Sligo Now

Feb 2015 • €2.00 • Issue 28

IF IT’S HAPPENING IN SLIGO

THEN WE HAVE IT COVERED!

15 0 2

N G I S D OE’DONNELL - MODAFIX IRIHS TH RÍONA WIT

RIES O E H T

W MEADONIE CORNELLIuS WITH LEO

REVIREW N I

H T N MO KATE WINTE WITH

ARTOPIACDAID

A M WITH ZAR

MEDIA MAN DJ SHAN MCGINLEY

CAROL LOYNTON FROM THE VINTAGE LOFT

ISSN 2009-5422

Your critical guide to events, culture, attractions and going out in Sligo

Y

ou've made it. You survived last year and now another Valentine's day is approaching!

In the early days of new relationships, we make enormous effort to make our partner feel special; we have Valentine's day every day! We're romantic, loving, affectionate, think of fabulous surprises and life is fun and full of ‘hugging stuff’!

Once we've 'done' that phase and made a commitment to each other, we can get back to real life! We forget how to spell romance let alone make an effort to create that special feeling.

What if we made Valentine's day a monthly event instead?

Conor O'Grady has been described as "One of the most decorated players ever" in the Sligo Rovers Football Club's history. The ex captain of our high achieving county team retired from the game in 2012. Inside he and his wife Aine talk to Kate Winter about life after football and the arrival of their new baby, Harry.

Carol Loynton is the creative force behind Heads You Win millinery and the beautiful clothing selection that makes up The Vintage Loft at Ruby Lane. A self taught seamstress and fashionista from a young age, Carol came to Sligo from Surrey twenty three years ago and has turned her hand to many crafts since. Read her story inside.

Shan McGinley is a multi-talented, music-mad, award winning DJ and presenter (among many other things) living in London and interviewing some of the biggest names in electronic and new music. The Sligo born twenty four year old met up with us on a brief visit home, for a chat about ambition, music and media.

In this month‘s issue Triona O Donnell talks about the very exciting Sligo Design Week 2015 and designED. She regularly promotes local, Irish talent on her blog (modaFix) and in this magazine so you can imagine that this is something that really excites her.

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

This is just a small snippet of what's inside!

Editor: Seamus Casey seamus@sligonow.ie Design: Stephen Finney steve@sligonow.ie Sales: Alan Gaffney alan@sligonow.ie Sales: Lisa Gilmartin lisa@sligonow.ie Sales: Paul Martin

Editorial: Kate Winter Leonie Cornelius Zara McDaid Tríona O’Donnell Muireann O’Connor Deborah Sherlock

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12 14 16 24 28 30 40

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54 60 63 64 66 68 70

Seamus Casey - Editor

contact us

contents

Photography: Klaudia Gierak Anna Leask Elish McGowan Aaron Gorman

OUT AND ABOUT Macra Na Feirma Dinner Dance

LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL Conor O'Grady has been described as "One of the most decorated players ever" in the Sligo Rovers Football Club's history.

Here, he and his wife Aine talk to Kate Winter about life after football and the arrival of their new baby, Harry.

OUT AND ABOUT AT THE SWAGMAN AFTER DARK @ VELVET ROOM ARTOPIA: by Zara McDaid Nicola Gillespie Photographer

OUT & ABOUT AT THE BOURBON BAR THE MONTH IN REVIEW WHATS ON IN SLIGO

MEDIA MAN Shan McGinley is a multi-talented, musicmad, award winning DJ and presenter.

The Sligo born twenty four year old met up with Kate Winter on a brief visit home, for a chat about ambition, music and media.

GARDENING WITH LEONIE CORNELLIUS

8 MUSICAL ACTS WITH UNLIKELY SLIGO CONNECTIONS Sligo may have its own rich musical heritage, However, there are some musical acts with perhaps more tenuous links to the town and wider county. We take a look at some musical acts with unlikely Sligo connections.

LA VIE END MODE: With Tríona O’Donnell

PUBS AND RESTAURANTS GUIDE HAIR & BEAUTY WHATS COOKING HEALTH AND WELLBEING DIRECTORY SERVICES DIRECTORY WINTERS NEW LEAVES

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Caroline Fallon, Michelle Moran, and Kathleen Fallon

Deirdre McMorrow & Michael Farrell

Aoife Fallon and Eamon Sherdan the current N.W.Macra Na Feirma King and Queen .

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Conor O'Grady has been described as "One of the most decorated players ever" in the Sligo Rovers Football Club's history. The ex captain of our high achieving county team retired from the game in 2012. Here, he and his wife Aine talk to Kate Winter about life after football and the arrival of their new baby, Harry.

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 8

YOUNG LOVE Aine and Conor O'Grady have one of those perfect first love stories. As they tell it to me, they finish each other's sentences and have minor disputes over tiny details, because it was so long ago the two sets of eyes met across what was then the cocktail bar in Equinox nightclub that memories have faded. It was 1997, Conor had just started playing for the Sligo Rovers, and love was in the air. Aine relates the story of how they became a couple who would go the distance, "My mum used to collect me from outside the nightclub until I was twenty one. When I first met Conor I was so embarrassed by that, when I was leaving he was asking me where I was going, and I didn't want to say. But he was insisting on coming with me. I tried to play it cool and be like, 'Oh my mum's giving me a lift home, I can't be bothered getting a taxi...' So he got a lift home with us. And that became a bit of a habit.

We'd get picked up by my mum, go to The Happy Eater, drop him home and then as soon as we got back home the two of us would be on the phone for hours, I've no idea what we had to talk about!"

Despite a year long break from the relationship when college life beckoned to Aine and Conor started playing football for Cork, the two always knew they would return to each other before long, and by 2005 they had put down a deposit on their home in Brooklawns, Sligo. Conor moved around a lot for his football career, playing for Sligo Rovers, Cork and Derry in quick succession, but the pair always found a way to make it work, even when Aine's career took her to live in Dublin.

WORK AND PLAY Conor had done his time as both a full time and a part time player, but he found the days long and boring without another job to keep his mind occupied.

In the early 2000's he secured himself a day job, "When I got the opportunity to take a job in 3G and after that, repping at Union Foods, I jumped at it. I was quite reluctant to give it up, because as a young footballer I didn't go and get any qualifications or anything and football is so volatile, clubs come and go, you're never altogether secure financially. You're only ever one injury away

from your career being over."

While this security was important to Conor and Aine, it proved to become a cause for concern when a new manager, Rob McDonald, came to Sligo Rovers in 2007, and set about cutting large numbers of part time players to 'strengthen the team'. While McDonald's decision-making process was unpopular and he left the position again not long after, Conor discovered the extent of his employer's understanding and flexibility when it came down to the crunch.

