Mourne Magazine March Edition by James Hunter

ISSUE 3 MARCH

2012

HOME COMING LOCAL SUPERSTAR PATRICK KIELTY ON HIS RETURN TO IRELAND & STAND UP COMEDY

INSIDE THIS MONTH TAKE ME OUT PICTURES MOVIES MUSIC & FOOD

CONTENTS

PADDY’S THE MAN... WELCOME to the March edition of the MOURNE MAGAZINE, a brand new FREE publication for the Mourne region. This month we met up with Dundrum funnyman Patrick Kielty. We’re also showing some love to all the Mothers out there, with their big day coming up. Alongside Mother’s Day, is of course St Patrick’s and we’ve got a few little facts you may not have known about dear ol’ St Paddy! And of course there’s the usual news and reviews, with a very special Out & About in the Mournes section this month! And remember if your part of a community group and would like some information to go into next month’s edition- get in touch!! ENJOY!

THE BIG INTERVIEW THE Dundrum funny man talks to us about his HOMEcoming

Pages 4, 5 & 6 TAKE ME OUT! Did you get a date??

Pages 14 & 15 REVIEW WE’RE reviewing the hottest movies, and music this month

Pages 16 & 17

THE BIG INTERVIEW

HOME WA R D BOUND PAT R I C K K I E LT Y I S N O T O N LY R E T U R N I N G T O HIS ANCESTRAL ROOTS NEXT MONTH BUT ALSO HIS SHOWBIZ ONES. THE MOURNE MAGAZINE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM A S H E P R E PA R E S T O P E R F O R M S TA N D - U P COMEDY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SEVERAL YEARS.

WORDS BY JAMES HUNTER

THE BIG INTERVIEW

hen the Mourne Magazine first reached out to Patrick Kielty, he was “currently unavailable, due to commitments in L.A”… A clear indication of the ever-rising success enjoyed by the young comedian from Dundrum? Or maybe he was just on holiday! Either way, his rise to stardom is undoubted and deserved. Yet when speaking with him he was gracious, humble and forever grateful for his time spent at the foot of the Mournes. So much so, that the new show, his first stand up in several years, is entitled ‘Home’. Two shows in Derry and one in Belfast next month, will be a tip of the hat to the place that raised and shaped him. With the new show Kielty intends to remain true to form, with his provocative brand of comedy.

T h e r e ’s n o s u c h thing as ‘celebrity’ when I return home. Most of the time I’m j u s t k n o w n a s J a c k ’s son

“Throughout my career I’ve constantly been told I’ve gone to far, or I’ve crossed the line of what’s acceptable. But, I always believe that the best stand up makes people laugh and makes them think. It’s all about provoking people’s thoughts.” “If you’re on stage just making people think or just making them laugh, you’re not doing your job. I’ve always tried to combine both, so that’s what I’m going to be shooting for at the shows in April.” Dundrum’s biggest export spends much of his time in London now, yet when possible returns home and can be found, on regular occasion, frequenting the Maghera Inn, sometimes with his fellow celebrities in tow. However, his stardom is soon forgotten as he jokes that his level of success is determined solely on what rental car he has managed to procure at the airport. “There’s no such thing as ‘celebrity’ when I return home. Most of the time I’m just known as ‘Jack’s son’. If I manage to get myself a big Mercedes at the airport I’m doing well, but if they’ve nothing left and stick me in something smaller then the craic starts that my career isn’t doing too well!” With St Patrick’s Day around the corner, our Patrick is usually tied up with his yearly charity work for Sport Relief, leaving him unable to celebrate as he would like. However, the dates are a little kinder to him this year and he’s looking to take

PAT R I C K G E T S T H E G R 8 D U N D R U M R U N U N D E R WAY

THE BIG INTERVIEW always try to catch a game when I’m home. It was great when they got to the All Ireland final a couple of years ago, that was just all my yesterdays coming back around again. Lets hope they’ll be a few more years of celebration ahead.“ His ever-present easy smile and down-to-earth nature, has made the country boy quite the ladies man over the years. And, when my female colleagues and I were discussing the fact that I would be sitting down with Mr Kielty, the most pressing matter that seemed to be at hand was the fact of whether he was dating Ms Cat Deeley, and would he ever come back and marry a local girlone of them if at all possible Patrick.

