road in Drogheda and winds its way through Greenhills, past historic Beaulieu House and through the townlands of Newtown Stalaban and Town Rath, before heading home by the Ballymakenny Road, Greenbatter and Newfoundwell to finish in the club grounds. The AAI approved run will be chip timed and there will be various prizes on offer. Online registration is €15 until September 12th, visit www.runireland.com.

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Social

The Party: Valerie Breen’s ‘leaving for Australia’ Bash The Place: McPhails The People: 1 Arleen McVeigh, Valerie Breen and Mairead

Mooney 2 Becky Johnston and Niamh Winters

1 22

The Party: Ciara Farrell’s 30th The Place: Brú The People: 1 Elaine Curran with Keith and Lynn Faulkner

2 Maria Faulkner and Stephanie Finglas 3 Kim and Ciaran Faulkner

The Party: Grace Buckley’s 21st The Place: The Westcourt Hotel The People: 1 Fiona and Leanne Corduff 2 Ben,

Anne, Grace, Kieran and James Buckley 3 Caoimhe O’Halloran and Shane Ryan

The Party: Evan Farrell’s 20th The Place: Brú The People: 1 Ciara Walsh and Evan Farrell

2 Niamh Teeling and Eoin Tunstead

1 2

6 6

E Drogheda

Check out previous issues online @ www.essentialdrogheda.com

Are You In It? The Party: Food Fair

The Place: Linn Duchaill Restaurant, Annagassan The People: 1 Conor O’Neill, Finnan McCoy, Patricia

Marmion and Deborah Coyne 2 Rhiannan McGreevy and Niamh Brennan 3 Dawn Campbell and Aimee Conroy

1 2 3 1

The Party: Sarah Bannon’s 21st The Place: Star Bar The People: 1 Liann Ryan, Lorna Watters and

Louise Ryan 2 Laura Pletkute, Suzi Caffery and Daniella Lowney 3 Luke Brennan and Sarah Bannon 4 Sarah Foley, Shauna Casey, Sarah Bannon, Edel Foley and Nicola Sadlie

2 3

The Party: Jane Farrell’s 30th The Place: Barocco The People: 1 Helen Gallagher and

Natasha Lowney 2 Donna Farrell, Madeline Brady, Jane Farrell and Fiona Branigan 3 Margaret Kierans and Suzanne Brennan

Check out previous issues online @ www.essentialdrogheda.com 7

E Drogheda

The Party: John Corr’s 18th The Place: Tango Chinese Restaurant The People: 1 Megan DeSoudr,

Social 1

John Corr and Jane Butterly 2 Muireann Khan and Catriona Lane 3 Sabrina Smyth, Shauna Russell and Emilia Mokrouz

1 2

1 3 4

The Party Launch of Relish Cafe The Place: Highlanes Gallery The People: 1 Dolores and Lucy

O’Donoghue, Emma Power with Nicola and Pat Stokes 2 Hazel Taylor and Alison Bailey 3 Bryan Collins and Berna Carthy 4 Tara Newman and Barry Walsh 5 Susan and Mary Bergin 5

2 3

4 4

The Party: Opening of Pat Burns Exhibition The Place: Abbey Gallery The People: 1 Jo and Pat Burns 2 Noeleen and

Bernie Burns 3 John Ryan and Rory Dillon 4 Cillian O’Reilly and Niamh Burns

E Drogheda

Check out previous issues online @ www.essentialdrogheda.com

All eyes on Bellewstown…

Events

ats off to Dervla Arthurs who beat off stiff competition to bag the title of Best Dressed Lady at Bellewstown Races on Thursday, August 23rd. Dervla received two return flights to Abu Dhabi courtesy of Etihad Airlines, and three nights stay at the 4* Hilton Hotel, Abu Dhabi, sponsored by Globe Travel, Drogheda. The runner-up Kim Lynch won a complete make-over with David Murray Hair & Beauty, Laurence Town Centre. Edmund Haran, who was named the Best Dressed Gent, is now the owner of a Marco Capelli suit, shirt and tie, courtesy of Best Menswear, Drogheda. Ladies Day at Bellewstown also saw the launch of Ireland’s first Interactive Racecard, printed by Essential’s sister company Anglo Printers. Those who purchased the racecard on site had the opportunity to scan a code within the racecard on their smartphone or tablet, which provided a link via mobile to an on-line web portal offering the very latest on-course racing information. Bellewstown Manager Kevin Coleman said: ‘We are always looking out for advances in customer service and how we could offer something unique at this very unique racecourse. This service is the first of its kind and we are delighted to be the first racecourse to bring it to market.’

3 6

The People: 1 Jenny O’Brien,

Karen Maloney and Ailish Murray 2 Best Dressed Lady Dervla Arthurs and Best Dressed Gent Edmund Haran 3 Fergal Cooney and Louise McCann 4 Best Dressed Lady finalists 5 Sue Baker, Olivia Duignan and Lisa Sutton 6 Sarah Taaffe and Veronica Walsh 7 Julie Keenan and Michelle Gosling 8 Runner-up Kim Lynch 9 Maura Lillis, Gabriella Huban and Gillian Hughes 10 Edmund Haran, Ciara Birmingham and Conall Meegan 11 Paula O’Connor and Conor Crowley 12 Lisa Garvey

8 11

9 9 12

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business David Moore’s Irish Dancing career has seen

him travel the world appearing in Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Magic of the Dance. The 36-year-old opened Moore Academy of Irish Dancing a year ago at Integral Fitness & Leisure, Drogheda

Can you tell us a little bit about your dancing school, and where did you train? I offer Irish Dancing classes to all ages and levels from four years old upwards. I trained locally at Scoil Rince Ní Chearra Ó’Baoiláin and progressed to Scoil Rince Uí Shé in Dublin. Has Irish dancing always been a lifelong passion – and what made you decide to make this your career? I remember my late mother, Nuala and Aunt Joan King taking me to feises when I was small while my older siblings and cousins competed. I must have only been in nappies at the time! I would hop and skip and jump around competition halls and the living room at home trying to copy what they did! I attended my first class with a lady called Barbara Byrne when I was about five years old in Fair Street. But I just sat on the chair, legs up and wouldn’t dance for anybody. It wasn’t until I was nine that I actually got bribed to go. A can of 7Up and 50p a week did the trick and it all started from there really. What in your opinion makes Irish Dancing so special? The pure rhythm that is needed; the intricacy of the footwork, the speed and energy of the music. It’s our very own. It’s Irish. It’s loved and adored the world over. How many other cultural dance disciplines can boast Broadway and West End success? It’s another reason it makes one proud to be Irish. I’m pretty sure you could go to any corner of the globe and say the word ‘Riverdance’ and they’d know exactly what it is. That is pretty amazing in itself. Irish Dance is evolving and a troupe like Prodijig, for example winning the UK show Got To Dance, is further proof of that and a major sign that Irish Dancing has indeed arrived in the 21st century. Who is your typical dance student? I don’t believe there is a typical student. I have students of four years old who haven’t began school yet. I also have a 74-year-old student, Michel, who attends the Academy in Lyon, France, where I am also dance director. I have teenage students who overlook the technical elements and dance for fun and fitness. Depending on how far you want to go and develop, and relative to the level you wish to achieve it, depends on what is the best age to start. Championship dancers can start as young as three years old up to maybe nine years old at the latest. That said, Michael Flatley started at age 11. So who is to say what is the best age really? Dancers evolve as they grow and a child that seems not so talented at first can become a World Champion in their teens or early 20s. This is a common occurrence. As my grandfather used to say, ‘Patience and perseverance will get a snail to Jerusalem’. Are there any Irish dancers, coaches or mentors that you particularly admire? There are many! I was lucky enough to train at one point or another under many of them. People like Marie Duffy (Dance Director of Lord of the Dance), Michael Donnellan (World Champion and Choreographer of numerous shows including Magic of the Dance), Áine and Séamus Ó Sé (Scoil Rince Uí Shé), Michael Flatley, Colin Dunne and numerous others I admire from afar. Too many to mention! What is your biggest reward of running a dancing school? It would have to be the immense feeling of delight and sense of achievement when you first take a child by the hand and teach them their beginning steps in Irish Dancing. The steps are not easy to grasp. But the feeling of sheer joy when that child gets up and takes off in front of you on their own is indescribable. Overwhelming in fact! Without Irish dancing I would be… Most probably working for somebody else, for the monthly pay check and not feeling a fraction as happy as I do today. What should people look for when searching for an Irish Dancing school? A safe, healthy environment in which their child can grow in confidence and self belief. A child should be encouraged in everything they do, from the weakest to the most talented. All kids should be treated equally and fairly so that they grow up to do similar. For more information or details on classes and times phone David on 086-440 5950 or email mooreacademy@yahoo.com