"I was very fortunate with juggling the day job and the football. Union Foods were very flexible with my hours, which I'll be forever grateful for, so I was able to do all the training that was required of me."

MAKING IT WORK What was it about Aine that made her the perfect WAG for all those years? Well, firstly, she insists, "I was never a WAG. I was more of a hag than a WAG!" and Conor concurs, "I think it was the saving of us that she has no interest in the game! I was

delighted she didn't come along to matches and that she never wanted to talk about it, because I didn't want to talk about it myself.

I'm a quiet person naturally and I'd rather be left alone to get on with things. If I'd come in after a game and she started asking me questions about football I don't know if we'd still be here!"

In fact, Aine's understanding, though downplayed by herself ("I suppose because we were together from such a young age, it was just the way it always was.") was key to their happy relationship.

Football was the focus in both their lives for many years.

When an invitation came through the letterbox, more often than not, Conor would have to check his calendar and turn it down. Aine went to so many events alone that people would ask where her 'imaginary boyfriend' was.

Their holidays, family get togethers, nights out, diet, wedding and honeymoon were all planned around the football season.

As Conor explains it, though, he has no regrets.

"I missed loads of stuff and back then it was sometimes annoying, but looking back I have no regrets at all, because a football career can be so short. It could be over in the blink of an eye.

And as it did happen, it was an injury that saw me pack it in in the end, not my own choice."

LIFE AFTER THE GAME When Conor quit professional football in 2012, however, there wasn't a sigh of relief to be heard from his longsuffering wife. Rather, she describes how she was "upset for him" seeing him facing this new void in his life.

"Football was such a big love of his, something that meant so much to him. Obviously I was happy that he wasn't going away all the time anymore, but it was sad too.

Thankfully, he wasn't sitting back doing nothing for long though!"

Conor still plays football for pleasure, out at Coolera House, or with his old team Merville, when they're stuck.

And he did quickly find new ways to engage with the sport he loves so much, rekindling a somewhat dormant men's junior team with Merville and working with the Sligo/Leitrim U-13 kids as well.

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 9

He is busy getting all the qualifications he needs to work with training children in a full time capacity at the moment, as well as still being on the road around the north west as a rep for C&C Gleeson.

If there's one thing Conor sees as a blessing about finishing up the game when he did though, it's becoming a father. As he has realised, "I can't imagine I'd be that bothered about football anymore now that Harry's come along! I mean, my whole perspective has changed. I wouldn't really care about winning or losing a game anymore if I walked into the house and saw him smiling up at me. It's just the best feeling in the world. Everything has changed now."

THE NEW O'GRADY Harry James is doubtless the star of the show in the O'Grady household these days. Named after both his great grandfathers, he's three months old and absolutely doted upon by his mum and dad for the duration of the interview. In fact, Aine shares a similar sentiment to the one expressed by her husband, "You forget about everything when your baby comes along.

They just become your priority.

Even today with this photo shoot, it's been different to how it would have been before. I've been talking all week about what Harry's going to wear! In the past I would have been like 'I have to get my hair done, I have to get a tan done' but I just threw whatever on myself today and spent ages getting him ready instead."

And she agrees that the timing was absolutely perfect when her new son came along. "It meant that Conor could give 100% to his football then and can now give 100% to his family, which is just how I would have always hoped it would be."

When I ask them if they harbour any secret dreams of their son becoming a first class footballing legend like his daddy, the pair are in agreement instantly.

"No." Is the resounding answer.

"We just want him to be happy."

I probe a little more and Conor confesses that yes, his son will be raised like he was, in and out of the showgrounds, ever a supporter of the bit o' red. And it would be great to see him get into some kind of sports, if only for health and fitness.

But for right now, with eyes still full of parental love and wonderment, the O'Gradys don't care what their baby boy does or doesn't do. He's perfect just as he is.

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 10

Vincent and Marie McCullagh, Niamh Watters, Michelle Johnston

Padraig O'Hara and Roisin Johnston

Gwen John, Eoghan Ohesrcain & Dale Barber

Georgina O'Brien, Joanne Bonner, Patricia McShea, Sean Bonner and Mari McShea Lucy Robus, Ethan Henry and Bethany Gayle

Ronnie, Milena Souza and Andrus

Kevin Broderick, Hary Baker, Marshall Mathers, Nicola McGoldrick, Paul Konteshy, Susan Boyle, Renee Hargadon, and Madga Kulesza

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February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 12

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Katie Mcglynn, Nell Kelly, Tory McGlynn and Samantha Walker

Lisa Holian, Sharon O Brien, Angelina Mepham, Ellison Reilly, Linda McIntyre and Caroline Cubbard Matthews.

Karl Jack McGovern, Catherine Jackson, Shane Reilly, Vinnie Lowry and Aileen McGowan.

Vytautas Sakalauskas and Laura Lingyte.

Marine Bardelang, Delphine Fort-Signoret, Diana Tăbușcă, Martina Novi and Estelle Chateauneuf.

Sean Micheal O'donovan, Catherine Jackson and Sylvia Taylor.

Martina Novi, Estelle Chateauneuf and Marine Bardelang.

Laurentiu Radu Ioan, Du Amaral, Maxime Rocher, Prince Shakespeare, Priscila Lima, Camila Silva, Milena Souza, Wallace De Souza, Diana Tăbușcă and Delphine Fort-Signoret.

Sean Cassidy, Fionn Slattery, Eva Timmons, Anna McCollum and Cormac Newell.

T

Nicola Gillespie

his month I caught up with photographer, Nicola Gillespie, a 28 year old emerging talent from Grange, Co. Sligo. I have been following Nicola’s beautiful work on social media for the past couple of years. I love her organic and original style. The honesty with which she captures her subjects and her ‘in the moment’ approach to photography is captivating.

The inspiration for Nicola’s work is derived from a whole host of subjects, music, books, films and people she has met.

Nicola’s photograph 'Spokój' was a finalist in the 'Thank You Ireland' photography competition and was exhibited in the ‘Inspire’ Gallery in Dublin and in exhibitions in both Limerick and Cork. More recently this image along with some other images of her work, is one of the main images for the sea

My photography mantra - Nicola

sessions surf and music festival 2015 campaign. A selfconfessed dreamer Nicola has her sights set on big things, “I’d love to work with Hotpress.

I have the dreamer’s disease and the biggest most far out dream in a perfect world would be front cover of Rolling Stone” explains Nicola.

About Nicola: Nicola attended DCU studying Pyschiatric Nursing and worked with the national 999 emergency services for years.