I’m still following Down, for better or worse! I’ll always try to catch a game when I’m home

Although he found this rather amusing, his reply was, unsurprisingly, brief. “If the papers are to be believed I’m all tied up on that front, but you can tell them to watch this IT SEEMS KIELTY HAS FOUND space!” LOVE WITH LONG TIME FRIEND And indeed they will be, along with many C AT D E E L E Y a local, who will continue to support the boy advantage. from a small seaside village tucked in beside the “For the first time in around six years, Sport Relief Mournes, who’s star keeps rising, and rising, and is the week after St Patrick’s day, so this will be the rising… first in a long time I’ll be able to really enjoy. I’ve Patrick Kielty is playing three live shows in had a few offers of work, but I’m trying my hardest April. Firstly the Millenium Forum, Derry on to keep the calendar completely blocked out!” Friday 6th April and Saturday 7th, before moving As to whether he will make it back to the on to the Odyssey Arena, Belfast on the 21st April. Mournes for the 17th is yet to be decided though. Tickets are available from www.millenniumfo“I don’t know yet, I really don’t. I will definitely rum.co.uk and your local ticketmaster. be home to do some small warm up gigs, and try out some of the new material, which may coincide with that weekend. We’re just not sure yet, they will be advertised closer to the time though, so keep an eye out.” A former county minor, Kielty remains an avid Down fan and still tries to support his county whenever possible. “I’m still following Down, for better or worse! I’ll

W E A LS O S T O C K A W I D E R A N G E OF NEW FURNITURE INCLUDING: M AT T R E S S E S S O FAS BEDS WA R D R O B E S D I N I N G TA B L E S M I R R O RS & LIGHTING 7

SHORT STORIES

A CASE OF IDENTITY by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1891) Sir

Arthur Conan Doyle’s “A Case of Identity” continues this month and will conclude in the next issue.

“HE was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his voice was gentle. He’d had the quinsy and swollen glands when he was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare.” “Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, returned to France?” “Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother said she would make it all right with him. I didn’t quite like that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as he was only a few years older than me; but I didn’t want to do anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the very morning of the wedding.” “It missed him, then?” Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived.” “Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the Friday. Was it to be in church?” “Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour’s, near King’s Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Pancras Hotel. Hos-

mer came for us in a hansom, but as there were two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything since then to throw any light upon what became of him.” “It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated,” said Holmes. “Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since gives a meaning to it.” “Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?” “Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw happened.” “But you have no notion as to what it could have been?” “None.” One more question. How did your mother take the matter?” “She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter again.” “And your father? Did you tell him?” “Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me half-mad to

think of it, and I can’t sleep a wink at night.” She pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob heavily into it. “I shall glance into the case for you,” said Holmes, rising, “and I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life.” “Then you don’t think I’ll see him again?” “I fear not.” “Then what has happened to him?” You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can spare.” “I advertised for him in last Saturday’s Chronicle,” said she. “Here is the slip and here are four letters from him.” “Thank you. And your address?” “No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell.” “Mr. Angel’s address you never had, I understand. Where is your father’s place of business?” “He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers of Fenchurch Street.” “Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it to affect your life.” “You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back.” For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever she might be summoned. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of infinite languor in his face. “Quite an interesting study, that maiden,” he observed. “I found her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you consult my index, in Andover in ‘ 77, and there

was something of the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the maiden herself was most instructive.” “You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite invisible to me,” I remarked. “Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring you to realize the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Now, what did you gather from that woman’s appearance? Describe it.” “Well, she had a slate-coloured, broadbrimmed straw hat, with a feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were grayish and were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn’t observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, easy-going way.” Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. “’Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My first glance is always at a woman’s sleeve. In a man it is perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most useful material for showing traces. The double line a little above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed to surprise her.” “It surprised me.”

TO BE CONCLUDED IN NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE.... 9

COMMUNITY

S O , W H AT ’ S OUR STORY?