E Drogheda

N R O B r e m r o f r e p tle gning your lits? si f o g in k in h T cing lesson ones up for danree Drogheda E chats to th rs about their choreographethe dance floor – experiences otn why their classes and finds ou the best in town are among

Mary Simpson’s

love affair with the stage began when she was aged 15. In 1993, following a successful singing career, she opened the doors to Mary Simpson Stage School which she runs today with her daughter Kym at their Greenhills studio Can you tell us a little bit about your dancing school, and about the types of classes you offer? We offer all styles of dance including hop-hop, jazz, musical theatre and contemporary. We also offer vocal tuition (provided by myself) and drama classes. We produce shows annually where all of the children have the chance to display all their hard work throughout the year. Has singing and dancing always been a lifelong passion – and what made you decide to make this your career? Performing has always been a part of my family. I started performing at the age of 15 in a band with my two brothers Gerry and Spyder. I turned professional at the age of 21 which included recording and a lot of television work. It was while working in the entertainment section of Mosney – where I stayed for five years – when I decided to open my own school for children wishing to sing, dance and perform. That was 19 years ago! I have also been working as a performance teacher in St Mary’s Special Needs School in Navan for the past eight years which I love and it gives me great joy. We are now starting up our own special needs classes in our Drogheda studios in September. Kym, what in your opinion makes Simpson Stage School unique? The family atmosphere we provide within the classes is important. Every child that walks through our door is made feel special; we genuinely care about these children and self-esteem building and confidence is what it’s all about. What are your thoughts on dance competitions? We compete in hiphop competitions but they are optional and the parents decide if they would like their children to compete. Competitions are good because it gives the children aims and goals to achieve, plus it teaches them

Nrs about hard work and dedication. It also teaches them that winning and losing is a part of life and to accept both graciously. We have been lucky enough to have qualified for the World Hip-Hop Championships in Las Vegas two years in a row as well as winning the Five Nations Championships. Who is your typical dance student – what is the ideal age to start? Anyone who enjoys music, dancing and performing. Our school is also a great way to build friendships and enjoy team spirit. We take children from three years upwards – learning rhythms, songs and dance is the first step. Our baby class can even perform using microphones themselves. We allow them to be independent and creative on stage and at classes. Mary, are there any professional dancers, coaches or mentors that you particularly admire? I admire each of my fellow teachers, Kym, Grainne and Louise. They are fantastic with the children and their work is first class. The special thing about them is that dancing is their lives it’s not just a job – and the studio is our home away from home! Kym, what do you love the most of working in the dancing industry? What is your biggest reward of running a dancing school? The children and my fellow teachers is what I love most. Taking over our own studios last year was a particular highlight for me. The biggest reward is watching the kids perform after all the training and hard work is put in. It’s just incredible to see what children can do when you teach them to believe in themselves. Mary, learning to dance now seems more popular than ever with reality TV Shows promoting dancing all day long. Where do you see the dancing industry heading in a few years? I see it becoming more popular as the years go on. Well, we hope so anyway! There is a huge trend towards hip-hop right now. It’s a fantastic form of exercising which is so important in this day and age. Likewise for the teenagers, it gives them something to focus on and goals to aim for. We are blessed with fantastic teens – our ‘Electro funk Crew’ deserve a big mention! Mary Simpson Stage School is based at Xtreme Style Studios, Greenhills Industrial Village. Follow her on Facebook for class updates or phone 086-264 5077

Suzanne Bergin,

39, was four years old when she started ballet classes with Marie Cole in Dublin. In 2004 she followed her childhood dream and opened Coastal Ballet School in Drogheda which has gone from strength to strength Can you tell us a little bit about your dancing school, and about the dance courses / lessons you offer? CBS is a Royal Academy of Dance registered school with RAD registered teachers. I started the school in 2004 with a pre-school class. At present we still have students that attended my first classes. We teach RAD Classical Ballet and Imperial Society of Dance Teaching (ISTD) Modern Theatre Classes and have lessons running six days a week. We have three Royal Academy of Dance Registered teachers including myself, Danielle Ng and Lisa Tighe and an assistant teacher. Our teachers are fully qualified to teach dance to children and adults. Lisa even has a BA (Hons) in Dance Theatre. We also have some student assistants who are great assets to the school as well as fabulous parents who help out on a regular basis. Students take exams at least every two years and there is a show every alternate year. We have graded classes from Pre-school to Intermediate Foundation. Has ballet always been a lifelong passion? Ballet has been a constant in my life since I was four years old. I gave it up for a while when I worked in a bank and other various positions but it was always an ambition to open a school. Where did you train? I trained in Dublin with Maire Cole and The Irish Youth Ballet Company from a very young age. I joined the company at the age of 10 and danced with them until I was 21. I went to class six days a week and then attended many masterclasses and summer schools. How long did it take to become a teacher – and what made you decide to make this your career? I was working in a wealth management company and had recently had my second child when I went to dinner with my boss and his wife. I remember she asked me what I would really love to do and I said teach ballet; and she asked why wasn’t I doing it. I went home and googled the Net and found the administrator of the RAD lived close by so I rang her. She pointed me in the right direction; I applied for the course and made an audition tape for the academy in London and was accepted. It was the best feeling ever. It took two years and an awful lot of hard work. I have a great husband and family and they did everything they could to support my decision. I have to say it was the best decision ever to go back and follow my childhood dream! Are there any ballerinas, coaches or mentors that you particularly admire? I really admire Darcey Bussell as a dancer. She has recently retired but is a fantastic dancer, wife and mother. She demonstrates that you can be all things! I had some fabulous tutors in London and in Ireland that I really admire – Elaine Rea in the RAD and Sara Gannon Perez and Emma Gannon from The Irish Ballet School. I now mentor and am a Practical Teaching Supervisor on the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance in London. Who is your typical ballet student? There is no typical ballet student in our school. We accept boys and girls from as young as two and a half years old and there are no limits to age. All I ask is that you are willing to dance to the best of your ability. What do you love the most of working in the dancing industry? What is your biggest reward of running a dancing school? I love that no day is the same. Dance is rewarding and challenging in every respect. It keeps me fit – mind and body. I love seeing my students smile. My biggest reward is seeing the students grow older within the school and sharing their love of ballet with the younger students. What should people look for when searching for a dancing school? Make sure that the dance school you choose is registered with an organisation. Ensure that the teacher has a dance qualification with a recognized society and there should be an official examination process where the students are rewarded for their work. Every year I register as Registered Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance. I am issued with a certificate that I can show to parents so they are assured that their child is in safe hands. For more information on classes and times visit www.coastalballetschool.com or phone Suzanne on 086-388 0050