She then decided to take a risk and focus her career entirely on developing her creativity. This risk paid off and she is now an established professional photographer and a creative director. Nicola is completely self-taught.

Creatively, Nicola admits she tends to march to the beat of her own drum. “I don't tend to look much at Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram as I find it clouds my own artistic vision”, she says.

Nicola’s style is variable but on the broader spectrum she likes to bring a surreal edge to her work. Taking a picture of someone or somewhere and making it look like a different place, a different world, a different time.

“I usually specialise in creative portraiture, music photography and also photographic media. I also shoot weddings with my fellow photographer Kevin Buckley.

We established ‘Shutterfly’ last year, which is focused on Wedding Photography,” says Nicola.

‘Spokoj’ ‘Spokoj’ is stunning, can you tell us a bit about it?

“My favourite piece of work is entitled 'Spokoj' which is Polish for serenity. I did some photography in the summer for the wonderful people at Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival.

Towards the end of the first evening I was packing up to go home, the sun was starting to set and I spotted this very unique individual carrying what appeared to be a spear after a brief conversation it turned out this incredible young guy was actually a fire breather from

Poland who had come to Ireland to travel some of our many festivals as a one man acrobatic and fire eating show” she says.

Inspirations: “My strongest creative influence is my father. My memories of him are forever tied with the music that filled our home as kids and in the way he sang and his appreciation for nature and poetry. My mum is also a massive inspiration. She's my best friend and throughout my life has been an amazing and unwavering wall of strength and support in everything I do. I can't forget my friends each and every one of them are so individually inspiring. I can’t thank them enough” – Nicola

Photography aside, what would readers be surprised to find out about you?

“I'm a huge rock fan and possess quite an impressive collection of old band t-shirts that has grown to 119 over the years!” explains Nicola. “I’ve always been quite individual but I never possessed bucketful’s of confidence, quite the opposite but since working with the camera everything I have done I did it by myself and I had no alternative than to take a step outside my comfort zone and it’s been incredibly rewarding” - Nicola.

Contact Zara @ Artopia: Email: zaramcdaid@hotmail.com Facebook: ‘Zara Mc Daid Art’

Contact Nicola Website: www.nicolagillespiepho.wix.com/ngphotography Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicolagillespiephotos or just Nicola Gillespie Photos Twitter: www.twitter.com/NGP_Photography or simply tweet or follow @NGP_Photography.

Shutterfly Wedding Photography clients can either contact Nicola or her fellow Shutterfly partner, photographer Kevin Buckley at - www.kevinbuckleyfotos.com

Gavin Pugh, Nonie Dolan and Niall Howley

Jonathan Flynn and Donna Candon

Keira Gillooly, Clodagh Coleman and Michelle Mulligan

Amber McMorrow, Claire Conlon and Rosaleen Henry

Kevin Flynn, Kieran Roddy, James Towey and Damien Conroy

Danny Lynott, Elaine Flannery Olwyn Parslow, Jason Kenny and Alanna Conlon

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 18

Emer O'Connor, Ciara Coley, Ciara O'Rory and Katie Connaghan

ASK THE PHARMACIST With Colin Lannon of Lannons Pharmacy Q1. I'm really suffering with the flu, can I treat it with an antibiotic?

A1. Seasonal flu and cold is caused by a viral infection. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. Colds and flu’s usually last for 5-7 days during which time you can treat the symptoms eg. sore throat/blocked or running nose/cough/congestion/aches&pain, with over the counter treatment that your Pharmacist will recommend. You are also recommended to drink plenty of fluid and to get plenty of rest.

Q2. There are a lot of 'tummy bugs’ going around. How do I do if someone in my household catches it?

A2. Vomiting and diarrhoea can be caused by either a virus or by a bacteria(contaminated food).

Vomiting usually lasts between 6-12 hours and diarrhoea between 24-48 hours. During this time it is important to keep hydrated, especially younger children. Do this by taking sips of clear fluid(rehydration solutions and/or flat lemonade) often and regularly.

It is recommended not to eat foods until roughly 6hrs after last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.

Remember to practice good hygiene to prevent spread of the tummy bug.

For advice contact your Pharmacist and especially if symptoms have lasted over 48hours or if you or your child cannot keep down fluid and are concerned about dehydration.

LANNON LATE NIGHT PHARMACY Cannings Spar, Pearse Road, Sligo • Phone: 071-9171333 Email: lannonpharmacy@hotmail.com Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat: 09:00 - 20:00 / Sun: 10:00 - 18:00

SLIGO’S NEWEST LIVE ROCK VENUE LAUNCHES

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his month saw the launch of Sligo’s only live rock music venue, O’ Neill’s On The Mall. Sligo’s newest venue will provide a platform for promoting local talent and up and coming original bands. The venue is a relaxed intimate rock venue that prides itself on bringing something refreshingly different to the current music scene in Sligo every Saturday night. All events are free.

This new venture is in excellent hands with James Bohan and Lee Munn at the helm. Both are no strangers to the live music scene especially in Sligo. James Bohan’s name is renowned

for his contribution to local live music venues over the years and he is a keen promoter of high quality local talent. Lee Munn boasts a CV of 18 years experience in the Sligo music scene both managing live music venues and a regular player on the local, national and international gig circuit.

On the opening night Stormbringer brought the best in heavy rock classics led by Sligo’s favourite front man Jamie Callaghan.

Stormbringer are well known for bringing you on a musical journey of timeless tracks.

Do something different this Valentine’s Day and soak up

the raw grungy melodic sounds of Saki Soto kicking off at 9:30pm. It’s their first gig of 2015 and they promise as always to put on a rocking show.

Wolves Of Youth are the hottest new thing in the original indie rock world.

Make sure to catch this band on the 21st of February 9:30pm as their live shows and buzz will have you up on your feet and wanting to hear more. They are also about to announce the date for their EP to be launched.

Darktown, legends of art rock in Sligo are coming to the stage on The Mall on February 28th. Audiences

can expect to be wowed as always by their charisma.

Groove noir for the new dark ages and a show not to be missed.

For more information email oneillsrockclub@gmail.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ pages/ONeills-Rock-ClubSligo or call Lee Munn on 0871039451

The X.Ray Dept, Jenny Lyndsy, Brendan Tiernan, Eamon Bresllin, Cormac Behan, Ruth Cannelly, Nicolas Swift, Ann Stephenson, and Domnik Kemp.

