Mayo Now

March 2015 • €2.00 • Issue 1

ISSN 2009-8030

Your critical guide to events, culture, attractions and going out in Ballina, Killala, Crossmolina, Foxford and Enniscrone.

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ELCOME to the very first edition of Mayo Now. From here on in your month will never be the same without it!

Mayo Now has been launched by IBS Publications to provide a platform for all that is good and positive in our wonderful county, and each month we will take you on a journey through its social, cultural and business life.

We will cover what’s happening in Ballina and its hinterland, including Crossmolina, Killala, Foxford and Enniscrone. Our magazine will provide inspiration, intelligence, information and much more. We aim to bring you the very best the county has to offer. Every month, we’ll bring you the tops in style, fashion, beauty, entertainment and some intriguing features.

Over time we will become the trusted friend to whom you, the reader, will turn to find out what's hot and what's not - the best restaurants, films, shows, exhibitions and outdoor pursuits the area has to offer. Whether your passion is food or film, theatre or art, we'll have it covered like any good magazine should.

Louise Duffy is one of County Mayo's favourite exports, broadcasting a prime-time daily music show on the hugely popular national radio station, Today FM. Here, she talks to Kate Winter about her passion for the job, her impending marriage to GAA star Paul Galvin and her aversion to them being called a 'celebrity couple'.

Since coming to national prominence last year when they won Today FM’s La Crunch Apple of My Eye song competition, Mayo’s latest rising musical stars have been . . . well, Flat Out. Eamon O’Neill caught up with vocalist and instrumentalist Ciara O’Donnell to get the story so far.

Stand Up Paddling is the latest water-sport craze to come to Ireland, and world-class big wave surfing pioneer Mikee Hamilton is bringing it to the River Moy. Kate Winter chats to the daredevil family man at home in Enniscrone about making a life in the west of Ireland, surfing and SUP. We also have inside photos from various events over the last month . . . and there’s much more. If you have an event coming up that you would like featured in Mayo Now drop us a line at info@mayonow.ie.

Our mission is to have a positive impact on Ballina and its hinterland. We invite you to join us on our journey.

e Mayo Now Team contact us

Directors: Seamus Casey seamus@mayonow.ie Gerry Walsh gerry@mayonow.ie

Design: Stephen Finney steve@mayonow.ie

Sales: Lisa Gilmartin lisa@mayonow.ie 085-2498068

Photography: John O Grady Liam Brennan Catherine Gilmartin

Editorial: Kate Winter Triona O’Donnell Leonie Cornelius Eamon O’Neill

contents 4 8

12 14 16 22 28

29 32 40 44 46 48 49 50 52 54

AFTER DARK In the Pubs of Ballina

LOVE, LIFE AND TODAY FM Louise Duffy is one of County Mayo's favourite exports, broadcasting a primetime daily music show on the hugely popular national radio station Today FM. She talks to Kate Winter about her passion for the job, her impending marriage to GAA star Paul Galvin and her aversion to being called a 'celebrity couple'.

OUT AND ABOUT IN BALLINA After Dark @ The Broken Jug

FLAT OUT BUSY Mayo’s latest rising musical stars ‘Flat out’ have been, well, Flat Out! GARDENING WITH LEONIE CORNELLIUS

MIKEE HAMILTON Stand Up Paddling is the latest water-sport craze to come to Ireland, and world-class big wave surfing pioneer Mikee Hamilton is bringing it to the River Moy. WHAT’S ON IN MAYO

MODAFIX WITH TRIONA O’DONNELL Introducing: modaFix, your brand new fashion spread for Mayo Now

MAYO ASSOCIATION DINNER DANCE Out and about @ Crockets on the Quay

HAIR & BEAUTY The Best Auburn Hair Colour Ideas for 2015 WHAT’S COOKING WINE GUIDE

ANGELSCOPES WITH FIONA FAERY

SERVICES DIRECTORY WINTERS NEW LEAVES

Published by: IBS Publications Limited Riverview House, Barrett Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo Tel/Fax: 096-77743 / 071-9154538 Website: www.mayonow.ie Email: info@mayonow.ie

Aisling Moyles, Michelle Miller Moyles and Sarah Timlin

Kathy Carroll & Noreen Meredith

Aileen Bilbow, Elaine Lowther and Denise Bilbow

Ciara Murphy, Sarah Gunning and Catherine Newman

Louise Connor, James Baird and Amanda Ryan

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March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 5

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Pat McManus performing at Emmetts Bar

Chris Carr, Shannon Moyles, Annette Queenan, Mairead Popplewell and Patrick Hardy

Enjoying the night out at the Merry Monk

Emmet Maloney, Ray and Christina Brennan

Enjoying the Gig at Emmetts Bar

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 5

Lora Mushtaha and Trish Kilfoyle

Mags Martin, Niamh and Dympna Bourke

Louise, Michael, Ruthann and Lauren Ferguson

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David Morrin, Miriam Grady, Joe Morrin and Rory Morrin

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March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 8

Love,LIFE

L

and today fm

ouise Duffy is one of County Mayo's favourite exports, broadcasting a prime-time daily music show on the hugely popular national radio station Today FM. Here, she talks to Kate Winter about her passion for the job, her impending marriage to GAA star Paul Galvin and her aversion to being called a 'celebrity couple'.

LITTLE DJ LOUISE I grew up with three brothers in Crossmolina, with my auntie and uncle next door and cousins everywhere. I was lucky, I had a lovely childhood in a fab place to grow up.

My first interaction with radio that I remember was when I got one of those little taperecorders, not quite Fisher Price, maybe a little more high spec, but it had a handle and a wee microphone and I took to recording my own links between songs on it. I remember subjecting my mum to my ramblings when we were driving to see my Granny in Keenagh and she was probably my first audience.

I was always a talker, a little chatterbox. A bit of a pain, probably. I was obsessed with newsreaders and how they could read the news without looking down at the page. I didn't know such a thing as an autocue even existed. So I used to try to read my homework out loud without actually looking at it. I couldn't understand how these people on the telly did it so well, I thought they were brilliant.

AT A CROSSROADS I studied Film And Broadcasting at DIT. Though at the time I was very caught betwixt and between doing that course or studying law, because it is kind of hammered into you when you're younger that you need to forge a good career and be sensible. It was a hard choice to make, and I ended up making it at the very last minute, like five minutes

before the CEO forms were due in... For the first year I was like a headless chicken, thinking what am I doing here? In second year it was a very hands on course, very practical. I kind of just plodded along, and though I enjoyed it I was aware that I'd have to do something very serious afterwards. Because people didn't really get a career doing this kind of thing, did they? And there were other people in my year who were so passionate about it all, who would spend their evenings in their house watching Russian films and stuff and I was just like "I'm off to Coppers!".

When I finished, I went on to do the FE1 law exams. And it was great to go and do that and realise that it really wasn't for me. They were so hard!

And there's so much pressure. I got those exams, but I knew it wasn't right when I went for an interview for an apprenticeship, and I was so disappointed when I thought afterwards "I think I got that job". Now that's a sure sign something isn't right! So that whole experience made me feel that if I'm going to be working such long hours, I may as well do something I love, which brought me back to media, and to radio in particular. I got a fulltime job with AA Roadwatch, and I was lucky in that I got to do the traffic for the Ian Dempsey Show. Ian's great for interacting and getting you on air and able to do a bit of talking, which is what the job is all about, really. At the end of

the day, nobody goes into AA Roadwatch because they're passionate about traffic! After about three years working with them, I was offered the early morning slot for my own show.

ON AND OFF AIR I love what I'm doing, and my time on air is only the tip of the iceberg. People often think "Oh yeah, two hours a day, what a cushy number", but you really have to do your research and there's so much thought that goes into it.

You're actually ON all the time.

Walking down the street, you're always thinking how you could use anything and everything you see, what would encourage listener interaction, what's an interesting story.