E Drogheda

Beauty

The 20-minute wonder Give your skin post-holiday TLC (your flawless make-up will thank you!)

type of skin you have otherwise you could be wasting money on products that are actually doing more harm than good. Clichéd though it is, the first thing you should do post-holiday is try and drink as much water and healthy liquids as you can. This alone will give your skin a much healthier appearance. Every woman, whatever their age, should take 20 minutes every week to give their skin a little bit extra care. Start by gently massaging your cleanser into your face and neck in soft circular motions, paying special attention to the areas that are prone to breakouts. When cleansing or moisturising your neck always work in upward strokes. Then, remove your cleanser according to its specifications – i.e. rinsing with water or wiping it off with cotton pads. It is at this point that you could also steam your face by holding your face over a basin of hot water for five minutes, or by soaking a face or muslin cloth in hot water, then applying it over your face (make sure you test that • PACKAGE 1 • the cloth isn’t too hot before Gel Nails applying). ONLY Long Lasting Pedicure € When you’re rinsing your 85 Spray Tan face, never use hot water, as Make-up Application incl. Lashes it can upset and dry out the skin. Luke-warm water is best. Next exfoliate using • PACKAGE 2 •

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E Drogheda

with Gillian Moore of

a product specific for the face; body exfoliators are way too harsh. Again work the product into your skin in soft circular motions, but avoid the eye area. By exfoliating, you’re removing dead skin and allowing products to penetrate the skin more effectively. Also, make-up will always sit better on exfoliated skin. Once you have rinsed off the entire product, splash your face a few times with cold water to close your pores. Next apply a face mask that is compliant with your skin’s needs. Unlike hair masks which you can usually leave on however long you like, time specifications for face masks should be strictly adhered to. Because I am prone to occasional break-outs on my chin, I adore Payot’s Clarifying Mask, which really purifies my skin. Once the mask has been removed, splash your face again with cold water. Once that’s done, apply a good eye cream or serum using your ring finger. Be as gentle as you possibly can. Finally, apply a good moisturiser, or if you’re going to bed, apply a rich night cream or a face oil. I’m using Rosehip Oil at the moment and I am seriously impressed. Take the time to look after your skin, and I promise you’ll notice results quickly.

Launch of Make-up Studio Aspiring making artists should check out the range of high fashion courses being offered by Essential beauty columnist Emma Woods at her new studio Avante Garde Make Up Academy, situated at M1 Retail Park. Here, Emma is pictured at Avante Garde’s launch party with Cllr Ged Nash, TD who attended the bash last month.

Sunday 23rd September from 12 to 5pm in the City North Hotel Don’t miss the North East’s largest Pregnancy & Baby Fair with a huge range of Local and National Exhibitors. There will be lots of special offers and great giveaways on the day as well as a guaranteed fun filled family day out so why not come along and join the fun for the whole family with face painting and balloons. Meet Bob the Builder and Dora the Explorer... We hope to see you there!

FREE EntRy FoR all...

September Specials 20% off all treatments on Tuesdays 15% off waxing on Wednesdays

Aromaflex with complementary facial €65 Yummy Mummy: Back, neck & shoulder massage, microzone facial, file & polish on hands & toes €80 All spray tans €20 Please see Facebook page for other specials 17 Fair Street, Drogheda, Phone: 041 9800888 www.thetownhousespa.com

Hat

September Specials Microdermabrasion facial with mask

was €80

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3 Weeks Manicure oNly €15 With any wax treatment eyebrow wax & tiNt free St. Peters Hill/Magdelene Street, Drogheda (opposite the corner entrance to Laurence Shopping Centre)

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d d 086 390 6896 or 041 98 47 507 Phone for a private consultation. www.cestparfait.com www.facebook.com/cestparfait

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C’est Parfait

Goodie Bag visit For more information or any enquires please visit our website, email us or find us on Facebook. Email: info@allthingsbabyfair.ie Facebook: All Things Baby Fair

for directions visit www.citynorthhotel.com

Guide to Drogheda’s

To register for a

now available at Estique September offer only €25

The world’s first 3-HOUR TAN

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

tel: (041) 987 2929

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

E Drogheda

Droghedaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Out & about In association with

with a Large

79a West St, Drogheda

Waterstones

Claudia Carroll Book Signing 1 Claudia Carroll and Lisa Corr 2 Claudia Carroll and Celeste McCreesh

2 1 1

1 2

Millmount

Opening of Amergin Artists Workshop 1 Niamh Whelan and Amy McKeown 2 Bernadette McGeough with Ciaran and Sinead Whelan 3 Barbara and Jade Pepper 4 Anne and Marie Eagleton

Barroco

1 Mick Leech and Ciaran Hartnett 2 Lisa Smith and Therese Farrell 3 Oliver and Dolores Hill

3 4

E Drogheda

16 16

McHughs 1 Niamh Garry, Amy Meegan and Grainne Finglas 2 Aideen Ward and Mark Durnin

Smallest Bar e Warm Welcome! 1

The Pheasant 1 Craig Connell and Philip Johnston 2 Samantha Coleman, Mairead Smith and Pamela Butterly 3 Darren O’Shea and Jamie Walsh

1 2

3 1 4

JB’s Bar

1 Annmarie Reilly and Marian Carroll 2 Debbie McCole with Dymphna and Liz Doyle 3 Aiden Townley and Sheryl O’Brien with Donna Farrell and James Fay 4 Keith and Celine Irwin

The Morning Star 1 Bronagh and Caroline Reilly 2 Kat Byrne and Aoife McCullough 3 Danny Morgan and John White 4 Leslie-Ann Kelly and Megan Martin

E Drogheda Drogheda

17 17 17

s p u r e v o c e t u

FAshion

Invest in an on-trend jacket or blazer to stave off those chilly autumn evenings… By fashion stylist Caroline McElroy

ove them or like them, jackets are everywhere this season. From the plain boyfriend blazer to the plain dazzling, there is something for everyone. Structured shoulders add definition to the physique and synchs in the waist, while colour and detail can be the focal point of any block coloured dress. Remember jackets dress up jeans from casual to smart casual, whether worn with pumps or heels. While shoes were once the must-have staple in a gal’s wardrobe, these days there’s no 4 denying jackets have the upper hand – there’s simply not enough to go around!