Brendan Lowry, Maire Mc Cann and Mark Szczepanski

Clare Mitchell, Michelle Griffin, and Marian Harkin

Laura Karhunen, and Lynn O Connor

Aiden Devaney, Marie Lohan, Marian Hanly

Valerie Reynolds, Violet Lockhart, Eileen Sinclair, Finoula Monday, Evelyne Mc Loughlin

Lee Cawley,(Jack Frost) Nicola Costello, Treacey Mc Hugh, and Ella Mc Hugh,

Contact Carmel on 087-9211517 email: info@imtservices.ie www.imtservices.ie

Local Training Team Meeting Your Mandatory Training Needs Public & Inhouse Courses in Sligo Public Courses Available in Ballina, Castlebar, Enniscrone & Sligo

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WATCH THIS SPACE Bob Kelly - Actor

Blue Raincoat / On Baile's Strand / Steve Rogers

1) What's your first memory of being aware of 'acting'? Did you always want to be a performer?

The family story is that my grandmother had a copy of The Desiderata on her wall “Go placidly amid the noise and haste,” etc. When I saw this as a kid I interpreted it as an instruction to “Go plakkidy,” – which to me meant bouncing off the walls and jabbering like a lunatic.

That was my first performance and there was no encore. The urge for performance was there from an early age.

2) Do you think it's possible to make a living from acting in Ireland alone, or do you have to travel further afield to really make it?

Sure it’s possible, though it’s very difficult. To make a

Sugarglass / Five Minutes Later / Sean Cahill

living from any artform is a huge challenge, and an actor who makes their living solely from acting is a pretty rare breed in Ireland. Most actors I know are supplementing their income with another job – a relevant one, if they’re lucky.

The industry here is relatively small and far from perfect; I think that other places are no better, but they can make up for it with scale. I did choose to come back from Paris despite doing well there and I turned down a pretty good foothold in London in order to stay here. If you’re an artist looking to create, to deepen your understanding and contribute to the cultural infrastructure here, you can plant a flag and make a place for yourself. We have a tradition in Ireland of leaving the place instead of fixing it…

3) What has been the most challenging part of your career so far?

The big challenge is keeping your mind in a healthy place with regard to your work.

Freud said that a neurotic is a failed artist; if people in general have a tendency to transpose their inner insecurities into their work and relationships, the acting profession attracts people who do it tenfold. It’s not a bad thing – we’re all

A BRIEF ENCOUNTER WITH SLIGO’S UP AND COMING STARS

TopforTips Skincare

Muireann's Here to Help…

Do you have a Beauty or Make up question you would like answered.

E-mail me at beautybymuireann@hotmail.com or find me on facebook at MakeUpbyMuireann

searching for something.

Acting just tends to attract people who are looking very hard in the wrong place. As you grow, the big challenge is to move your work on from being a dialogue with your insecurities and become a more mature, balanced artist; your work becomes less about a search for yourself and more about a search for the other.

4) And the most rewarding?

What have your biggest achievements been?

Well, when you start off your career you tend to be most proud of the flashiestsounding achievements, but with time you start to appreciate the real things.

The positive working relationships you build with other artists, the mutual respect earned, and the work you create together, regardless of who sees it or reviews it. The most rewarding for me have been the pieces that I was most personally invested in. Recently my theatre work was featured in a new American book titled “The Steampunk User’s Manual: An Illustrated Practical and Whimsical Guide to Creating RetroFuturist Dreams,” and I thought WOW I must be doing something right….

5) What are your plans for the future, where do you go from here?

My focus is shifting more and more towards creating my own work. Filmbase/RTE are funding my first short film 'Foxglove' and that will be shot early this year. I’m working on several theatre pieces that will hopefully bear fruit in the near future, so I’ll be putting more energy into the Tribe theatre company to see where that leads. I’ll also work as often as I can with Blue Raincoat. But all going well, most of my energy from early March on will be directed towards figuring out how to be a good Dad… the next great challenge.

Q. What is the best way to wash my makeup brushes?

I am regularly asked the best way to care for makeup brushes.

Personally I wash and sterilize my brushes for work after every use and I recommend washing your own make up brushes at least once every month. Here is a step by step guide.

Step 1. Run the brush under warm water with the brush facing down into the stream of water, make sure this water is not very hot as hot water will melt the glue that holds the hair in place and your brush will shed hairs.

Step 2. Use a dollop of baby shampoo and massage it in through the bristles of your brush building up a lather to remove all product from your brush.

Step 3. Rinse your brush until all product is washed out and the water runs clear, make sure to get into the center of the brush between the bristles Step 4. Squeeze out excess water and blot your brushes dry on a towel. Try not to distort the hairs keeping them as close as possible to their natural shape so they dry like this.

Step 5. Lay them on a wire baking tray placed on a towel to dry as this will let air circulate around them and help them dry quicker.

Once dry you can fluff them up to re gain their natural shape and lastly spritz with brush sterilizing spray all ready to use.

It is also important not to let water seep back into the metal piece where the brush is held together as it can loosen the glue causing the hairs to fall out and to avoid getting the brush handle wet especially if it is wooden as the paint may chip off.

Siobhan and Nancy Gallagher

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February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 22

SwELL SUMMIT A GrEAT SUCCESS Photos: www.eoinkirwan.ie

S

ligo audiences were inspired by a day of presentations, workshops and fun networking at the Swell Summit in Sligo Airport last Saturday, 31 January.

Digital marketing experts from Google, the founder of the world’s biggest surf forecast website and best-selling wB

Yeats illustrator Annie west were among the lineup of speakers at the unique seaside event for tech and media firms, creatives and start-ups.

Organiser of the event Aoife Porter said ‘Sligo’s chest has definitely puffed out a little from our conference in an airport beside the sea.

Hopefully this is just the beginning and anybody who was there will get to say “I was at the first Swell Summit”.’

Shona Heffernan of Sligo LEADEr Partnership, funders of Swell Sligo said they hope the event and its spectacular location will help to enable

the start-up, tech and creative communities in Sligo.

Among the local speakers were entrepreneurs George Mullan of SIS Group and Mark walton of VOYA, former 02 marketing chief Damian Devaney and David Kenny of US online retailer Overstock whose development team is located in IT Sligo’s Innovation Centre.

Star of the show was the venue; Sligo Airport and its stunning backdrop provided the perfect talking point for the creative event.

Swell Sligo is funded by Sligo LEADEr Partnership under the LEADEr rural Development

Programme.

Full info at swellsligo.com.

Follow updates via #swellsummit

ISME LAUNCHES LOCAL BRIEFING SESSION

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VHI MINI MARATHON Please Run or Walk for your local Simon Community

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with proceeds going to Northwest Simon Community please contact Mary on 087-7708865 More info - www.northwestsimon.ie

ISME, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association will have its Spring Business Briefing Session for SMEs in Sligo on the 11th of February. It wll be held in the Clarion hotel starting at 5.30pm and will continue till 8.30pm.