Well, a couple of years ago aged 62 and out of the blue, our Ian was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He under went a gruelling course of radiotherapy to tr y and reverse the effects of this debilitating disease and was forced into reconsidering his future. NOW THEN, our Ian is a bit different to other folk, and instead of resting up, taking stock and moving forward gently, Ian decided it would be a good idea to cycle 1,350 miles around Ireland in five and a half days. Ian was determined to do The Race Around Ireland in aid of the Ulster Cancer Foundation but he couldn’t do it alone. Supporting Ian in this incredible endeavour were friends and family in the form of Team Impossible Dream (www.teamimpossibledream.com). The Team Impossible Dream crew accompanied him on the race and with the pre-race logistics - this was all maps, tight fitting Lycra, shiny spokes and muscle-building exercises. However in

the background to all this, something was cooking... Ian’s wife Evie and daughter Sarah just happened to be brilliant cooks and to be bakers of the most scrumptious, moist, buttery cupcakes you have ever tasted. And so, adding one ingredient to another so to speak, Cupcakes for Cancer was born. Cupcakes for Cancer is a simple idea. We make a cupcake from the best ingredients possible: no ready-made icing or margarine frosting (we use our own secret recipe and use only the most delicious creamy butter in our dreamy frosting). Our cupcakes come in an ever-increasing range of flavours and beautiful designs, all hand-made and decorated by Evie and Sarah at our special bak-

ing site in Newcastle, Co Down. At the foot of the Mournes and looking out to sea, Sarah and Evie dream up designs for the cupcakes with every occasion in mind. Cupcakes for cancer thinks everyday should be a cupcake day but we also make spectacular elegant cupcakes for weddings, seasonal cupcakes (for Christmas pressies, Valentine loves and Easter bunnies!). Evie and Sarah can make you personalised cupcakes, cheeky hen party cupcakes or even a giant birthday cupcake in colours from pretty in pink to your favourite football colours (because boys like cupcakes too!). Whatever your imagination can do, Evie and Sarah can make!

TIMEPIECE TATTOO

THIS is the time of the year when many organizations and charities can really use a little extra help. With this in mind Time Piece Tattoo are getting together with Cupcakes for Cancer to hold a fundraiser on Saturday the 31st of March. We will be offering tiny tattoos with all the profits going to The Friends of The Cancer Centre in Belfast, as well as gorgeous Cupcakes and Coffee, music and the much anticipated drawing for our free £300 tattoo. Make sure you mark this date in your diary and please, please come along with your friends and family. Cancer effects so many lives, and this fun event is a great way for you, and us, to give something back to the community !

KIDS ART WORLD CLUB now takes place in the Newcastle Centre from 1pm to 6pm every Friday afternoon. The Club is free to join just ‘like us on facebook’ and members can avail of discounted rate of £4.00 per child & £3 per additional child per 60 minute session We have something for everyone, aged 1 to 11, ceramic painting, fun with felt,foam & fabric and free style painting for the little artists, we have a different theme every week and parental assistance is required. The Arts & Crafts club runs for 1 hour sessions + 15 minute clean up. 1pm/ 2.15pm/3.30pm/4.45pm Booking is essential. We are now taking bookings for future classes. Email us on kidsartworld@ gmail.com or phone 07882077616 for more information.

COMMUNITY

A GOLDEN D I N N E R D AT E TO KICKSTART the landmark occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team an evening of Celebration has been arranged for Friday 13th April 2012. Representatives from the statutory and voluntary emergency services, local MPs, MLAs and representatives from the Mountain Rescue Teams in Ireland and the UK will gather at the Burrendale Hotel for a drinks reception followed by a four course meal and a host of guest speakers and entertainment. Dermot Somers - Legendary Irish mountaineer, explorer, writer, and broadcaster has been confirmed as our Keynote speaker. Bearneagh, a local based Traditional Irish Band will raise the roof with jigs and reels culminating in a rousing rendition of ‘Where the Mountain of Mourne Sweep Down to the Sea’. Audio Visual presentations will showcase images and memories from training sessions and callouts

over the 5 decades of the Team’s existence. With over 1000 callouts carried out and countless more casualties rescued or recovered there will be plenty of tales and craic to be shared and enjoyed. Were you a past member of the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team? Then why not join us for a trip down memory lane on the 13th April. Details of ticket sales will be released in early March. Ticket numbers are limited and are on a first come first served basis. More information on the evening will be posted on our Facebook page and in the local press as and when it becomes available. The Mourne MRT is a voluntary 999 Emergency Rescue Organisation and relies predominately on the support of the general public. Please support them by donating online via www.justgiving.com/ mournemrt or by texting MMRT10 £2 / £5 or £10 to 70070.