5 6 1. Ruby embellished jacket €94; blouse €94; cross €24; clutch €40;

red velvet trousers €47, River Island, Scotch Hall

Caroline McElroy is the owner & director of Make Yourself Amazing Image Consultancy, visit www.mya.ie

Essential Drogheda

Are You In It? www.essentialdrogheda.com

2. Edge to Edge blazer €23, Penneys, West St 3. Silver boucle blazer €35, Dunnes Stores, Scotch Hall 4. Check jacket €35, Dunnes Stores, Scotch Hall 5. Heritage blazer €25, Penneys, West St 6. Houndstooth cropped jacket €25, Dunnes Stores, Scotch Hall 7. Tweed jacket €93, Next, Scotch Hall 8 Harriet embellished pom pom jacket €120, Monsoon, Scotch Hall

See what our advertisers have to say! I am thoroughly happy with the response we get from advertising with Essential magazine every month, we also have a wonderful business and personal relationship with the E team. Danielle - Boston Beauty Bar

Essential Drogheda Magazine has helped JB’s Bar grow in our first year of business in the town, and I look forward to continuing to work with the magazine in the future. David Tallon - JB’s Bar

For Better Value Advertising & Greater Return on Investment Contact Karen on 085 1004001 18

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Ship Street Revisited Take 2

Events

rogheda folk travelled back in time once again – thanks to the revival of Upstate Theatre Project’s hugely popular production, Ship Street Revisited. To mark National Heritage Week, the 50-strong cast performed eight shows to sell-out audiences from Thursday, August 23rd to Sunday, August 26th. Much to their delight the audience was transported back to 1940s Drogheda where real people’s stories were re-told and re-imagined. Anyone who didn’t witness the performance can purchase a DVD from Upstate Theatre Project for €10 by phoning 041-9844227. It would make a great present for anyone interested in Drogheda’s heritage, oral history and community performance, or for friends and family living abroad.

The People:

1 Kevin O’Conner, Bridie McIvor and Anne Nolan 2 Abbi Rice and Nadine Lonergan 3 Nancy Allen and Anne Collier 4 Orla Butler, Ruth Campbell with Evelyn and Caoimhe Judge 5 Louis Flanagan and Emily Flanagan

Bettystown’s Family Friendly Venue Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12 noon to 8.00 pm. No reservation necessary

Fabulous fresh home cooked food! • Steak• Pizza • • Salads • Kids Menu • • Light Snacks • • Sunday Carvery •

Dine for

E20!

er • • Startu rse • o C • Main ert or • • Dess offee Tea/C E20! ONLY ions Condit Terms & ply ap

Fairground Restaurant, Bettystown Village, Co. Meath. Ph. 041 9828301

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Health & Fitness

Back to school, back to exercise

Set a time and stick to it Treat each workout like an appointment and value it is as much as you would an appointment with a doctor.

Split exercise up throughout the day Your 30 minutes a day can be just as effective as 3 x 10 minute sessions. A little exercise is better than no exercise at all. Every little bit counts!

With the kids heading back to class, it’s time for busy mums to get back in shape. By Integral fitness instructor Mat Stevens

ow that summer is officially over and school is back in session it’s time to reclaim some quality time. The last few months were most likely spent entertaining the kids so it’s only natural if your fitness programme has taken a back seat. Integral fitness instructor Mat Stevens shares his stress-free tips for getting back into shape after the summer, in or out of the gym! He says: ‘Life as a busy mum can make free time, let alone exercise time, seem like a fantasy! We’ve got some creative ways of getting back to your fitness regime after the long school holidays. In addition to the physical benefits, regular exercise reduces stress, boosts energy levels and improves overall moods – all essential for busy parents on the go!’

Swift

Fitness

at Health Plex

n en pe op wo ow n no a da e hed gh og ro dr in in d

Swift Fitness is a fun, 30 minute workout for women & men of all ages and fitness levels. Swift Fitness combines cardio & strength training along with expert staff trained in health, fitness and sports injury prevention & treatment to get the best results for you.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 09:00 – 11:00 18:30 – 20:30 Saturday 09:00 – 12:00 Sunday Closed

r er offffe iall o cia ec pe S Sp

6 weeks for just e €40 Terms & conditions apply

‘Pay as you go’ for just €5 per class www.facebook.com/SwiftFit

Call us on 083 1350334 to book your place Swift Fitness @ Health Plex, 27 North Strand, Drogheda, Co Louth

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workout @ 2pm

Find support and exercise buddies Anything new is easier accomplished with a supportive companion and a buddy who makes it fun.

Turn family time into exercise time Don’t overlook exercising with your little ones… running on the beach, going for bike rides, swimming and playing sports are all great ways to stay fit.

Don’t get tummy obsessed! Do all over body exercises You should concentrate on full body exercises that will burn more calories and as you melt away the body fat your stomach will flatten naturally.

Swift Fitness 6

Fail to prepare! Prepare to fail! But try to plan your food as well as your family’s. Mums tend to put family first. Nutrition is the most important part of any fat loss programme. No NOW OPEN IN DROGHEDA point in exercising on a bad diet!

at Health Plex

Swift Fitness is a fun, 30 minute workout for

a routine Get intowomen & men of all ages and fitness levels. days for cardio & strength s 21 combines it take Fitness They saySwift t. staff trained in a habi me beco training along with expert to g ethin som health, and and injury prevention & inesports cise rout exerfitness Form an treatment to get the best results for you. stick with it and it will very your part of me Burn beco soon calories, weekly schedule. not cash! Opening Hours: Ask for help You– aren’t Ask Dad, Gran or Uncle Bob to help out Monday FridaySupermum! 09:00 – 11:00 with minding18:30 the rugrats – 20:30 while you get to the gym. Working Saturday 09:00no– time 12:00to themselves and are just as entitled to mums often leave Sunday ‘alone time’ asClosed anyone else!

SPECIAL SPECIAL OFFER OFFER

6 weeks for just €40

‘Pay as Multitask! you go’ for you have no alternative just €5Ifper class

and cannot get supervision for the kids – multitask! At football training why not Terms & condition apply www.facebook.com/SwiftFit walk/jog along the pitch? At Call us on 083 1350334 to book your the playground doplace some step ups, or bring a skipping rope Swift Fitness @ Health Plex, 27 North Strand, Drogheda, Co Louth to the beach!

Keeping kids healthy ’s back-to-school Pharmacist Kathy Maher rents checklist for pa

Threadworm Children may be scratching around the bottom, especially at night. Sometimes little white thread-like worms may be visible in the stools. If you suspect your child has threadworms, and they are over two years, Vermox® may be used to treat. Make sure you follow the correct dose instructions.

Head Lice Headlice are diagnosed when there are live lice on the head. The child may be scratching their head, particularly behind the ears or around the back of the neck. Wet combing is the best way to detect and prevent lice. Parents should wet comb the child’s hair at least once a week. If lice are found, pop into your pharmacy to get treatment.

Vitamins Parents often ask about vitamins at this time of year for children. Whilst it does no harm to supplement children with child-appropriate multi-vitamins, make sure your little ones have a healthy diet to give them the best nutrients they need to thrive and have lots of energy for school! Children need plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, cut out sugary snacks and drinks, and make sure they have plenty of carbohydrates such as bread, pasta and rice to give them lots of energy. Porridge is an ideal breakfast to set them up for the day. Cough, Cold & Fever Last winter, the advice regarding treating children under six who have a cough or cold changed, many of the medicines containing certain ingredients are no longer suitable unless the child is over six. Most coughs, colds and fevers are caused by viruses and do not need an antibiotic to treat them. Always ask your pharmacist for advice. Vaccination If you have a child who is starting ‘big school’ this September – make sure they have received their MMR booster dose. They will have had this at 12 months, and need a booster dose around the time of starting junior infants.