Aimed at owners and managers of small and medium businesses, the Briefing Session promises to give sharp, practical and vital insights into the economy and assist SME owners in growing their business.

Launching the Briefing Sessions, ISME Chief executive Mark Fielding said “we are pleased to have economist Jim Power and Shane Hughes of Lean Unlimited with us to discuss the economy, competitiveness, productivity and profitability. The three hour sessions (funded by Skillnets) are ideal for the busy, time-poor, business person, who will come away with new ideas to boost their business as well as practical new tools and templates to guide them to profit”.

“It is essential for SMEs to have an understanding of economic trends and how they can affect business

prospects. Jim Power has a knack for explaining the dark art of economics in a way that business people can understand. His session is a must for owners and managers.

Companies that engaged in ‘Lean’ business programmes have shown an increase in annual productivity value of the order of €37,000 per employee, based on sales per employee. The analysis also revealed that the increase in productivity was not at the expense of jobs, where the Lean programme had a 40% positive impact on sales and employment 11%.

Shane Hughes will show how this can be achieved.”

The Briefings will also include two practical sessions on Employment Law changes and Sources of Assistance for SMEs by ISME CEO Mark Fielding.

“These free sessions have been designed to give sound practical advice and to stimulate ideas on how to manage successfully and profitably, with the added bonus of templates to take away for practical use in day to day business”, concluded Fielding.

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June 2014 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 25

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Mon in Review e

T

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS WITH KATE WINTER

he very best way to start a New Year, festive hangover or no festive hangover?

The high-energy tradfolk-pop mashers known as The Craic Addicts playing their unique brand of "then and now, here and there" genius in The Strand Bar on the very first day of 2015. This fun and fabulous band is made up of some of the finest musicians in town, just plain havin' the craic, and addictively so indeed... A lil mini burst of culture then on Saturday 3rd Jan, with the delightfully quirky Cinderella-with-a-twist play put on by Sligo Youth Theatre called "No Uglies". With a wonderfully witty script written by Jean-Marie Perinetti and Stella Carroll, this modern take on a classic was performed to perfection by the youngest members of the highly regarded youth theatre, all between the ages of 10 and 13. A perfect family activity for a winter's day, and short and sweet enough to hold even the youngest fans attention, make a note of their next performance and pop along to see Sligo's rising stars do their thing so well... Just when you thought it was all over, The Melted Lady threw a last hurrah Little Christmas Shindig

at Lillies Bar on the 6th of January. A regular Tuesday night turned into an all out celebration of women in support of DVAS, with drag, cocktails, funky tunes, prizes and disco dancing all night long. And it gave us all a great excuse to take down the Christmas tree tipsy... Barry's in Grange played host to US Bluegrass legends Special Consensus on Wednesday 14th. A Grammy nominated, critically acclaimed band who have been touring since 1975, they brought an incredible, toetappingly tight show to the venue which never fails to deliver... On Saturday 17th, Duke Special offered up a special night indeed, when he not only played to an appreciative crowd in The Hawkswell Theatre, but also put on his DJ hat straight after and rocked a packed out Furey's with his acclaimed 'Gramaphone Club' set, mixing jazz rhythm ‘n’ blues, jumpin’ jive, exotic latin and calypso beats and rock ‘n’ roll from the roaring 20's to the rockin' 50's, what a treat!... Another wonderful night in The Hawkswell Theatre was the fundraiser/support night organised by local musicians for American musician Thom Moore, who has inextricable musical

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 28

ties to Sligo.

A Night For Thom was a sellout success, with showstopping performances from some of the cream of local talent. Artists such as Rackhouse Pilfer, Cathy Jordan, Seamie O'Dowd and Rick Epping raised the roof as well as much needed funds... The other O'Dowd, Seamie's son Rory, hosted a series of New Jams sessions at Fifth on Teeling throughout January. Featuring his own choices in young up and coming local talent and several of his more established peers, Fifth rocked on three Fridays, in this new take on the less structured/open mic style performance.

Well worth checking out for fresh new faces if he kicks these events off again later in the year... The Model opened its doors on a new exhibition on Saturday 24th. I Believe In You by artist and 'Social Agitator' Mark Clare saw a successful, bustling opening event, with lots of supporters of the arts showing up to view Clare's uniquely political and sometimes cheeky installations, The wine was flowing and an excellent talk explaining elements of the artist's work ensured those who attended left with a whole new perspective on the

show. While the Clare's work all comes from distinct personal interactions with the world and is formed as commentary on specific issues in society today, his approach places a lot of emphasis on the subjective experience of the viewer - so you really do have to see this to believe it...

Aldoc were the gig of the month (possibly the year but you'll have to wait a few months for me to verify that) in Barry's on Friday 30th. Trad Fusion at its finest was the order of the day, with a stageful of international, crazy, men playing an assortment of instruments and making the most wildly unusual and soulstirring music imaginable. Frontman Alan Doherty is a proper genius - check them out on YouTube if you don't believe me, and NEVER miss them if they return to Sligo someday... Friday 30th saw a night with a difference in The Strand Bar, when Rennafix and Spike Sligo collaborated once more, to bring a mental health awareness evening to the table. I Told You I Was Ill was an informal chat-

show style presentation of personal testimonies, frank discussion and open dialogue, with a healthy dose of humour thrown in for good measure. A warm, supportive crowd and a panel of honest and genuine guests and comedians made this event one to remember in the fight to de-stigmatise depression, OCD, anxiety and other mental health issues...

Tricky's McGarrigles hosted another evening of laughs-ago-go on the last Saturday of the month, with Belfast-based comedians Christian Talbot and Luke McGibbon demonstrating their own peculiar and wonderful brand of comedy... And the incredible Swell Summit at Strandhill Airport was a mindblowing finale to the month. With a huge waiting list and a full schedule of inspiring and motivating talks and workshops, the Sligo Leader Partnership funded business convention was a breath of fresh air for entrepreneurs and creatives of the North West. Topranking speakers from companies like Google, SIS, Storyful and Thinkhouse sent attendees away with heads buzzing full of ideas, and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter nearly crashed with all the #SwellSligo updates. Don't be surprised if the population of Sligo increases tenfold after this fantastic event drew countless interested eyes in our direction.

SARAH HIGGINS

Eddi Reader

at The Hawkswell Theatre - Sat 14 Feb, 8pm / €20/18conc./9 u18s poems of Scotland’s national bard and gained her an MBE for outstanding contributions to the arts. What sets Eddi apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance and ability not only to move the listener, but to connect her experience to that of her audience. From the traditional to the contemporary, Eddi Reader extinguishes the preordained boundaries of genre, bringing joyous life to all forms of song. Her rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary British music.