I get into work usually around half nine or ten, and I'm there till about five o'clock. It's not exactly a long day, but it is intense. Sometimes I'll come off air and I'll just be like "I have given myself a headache from talking". But when you are passionate about what you do and when you enjoy it, it's so worth it. Music is one of the best parts of my job, and one of the hardest. I'm passionate about it, and I have to always tread that line between playing lots of what I like and sticking to the playlists which are there for good reason, too. I do try and play music that everyone will enjoy, spread it across every genre, something for everyone, a great song here and there that people haven't heard in ages. You can't lose the run of

yourself, you have to keep the flow going.

I love interviews, I love chatting to people. I spent three years on early morning radio, where nobody would talk to me! So I really relish having guests and interesting people on the show now. You have to be yourself, so I never rehearse what I'm going to say. I remember when I was starting out, one of the more experienced lads in Today FM gave me some great advice.

He said "You just need to know how you're going to go into a link, and how you're going to come out of a link and just let the rest of it take care of itself".

You can't just ramble on, but you do have to be natural.

MORNING TO AFTERNOON AND WHAT HAPPENED IN BETWEEN Today FM is a lovely station. it's a great place to be. There's a lovely vibe to it. I love going to work every day and that's what it's all about, isn't it?

There was a bit of a misconception about the slots I've had and how it all went down... Basically, I was getting to the point where doing the early morning show was exhausting me. It was a great place to learn everything and fine tune my art, but when KC was leaving the lunchtime slot and I was offered it for a while, I jumped at the chance. It was never a full-time position. I knew that they had other plans for it, they were always in the pipeline, but we couldn't really say that at the time, because other factors were involved...

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 9

Then when Dermott and Dave took over, there was this whole big thing of Louise Duffy Axed! and that was pretty rough, because it simply wasn't true. Also, the whole women on air debate raised its head, which is a very tricky subject, and there's no denying it needs looking at... there are lots of very strong women working in radio, they just aren't at the forefront for some reason.

THE 'C' WORD Paul and me are not a celebrity couple, we are very chilled out, normal couple! I love being at home with him, or hanging out with my friends, I don't generally go to these big event things. It just doesn't appeal to me. I do a job that I love and have loads of people in my life that I love spending time with and that's really enough for me. Paul would be very much the same, he'd shudder at the thoughts of having to go mingle at some celebrity thing.

Dublin is a small pond. You do sometimes get snapped out and about, but really I think that's just one fella who wanders around this area with his camera... And it really only happened a few times at the very start of our relationship, we're just not that photogenic!

LOUISE & PAUL Paul once said that the two hours I'm on air is the only break he gets... But he does listen to the show, especially now that I'm doing a music show, he's taken more of an interest. Last Saturday I was doing an interview with James Bay and he even asked if he could pop in.

We have been so laid back about the wedding plans but we're now picking up the pace a little bit. We're hoping to get married at the end of the year. So now I'm at the stage where I need to start looking for a dress and I am actually getting excited about it all. I'm looking forward to having a great fun day with our family and friends. We both have large families so it will be a big ole hooley, but we're not going to get bogged down in the organisation of it all. Though there really is a lot to do! I'm just going to be very methodical and get it all done and have a lovely day... Most of all, I'm looking forward to being married to Paul.

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 10

Tosh & Minah Jillian Thomas & Emma Doherty

Norah & Elmer Pieterse

Michael Ginty (Corrimbla Stone) Elaine Frain, Peter Clarke & Anthony Sweeney

Tom Carr, John Cawley & Mary Carr

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March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 12

Michelle Feeney and Karen Nic An Fhinneadha

Shauna Kane, Anita Kane and Mary McGowan

Karen Hennigan, Chris Borisov and Kimberley Devers

Sarah Hannick and Liz Watkins

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S

ince coming to national prominence last year when they won Today FM’s La Crunch Apple Of My Eye song competition, Mayo’s latest musical rising stars have been, well, Flat Out. With a string of Irish dates as well as successful tours of both Europe and America behind them, the last twelve months have been something of a rollercoaster ride for the Ballina band. 2015 however, looks set to be their busiest year yet, and with further touring and the release of their debut EP all planned for the year ahead, the future looks bright for the four-piece. Eamon O’Neill caught up with vocalist and instrumentalist Ciara O’Donnell

to get the story so far.

A chipper Ciara O’Donnell greets your Mayo Now correspondent. The twenty-six year old has plenty to smile about after all, as Flat Out are the latest band from the West of Ireland making waves far beyond their native Killala Bay. Formed just over two years ago, with two of her three bandmates sharing her surname, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Flat Out is a family affair. Harpist Harry Lawlor may be the only non-O’Donnell in the band, but although the singer has a cousin in guitarist Mark, accordion player Brid is no relation. “She’s an estranged O’Donnell” laughs the amiable singer, “she’s not

actually related to us”.

Flat Out came together after the four members met whilst playing with the local Bófield Céilidh Band. Although raised on a diet of traditional Irish music, the outfit were keen to develop a more contemporary sound. “We played a lot together growing up, so when we put the band together we decided to do something a little bit different and make it a bit more modern”, Ciara explains.

Citing a diverse array of influences from Irish artists such as Christy Moore and Moxie to current acts such as MGMT and Florence and The Machine, Ciara describes the band’s sound as ‘fusion

music’. “It’s edgy and contemporary, she opines. “It doesn’t sound like old traditional Irish music. It’s trad meets modern.”

It was a sound that caught the attention of Today FM, when the band entered the station’s La Crunch Apple Of My Eye song contest last March. “We won the competition this time last year” says Ciara, taking up the story.

“From a thousand entries we made it to the final three, and had to perform live on Today FM” she explains. The band’s cover of Foster The People’s ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ made a big impression, taking the top prize and wowing more than just the judging panel.

Describing the impact that winning the competition had, Ciara explains; “the week after we won we played in Austria for St. Parick’s Day and were also asked to play at the ‘Band On The Strand’ music festival in Ballina”. The highlight of the band’s year however came when they got a call asking them to play on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. “There was a lot of interest from America” she says. “We had the opportunity during the summer to go over to Florida and tour there for three weeks. They actually wanted us to stay there and tour all around America, but as we didn’t have anything yet recorded so we were at a

little bit of a disadvantage.”

All of which has led to the band’s most recent activity, and a week-long recording session at Red Lake studios in Portlaoise. “We’re recording five tracks for our debut EP” says Ciara. “It’s all original stuff, and it’s our first project in relation to recordings so we’re really looking forward to that” she continues.

But the band’s ambition doesn’t end there, and with plans to record further tracks later in the year for a full album release, four have become five, as Flat Out have welcomed a new member to the fold. “We’ve recently got Kian Harrison in on drums and bass, so we’ll have a real full

sound” chirps Ciara. Looking forward, it seems big plans are afoot for the expanded lineup. “We’re planning a European tour” says Ciara.

“We have a few things set up already. For Paddy’s Day we’re going to Amsterdam and we’re playing at an event there, as well as doing a few pub gigs. We’re also going to go to Germany and Austria, and we’re looking at a few other European countries as well. We’re likely to spend a few weeks travelling around Europe playing a few gigs and getting ourselves more well known.”

There’s still work to be done, but for now it’s back to

balancing life in a band with “real life” as Ciara puts it. “At the moment we have a mix of life and music I suppose”, she says. “I’m a teacher myself and Mark is a music teacher.

Both Brid and Harry are at college, so we’ve all got extra-curricular activities which make us very busy all together.” And it’s only going to get busier as the band’s popularity grows. “You’re right there” laughs Ciara as our conversation ends, “it’s onwards and upwards!”

For more on Flat Out visit; https://www.facebook.com/Fl atOutMusicGroup https://www.youtube.com/use r/FlatttOuttt

Micgael Gaughan, John Gallagher, Myra Ruane, Tommy McHale, Donna Warde and Maeve Ryder

Margaret & Pat Gannon visiting from Meath

David McCaffrey, McCaffrey and Deirdre McCaffrey

Joseph Pye, Louise Pye, Hayley Pye and Dick Timlin

ADAMSONSChemists

Rachel Burke Walsh, Katarzyna Dvda, Martha Kovalik and Michelle Guilfoyle

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March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 18

Perfumes by:

Mar in e garden

With Horticulturalist Peter McManamon of Archers Ballina

I

Horticulturalist Peter McManamon of Archers Ballina

t’s the first month that you can get out and tackle those jobs that you couldn’t face in the winter months. It’s a month to get a head start with your sowing, planting, pruning & feeding.