New Extended Opening Hours

Monday to Friday Saturday

9am - 7pm 9am - 6pm

4 Free Prescription Delivery Service 4 All Prescriptions Dispensed 4 Blood Pressure Check 4 Cholesterol Testing 4 Diabetes Screening 4 Medication Dosing Trays 4 Winter Flu Vaccinations www.duleekpharmacy.com Tel 041 9823326

Your Friendly Local Pharmacy

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INteriors What length should my curtains be? Sill length curtains work well in cottage style rooms with recessed windows, or with horizontal windows in modern homes. Curtains should barely touch the sill. Below sill length can look untidy when drawn back. Use a tieback or curtain holdback to drape them attractively. If you have a radiator under the window the curtain should finish just above it. Floor length curtains work best at sash windows, in bays and French or picture windows. The curtain should almost touch the floor with no visible gap. Where the curtain won’t get underfoot, you can let the fabric tumble, or puddle the on floor in arrange d folds.

Pole or track? Poles are a decorative and versatile option for hanging curtains. Choose poles with a brass or metal finish for a formal look. Wood or plastic poles bring an informal style, while slim discreet poles suit short, informal curtains. Large poles are a good option for long straight runs, and to carry the weight of heavy floor-length curtains. Curtains can be hung from poles in a number of styles from heading tape with rings or tap tops that loop over the pole. Tracks have a streamlined effect that suits many modern furnishing styles. Thought most as functional rather than stylish, some decorative types are available. Special lightweight plastic and aluminium tracks can be bent to fit bay windows. Steel tracks are available for the heaviest of curtains, while combination tracks make hanging two curtains, or a curtain plus valance, extremely easy.

Murtaghs of DrogheDa Paints, fabric & wallPaPers

a i t n r u

Ccall

How you dress your windows can have a dramatic effect on how your home looks and feels, says interior designer Elaine Keogh

hen it comes to choosing curtains, there’s no end to different treatments and styles on offer – and in an exciting range of fabrics too. The right choice will not only enhance the window but turn an ordinary room into a really special place. But before making that all important decision consider the style, size and shape of the window, and what you want the curtain for. Are they simply decorative, or must they also keep out drafts? Think about the room too, its proportions and what it is used for, and the other soft furnishings. By keeping your purpose in mind, the final decision will ultimately be easier. Here’s a checklist to get you started... Valance or pelmet? A pelmet or valance hides the curtain track and heading and adds a decorative finish to a window. Depending on its height and dept, a valance or pelmet can be used to alter the proportion of a window, making it look taller or shallower.

McCormac’s at Greene’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

FREEfabriLc ipnurcihnasged

with all ptember during month of Se

8 fairgreen, Drogheda. tel: 041 9843733 www.murtaghsdrogheda.ie find us on 22

E Drogheda

at Murtaghsofdrogheda

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

Straight or with tiebacks? Curtains that are hung straight suit very small windows, or where you want a simple style. A straight curtain can look modern but consider using tiebacks for a more decorative or elegant finishing touch.

Maeveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Curtain Gallery

Swags and tails Swags and tails are a dramatic treatment for windows. The swag is a drape of fabric which hangs in front of the curtains; the tails are the elegant lengths of fabric that frame the window on either side. Swags look best on tall windows, dressing full length curtains.

Sheers and blinds One solution for problem windows, or bay or shaped windows, is to combine the curtain with a blind or separate sheer curtain. A blind works well on windows which are covered by curtains at night, but need alternative screening from excessive sunlight or prying eyes during the day. A sheer curtain is another answer on windows where you need to hide a view, or have daytime privacy, as it allows light to filter into the room.

For the complete range of curtain fabric, poles, roller & wooden blinds, pelmets, roman blinds, interlined curtains made to measure. expert fiitting service available.

Lining Lining adds insulation, protects the curtain fabric from the sun and prevents fading. It also makes your curtains drape well. For interest, use a contrast lining with a pattern or a coordinating colour. Speciality linings such as blackout or thermal fabrics work well too. ELAINE KEOGH

From a colour consultation to an interior fit out, Elaine offers an array of services for residential and commercial properties. To book a consultation and get expert advice call her on 087-9938767 or email ekeogh50@gmail.com

Interior Architecture & Designs

16 Peter St, Drogheda

Tel: 041 98 33546

Open 9.30 - 6.00 closed lunch 1-2 Half Day Wednesday

T: 087 9938767 E: ekeogh50@gmail.com

Furniture optionS f

has expanded their business!

For all your home furnishings - including the finishing touches!

Carpet Shop Now opeN!

Mattresses, beds, sofas, wardrobes, table & chairs, lots of occasional furniture Free Local Delivery Buy a mattress or bed & your old one is taken away Free

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Donore Ind Est, Drogheda (between

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Drive

Good sport

track enthusiasts you will rarely need to use them. orgetting all about the Given the size of the current global crisis and wheels and the fact that this is a full on Stephen Watson drives the Opel Insign extortionate costs of fuel, OPEL car, you’d be forgiven for thinking ia OPC – a sports has only gone created its latest fast sports sal that such a car wouldn’t be the most oon that will put a smile on your face comfortable place to be on Irish roads. super-saloon, the Insignia OPC. The standard petrol and diesel Instead, it’s one of the softest riding Insignias are great cars in their own saloons I’ve ever tested, right up there right but this latest addition to the with the other German marques. model line is a completely different What about fuel economy? Well, if animal. Fitted with a 2.8 litre V6 you can afford to blow €54,500 on a sports Turbo, the OPC puts out 325hp saloon then you’re probably not going to through all four wheels. be worrying about such figures, but Prior to collecting the car I’ll for those interested, admit to one or two sleepless nights, drive sensibly and you’ll caused simply by the excitement realise somewhere around of test driving such a performance 9l/100km. Go looking for orientated family car. Not many nice deep heated Recaro sport seats. that deep V6 rumble and large family saloons see large capacity petrol The OPC gets satnav as standard as that’ll fall off considerably. engines being fitted to them in recent years, with well as the usual mp3 compatible sound Given the times, not many manufacturers leaning towards smaller engines system. Not that you’ll need that sound system people are in the market for and bigger turbos, so it’s nice to see that OPEL though. Turn they key and the V6 kicks into such a car. If you’re one of the lucky ones, listen haven’t done away with this yet. action, with the usual gorgeous V6 rumble in closely. Realistically, people splash out €80,000+ When the day of collection arrived, I was place. I found myself constantly turning the to grab themselves a German super-saloon given the keys to a white OPC sitting on massive radio on and off just to hear the engine. Move off and evidence of this can be found in the online 20” alloys. Although the description might slowly from a standstill and you could be in any classifieds. For almost €30k less, you can get more not sound it, the car was actually surprisingly other Insignia. Press on a bit and things go a bit power and similar spec, plus the excellent edition subtle looking, with few giveaways to what lay blurry and you get an addictive sweet noise from of all wheel drive, if you opt for the OPC. beneath the hood. The only giveaways being beneath the hood. The OPC has three different the double exhausts at the rear and air intakes to set-up settings: standard, sport and OPC. Sport Want more? Check out some video the front. Inside, the cabin is leather bound, and and OPC respectively stiffen up the dampers and of the OPC over on www.torque.ie the driver and shotgun passenger get treated to increase throttle response, and bar the hard core

News Although we are all enjoying the long days of summer and wishing the wet weather away, the Chamber is in full swing preparing a full line-up of events for the Autumn/Winter calendar. Sandra Boyle from AIB is heading up the Marketing & Events Committee for 2012/2013 and here is a sample of what you can look forward to…

The Drogheda Business Excellence Awards

Taking place on November 24th in the CityNorth Hotel this is the most popular event for the local Business Community. Keep an eye on the Chamber website for updates and application forms. The Chamber is launching the Awards on September 20th in the Boyne Valley Hotel where guests will get a full overview of the competition, how to enter, key dates etc. Information will also be posted on the Chamber website.