SOCIAL

SOCIAL Contact Simon Tel: 028 97561390 / 078 03000847 www.weddingdisconorthernireland.co.uk • www.syentertainment.co.uk Weddings - Parties - Fun Casino - Karaoke - Night at the Races

SPONSORS OUT & ABOUT IN THE MOURNES

Contact Simon Tel: 028 97561390 / 078 03000847 www.weddingdisconorthernireland.co.uk • www.syentertainment.co.uk Weddings - Parties - Fun Casino - Karaoke - Night at the Races

SPONSORS OUT & ABOUT IN THE MOURNES

REVIEW

REVIEW MOVIES

SOMEONE PLEASE JUST KILL ME...

IMMORTALS Starring: Henry Cavillm Stephen Dorff, Luke Evans Isabel Lucas, Mickey Rourke Available to rent March

ACTION/ FANTASY CERT: 15

fighting covered with a good spattering of blood. Two things followed that I wasn’t expecting. The first being the storyline, or lack of, in this HERE at the Mourne Magazine we case. No doubt everything looks amazing- the try our best to pick movies that you fight scenes more than match up to those of the will actually enjoy, leaning towards producer’s previous outing in ‘300’. Yet, the stofilms that have had a good general ryline of ‘300’ was simple and well written. The response. The result tends to be a ‘Immortals’ storyline is about as appealing and case of us agreeing with the majority discernable as a first date with hairy hands who and hence award the movie with the calls herself George at the weekends. The plot is loosely based on the Greek myths of much coveted MM Rating. Theseus and the Minotaur. The battle between good and evil takes place with the breaks in fight scenes nothing more than... just breaks between the fight scenes- with a bit of talking. At parts it’s bad, at others it’s horrible and there are even some moments of embarrassment; for the actors and they’re complete lack of skill when applying they’re usually, considerable acting talent-notably Golden Globe winner Mickey Rourke, and for the writers who seem to think that because the special effects guys can blow holes in solid stone walls, that they can cover the ones in their scripts. This being said, I stuck it through until the bitter end. And, this is when the second unexpected problem arose- there was not enough time to watch a more suitable movie. The deadline was only hours away. Not only had I put myself through an excruciating two hours, I was now going to be ridiculed for my selection, my opinion would matter no longer- the critic’s curse. HOWEVER, should a film not meet our exacting Alas, this is no longer a review, but a warning. standards it is simply discarded, and replaced Watch at your own peril. Avoid at all costs. If with another title which we feel will garner us only so I can save some face... the most compliments on our practiced and reThe one MM is for the special effects- they’re fined taste in cinema. We are a shallow bunch. worth watching the trailer for. So, when sitting down and dedicating just under 2 hours of my life to the ‘Immortals’, I was prepared and willing to except a large portion of MM RATING

MUSIC

LET IT REIGN

SLEIGH BELLS Reign of Terror Available now on itunes £7.99

AFTER exploding onto the music scene with 2010’s Treats, noise-pop duo Sleigh Bells finally released their highly anticipated sophomore fulllength album Reign of Terror on Feb. thesizer to augment the distinctive Sleigh Bells beat that permeates the entirety of the album. 21.

TRUE to their genre, Sleigh Bells tracks are always incredibly noisy to the extent that the music can be overwhelming. While considered a form of pop, the distinct beat created by Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller can be compared more to a hip-hop sound than to other pop and rock sounds. The album kicks off with “True Shred Guitar,” which stays true to its name. The rough strumming on the guitar creates the dominant sound of the track. Not to be denied, Krauss comes forth with strong vocals as rough, if not more so, than the sound of Miller’s guitar. Though a little quieter, the best track on the album is easily “End of the Line,” which uses a syn-

Krauss’ lyrics are more discernible than usual but still difficult to catch. They also take on a more haunting beautiful sound that really shows the listener that this is the pinnacle of what the duo has accomplished so far. “Never Say Die” is very heavy on the electric guitar which clearly trumps the vocals, as they are mostly indiscernible, as well as absent for long periods of time throughout the song. A very dynamic album with different sounds throughout, Reign of Terror still represents a distinct sound that only Sleigh Bells possesses. This is likely their strongest work yet.

MM RATING

TECH CORNER

LAZERWOOD PHONE COVERS

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iPhone, iPod Touch, (£1.99) FITNESS BUDDY

1700 different workout exercises. 1000 workout videos. 4000 exercise photos. And sweat searing instructions for all of them. Fitness Buddy is an absolutely amazing tool to track your workouts, learn new workouts, build a workout routine and see your body’s progress.

iPhone, iPod Touch, (£1.99)

WITH an abundance of knowledge and information on the site, it may prove to work out where you want to start. However, once you get goin NG.com is a beautiful site with incredible photography alongside incredible writing.