First off is maintenance and any damaged greenhouse panes, fence panels or any other fixtures that may need repairing. Patios, Footpaths & drive-ways will have plenty of moss or algae, and may need to be tackled with a hard surface cleaner, one with a strong active ingredient, preferably didecyldimethylammoinium.

Don’t worry, you won’t need

to remember this name, all leading brands such as Goulding path & Patio cleaner or Patio Magic have it and the results after application can be seen after only 5 days.

It will be soon time to give that untidy looking lawn its first cut, another mild winter having preserved the grass & possibly even forcing a bit of growth! A light trim is all that’s required now, scalping it too low will cause more problems in the long run. The biggest issue in this part of the country is moss, this is usually caused by one of 3 things. Bad drainage, shade from fences

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 20

or trees & the third cause is cutting the grass too short.

Once the grass is growing well the moss will lose out but in the interim there are a few methods to tackle this scourge. Sulphate of Iron will kill it, but the dead moss will need to be raked or scarified away. Neurdoffs clean lawn is an attractive alternative as this product will not require you to rake away dead moss, as it has a natural bacteria that dissolves the moss.

Unfortunately this product will only eradicate approx. 30% of the moss, so if you have thick blanket moss it will need repeated applications. The

third and most costly but effective method of dealing with the moss is by introducing vertical drainage holes in your lawn.

Last year was fantastic for roses, we have heard from people they bloomed through into January of this year!

Pruning of roses starts in February, but you can still prune into March. Don’t be afraid to cut them well back, you can prune them back to 6inches above the ground.

With a good hand pruners remove any dead, damaged or old growth less than the thickness of a pencil. After pruning remember to apply rose food around the base to re-nourish the plant.

Time now to get the first of those seeds germinating, a greenhouse, poly tunnel or indoor windowsill will give the right conditions – soil temperatures will not be just warm enough yet. For best results use a seed sowing compost with John Innes to guarantee quicker germination and better strikerate.

For further details on any of the above or any other gardening queries please contact Peter on (096) 72777 ext13

Meadow Theories

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS LEONIE CORNELIUS

Leonie Cornelius talks us through her ideas for creating a great combination of plants for your very own meadow style planting.

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 22

L

iving here in the North West of Ireland we are lucky to be surrounded by amazing landscape and inspiring planting. Often our gardens though don’t reflect these surroundings much. There is a lot to be said for evergreen, low-maintenance planting but often the garden feels disjointed and out of touch with its natural surroundings. If you have an area in your garden that feels a little boring and like it slightly jars with the views beyond then the idea of creating a scheme that echoes the natural landscape a little more closely may be a way to integrate better. This is the perfect time to start thinking about what would work well and what would suit your personal space so that you can start planning. Once the frost is over you can order up a combination of these plants and get going, with the aim of having a stunning delicate display this summer.

Keep in mind, these ideas work really well in planters too so if you just have a balcony or a small back garden then you too can have a little slice of nature right there.

Planning a scheme based on the feel of our wildflower meadows: Grasses: if you look closely at our meadow landscape you will see that it is made up of mainly grasses and a scattering of wildflowers in between.

Grasses give great movement and structure to any scheme. I love using grasses in my gardens and in my Bloom in the Park garden 2012 I used masses of Stipa tenuissima, a soft, feathery grass which gives the whole scheme a really ethereal feel. All plants look great framed against the soft fluffy seedheads of the grass also known as the ‘Ponytail’.

Suggested grasses are: Stipa tenuissima, the evergreen Anemanthele lessioniana and lower grasses such as Hakonechloa macra.

Structure and leaf shape: You will notice on closer inspection of our meadows that there are often plants with structure that give the ground a little support at the base. One of the plants that grow wild here is the native Alchemilla spp. A bigger version of this which is a great plant for the front/middle of the border is Alchemilla mollis which you will find in any good garden centre. I used small plants of this at the front of my scheme for my Bloom 2012 garden and they give that contrast in shape and structure to the soft grasses.

Suggested structural and groundcover: Alchemilla mollis, Saxifraga urbium for evergreen groundcover and pretty summer flower spikes.

Structural colour: Flowers that grow in a cushion like shape are a wonderfully strong addition to a meadow scheme and I often use Achillea in its many varieties for this. They range from subtle lilac tones, to whites and deep reds and look gorgeous in a meadow scheme.

Suggested plants for structural colour: Achillea varieties, Sedum varieties such as Matrona for fabulous late blooming colour.

Spires: Spires are a great way to bring shape into a border and I love the verticality that plants such as say for example our native orchids bring to an outdoor scene. A way of picking up on the spire shape is by using elegantly spired plants such as Salvia varieties and

Suggested spire shapes: Agastache 'Black Adder' Spots of colour: I love delicate spots of colour that float above the grasses and other plants. In our natural habitats the Knautia arvensis (Field scabious) can bring this effect. There are plenty of varieties that you can get in garden centres, in many amazing colours.

Suggested spots of colour: Knautia macedonia, Aquilegia varieties, Anemone hybr.

'Andrea Atkinson', Lychnis ‘White Robin’.

Placing these plants, whether in a planter or out in the ground will mean creating a random arrangement of flowers. Plant in irregular shapes and cluster together a few grasses to give effect. And one of the really fun things is that you can collect seeds from many meadow flowers and package them up as gifts, party or even unique wedding favours.

Happy planting.

Leonie Cornelius is an award winning TV Garden Designer, Interior Architect and Columnist corneliusleonie@me.com twitter @leonie_Cee

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 23

Sinead and Cillian Dalton

Dermot Ruane, Jordan Gaughan, Jonathan Callaghan and Anna Ruane

Kelly Murphy and Tara Cawley

Neil Boland, Eleanor Corcoran and Neil Corcoran

Doreen Brady and Claire Murphy

Vanessa Davis, Jessie Callaghan and Niamh Padden

Jonathan Culkin and Andrea Devaney

Megan Clarke and Amie Cawley

Participants at The Kube in the Diamond Coast Hotel

Anthony Kilcullen and Keith Earlis

Oisin, Denise, Joe and Sinead Durkan

Eileen Barry and Ailbhe Duffy

Colin Gilroy, Sean Carrabine, Barry Foody and Danny O'Hora

Niamh Neary, Niamh Kent and Ailbhe Duffy

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Stand Up Paddling is the latest water-sport craze to come to Ireland, and world-class big wave surfing pioneer Mikee Hamilton is bringing it to the River Moy. Kate Winter chats to the daredevil family man at home in Enniscrone about making a life in the west of Ireland, surfing and SUP.

ikee Hamilton first came to Ireland in 1995, on a much-needed year out from his career in the UK music industry. Several factors drew him here initially, but the strongest was the pull of the wild Atlantic coastline, and more specifically, the surf. In the nineties, surfing hadn't by any means yet become the widespread, tourist-attracting sport that we know it to be in the Ireland of today. But Mikee was a very keen watersportsman, having already spent several winters chasing giant swells off the coast of North Africa, and living in one of the surfing capitals of England, Cornwall, for the previous seven years. As he explains, he knew something special was happening on our western coasts, simply by examining the weather charts...

"I had always wanted to come here. I knew the surf must be really good over here because I'd been watching Ireland getting in the way of all the best swells the whole time I'd been living in Cornwall!"

It was a life changing trip, with Easkey, Co Sligo in particular stealing the waterman's heart. In no time, he found himself packing up his whole life in the UK and moving over to the emerald isle in a converted hopper bus. Mikee has never looked back, instead building a

life for himself, first in Easkey and later in Enniscrone, with his two daughters, Lucy and Mia, and partner, Lois.