The ‘Breakfast Club’

The Chamber ‘Breakfast Club’ resumes on October 25th and involves grabbing a bite to eat before work while making some business contacts. The first breakfast event will be held in the newly opened Relish Café, in the Highlanes Gallery. Going from strength to strength, Relish is sure to wake up your taste buds while the Chamber promises to have some excellent speakers on topics of interest. Please feel free to contact the Chamber office on 041 9833544 or e-mail manager@droghedachamber.com

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Weddings in association with

Stephen Carr weds Michelle Traynor

glensidehotel.ie

They fell in love while working in Harry Grooms Bar (formerly The Weavers) and got engaged while on holiday in Chicago four years ago. In June Stephen and Michelle walked up the aisle of St Mary’s Church, Drogheda and Fr Denis Nulty officiated the ceremony. A reception afterwards for 150 guests took place in the Glenside Hotel, but not before the newlyweds made a quick stop-off at Laytown Beach for some photos by the sea! The stunning bride – who bought her halter neck dress in The Bridal Studio, Drogheda – had her two sisters Elaine Coombe and Sharon Traynor as bridesmaids. The bestmen were Niall Kierans and Justin Byrne, both friends of the groom. For their first dance, local band The Enemies sang Stephen and Michelle’s favourite Bell X1 song, Eve Is The Apple Of My Eye which ‘was brilliant’. The pair honeymooned in Cancun, Mexico for two weeks. Photographs by Barndoor Studios, Dunleer, www.barndoorstudios.com

email your wedding photos to info@essentialdrogheda.com

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Weddings in association with

Keith Crilly weds Sinead Taaffe

glensidehotel.ie

She never thought she would actually get married but after a 14-year engagement Sinead Taaffe finally exchanged wedding vows with Keith Crilly in St Cianán’s Church in Duleek in front of family and friends. The Dublin couple moved to the village four years previous with their son Craig and have fully embraced village life. Wedding singer Sinead Egan sang beautifully at the marriage ceremony and even managed to stop the bride in her tracks before she walked up the aisle! A wedding reception held in the d Hotel ‘was absolutely fantastic’ and each of the 100 guests enjoyed a five-course banquet. Lusk band Panic Suite provided the evening entertainment much to everyone’s delight. The bridesmaids included Sinead’s cousins Celine Greene and Janet Wood, while the bestmen were their 14-year-old son Craig and Simon Kennedy. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Alicante, Spain. Photographs by Barry McGreevy,www. reflectionsphotography.ie

Nicholas Shannon weds Victoria Andrews

On July 28th, 2012 Victoria Andrews from Glenmore Drive, Drogheda married her English boyfriend of almost five years, Nicholas Shannon. The marriage ceremony took place in St Augustinian Church, Drogheda and was followed by a reception in the Glenside Hotel, Dublin Rd, which according to the bride was the perfect venue. She said: ‘The Glenside Hotel gave us a wonderful day. Marie the wedding planner was a massive help to us and we couldn’t have pulled it off without her!’ Victoria, who bought her dress in All About Brides, Termonfeckin, had three bridemaids – her childhood friends Freda and Annmarie Meehan and her cousin Leona Walsh. While the newlyweds adored every moment of their special day, the ‘sneaky’ slide show of photos from Nick’s stag night by bestman Stefan Kiszel brought smiles to guests’ faces, including the groomsmen’s Stuart Marsh and Damien Curtis. The couple’s son and daughter Teegan and Cian were flower girl and pageboy – and after the celebrations they all enjoyed a 10-day honeymoon in Puerto Rico on the beautiful Canary Islands. Photographs by Picture Perfect Photography

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Food

Seaside retreat

Guide

Carnival atmosphere awaits you at the Fairground Steakhouse & Pizzeria

hether it’s for a light bite to eat or dinner with friends and family, why not drop into The Fairground Steakhouse & Pizzeria? Just one minute from Bettystown Beach, the carnival themed restaurant is nestled in the heart of the village. Serving food that is fresh, simple and tasty, the fact that it is great value for money too is no coincidence. The kiddies will thank you also as the Fairground is proud to be the only restaurant in Bettystown to concentrate solely on what they love most – families! So why not stroll on in next time you hit the beach? Here’s a taste of what awaits you...

Available Every Day from 6pm - 9.30pm

EArly 2 CourSES €19.95

BirD

3 CourSES €23.95 4.30pm-6.30pm Mon – Fri

SunDAyS - 3 course menu

e25

What you need:

• • • • • • •

1 x 8oz Rib-Eye Steak 8 Tiger Prawns 8tbsp or 120ml sweet chilli sauce 4tbsp or 60ml fresh basil pesto 1 red onion finely, chopped 1 lime 8 vine cherry tomatoes

What to do:

1. For the glaze, combine sweet chill i sauce, fresh basil pesto, onion and lime juice . Blend and leave in fridge for 12 hours before use. 2. Pre-heat the oven to 180C. Add a splash of olive oil to a roasting dish and gently roast cherry vine tomatoes for 15-20 minutes . 3. Pan-fry Rib-Eye steak to your pers onal taste liking. Then add Tiger Prawns to pan. Add in the chilli glaze and coat stea k and prawns with the glaze. Serve garn ished with roast vine tomatoes and your choi ce of potatoes.

to Drogheda’s Best Restaurants

A lA CArTE main courses from e12.95

Prime Rib-Eye Steak with Tiger Prawns in a Sweet Chilli & Basil Glaze Serves 1

Available all day

on Borzalino 12:Layout find 1 us 27/06/2012 Tel: 041 July 9835410 www.scholarshotel.com

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

16:35 Bettystown Page 1 Mon-Sat 5pm-12am Sun 1.30pm-12am

Tel:

041 988 6804 041 988 6693

The Riverside Restaurant The Mall, North Quay Drogheda T: 041 98 03867 Open 7 Days 12noon - Late

TheRiversideRestaurant

locally sourced homecooked food

Hot Lunch only e6.95 3 Course Lunch only e9.95

YAmazing Deal All Week!! Y 3 Course Meal for 2 with a bottle of house wine only e45.00 Kids 2 Course Meal only e5.95

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

Early Bird Menu €22.95 3 course meal & free glass of wine

Kids Menu €7.50 Takeaway & Delivery

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

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

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Dates for

EVENTS Thurs 30th Aug

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

Fri 31st Aug

This September why not join a class at the Barbican or better yet why not start one of your own!

The Barbican can cater for small to medium scale shows, dance classes, meetings, rehearsals, workshops, business seminars, training days and conferences. The Barbican can cater for small to medium scale shows, dance classes, meetings, rehearsals, workshops, business seminars, training days and conferences.