Eddi’s new and 10th solo venture, Vagabond (Feb 2014) is a captivating, deeply personal, yet universal sounding collection of ith a career spanning over songs engaging her full stylistic 3 decades, Eddi Reader repertoire. Produced by Eddi has effortlessly developed herself, it was recorded in her into one of popular music’s most hometown of Glasgow with a cast thrilling and affecting performers. of well chosen musicians and longThough first brought into the term musical collaborators limelight as front woman for including: John Douglas (Trashcan Fairground Attraction - who’s #1 Sinatras), Alan Kelly, Ian Carr, Ewen single, Perfect and parent album, Vernal, Roy Dodds (Fairground First of a Million Kisses, both topped Attraction), John McCusker and the British charts, it was Eddi’s Boo Hewerdine. Vagabond is a subsequent solo albums that passionate, reflective and signaled her ability to assimilate whimsical journey through family different musical styles and make and inspired musical and poetic them all very much her own. In heroes that reconfirms Eddi’s particular, The Songs of Robert intuitive ability to transform any Burns (2003) was a timeless song or genre into her own. interpretation showcasing the

KIERAN QUINN MUSIC NIGHT 12th February 2015 @ Velvet Room Nightclub

Velvet Room are delighted to be hosting another amazing night from the now famous Kieran Quinn Music on 12th February 2015. This time Kieran & Co will be doing Motown. Tickets are now available from Velvet Rooms. You can call to the office between 9:30am -1:30pm Monday to Friday, alternatively you can call us with your card details and we will post the tickets out to you.

CASH ON DELIVERY

at The Hawkswell Theatre Sat 28 Feb, 8pm / €15/12conc

W

by Michael Cooney Michael Cooney's riotous farce has all the ingredients for a night of hilarity and fun. Eric Swan (aided by his Uncle George and unbeknown to his wife, Linda) has pocketed thousands of euros through fraudulent welfare claims. When Norman Bassett (the lodger) opens the door to Mr Jenkins, the Department Inspector, all sorts of mayhem follows — as does the undertaker, bereavement counsellor, psychiatrist, Norman's fiancee, a corpse, the onimous Ms Cooper and a rather rebellious washing machine!

The play is staged by St Farnans Drama group and directed by Jacinta Gormley. This performance follows the resounding success of 2012 staging of Sam Cree's Cupid Wore Skirts and 2013 Separate Beds.

Charity night in aid of St. Josephs NS Ballytivnan.

For tickets please call: St. Joseph’s School, Ballytivnan, Sligo. Phone No. 071 9142453 Mobile :087 7498752.

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 30

SEAMIE O’DOWD & KIERAN QUINN The Model 1st March @ 6pm

A thank you Sligo event Seamie O'Dowd & Kieran Quinn: A 'Thank you Sligo' event FREE /Sligo is home to an exceptional diversity of musical talent across all music genres. With ‘Thank you Sligo’, we wish to celebrate this incredible talent whilst thanking you, our local community, for your support.

For the first in our ‘Thank you Sligo’ series, we are delighted to welcome two of Sligo’s stalwart musical voices – Seamie O’Dowd and Kieran Quinn. Both have carved a serious reputation for exceptional musical abilities both here in Sligo, nationally and internationally. Tickets are free but booking is essential

JOHN SPILLANE

Sun 1 March, 8pm / €18/15conc./7.50 u18 at The Hawkswell Theatre Two-time Meteor award interpreter of Ireland’s physical and spiritual winner, John Spillane is landscape and a a musician, songwriter, leading female figure storyteller, poet and along with artists such dreamer. His music as Enya and Sinead transports the listener O’Connor. and his live Described as "one of performances are the freshest sounds in utterly captivating.

Irish music", Pádraig Collaborators Pauline Rynne is a virtuoso Scanlon and Pádraig musician, prolific Rynne, present ‘a composer and one of musical tapestry that the finest concertina ranges from soft players in Irish music. melodies to crashing With a Masters in Music crescendos’. The Technology and a wizardry on concertina passion for exploring the and the stunning vocals synergies between the of Pauline are Tradition and urban anchored by Cillian genres, he is regarded King on guitars, Eoin as one of the most Walsh on bass and traditional musicians of Shane O’Sullivan on his generation. drums.

With a voice described as “a superb mix of china cup fragility and steely strength” (Irish Times), Pauline Scanlon is one of Ireland’s most cherished traditional singers and a rising star on the Celtic world stage. into the Irish IF YOUBorn WOULD speaking LIKE TO BEGaeltacht LISTED community of Dingle in HERE, EMAIL County Kerry, Scanlon is info@sligonow.ie as an authentic

THE WIZARD OF OZ

at The Hawkswell Theatre Tues 24 - Wed 25 Feb, 11am & 8pm€12/10 Child/Student

Follow the yellow brick road as the students of St. Mary’s College tell the story of how Dorothy is transported ‘Over the Rainbow’, to the Land of Oz where she shares her journey full of adventures with Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. Despite the efforts of the Wicked Witch, Dorothy is eventually returned home with her beloved Toto by the kindly Wizard of Oz.

THE FRESH PRINCE OF BELAMERE

at The Hawkswell Theatre Fri 13 Feb, 8pm / €20 Top Irish stand-up and TV comic Neil Delamere is coming to the Hawk's Well with his brand new tour, The Fresh Prince of Delamere.

Described by The Scotsman as “a master”, Delamere is renowned for his onstage banter and quick-witted, well-observed yarns and previous tours and international appearances – including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival – have been a sell-out. Expect The Fresh Prince of Delamere to deliver the same powerhouse performance from the star of RTÉ’s The Panel, 2nd Republic, BBC’s The Blame Game, Fighting Talk and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow.

SWEET CHARITY

The Hawkswell Theatre Tues 17 - Sat 21 Feb, 8pm €17/14conc .

Sweet Charity tells the story of dance hall hostess Charity Hope Valentine, an eternal optimist who is forever unlucky in love. Her trusting nature and naiveté makes her prey for a succession of opportunistic men. The razorsharp script lifts the veil on the exquisite agony of living on the under-side of life. This is a comedy with an edge.

Directed by Aine Gilmore, with music direction by David Mc Evoy and choreography by Sarah Middleton, Sligo Musical Society promises to entertain you with a highly-theatrical, fast-paced and entertaining show.

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 31

PHOTOS: ANNA LEASK

C

arol Loynton is the creative force behind Heads You Win millinery and the beautiful clothing selection that makes up The Vintage Loft at Ruby Lane. A self taught seamstress and fashionista from a young age, Carol came to Sligo from Surrey twenty three years ago and has turned her hand to many crafts since. Here, she tells her story to Kate Winter.