Though it was only last summer the Hamiltons started up their family business, Harbour SUP and Sail, Mikee has been working and playing in the waters of the west since he arrived here. Qualified in water safety and a passionate photographer and videographer, he has always found a way to blend his love of the ocean with his career and is recognised as one of the pioneers of big wave surfing in this country. The tale of how that pioneering adventure came about involves an encounter with a couple of "wild eyed Hawaiians" at the Quiksilver Masters surf championships in Bundoran in 2001, a rickety old Zap-Cat and a helluva lot of guts. However, after a few amateur-ish attempts to charge the giant swells found off the Donegal/Sligo/Mayo coastlines using such primitive equipment resulted in some life-threatening situations, Mikee and his towsurfing (using an engine powered vehicle, usually a jet ski, to 'tow' a surfer onto waves too huge to paddle into) partners quickly changed their tactics. In his own words, "We realised fairly quickly that though we were accessing the waves and getting onto them,

the little Zap-cat we were using certainly wasn't going to cut it in terms of speed or safety. It was a fairly steep learning curve."

But it was one that paid off.

Mikee and fellow big wave pioneers Dave Lavelle and Paul O'Kane not only paved the way for world-famous spots like Prowlers in Mullaghmore to be discovered and promoted, but also helped develop the excellent safety measures in place in this country for exactly these conditions, which make it one of the premier worldwide big-wave destinations for surfers and spectators alike. Surf tourism and the revealing of "secret spots" is something that divides the surfing community worldwide, with some of the sportsmen involved insisting that the location of some of the best surf spots locally should be kept private to avoid overcrowding.

But Mikee has his own opinion in this, in today's world of instantly accessible swell charts and Google Maps...

"There have always been certain spots that are kind of 'sacred', but that's getting less and less these days. It's the accessibility (or the lack of it) that really protects certain spots.

Thankfully, if you can't see a wave from the road, generally speaking, that's going to stop a lot of people surfing it. And there's still loads of new ground to be broken."

Mikee and Lois, Lucy (14) and Mia (10)

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 26

Breaking new ground is a speciality of Mikee Hamilton's.

And when he came across a fun and accessible new water-sport, stand up paddling (SUP), in Mundaka, Spain in 2007, he had a hunch it was going to catch on in Ireland soon. Thus were the seeds of his current Ballina/Enniscrone business planted. He set up Harbour SUP and Sail in June last year, focussing first on the SUP side of things, which proved a good hunch. And he predicts that this is only the beginning, "I think SUP is going to really take off in the coming years.

There will be many, many more schools popping up, and lots of SUP tourism. It's already more popular than surfing because anybody can do it."

So what's the appeal of this new water sport, which can be done on any body of water, be it fresh or salty, still or swell?

"It's so much fun. And it gives you a truly unique perspective. In Ballina, on the Moy, you can paddle right up into the town, under the bridges, with Belleek forest beside you on the banks...

And in the surf, it makes any break accessible. That wave half a mile out to sea? No problem, see you there in a few minutes...

The main thing people have been commenting on though, is how much colour it brings to the town. How good it is to see all these people out on the river, enjoying themselves."

While Mikee and family are based in Enniscrone, officially county Sligo, the business straddles Ballina and Killala in Mayo too, with the potential for a truly exceptional new "Blueway" paddling route developing between the three towns. With extensive amounts of paddling, walking and reading research behind him, Mikee Hamilton is fast becoming the go-to man of the river Moy. "It's a big river, and a beautiful river, with so much history and wildlife and nature. I want to share that with as many people as possible... We don't want to just promote our own business, we want to promote the sport too, and the area we're exploring."

With a wide variety of ways to do so, from SUP fitness to SUP yoga, nature paddles, surf SUPing, races, and safaris on the Moy, the Hamilton family business will surely be doing that. And what next for dare-devil Mikee himself?

"I paddle every single day.

Surfing is my main sport, but I've really dedicated myself to SUP in the last year or so... So big wave SUP-ing, that's what's coming next!"

Watch this space, this man likes to break new ground - and water!

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 28

THE AULD SHEBEEN

Every Monday 10.30pm - Live music with Frank Ferry serving Bettys Boxty.

Cash prizes to be won in our in-house card game.

7th March - Gabrielle McNulty 8th March - The Rocket Man 12th March: Breathe 13th Stuart Moyles 14th Padraig and Jason 15th The Strumberries 17th March (Paddys Night) Vincent Burke 20th March Live Music 21st Tommy Moloney 22nd Noel and Joey 28th March - Vincent Burke 29th The Rocket Man

Duffy Inn

17th March PJ and Friends Every Tues Jazz Nights

Muddy Burns

Live Music every Sunday 6-8

The Loft

14th March Doppler 16th Padraig & Jason 17th Doppler 21st Dave Hope 28th The Breakers 10-1

Paddy Macs

1st March Maggie Dunne 10.30-12.30

THE AULD SHEBEEN Abbey Street, Ballina Tel: 096-71171

Party venue of the west A place with no strangers, just friends who haven't meet.

Live Music Every Weekend Live music every Monday with Frank Ferry serving Bettys Boxty. Cash prizes to be won in our in-house card game.

All functions catered for, Home cooked food served all day everyday.

Traditional irish music session every sunday evening 6-8PM Drop in and sample the atmosphere you wont be disappointed

Tel: 096-36267 Email: info@muddyburns.com

Covering all GAA Matches

HOGANS PUB

The Breakers 10-1 @ The Loft (28th March)

DJ Every Saturday Night

Dave Hope@ The Loft (21st March)

• Professional Laptop and PC Sales & Repairs • Screen replacement• Virus removal • Repairs from €25.00 • Upgrades and much more For a better service at better prices • Nation wide service!

Call Ballina 09675590 • Call Ballaghaderreen 09498 62599

Derek ryan in concert

Fri 13th March, 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €27.90 @ The Royal Theatre - Castlebar

One-day Intensive Workshops:

@ Ballina Arts Centre Facilitated by Michelle O'Sullivan These intensive one-day workshops will explore the following poetic techniques: language; sound; rhythm; imagery; economy. Valuable to any kind of writing, the one-day intensive will leave each participant with sharper, more insightful skills.

The one-day intensive workshop will be held on the first Saturday of each month, beginning at 10am and finishing at 4pm, there will be a onehour lunch interval.

Cost per workshop: €75 / €65 (concession). Limited to 5 participants. Booking is essential. 096 73593

PAT SHORTT

Sat 14th March, 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €28 @ The Royal Theatre - Castlebar

D

erek Ryan is now one of the biggest stars of Irish Country Music. In just over three years few artists have made such an impact on the Irish country scene like the County Carlow singer songwriter. Having played to sell out concert audiences around the world with D-Side, the young heartthrob has brought a distinctive fresh sound to Irish country.

Derek Ryan’s theatre show contains much of the music featured on his five albums along with new material that affords him plenty of opportunity to showcase his fine guitar playing and his excellent vocal quality.

Derek always had the dream having a career in music - and dreams do come true, as Derek has proven.

At 17, his career in music became fulltime, signing to Warner Music London as he became lead singer of Irish pop band D-side, with achievements including several Meteor Awards nominations, a multi-platinum selling single ‘Real World’ in Ireland, adding to his 3 top 10 hits in the UK. live TV appearances included Top of the

Pops, GMTV and The Late Late Show along with a sell out theatre tour and number one single in Japan in 2005.

Returning to Ireland in September 2009, after several years of gigging on the London function scene, Derek took time to consider many offers that were coming his way. It was at this stage that melodies from his formative years kept coming back to him.

Derek got hooked on Nashville greats; like Brooks, Jackson and Strait and so the plans were laid to go for it. Derek’s love and passion for country are best measured in his song writing ability as was seen in his debut single ‘God’s Plan’ receiving enormous airplay and a deafening call from fans to get on the road to play his hits live. From that moment Derek rarely has a day off, travelling across Ireland playing in crowded Irish dance halls and most recently performing at sell out concerts in England and Scotland.

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

March 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 30

The ever-popular funny man Pat Shortt is coming to The Royal Theatre in March 2015!

Pat Shortt is back in his hilarious new show “ Selfie”. Join the singing undertaker Mossy Burke and a host of new characters as he recounts his favourite funeral - a funeral that was nearly the death of him and changed his life forever.

Pat is one of Ireland's most loved comedians and actors, as well as an accomplished musician. His television credits include Tom in Fr. Ted, (Channel 4) and Bobby in The Fitz (BBC). Pat also created a hit the hit series called ‘Killinaskully’ for RTE, which ran for five series, the last of which was screened on RTE during 2008. Pat Shortt is also one half of the ‘D’Unbelievables’, Ireland’s favourite comedy duo. Make sure to pick up your tickets soon – this is going to be a truly hilarious show!