FACILITIES:

• 500 seat auditorium FACILITIES: • 100 seat theatre in • 500 seat auditorium the round • 100 seat theatre in • Boardroom the round • Office space • Boardroom • Dressing rooms • Office space • meetingrooms / • 3 Dressing workshop rooms • 3 meeting / • Conference room workshop rooms • Studio • Dance Conference room • kitchens • 2 Dance Studio • kitchens The2Barbican,

St Peter’s Parish Centre, William St, Drogheda, Co. Louth. The Barbican, T: 041 9807416 St Peter’s Parish Centre, E: info@thebarbican.ie William St, Drogheda, Co. Louth. W: www.thebarbican.ie T: 041 9807416 E: info@thebarbican.ie W: www.thebarbican.ie

E Drogheda

McPhails: Green Floyd The Pheasant: Our Kid Brother Salthouse: Live music The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish music sessions d Hotel: Andy Casey Wm Cairnes: Alan Kennedy DJ Esquires Coffee House: Launch of Ciaran Hodgers’ CD, The Hours, 7-10pm. Night of spoken word poetry and music

Market Bar: Shiftrate McPhails: Bear Garden d Hotel: Live music Wm Cairnes: Double Entendre 6-8pm Boyles of Slane: Colin Scallan

McPhails: Fader d Hotel: Double Entendre The Thatch: O’Brien Brothers The Market Bar: D2gs Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith, late bar with concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave Salthouse: Ged McMahon The Pheasant: Live music Wm Cairnes: Michael Gerrard DJ Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre: Car Boot Sale in car park at centre, 9.30-4.30pm Boyles of Slane: Gloria & Patrice

Sun 2nd Sept McPhails: Joe Kierans The Market Bar: Cliche Boyles of Slane: Orion

Tues 4th Sept

Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night The Thatch: Bingo, 9pm McPhails: Acoustic sessions in Front Bar

Tues 11th Sept

Foleys Bar: Live music River House: Traditional Irish Music The Thatch: Bingo 9pm McPhails: Acoustic sessions in Front Bar

Wed 12th Sept

McPhails: For Keeps Boyle’s of Slane: Traditional Irish music sessions The Pheasant: Take your Pick

Fri 14th Sept

Wed 5th Sept

McPhails: Open Mike The Pheasant: DJ & Take your Pick Abbey Gallery: The Perspectives Art Group Exhibition runs until October 9th – 10 artists working and living in Drogheda show their work McPhails: The Enemies Daly’s, Donore: Traditional Irish music sessions O’Neill’s, Duleek: Traditional Irish music sessions Millmount: Drogheda Camera Club reopens for new season, 8.15pm

Are You In It?

McPhails: Monday Night Club Band Market Bar: Monday Night Club Nano Reids: Debbie’s Slimming World class, 7.30pm

Millmount: Drogheda Camera Club presents guest Hugh McElveen at 8.15pm 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 Boyles of Slane: Comedy Night – Ding Dong Denny O’Reilly plus Joe Rooney €10

The Market Bar: Monday Night Club McPhails: Monday Night Club Band The Punt: Traditional Irish music sessions

McPhails: Starman The Pheasant: Faa Side Salthouse: Live music The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish music sessions d Hotel: Roy Taylor Wm Cairnes: Dave Lessard Boyles of Slane: The Watchmen

Mon 10th Sept

Thurs 13th Sept

Mon 3rd Sept

Fri 7th Sept

The Thatch Bar: Dawn The Market Bar: Snaz d Hotel: Bitter Lemons McPhails: Juicer 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 Wm Cairnes: Alan Kennedy DJ Boyles of Slane: Cougar

Sun 9th Sept

Sat 1st Sept

Thurs 6th Sept

Sat 8th Sept

McPhails: Tequla Rose The Pheasant: Green Machine Salthouse: Live music d Hotel: Roy Taylor Boyles of Slane: The Sly Digs 10.30pm Wm Cairnes: Orion Boyles of Slane: Dave Clark

Sat 15th Sept

The Thatch Bar: D2gs Market Bar: Paul & Linda d Hotel: Bitter Lemons McPhails: Seducers Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith. Late bar with concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: O’Brien Brothers Wm Cairnes: Conan Martin DJ The TLT: Cherish The Ladies with Maura O’Connell, 8pm. Tickets €25 Boyles of Slane: Valentine Black Droichead Arts Centre: An Evening with Miriam St Lawrence, 8.30pm. Tickets €15

email your event details to info@essentialdrogheda.com

r your diary Newtown Blues Club: Newtown Run 12.5k starts at 2pm. Registration is €15 www.runireland.com

Sun 16th Sept

McPhails: Collusion The Market Bar: Double Trouble Wm Cairnes: Double Entendre 6-8pm McHugh’s Venue: Launch of All Ages Music Showcase, 3-7pm. Bands can submit their entry details via facebook.com/allagesmusicshowcase. Tickets €5. Tickets go on sale for The Original Rudeboys ‘All-Ages’ on Oct 31st Boyles of Slane: 6 Foot Something d Hotel: The Irish Civil War and Its Legacy, 10am-5.30pm, as part of the 18th Annual John Boyle O’Reilly Autumn School. Tickets €10, with lunch €25, to book phone 041-9833097

Mon 17th Sept

Wm Cairnes: Dave Lessard Boyles of Slane: Tequila Rose Droichead Arts Centre: Nuada feat. Roisin Clancy and Ryland Teifi, 8.30pm. Tickets €15

Sun 23rd Sept

McPhails: T.B.A The Market Bar: The Biz Boyles of Slane: Colin Scallan CityNorth Hotel: All Things Baby Fair, 12-5pm Special offers and great giveaways on the day, face painting and balloons, Bob the Builder and Dora the Explorer. visit www.allthingsbabyfair.ie

Mon 24th Sept

EVENT GUIDE Cherish the Ladies

with Maura O’Connell

15th Sept 8pm Tickets €25

Dickie Rock & Sharon Gaynor 21st Sept 8pm, Tickets €25

McPhails: The Monday Club band The Market Bar: Monday Night Club Nano Reids: Debbie’s Slimming World class, 7.30pm

Friends in Low Places

Tues 25th Sept

– Rodeo Tour 29th Sept 8pm Tickets €25

McPhails: Monday Club Band Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night The Punt: Traditional Irish music sessions River House: Traditional Irish music sessions The Market Bar: Monday Night Club Nano Reids: Debbie’s Slimming World class, 7.30pm The Thatch: Bingo, 9pm McPhails: Acoustic Sessions in Front Bar

Tues 18th Sept

Foleys Bar: Traditional Music Night. Adm free River House: Traditional Irish music sessions The Thatch: Bingo, 9pm McPhails: Acoustic session in Front Bar Governor’s House, Millmount: The ‘Know Your Drogheda’ local history course hosted by the Old Drogheda Society commences for six weeks each Tuesday at 7.30pm. Fee €60, phone (041) 9833097, booking essential or email to info@ droghedamuseummillmount.ie

Thurs 20th Sept

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 Boyles of Slane: The Purple Sessions presents Appian Way, Stephen Young & Emily Whelan D Hotel: Wedding Showcase, 6-9pm Boyne Valley Hotel: Launch of Drogheda Business Excellence Awards, phone Chamber office at 0419833544 for details

Fri 21st Sept

McPhails: The Profile d Hotel: Roy Taylor Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: Live music Wm Cairnes: Carolan Brothers The TLT: Dickie Rock 8pm, tickets €25 The Pheasant: Sound Wave Boyles of Slane: Let’s Be Frank

Sat 22nd Sept

d hotel: Six Foot Something McPhails: Electric Avenue The Market Bar: Level 2 The Thatch Bar: Peter C (Elvis) The Pheasant: Gerry & Paul Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith, late bar with concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Salthouse: Live music Droichead Arts Centre: A Concert of Opera Scenes: North Dublin Opera, 8.30pm. Tickets €10/ €8 concessions

Wed 26th Sept

McPhails: The Travoltas Boyle’s of Slane: Traditional Irish music sessions The Pheasant: DJ and Take your Pick