THAT WEB.

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THAT APP.

THE Creative D80 wireless Bluetooth® speaker is an affordable way to enjoy great-sounding tunes anywhere in your home. Pair it wirelessly with any compatible stereo Bluetooth-enabled device and you get good audio without the mess of wires. It has a built-in power adapter so all you need is a power cord to connect to the mains, making setup easy and fuss-free. Take the compact Creative D80 anywhere - the living room, your study or even the kitchen - and turn up the music.

www.nationalgeographic.com

CLEAR

CREATIVE D80 WIRELESS BLUETOOTH® SPEAKER

www.nick.com IF you’re looking for a bit of peace from the kids, then point them in the direction of the Nickelodeon website. Here they can play games, share your avatar, download screensavers and catch up on your favourite cartoon characters at the Mecca of TV cartoondom. Plus Nick Junior (www.nickjr. co.uk), which has been customised for pre-schoolers.

THE HuMn WALLET

The HuMn Wallet is lightweight, secure, slim, and designed to go where you go. Put it in your front pocket, slip it into your purse, or clip it onto your backpack.

www.kickstarter.com (from $59) ENERGY SAVING BELKIN CONSERVE SOCKET WITH TIMER

The Belkin Conserve Socket Power Timer can be set to automatically switch off after 30 minutes, 3 hours, or 6 hours, which avoids wasting energy and saves you money at the same time! The Belkin Conserve Socket Power Timer is also ideal for shutting down devices such as heaters, so you can warm your room while you sleep and then have your heater automatically switch off after a chosen period. Affordable and eco-friendly, the handy Belkin Conserve Socket Power Timer is the perfect way to help keep household bills under control!

www.amazon.co.uk (£8.99) 18

F E AT U R E

H U G H McC A N N ’ S ANNOUNCES A C C O M M O D AT I O N HUGH McCANN’S Newcastle is situated between the Mountains and the sea, with panoramic views of both. Wedding

packages start at an amazing £995 for 100 guests. The building is 200 years old and has been sympathetically restored to preserve the old world charm, yet with all modern comforts and a fabulous design to take advantage of a stunning location. Hugh McCann’s is set to improve facilities for weddings in 2012 with the addition of bedrooms, and a second function room for larger parties. The new accommodation will have either sea or mountain views, they have been beautifully renovated to reflect the charm and sophistication of the seafront building. There is a dedicated luxurious Bridal Suite, complete with high ceilings and spectacular views of both Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. Janet McIlvenna from Hugh McCann’s said “We are delighted that we can now offer accommodation. Our reputation for weddings is excellent, and having rooms just completes the package. We anticipate having the accommodation ready this month, just in time for the start of the wedding sea-

son” . On the First floor the Loft suite is comprised of three linked areas – the loft bar which overlooks Dundrum bay with loads of character exposed brick and stonework, and a huge open fire; the function room which is mostly glazed and has uninterrupted views of the Mourne Mountains; and finally a private South West facing terrace which is popular for photos, and a perfect spot for a champagne reception! The loft has received rave reviews from brides and grooms over the past two years and March sees the opening of a second function room to allow Hugh McCann’s to cater for larger wedding parties. This function room is on the ground floor and it will seat around 200. Newcastle has been transformed by recent regeneration, the new promenade has brought many people to the town and turned, this small town into one of the most sought after resorts in the island of Ireland .Check us out on facebook and our web site www.hughmccanns.com, For Wedding enquiries, contact Janet or Maggie Tel 028 4372 2487 or email info@hughmccanns. com

THE LOFT available for Weddings, Birthdays, any Special Occasion big or small we cater for them all!