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

PETER PAN ON ICE

Mon 16th - Doors 7pm, Show 8pm Tues 17th - Doors 7pm, Show 8pm Wed 18th - Doors 7pm, Show 8pm T hurs 19th - Doors 7pm, Show 8pm Fri 20th - Doors 7pm, Show 8pm Sat 21st - Doors 2pm, Show 3pm & Doors 7pm, Show 8pm Sun 22nd - Doors 2pm, Show 3pm @ The Royal Theatre, Castlebar.

SHOWBAND STORIES

Lovely event! A night of Nostalgia at the Ballina Arts Centre on Friday the 27th March.!

The Irish National Showband Archive, in association with The Ballina Salmon Festival presents "SHOWBAND STORIES" featuring our very own "Jack Ruane Showband".

Hosted by Miami Showband Massacre survivor, Stephen Travers and with special Guest, Des Lee, who also survived that terrible event, this Show features the story

of the famous Jack Ruane Showband from Ballina. Judd Ruane, Jack Ruane, Eugene McCaffrey & P.J. Duffy will be there to recount days of old and stories of the Showband days in Ireland. Definitely a Show not to be missed !!

As they say " The real story of the Showbands can only be told by those who lived it" Tickets available at the festival office and at Ballina Arts Centre.

T

his action packed story in this stunning iceskating adventure, will take you to Neverland where you’ll meet pirates, Indians, Peter Pan, Tiger Lilly, Mr Smee and of course everyone’s favourite baddie, the vengeful Captain Hook!

This famous fantasy adventure is portrayed in an amazing spectacle of theatre and skating performance.

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 31 The Royal Theatre are delighted to welcome this major production by the The Russian Ice Stars and involves creating an 8cm-thick ice rink, containing 14 tons of actual frozen water, and bringing a stage set and equipment to the west of Ireland that will just about fit in two 40ft trucks!

"So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!"

Ticket prices: Child €17.50, Adult €27.90, Premium Ticket €32.50, Family €75 (2 adults & 2 children, or 3 children & 1 adults). Group rate: one free in groups of 10 (please note, this offer is only available at The Royal Theatre Box Office). For any queries please call The Royal Box Office on 094 9023111.

March 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 31

@moda_fix with Tríona O’Donnell

Introducing: modaFix, your brand new fashion spread for Mayo Now that my brand 'modaFix' was born from my appreciation of this vibrant community, regularly supporting and promoting our local creatives.

In this monthly spread you can expect to hear about Irish designers and jewellery/accessory makers.

In recent months, modaFix has flourished, expanding into retail and commercial outlets. I now collaborate with some great local, independent stores.

ModaFix has further evolved from solely fashion blogging and fashion writing to reviewing beauty and skincare products for local, national and international brands and entities such as Kinvara, Mememe Cosmetics and Georgia Jane skincare to name but a few. Currently, I am working with David McConville Orthodontics on a series of vlogs (video diaries) to

About ‘modaFix’ ModaFix is a fashion and lifestyle blog by Tríona O’Donnell, brought to you from Ireland's west coast. It's your local source of style inspiration and innovative styling ideas, all the while showcasing local, Irish designers and influences.

It's a celebration of both style and lifestyle. ‘Moda’ is the Spanish term for ‘fashion’ and for any addicts, this is where you will source your ‘fix’.

By day I am a secondary school Spanish and Irish teacher, by night I explore my creative side - fashion. I grew up in Sligo, immersed in a community of talented designers, makers and fellow creatives. We’re inspired by our surroundings, the majestic landscape, culture and people of the west. Anyone who reads my online blog or follows my social media channels knows

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 32

showcase their Invisalign braces. Recently, I featured on Darren Kennedy’s fashion series, #TRENDING on RTÉ2 and

was invited to Kildare Village to compile a Christmas gift guide.

All these opportunities have come from blogging online and my interest in fashion.

Slow fashion and upcycling Moreover, 'modaFix' is an outlet for creative impulses. I’m very interested in the concept of slow fashion as well as refashioning, repurposing and reimagining clothing and accessories. Upcycling is something I have been doing for several years - recreating garments and jewellery.

Growing up I used to make and sell my own jewellery and aged 19, I had a jewellery stall at Spitalfields Upmarket in London. Today I run DIY classes and styling workshops where we create new accessories each week from something old: fascinators, embellished statement jewellery and refashioned pieces. It’s all about seeing the potential in old clothing and broken jewellery, repurposing and allowing them breathe new life. In this monthly fashion

spread, you can expect to read tips for giving your garments a facelift.

Personal Style I would describe my personal style as original, playful and ever-evolving. I love to experiment with looks and the fun thing about fashion is that you can reinvent yourself daily and it's accessible to everyone.

Although I enjoy dressing up, I really love casual, disheveled, effortless looks. The key is not to follow trends so rigidly! Stay true to your own personal style.

In this monthly fashion article, I will share styling tips. If you like my sense of style, check out my online wardrobe on Depop where I regularly sell my preloved garments. Username: @modafix.

The people around me locally and on my travels are a constant, daily source of style inspiration. Due to a keen

interest in Hispanic culture and language learning, I have travelled extensively and my third level education gave me the opportunity to live in beautiful cities including: Seville, Bath, Dublin and Edinburgh, with regular trips to London. Street-spotting has greatly influenced my personal style over the years. I love style hunting, style spotting and style snapping on my travels and sharing these experiences with my like-minded readers. So expect to see some edgy street style.

Education Education is very important to me and my family. My background is in business, language translating, interpreting and teaching.

Education creates opportunity.

Investment in education never depreciates. Having said that, passion, creativity and intuition sometimes overrule intellect.

When you have a passion, you have to do something about it, hence I started fashion blogging.

The rise of blogging Blogging is about writing about your passion. It's about sharing an interest and building a community around that. I’m lucky in that my work with ModaFix now helps to generate a local buzz about young businesses, new products and offerings.

ModaFix is becoming a credible and reputable brand.

As a blogger, I’m definitely aware that you are in a position of influence - the concept is simple: the people on the street are walking advertisements for products and style, I’ve always maintained this. We no longer look to models or celebrities.

We trust people that we can relate to. I like to think I'm approachable and a face

that my readership and demographic can trust.

Business people see the value in fashion and lifestyle bloggers as we reach a young demographic that other media no longer can and struggle to reach.

If you’d like to collaborate and see your designs or business featured here, or if you have any upcoming promotions that you need help with, contact: modafixblog@gmail.com.

What to expect from modaFix and Mayo Now Expect image heavy content, style ideas, looks for less, DIY refashioning tips and the promotion of local designers and stores.

Celebrate your day in style and stay tuned to get your moda fix! For daily updates find @modafix on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@moda_fix). I look forward to hearing from you!

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 33

Lisa Geraghty and Anthony Malone

Rebecca , Ciara and Nicola Walkin

Noreen Hackett and Vincent Kearney

Declan Healy, Nicola Devins and Julie Kilcawley

Mary Doran and Victoria Roche

Caroline Cafferkey and John McManamon

Sean Donnelly, Angela Donnelly, Cameron Hill and Laura Hill

Padraig Sutton and Claire Coleman

Sharon Troy, Erna Troy, Marie Holmes and Annette Golden

Lisa McInaw and Eddie Gorman

Mary Clarke (Manager) and Stephen Gaughan

Sinead Starrs and Michael Jordan

FOR ALL YOUR KITCHEN AND BEDROOM FURNISHING REQUIREMENTS • Custom Made kitchens • Bedrooms • Offices • Fitted & free Standing Furniture • Sitting Room Units • 3d Designs • PVC Kitchens • Solid Painted Kitchens No Job too big or small • T: 096-30101 / F: 096-30738

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Jonathon Merrick and Sandra McCormack