Carol Loynton turns heads.

She has perfected a timelessly elegant and quirky style and she'll never be found without her trademark Chanel red lips perfectly applied. Moving to Sligo from a much more cosmopolitan UK city near London all those years ago proved something of a culture shock for the young Miss Loynton, despite the fact that she had holidayed here for as long as she could remember.

"I think that the slow pace of life and everything else appeals to you when you're on holidays. I'd been coming all my life to visit, because this is where my mum is from. But it was a different story moving to Sligo permanently. It was a

very different place back then. It was like stepping back twenty years from where I was coming from... There wasn't much to do in the Sligo of those days, and there certainly wasn't much in the way of fashion."

Carol can't remember a time when she didn't have an interest in fashion and style.

She was never content with what she could find in the shops, however, preferring to unstitch and remake any garment that took her fancy.

"I never actually learned how to sew, it just came naturally.

To me, it was just common sense."

In fact, Carol spent a lot of time as a teenager working on outfits that emulated her idols of style, the icons of the 40s and 50s, "an era when women were much more feminine, when clothes were really something special".

When her own wedding day came, she made all her own bridesmaids dresses. And when the time rolled around to see her son walk down the aisle, she discovered a new skill which would pave the way for her most successful creative business venture yet.

"I was wearing a fabulous vintage coral suit and I

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 32

wanted a stand-out headpiece to go with it. I looked everywhere, but I just couldn't find one. When I did actually come across one I thought was lovely, it cost more than the rest of my outfit did! So I made one, which had a real vintage feel to it.

And at the wedding it was passed around and admired and absolutely everybody commented on it and that was essentially the start of Heads You Win." As soon as she began making her signature headpieces and fascinators, Carol was overrun with orders. By sheer force of will and as she describes it "pounding the pavements" she got her pieces into several of the top boutiques around the country, particularly in Northern Ireland. Heads You Win fascinators have made appearances at Buckingham Palace, celebrity weddings, on several TV personality's heads and on several of the Galway Races prize winners over the years. But Carol is modest about her success.

"Even today I can't quite believe that they've gone so well. I keep expecting somebody is going to find me out, that it's all been a big joke."

And to her, there is no better job satisfaction than seeing her creations bring joy to her customers. As she says, "The best part of the job is when people send me photographs or a thank you card, or tell me that I made them feel beautiful. It just makes it all worthwhile."

Last summer Carol dabbled in sourcing and selling vintage clothing at a few markets over the summer. This in turn led to her being involved in the start up of The Vintage Loft at Ruby Lane, which was at the time, part of a TV show called The Takeover. She took over the store in September 2014 and has since seen it go from strength to strength. One of her favourite aspects of working in The Vintage Loft is being able to help people perfect their own style and leave looking and feeling great.

"Especially for the slightly older lady, it's almost impossible to shop on the high street. What I'm offering is an alternative.

High quality, personally selected, one-off pieces, for all ages, and always at a reasonable price. I get all sorts of people coming in for a browse, for advice, for inspiration."

But much as she loves the place as it is, Carol will soon be moving and opening up a new vintage clothes store on Water Lane, going by her own brand name of Heads you Win. She explains the motivation behind the move thus, "This is the most beautiful space and I love it, but it's too big for me. I run it on my own and it's very hard to find the time to source the pieces that I really want to buy as opposed to buying lots of pieces just to fill the shop. I would like to be able to be more discerning, so that's why I'm moving to the new, smaller premises."

Wherever she is, one thing is for sure. Carol Loynton has bags of style, and she's the perfect person to be selling some of it in Sligo.

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 33

Colm and Sinead Breathnach

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Claudia Schweb and Michael O Donnell

Kieran and Patrica Henry

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Colin O Connor, Siobhan O Connor, Niamh White and Kieran White

Sonya Mirwan, Amy Fowler, Clare Quigley

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Booking essential - 087-9976045 • www.templehouse.ie

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February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 40

Shan McGinley is a multi-talented, music-mad, award winning DJ and presenter (among many other things) living in London and interviewing some of the biggest names in electronic and new music.

The Sligo born twenty four year old met up with Kate Winter on a brief visit home, for a chat about ambition, music and media.

Shan, you have many strings to your bow and many titles, can you explain to us exactly what it is you do?

I set out to be a radio presenter, I knew nothing about any other world, that's just what I wanted to do, because I just like talking so much! I set out to do that, but on that journey I realised that I'd like to do radio presenting too, and so I started working in the media. Then I fell in love with electronic music and wanted to start promoting it live, so I became a DJ and also started to work with a girl called Carly Wilford on a website called I Am Music TV which is geared towards supporting and promoting unsigned talent. And I've become the editor of that website and the presenter on the on-screen part, at sessions and festivals, worldwide. So, radio and onscreen presenter, DJ, website editor, new music promoter, event organiser and A&R. How did you manage to break into the entertainment industry in London?

I went to GMIT to do business computing and digital media,

without a clue what it was all about. Needless to say, I dropped out.

It just wasn't for me. After that, I went travelling in the Caribbean, and over there I had this epiphany that I wanted to do something else with my life - I just decided then and there to move to London and become a radio presenter.

I went to a music school and trained in radio for six months and then I just went knocking on doors.

You can't sit back and wait, you have to hit the ground running. Nothing will be handed to you in this life. So I kept on trying until I got work in a station called Shoreditch Radio, and it's just taken off from there, really! Meeting Carly Wilford was a big step getting involved in I Am Music TV has been huge.

You recently won an impressive radio award, tell us about that?

It was the first ever Roundhouse Radio Awards, which was really cool. These awards are judged by BBC producers and people like that. There were 3 shows edited down and played to a big audience to vote on, and mine won the award called 'The Sound of Roundhouse Radio'. It was a really great moment for me, being voted for by my peers in that setting.

Tell us some of your biggest name interviews so far?

Carl Cox was one of the big ones. That hit home with a

lot of people. It was at a festival called Snowbomb, and it was really exciting, I was psyched up for it.

I went in and had a really fun interview with him, and afterwards he liked it so much he shared it on his Facebook.

Interviewing Annie Mac was amazing too.

Slaughterhouse, Little Mix, Plan B, The Script, I always forget when people ask me this question!

Do you ever get starstruck or stagefright?

No, not really, I just see these people as people just like me.

And even more so, because I want to be where they are, you know?

I see them as my peers and my inspiration. I've always envisioned myself being around people in their position, I suppose.

When I'm interviewing I try to have a natural conversation.