Tel: 028 4372 2487 21

F E AT U R E

GREEN WITH ENVY YOU can’t blame the thousands of tourists who flock to our shores every year. After all, how many times have you

been complimented on your accent and shown incredible graces when a foreigner discovers you are from the emerald isle?! Even more so, from spending time overseas, I have discovered the further fascination with the north of our sweet country! Whether it’s the lyrical lilt to our voices, or the general good temperament and fun-loving personalities we all possess, our southern counterparts are lost in the running when it comes to racing for best loved accents. While we are all used to hearing Darby O’Gillisms anytime we own up to our land of origin – ‘thirty three and third’, please! – Northern Ireland at least, can hold its own against the leprechaun images most often conjured up by tourists and old folklore! In my experiences, the NI accent has been interpreted as anything from American to Scottish, as people struggle to place the sing-song tones they hear when we talk. Upon discovery that it’s actually an Irish accent and a Northern one at that, their eyes soften, mouths smile and before you know it, you have a full family-tree history of their ancestry as they try to impress you with the fact that they are 1/23rds the same as you! So, with St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s got me thinking about how fortunate we really are. Ok, the majority of the western world countries are struggling to make ends meet and the boom times are long over – but at least we can always count on our poetic lullaby vocal chords to bring a smile to a few faces and unite us together in our pride of this little country. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you and yours!

Some little known facts about St Patrick’s Day Only Three Locations Truly Care

While many places all over the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, only a very select few locations have actually made this day a public holiday for everyone. First, the very tiny island sometimes known as “Emerald Island of the Caribbean,” Montserrat, is one of three countries that publicly celebrate the holiday. This is due to the high number of Irish refugees that came from Nevis and St. Kitts to the island. So to commemorate them, the holiday is celebrated. The holiday is also considered to be a public one in Newfoundland and Labrador. Here the holiday is celebrated to remember a failed slave uprising that occurred in 1798. And of course, last but not least, Ireland has made March 17 a public holiday as well.

Snakes in an Ocean

We’ve all heard one Irish folklore story or another, especially those centered on St. Patrick. One very popular story is that St. Patrick was able to chase all of the snakes out of Ireland where they then drowned in the ocean. However, St. Patrick didn’t chase any snakes out of anywhere, nor can you take folklore literally. In all reality, there has never

been any record of snakes living anywhere near the Emerald Isle. Instead, figurative language was often used in these folklores, and in this case, the serpents more than likely represented druid and pagan religions that slowly disappeared from Ireland over a period of centuries after St. Patrick is said to have placed the seeds of Christianity there.

St. Patrick Wasn’t Irish

Because St. Patrick’s Day is so popular in Ireland, and all you really ever hear about on the date is Irish this Irish that, you probably just assume that St. Patrick is well…Irish. However, your assumption would be wrong. St. Patrick was actually Scottish and was said to be either born in Scotland or Wales. Even more shocking is that his name wasn’t even Patrick. His birth name is actually Maewyn Succat. However, at the age of 16, he was kidnapped and sold into Irish slavery. Later on in time he became a priest under bishop of Auxerre and took on the name Patricius, better known as Patrick. Here he felt that this was his calling to being Christianity and Ireland closer together. In any case, the Scottish should get some recognition on this day as well.

FOOD & WINE

THE EVER SO HUMBLE HUMMUS

FOOD & WINE YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL NEED:

1 cup dried chickpeas 1 tsp baking soda water for cooking (reserve for thinning) 1/2 cup tahini 1 large clove of garlic, chopped 1/2 cup lemon juice 3/4 tsp salt Garnishes (optional) extra-virgin olive oil cumin olives

TRADITIONAL HUMMUS A super versatile and easy dish to make. Hummus goes great with everything, and it will have you experimenting with different flavours for years to come. Try adding some basil and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist or some chilli, lime and coriander for a spicy Thai combination. THE STEPS:

Soak chickpeas in water overnight, or at least 8 hours. In a medium pot, cover chickpeas with water by at least an inch, add baking soda. Bring to a boil over high heat, and lower heat to mediumlow to simmer until starting to break down and mushy, about 1 hour. Add more water if needed. Drain and reserve cooking water. Transfer chickpeas to a food processor and puree until smooth. If this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working out, add reserved water, a teaspoon at a time, until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and continue to puree. Continuing to puree, add more of the cooking water, a little at a time, to adjust consistency. Adjust lemon juice and salt if necessary. Makes about 3 cups of hummus.

F E AT U R E

MOTHER’S D AY TO all the Mother ’s out there, it’s your time of year again!