Stephen Meamy and Paul Gallagher

Mary Crean, Ray Collins and Fiona Reilly

Sean Walsh (Director Ballina Arts Centre), Rosa Meehan and Declan Turnbull

Sharon O'Hara, Olive Sweeney and Sinead Syron

Billy and Mary Heffron

Colleen Roughneen and Irene Hegarty

Rione Kilcullen, Brian Murphy and Ann Kilcullen

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Vincent Coleman

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General Draper & Outfitter

Stockists of Traditional High Quality Hand Crafted Clothing • Aran Knitwear for Men and Women • Fashionable and Durable Tweed • Caps & Hats, Quality Wool Aran Socks, Heavy Flannel Shirts and Rain Gear, Unique Souvenir Tea Towels, Caps, Polo Shirts, etc

Pearse St, Ballina, Co. Mayo • T. 096-22320 • M. 087-2349569 • E. peter@petertimlin.ie

Trish Donegan, Fiona Gilmartin, Paul Donegan, Fiona Sexton, Caroline McHale, Leanne Donegan, Frank Wynne, Keith Donegan, Basil Sexton and Vanessa Donegan

Mark Campbell, Ann Campbell, Deirdre Dolan and Sean Gilmartin

Mark Rogan, Aine Kenny, Linda McCafferty and Stuart Beattie

Orla Feeney, Marie Ryan, Paul Langan and Paddy Fowley

Orla Ryder and John Slatter

Joe Slatter and Packie Wynne

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Patrick Mullen and Sheena Flanaghan

Fiona Gilmartin and Paul Donegan

Dominic and Fiona Keaveny

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Ivan Mulligan and Ian Kilroy

Sean & Helen O'Flaherty and Fin Lacey

Chloe Sweeney, Cheryl Nolan and Shauna Pearse

Deirdre Buckley and Orla Bourke

Angie and Claudia Lee

Conor Hickey and Tricia Lyons

Marianne Heemskerk and Sean Walsh

Paul and Patrick Brennan

The Farraher Family - Fergus, Fiona and Keith Farraher

Michael and Marian Barrett with Mary and Patrick Togher

Margaret Ann and Vincent Melvin, and Maureen and Joe Farrell

Phill Lynch, Gerry Munnelley, Christina Munnelley and Ronnie Gillanders

Ann Donegan, Peggy Farragher and Marie Gilhooly

Mary, Elena and Eamon Mc Gaurn

TREACY COACHES BALLINA Daily service to Sligo - departs Ballina at 7.30am and departs Sligo IT at 5.15pm (Monday to Friday).

Special student service departs from Sligo IT at 1.00pm on Fridays and departs Ballina (Dunnes Stores) at 7.00pm on Sundays.

Student weekend services from/to Galway - Coach departs Galway University at 1.30pm & 4.30pm (Fridays) & departs Ballina at 7.00pm (Sundays).

Telephone: 096-22563 • E-mail: treacycoaches@eircom.net

Trudi Shields, Dean Arvon Williams, and Chairman of Mayo Association Alo Farragher

Marian and Michael Barrett

Christina Togher, Mary Mc Hale, Betty Ruddy and Mary Togher

Eamon and Margaret O Brian

Betty and Eamon Ruddy

Oliver and Eileen Mc Garry and Bill and Sheila Noone

Jimmy and Nora Murray

Loretta Kearins and Monica Sherlock

Mike Daley and Hazel Touhy

Caitriona and Maria Gillespie

Tanya McGahen and Odette Casey

Carol Dixon and Iris Donegan

Catherine Gilmartin and Ronan Mac Raois(Croi Glan Dance Company)

Lily Leneghan and Sean Walsh (Director Ballina Arts Centre)

For That Touch of Class on Your Special Day Make your dreams a reality Choice of 6 cars at Prices to Suit Everyones Pocket A reputation for providing a friendly & reliable service throughout the West.

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March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 27

John Kennedy, Emmett Peyton and Brian Lacey

Rebecca Hennigan and Arthur Beardshall

Pat Diamond and Marie Brennan

Catherine Barrett and Paul Geraghty

Sean Brogan, Joe Murphy and Brian Anderson

James Devers and Laura Dervin

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Ann and Fonsie Culkin

Jamie Mulrooney and Noel Gallagher

The Best Auburn Hair Colour Ideas for 2015

W

elcome to our 20 Best Auburn Hair Color Ideas for 2015! We’ve chosen 20 fiery auburn shades – each of them worn by a fabulous female celebrity - for you to choose from. Auburn is a rich and warm variation of dark red, and it’s perfect as a sexy and cheery hair color for fall and winter. Spice up your life with plum auburn, reddish auburn, ginger auburn, dark auburn, fiery red auburn, or maroon auburn for the year ahead.

Emma Stone : Fiery red auburn

Actress Emma Stone looks absolutely stunning with her fiery red auburn locks worn in loose waves. This coppery hue is bold and sexy, and we love how it brings out Emma’s gorgeous green eyes. For a dramatic and long lasting shine, ask your stylist for a glossing wash after your colour treatment.

Drew Barrymore : Russet auburn

Actress Drew Barrymore looks casual and carefree with her shaggy, russet auburn tresses. Edgy and playful, this vibrant shade of auburn best suits pale complexions.

For a simple everyday look, pair your glowing locks with minimal eye-makeup and pretty pale pink lips.

Selena Gomez : Mahogany auburn Singer Selena Gomez looks utterly gorgeous with her mahogany auburn hair in a low side ponytail. Selena’s dark locks are stained with a dark, reddish mahogany hue that gives her look a vampy edge.

Pair your mahogany auburn locks with red winecolored lips and shimmery copper eye-makeup for a stunning final look.

Khloe Kardashian: Coppery auburn

Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian has us green with envy with her long, coppery auburn locks.

We love how this vibrant shade of auburn warms up her peachy skin tone, giving her a beautiful glow. Bright coppery auburn suits fair and medium complexions, although you can also tweak it to suit darker complexions.

Isla Fisher : Glossy auburn

Actress Isla Fisher looks stunning with her long glossy auburn locks worn in thick, loose curls.

Give your hair an unreal sheen with extra-shine serum, and show off your sexy red locks by wearing them loose about your shoulders. For long-lasting shine, ask your stylist for a glossing wash after your color treatment.

Demi Lovato : Maroon auburn

Singer and actress Demi Lovato goes all out with her maroon auburn hair colour.

This bold and eye-catching auburn hair colour is full of drama, and it’s sure to get you noticed. Maroon auburn best suits pale complexions, as the contrast between the bright red locks and creamy pale skin is very flattering.

Lily Cole : Dark ginger auburn

English actress and model Lily Cole is a picture of perfection with her long, ginger auburn locks. This chic clementine hue is vibrant and full of life, and it suits Lily’s fair complexion perfectly. It’s also a fantastic auburn shade for fine hair, as it reflects light, creating the illusion of fuller, thicker locks.

Lily Collins : Rusty auburn

Actress and model Lily Collins gives her look an edgy twist with medium rusty auburn locks. We love the contrast between Lily’s bold dark brows and her shaggy auburn tresses, and the natural texture of her hair. Let your hair air dry and use a texturizing spray for a sexy, messy final touch

Rihanna : Deep plum auburn

Ashley Greene : Coppery auburn

The Twilight Saga actress Ashley Greene keeps her look contemporary and sexy with dark coppery auburn locks. This metallic auburn hue is incredibly flattering for her medium complexion, and it warms her skin tone beautifully.

To keep your locks bright and vibrant, switch to colour protection hair products.

Songstress Rihanna looks absolutely fabulous with her full head of deep plum curls. This reddishpurple shade of auburn is striking and sexy, and it suits Rihanna’s daring style perfectly. Plum auburn suits every skin tone, and it’s a great shade for mixing things up in 2014.

Christine Hendricks : Fiery ginger auburN

American actress Christina Hendricks looks fantastic with her fiery, va-va-voom ginger auburn locks. This eyecatching shade of auburn is supersexy, and it’s perfect if you’re looking to make a bold statement.

Choose deep ginger undertones and flirty strawberry blonde highlights for a dynamic auburn hair colour.

Ashley Greene : Two-tone auburn The Twilight Saga actress Ashley Greene looks stunning as a redhead. We love her quirky two-tone auburn hair color, with dark red bangs and rich, shiny waves. This hair colour looks fantastic in direct light, as the red undertones reflect light, bringing your auburn locks to life.