An Evening of DIxieland, Swing and easy listening with

David Leddy, Paddy Cole & Friends - 5th Oct 8pm, Tickets €25 Steel Magnolias

Arthur’s Day

Thurs 27th Sept

Feat Mischa Barton & Anne Charleston (aka Madge Bishop from Neighbours)

McPhails: The Enemies & Juicer celebrate Arthur’s Day 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 Wm Cairnes: Arthur’s Day Party Boyles of Slane: Arthur’s Day celebrations

8th-9th Oct 8pm Tickets €20/25

Best of Eurovision – Ireland’s Winners

12th Oct 8pm, Tickets €32

Fri 28th Sept

McPhails: Big Generator The Pheasant: Greg Traynor Salthouse: Live music The Coast Tavern, Laytown: Traditional Irish music sessions d Hotel: Private Function Wm Cairnes: Monkey Business Boyles of Slane: Trigger & The Hitman

Stephen King’s “Misery”

15th Oct 8pm, Tickets €18

Moscow Ballet Presents

Swan Lake

18th Oct 8pm, Tickets €35/40

Sat 29th Sept

McPhails: Point Blank d Hotel: The Enemies The Thatch: Shiftrate The Market Bar: Top Four Barroco Bar: Resident DJ Keith, late bar with concessions to Earth Nightclub Bru Bar & Bistro: Resident DJ Dave, contemporary mix of music Salthouse: Live music The Pheasant: The Biz Wm Cairnes: Conan Martin Dj The TLT: Friends in Low Places, 8pm. €25 Boyles of Slane: Francie Conway Droichead Arts Centre: The Music Makers, 8.30pm. Tickets €15 /€12 / family €25. Final showing of ‘Something From Nothing’ exhibition by Emmet Kierans

Sun 30th Sept

Gospel Gathering

20th Oct 7.30pm, Tickets €19

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)

The Market Bar: Just Us McPhails: Hudwink

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

…

The world according to

Where did the idea for ‘Dead Dogs’ come from? It sprang from a childhood spent watching ‘Tales of the Unexpected’ and reading Stephen King. r o acher & auth The exact details of the story came from local school te dealing with young people who just didn’t seem to fit within the world that the rest of us inhabit. You know, odd-balls. People who exist perpetually on the fringes of The novelist on his new psychological social activities. Were you a reader of crime thriller Dead Dogs, teaching in St Mary’s fiction before you started writing and growing up with The Hardy Boys it and if so can you remember the very first crime novel that you read? Tell us about your new book, Dead Dogs? Dead device to allow exploration of Yeah, I loved crime fiction. I was absolutely amazed Dogs is a novel set in a rural town and deals with character and place as much as anything. two 16-year-olds who are You’re a secondary school teacher by day, what how the books were structured so that details from convinced they’ve witnessed made you decide to change tack and become an earlier on would suddenly become important and a murder. Nobody believes author too? Well, English is my main subject and tie the plot together. Believe it or not my 5th Class them and they become I think all English teachers fancy themselves as teacher, Mr Reid, had a library in his class and he obsessed with proving that undiscovered novelists. Being a teacher means was very serious about us borrowing books and they saw what they think that you’re exposed to the entire gamut of human reading them. The very first crime books I read they saw. There’s a bit more experience on a daily basis. You’re in touch with were The Hardy Boys novels. If you can even call to it than that, however, hundreds of different personalities and it really them crime novels! as one of the boys is quite helps to shape the characters you write about. I How would you describe your book to someone obviously psychologically don’t think I’d be half the writer I am without my who was about to read it? It’s a very modern disturbed and his little teaching and I don’t think I’d be half the teacher I psychological thriller that keeps you guessing. It’s ‘foibles’ are one of the main am without a passion for the written word. By the also a character study in disaffected youth. reasons why both boys are way, I’d like to thank the staff and students of St Are you easily distracted when you are writing and if so what distracts you the most? I’m the most doubted. It’s as much a Mary’s for their unwavering support. character study in small Your debut novel ‘1798: Tomorrow the Barrow We’ll irritatingly disciplined person you could ever meet. town paranoia as it is a crime Cross’ was published last year to excellent reviews – Ask my wife. I tend to write during the holidays but novel, to be honest. The ‘murder’ is as much a where you surprised with the response it received? if I’m working on something, I’ll treat it as a job. I’ll Nobody was more surprised get up at half seven and begin writing at eight or than me! I’m from Wexford half past, take a 15 minute break at 11, an hour at and the 1798 Rising echoes one o’clock and then work through until five. The down the years for Wexford idea that a novel comes about because a magic fairy people in a way that’s hard wafts in every so often to tap you on the head with to fathom if you’re not from her writing wand is absurd. A book, like everything there. I invested the novel in life, comes about due to effort and discipline, not with as much of this as I inspiration. We have a seven month old son on the could. However, it’s written floor now, though, so I think I’m going to have to in a very baroque style that become more flexible in my approach! I thought might not strike What books are you reading at the moment? I’m a chord with a modern reading ‘Star of the Sea’ by Joseph O’Connor. I readership. I tried writing didn’t like ‘Ghost Light’ but this is very, very good. it in a more modern, edgy Who were your influences when you decided to start BruSh BruSh SEt worth worth wayBruSh but it justSEt didn’t suit the writing? My parents — I owe them a lot. 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Last of the gIvEaway! bones and you can’t stop thinking about it, 5 CourSES BruSh SEtS 5 CourSES & I then have the belief to grind it out. You can 55 5 CourSES CourSES CourSES & && & BruSh BruSh BruSh SEtS SEtS SEtS 5Mohicans. CourSES & BruSh BruSh SEtS SEtS suppose that fans of historical go back and fix it afterwards. to to BE BE gIvEN gIvEN away away to BE gIvEN away to to BE BE gIvEN gIvEN away away to BE gIvEN away adventures and romances What’s next – any plans for more books? Yeah, Simply Simplylog logonto ontoour ourFacebook Facebookpage page Simply log onto our Facebook page Simply Simplylog logonto ontoour ourFacebook Facebookpage page Simply log onto our Facebook page facebook.com/thefuschiaeffect facebook.com/thefuschiaeffect and and facebook.com/thefuschiaeffect and a few plans. The next one is simmering away loved it because it’s a homeI’ve facebook.com/thefuschiaeffect facebook.com/thefuschiaeffect and and totowin facebook.com/thefuschiaeffect and to win “LIKE” “LIKE” our ourpage pagetotobe beininwith withaachance chance win “LIKE” our page to be in with a chance “LIKE” “LIKE”our ourpage pagetotobe beininwith withaachance chancetotowin win “LIKE” our page to be in with a chance to win our seven-month-old, is a bit hardier. grown, rollicking story until Oisin, that deals with things that It’s another modern crime novel set in and around phone phone 041-9801563 to make an appointment phone 041-9801563 make appointment actually happened just downto called ‘The Taking of Diarmuid Pyke’. phone phone041-9801563 041-9801563 041-9801563to to tomake make makean an anappointment appointment appointment phone 041-9801563 toDrogheda make an an appointment the get over ‘Dead Dogs’ first, though! info@fuschia.ie info@fuschia.ie info@fuschia.ie www.fu www.fus schia chia ie ie w ww .fuWe’ll schi a ie 041 041980 9801562 1562 041road. 980 1562 info@fuschia.ie info@fuschia.ie info@fuschia.ie www.fu www.fus schia chia ie ie w ww .fu schi a ie 041 041980 9801562 1562 041 980 1562

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Dead Dogs, published by Liberties Press (Ireland), is out September 10th

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