I RECENTLY read an article online from an irate mum who had ran into an old friend who asked her what she worked as these days. “I hate when you get the “Oh you’re just a mum” or “do you work?” Uhhh yes, I am a mum! That makes me an ALARM CLOCK, COOK, MAID, WAITRESS, TEACHER, NURSE, HANDYMAN, SECURITY OFFICER, PHOTOGRAPHER, COUNSELOR, CHAUFFER, EVENT PLANNER, PERSONAL ASSISTANT, ATM, GHOST BUSTER, BAIL BONDSMAN, SOLICITOR, MEDIATOR, CONFIDANTE and REFEREE. I don’t get holidays, sick pay or public holidays. I work through the DAY & NIGHT, on call 24/7 for the rest of my life. And that’s just my first job...... JUST A MUM!!!” I now feel very bad! As an independent, unmarried and childless 20-something, I suppose I have mis-understood the role requirements of a mum, as ‘old friend’ has above!

one I know: • The joys of reading instead of watching the TV • Sipping my wine to make it last instead of gulping it down as if the vineyards are all about to run dry • Breakfast really does start your day off better • Less is not always more (in reference to scantilyclad ensembles from above) • If you’re in my house, it’s my rules • Piercing body parts was a mistake after all • Picking spots does leave scars • Who or what’s One Direction?! • That silly Big-Brother show does drive me mad! • That music is nicer in the background – I want to hear myself think • Same goes for that TV when it’s on • What time does Inspector Morse start?!

Ok ok, maybe that last one is a step too far but I can’t deny – the direction I am heading in my postyouth personality is just a few kilometers south of Mum-town! And you are most likely nodding you head in agreement to at least 3 of the above points. So the thing is, when I read the aforementioned irate mum’s comments, I got me thinking and shamefaced into admitting that while she never applied for every role from CEO to janitor, she filled them all anyway and I can’t deny, that I can only hope I conduct my mum duties half as well as my own mother did! Because I haven’t turned out too bad it seems…. well, we’ll see! Happy Mother’s Day to all those women who are ghost-busters-turned-taxi-drivers within a matter of minutes, on a daily basis!

How many times are you guilty of that dirty trick where you cover the mouthpiece of the phone, roll your eyes to work colleagues, partners, kids or whoever is around, while your poor mum prattels on at the end of the line about Mrs. L up the road who has died or, who she saw in Tesco’s today and what they were buying! All the while, she truly believes you are listening. Similarly, how many times have you gritted your teeth and taken a deep breath as mother dearest asks for the umpteenth time if you have your coat with you because it’s cold out tonight? Funnily enough, I have recently found myself more interested in the advantages of keeping warm than baring my body in scantily clad ensembles because it turns out, mum is right: ‘no on finds blue skin attractive dear!’ Furthermore, I have discovered a variety of other habits and changes in my thought processes as I grow older that remind me, all too much, of some-

PUZZLE

T H I S M A G A Z I N E I S L O V I N G L Y C R A F T E D B Y. . . CROSSWORD

SOLUTION IN NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE ACROSS 1. Ambrosia (6) 4. Neglect (8) 10. Incorrect (9) 11. Famous (5) 12. Eccentric (5) 13. Industriousness (9) 14. Scurry (7) 16. Wise one (4) 19. In ___ of (replacing) (4) 21. Ranges (7) 24. Militarist (9) 25. Overweight (5) 26. Audio transmission (5) 27. Arrest (9) 28. Volunteered (8) 29. Sitting room (6)

officer (8) 3. Bother (5) 5. Strongmen build these (7) 6. Temple (9) 7. Purpose (6) 8. Made a gesture of assent (6) 9. Boundary between 2 nations (6) 15. Venomous (9) 17. Gossamer (8) 18. A pale purple color (8) 20. Raise in value (7) 21. A dramatic composition (6) 22. Change direction abruptly (6) 23. Relating to a wedDOWN ding (6) 1. Unnecessary (8) 25. Classical music 2. A noncommissioned theatre (5)

SUDOKU

FILL in the remaining squares so that every row, every column, and every 3 × 3 box contains each of the numbers from 1 to 9 only once. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: MEDIUM TIME CHALLENGE: 15 MINUTES

LAST MONTHS SOLUTION

LAST MONTHS SOLUTION 28

COMPETITION

KIDS

START

MATER’S FUNNY BONE

MARIO’S MAZE

FINISH

Knock Knock Who’s there? Annie! Annie who? Annie one you like! Teacher: You missed school yesterday didn’t you? Pupil: Not very much! Who designed Noah’s ark? An ark-itect! Doctor, Doctor, I feel like a pack of cards. I’ll deal with you later.