Bella Thorne Burnt copper auburn

Teen model and actress Bella Thorne sports an edgy burnt copper auburn hair color and cute, wispy bangs. This dark copper hue is striking and different, and it’s a great alternative to metallic copper auburn. Best suited to very fair complexions, burnt copper auburn warms up any skin tone

Emma Stone : Classic auburn

We are super jealous of actress Emma Stone’s perfect, classic auburn locks. We love absolutely everything about this hairstyle: the tousled layers, the sexy sidefringe, and the deep auburn hair color.

Perfectly suited to fair complexions, this shade of auburn is classy and sophisticated.

Ginger Scallops

Recipes with irishfishdirect.com • O'Muineacháin's

Ingredients 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion 2 tablespoons butter 1 large carrot, julienned 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root 1/2 cup white wine 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream salt and pepper to taste 1 1/4 pounds scallops 2 tablespoons butter

Method: In a medium skillet saute the green onions in 2 tablespoons of the butter.

Stir in the carrots and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the ginger and the wine. Once hot add the cream, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, over high heat until the sauce is reduced by half.

Stir in the scallops and cook for 1 minute. Add the remaining butter and stir until melted. Serve.

Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving Calories: 365 | Total Fat: 23.7g | Cholesterol: 118mg

Balsamic and Rosemary Grilled Salmon

Ingredients 4 (4 ounce) salmon fillets sea salt to taste 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 clove garlic, minced 1 sprig fresh rosemary, minced Method: Season salmon fillets to taste with sea salt, and place into a shallow, glass dish. Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and rosemary; pour over salmon fillets.

Cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil grate.

Remove salmon from marinade, and shake off excess. Discard remaining marinade.

Cook on preheated grill until fish is opaque in the center and flakes easily with a fork, about 4 minutes per side.

Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving Calories: 280 | Total Fat: 21.1g | Cholesterol: 56mg

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 48

WINE GUIDE Wines  the Mon for Mar styled Sauvignon Blanc presents a brilliant lemon-lime colour. The nose is complex with an array of tropical fruit, figs and green peppers.

These crisp flavours repeat in the mouth along with a minerally character followed by a long fruity finish. The distinctive aromas support a wonderfully balanced palate, presenting purity of ripe fruit, coupled with a lingering harmonious finish.

Diemersdal wines are the perfect expression of the distinct terroir of the Durbanville Wine Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in the Cape.

The diverse soils and slopes provide the optimum conditions for making premium-quality wines with prominent

W

elcome to our ‘Wine of the Month’ column where, each month, we will tell you about a red and a white wine

Our red wine this month is...

MARATRAY DUBREUIL, BOURGOGNE

Wine Region: Burgundy Country: France Grape Variety: Pinot Noir Type: Red Style: Medium Bodied Alcohol Content: 12.5% Price €18.45

This is a fabulous introduction to the complexities of Burgundy reds.

An excellent wine with vibrant red fruit flavours, a medium amount of ripe tannin and a long clean finish.

The Domaine MaratrayDubreuil at Ladoix-Serrigny in the heart of Burgundy has been run by the same family for three generations. The estate’s 16 hectares are located in the villages of Ladoix, Aloxe-Corton, Choreyles-Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses

varietal character. The dry land vineyards develop concentrated flavours, uniformly ripened by the cooling sea-breezes from the Atlantic Ocean.

According to history, it is believed that for over three centuries wine has been made on this stupendous estate.

Diemersdal is and has been famous for its stunning wines for 12 decades and still ranks as one of the finest in the flourishing Durbanville Valley. Much of the farm consists of the threatened Renosterveld; which the owners of Diemersdal are committed to conserving. The farmstead has also been restored to its former glory, making the farm of Diemersdal the pride and joy of the Durbanville Valley.

and Savigny-les-Beaune with different regional, village, village premier cru and grand cru appellations.

Our white this month is Maty’s Sauvignon Blanc

Wine Region: Western Cape Country: South Africa Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc Type: White Style: Light to Medium Bodied Alcohol Content:13.5% Closure: Screw Cap Price €13.45 This vibrant, classically

March 2015 • Mayo Now Magazine • Page 49

Angelscope for March

with Fiona Faery

F

iona Faery is an Irish Psychic Medium who unites people regularly with their loved ones in spirit & also offers psychic guidance with her Faery oracle card readings. She is a regular on Irish radio & has monthly columns in various publications. Fiona is known for her optimistic no-nonsense approach to life. She teaches workshops on mediumship and helps 'baby' mediums build their confidence & step into their power. Her spiritual poetry has found a home on her Facebook page; Fiona Faery where she posts a daily poem. Her poetry is aimed to motivate & empower, as Fiona believes in helping people connect with their soul purpose. She reads internationally through her website www.fionafaery.ie

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Angel of Balance March is all about priorities. It's time to focus your energy on the year ahead. Write down a list of what you wish to achieve, dreams, wishes, plans etc.

Try not to get bogged down by the mundane, as this will only weigh you down. Chin up and look straight ahead!

Lucky Day: 21st March Lucky colour: Green

Angel of Truth and Integrity Another's opinion of you is none of your business. Try not to let gossips and hearsay press your buttons this month. Bulls do charge when they are riled up. Stay calm and see it as their issues not yours. This month sees issues over a contract/legality that may need to be addressed.

Lucky Day: 18th March Lucky colour: Brown

Angel of Friendship This month your feeling very sensitive, Gemini. Try not to get stuck between two feuding friends/family members. A joyful event concerning music sees you let your hair down. For those single Gemini's the appearance of the love birds indicate a new romance later in the month. Get out and about!

Lucky Day: 24th March Lucky colour: Emerald

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Angel of Children It's time to connect with your inner child. Do something just for fun, play your favourite music or contact a childhood friend. Buy an ice cream or hop on a swing! You've been guilty of taken yourself too seriously.

Its time to connect with all that is frivolous and fun.

Laughter is a tonic, it's time to remind yourself of what is truly important.

Lucky Day: 29th March Lucky colour: Garnet

Sagittarious

Angel of New Beginnings You cannot open a new chapter in your life if you are still re-reading the previous one. It's time to thank the past for the lesson it has given you and turn and face the light of a new beginning. Watch out for a lucky phone call or surprise invitation at the end of the month. Know that this year could be the best year yet!

Lucky Day: 26th March Lucky colour: White

Angel of Romance For those single virgoans, A lucky romantic encounter later in the month sees you been quite smitten. There is nothing like some old fashion chivalry to make your heart melt! If your in a relationship, it's time to make a date and plan some couple time.

There may also be a trip abroad or a weekend away before the end of the month. It's time to make the sparks fly!

Lucky Day: 17th March Lucky colour: Lilac

Capricorn

Angel of Celebration Lucky Capricorn! Make a wish Capricorn, for the gods are smiling on you this month.

Keep your thoughts focused and honest, believe in your dreams and thank the universe for the blessings that are on their way to you. A joyful announcement or celebration will be announced in your family.

Lucky Day: 31st March Lucky colour: blue

Cancer

Angel of Nature This month you may need time out to rest and regenerate. Pursuits such as hill walking, Yoga or Thai chi will be very grounding for you.

There is a need to release pent up emotions. Be aware of taking on too much and try and maintain a healthy boundary with others this month. Lucky Day: 28th March Lucky colour: Purple

Scorpio

Guardian Angel Know you are loved. This card is a sign from your loved ones in spirit and your guardian angel that they are always watching over you. You may have even asked for a sign and you can take this card as confirmation of it.

Watch out for coincidences, sycronisities, as they are our loved ones way of letting us know they are around. Heaven is only a heartbeat away.

Lucky Day: 30th March Lucky colour: Pink

Angel of support Know you are always supported and guided by your spirit team. It is also important that you avail of support from your family members, friends, colleagues etc.

We all have down days. It's important we learn to reach out to others when they need support just as much as we need to ask for support when needed.

The universe is always listening.

Lucky Day: 27th March Lucky colour: cerise pink

Angel of Ideas and Inspiration Are you ignoring your gut feelings? Do you feel someone is being two-faced around you. Listen to your gut. Do not confuse it with paranoia or fear, for your gut feeling is calm and strong.

Any ideas or thoughts, keep close to yourself this month. Trust your intuition as it will never lead you astray.

Lucky Day: 19th March Lucky colour: Forest Green

Angel of Divine Timing This is a card of destiny. Cupid stands with his bow poised and ready to shoot, keep your thoughts positive and focused. See what you want, take aim and go for it! This card also urges you to be patient, Divine timing is in order.

Don't give up hope as destiny is weaving it's threads around you.

Lucky Day: 20th March Lucky colour: Moss green

Aquarius

Pisces

Fiona Faery gives private 1-to-1 sittings at The Sligo Park Hotel on the last weekend of every She is also available for private consultations or One Question readings on her Junemonth.

2013 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 38 website www.fionafaery.ie You can contact Fiona to Book a Private Reading @ 0863736143

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M

arch. The month of utterly unpredictable weather, drunken celebrations of our national pride, and the tiniest suggestion of the summer to come. And, for me, the month I start my column about trying all the new things I can think of and reporting back to you, dear reader, about the results. First up, in preparation for all that's to come, The DETOX. My very first new leaf; an ambitious leap into a brand spanking new, healthy, vibrant, frankly glowing with goodness me.

And the necessary prelude to all the bendy yoga and mindful meditation, knitting, tango lessons, etc which will of course all come in good time.

We hope.

Detoxing. It’s all the rage. Has been for some time. All the Gwyneths and themfolks like her do it. I’ve observed friends and acquaintances (from a safe distance) cleansing their insides with fabulous concoctions of seaweed and baboon juice, tickling themselves with stinging nettles (anti-aging, I swear), starving themselves enthusiastically and generally trying very hard to punish themselves into feeling good. I looked at all those options, really I did. But then I decided it all looked a bit mental and like it had been made up by some vitriolic nerd with secret cameras hidden in his bestselling branded multivitamin maltshake.

So I made up my own detox. And I didn’t make it easy, I made it, to the best of my knowledge, healthy. Which is all I really wanted anyway – I’m not really in the market to look younger or get skinnier, or hormonally trick my boobs into leaping up a cup size. (Although, that would be quite an interesting side project).

I won’t bore you with the details. Simply put, all you need to know is that I cut dairy, sugar, processed foods, caffeine and fried foods from my diet completely. Oh yes, and alcohol. For almost a month. It wasn’t as hard, or as easy, as one might think. The two Big Bads for me were caffeine and wine. These are companions of mine, absolute bosom buddies. We hang out, usually in cosy twosomes, but occasionally all three of us get together and, well! The craic is mighty! So I set out on my detox, all excited, this was going to be great! My skin would be clear, my eyes would be bright, my coat would be all shiny and smooth... I could feel my health improving exponentially as I bounded around Tesco buying stacks of fresh, yummy veggies and organic meat, wholegrain bread so brown it’s almost black – oooh, olives, great for snacking! Hurdle number one. Checkout.

How much?! Note to self: Healthy food is flabbergastingly expensive. That first bill came to well over a hundred euros. For one person. (Plus a man who was around a bit at the time and tended to raid the cupboards – but that problem solved itself). So I started week one with lighter pockets, but a full larder. Which I needed, because I quickly discovered that eating out with ‘dietary requirements’ is quite tough in this town. I ate at home for the week – damned if I was going to see those courgettes going off in a corner of the fridge after spending all that dough. It was grand. Detoxing was no bother. Look at me go! Then towards the end of week one,

Follow Kate on Twitter @katicut a mild emotional hiccup (involving the aforementioned man and his sudden ceasing and desisting from raiding my cupboards) led me to find myself at my best friend’s house in a slightly mascarasmudged state. I drank wine. AND I’M NOT SORRY! Now that I have confessed, I can assure you that this was my only cheat, and I’m sure you will agree, it was entirely necessary. And that was the best (two) bottle(s) of wine I have had in many years.

Oh, ok then! Damn my conscience.

There was one other minor cheat. I did, the morning after the night before, while making my decaf coffee, get overtaken by caffeine-withdrawal mania. Cackling loudly (alone, in my kitchen), I tossed the last two or three scoops of real coffee into my decaf jar and shook it up like a wild woman. So for the remainder of that week, there was a miniscule amount of caffeine in my decaf. Barely any, but it made me smile every morning as I sipped.

Aside from these two slips, I stuck to my guns and found I was enjoying the challenge of cooking without oodles of cream and butter and all things deliciously tasty that I usually lash into my food. I really, really struggled with not drinking wine when out with the girls, but found nonalcoholic beer helped with my cravings, if not with my general levels of bon-viveur.

In week two, I developed bronchitis.

Cue everybody telling me, “That’s detoxing for you! Brings out all the badness!” while nodding sagely into their pints. I was really quite sick and miserable for several days. During that period, I would have sold my left ovary for some chocolate. I didn’t cave though, and once I got some antibiotics into me I actually made a much speedier than normal recovery. Could this be a sign that all the healthiness was paying off?

Sure enough, in week three, people started commenting that I was looking well. My eyes were actually getting quite bright and my skin did clear up considerably from its normal, mildly temperamental teenage state (How unfair is that? I’m in my thirties, I demand my skin grow up!). By week three, I had also managed to get the shopping bill down to around sixty euros. That said, I ran out of food by the weekend, which made 'being healthy' incredibly challenging.

At the end of my detox, I didn’t feel hugely different. The benefits that I could see weren’t massive. I will say that my weight, which usually can fluctuate by as much as half a stone in one day, stayed absolutely level for the entire three and a half weeks. And I didn’t feel bloated or lethargic at all, even though I was eating plenty of food – more, perhaps, than usual.

I have found that it made me want to keep eating healthily – it’s funny how fast you can adjust, craving wise. It’s also made me think more carefully about what I’m putting into my body and in a time when we don’t necessarily know if we’re eating beef or donkey, that can’t be a bad thing. All in all, my new leaf for March was a definite success. I would recommend it heartily.

Also, the time apart has brought me and my wine so much closer than ever.

Wonderful Walks in County Mayo

This Month: Belleek Forest Walk and Heritage Trail

Distance: between 4 and 6 kilometres, depending on your choice of path. The Heritage Trail is the most popular and best terrain for those who want a gentle walk, and takes in all of the clearly posted sights and landmarks along the way.

Difficulty Level: In general, a peaceful stroll in the woods, though you can venture off the main trail at any one of several points and find yourself on more rugged terrain, or on a steep incline. Something for everyone!

Directions: Drive out of Ballina town on the Killala road (R314) for approximately 2km and follow signage for Belleek Castle and Woods. Just past the turn off for the castle, you will find the car park at the start of the trail on your left.

Description: Belleek Forest Park is one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty in the Ballina area, formerly part of the Belleek Estate and just minutes outside the boundaries of the town centre. It's a haven for nature, with beautifully planted avenues of oak and beech, as well as a plethora of other varieties of tree, and wildlife galore. Rumour has it, in fact, that over two million trees were planted here by the Knox Gore family in the 19th century. Strolling along the start of the Heritage trail, one comes almost immediately to the banks of the River Moy, with the bold shipwreck and several species of water bird making it a breathtaking view. Along the way there are also several historical features to explore, like the ice house, the hermitage, the Knox-Gore monument and the famine wall. Also along the way are lots and lots of tempting little paths leading away from the main walkway, which take you rambling through more densely planted woodlands, sometimes up steep, winding paths, dotted with wildflowers and populated by foxes, pine martins, squirrels and hedgehogs... if you are particularly quiet you might even catch a glimpse. What's lovely about this walk is that it can be as long or as short as one chooses, with as many detours and distractions as you like. There are picnic benches dotted along the way, ducks and swans to feed, quiet glades to venture into for a peaceful wander, and wonderful views of the river and Belleek Castle. There are always plenty of visitors walking the avenues of Belleek Forest, and yet the place maintains an air of peace and tranquillity, with sounds muffled by the canopy overhead and sunlight occasionally dancing through the leaves to dapple everyone gold. A wonderful walk, which would take many, many visits to see in all its many variations of glory.

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