I've watched other presenters just asking the same questions over and over again and I've watched artists getting so worn down from it... I never, ever wanted to do that. Our interviews are just really relaxed and fun.

What are the best and worst things about working in this field?

Getting overlooked for a statistic is frustrating. The importance of Twitter and Facebook is a bit annoying.

The social media buzz is completely superficial.

True talent often gets overlooked for someone with a hundred thousand twitter followers, when really that's not what it should be about.

If we don't give true talent a chance, we have no hope of changing the industry, and the industry definitely needs

to change.

Not enough people are taking risks at the moment.

The best thing is how happy it makes me.

Living the dream. DJing the main stage at Bestival, that's a real buzz, you know? And with DJing, using the power of music, being able to switch the emotion of a crowd from one moment to the next, that's magic.

The most important thing about a DJs job is not mixing skill, production, beat matching, it's all about tune selection. And the people you meet, the mad moments... Like when I was at V festival and I asked whose a bottle of Jameson was, on the table in front of me. And Ed Sheerin leans over and says "Oh, it's mine, mate.

Have a glass!"

What are your plans and dreams for the future?

I believe in creating your own reality.

I don't think you can be stopped if you really believe in yourself and your abilities.

So I dream big!

I want to be on BBC Radio One, it's been my plan all along.

I want to get on TV and I want to DJ at major festivals. I want to be at the forefront of change in the music industry. I want to break America like Russell Brand did, just with more of a music slant. I want to be a household name. It has to happen, I'm like a dog with a bone!

Find o u www.i t more at a Shan mmusic.tv o or foll ow (@sha n Twitter nmcg inley) Faceb a nd ook

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 41

HEALTH

Carbury Children raise over €200 for Children’s Ward of Sligo General Hospital

Juices versus smoothies

by Deborah Sherlock

I

have long been a big fan of juicing and smoothies. A common question I get asked is what is the difference between the two and does one offer more health benefits than the other. Both play an important role in wellness and have health benefits but are very different.

Juicing Juicing is simply removing the juice from whole fruits and vegetables. The fibre is broken down in the fruit and vegetables ensuring that a rich supply of nutrients, anti-oxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals are more easily absorbed by the body. Without the fibre your digestive system doesn’t need to work as hard to break down the food and absorb them. It makes the nutrients more readily available to the body in much larger quantities than if you were to eat the whole fruits and vegetables.

Juicing can reduce your risk of cancer, boost your immune system, remove toxins from the body, aids digestion and helps with weight loss.

Blending Smoothies consist of the entire fruit or vegetable, skin and all and do not remove the fibre like a juice does. The blending process breaks the fibre apart which makes the fruit and vegetables easier to digest. Smoothies tend to be more filling, because of the added fiber, and generally faster to make than juice, so they can be great to drink first thing in the morning as your breakfast, or for snacks or are

commonly used as recovery drinks after sport throughout the day.

Invest in good equipment To get the best out of your ingredients, it important to invest in good equipment. There are two varieties of juicers: centrifugal and masticating. A centrifugal juicer has a rotating blade inside. These juicers are generally cheaper. They are a good option if you are just starting out with juicing.

They do introduce heat and oxygen so there is some nutrients and enzymes lost through the process.

Masticating juicers cold press the fruit and vegetables. There is much less waste and greater nutrient gain in these juicers. The pulp is much drier than with a centrifugal machine.

While it may cost you a bit more initially, a premium cold-press juicer will produce a superior-quality juice and allow you to extract more from your fruit and vegetables, saving expense in the long-term.

The same can be said for a blender.

You want a blender that doesn’t heat the enzymes in your fruit and vegetables. There are a lot of types of blenders on the market at the minute.

The one cup blenders are convenient because they are powerful, fast and easy to clean. Any good quality blender with a strong quick blade is sufficient for smoothies.

Start by juicing or blending vegetables and fruits you really enjoy.

They should taste pleasant. Be adventurous with flavour combinations. You’re getting a massive dose of essential nutrients by including a vibrant juice or smoothie in your daily diet.

Sadhbh Timmons Hennessy, Anushka Patak and Mia Clinch had a stall at the IT Christmas market. They raised over €200 for the Children's Ward at Sligo General Hospital, selling handmade wrapping paper, greeting cards, gift boxes, pom poms, book marks, decorations and the unique heart-shaped wooden spoon "Sadhbh's Spoons".

Sligo musical society charity begins at home

T

hree years ago Sligo Musical Society won a national award, with the theme “there’s no place like home” from the Wizard of Oz, which recognised our efforts to source everything locally for our annual production. This year our show is Sweet Charity and we are stressing that “charity begins at home”. We are continuing our endeavours to support local businesses as they continue to support us. Although we ourselves are a not-forprofit, community-based society, who relies on fundraising and sponsorship to fund our show each year, both the committee and our cast members feel strongly that, given the name of the show, we should take this opportunity to increase our support for local charities. The Society has always supported one local charity every year since its revival in 2000. In the more recent past we have also raised funds for the Sligo Cancer Centre and the North West Hospice and our members continue to be involved with the Talking Newspaper in association with NCBI. This year we decided to support five local charities by giving them a percentage of the raffle proceeds from each night of the show. Today many Society members have strong links with particular local charities and this is why we felt that we should try to support the North West Hospice, the Donal Parsons Trust, Twist Soup Kitchen, DVAS (the domestic violence advocacy service) and Sligo Animal Rescue.

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.

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 44

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

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 45

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8 S

By Eamon O’Neill

Musical Acts with unlikely Sligo Connections Johnny Cash

Thin Lizzy

ligo may have its own rich musical heritage, and with the recent success of the Fleadh Cheoil, and the firmly established Sligo Live festival, it seems that there is plenty for the local discerning music fan to be excited about. However, there are some musical acts with perhaps more tenuous links to the town and wider county.

From Ireland’s own rock and pop heroes, to some of the biggest recording stars in the world, we take a look at some musical acts with unlikely Sligo connections.

1. The Waterboys As a huge fan of W.B. Yeats, The Waterboys’ Mike Scott had never been shy of referencing the poet’s work all throughout his band’s career.

However, it was with the release of their 2010 album ‘An Appointment With Mr Yeats’ that Scott finally fulfilled a lifelong ambition, marrying the bard’s words to his own music. Reworking some of William Butler’s best known verses, including ‘The Lake Isle Of Innisfree’ and ‘Song Of Wandering Aengus’, the album gave the group their highest chart placing in nearly

two decades. Making a welcome return to Sligo, The Waterboys have recently been announced as one of the headliners for this year’s Sligo Live series of events. In what is sure to be a special night for both fans and band alike, the show also coincides with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Yeats’ birth.

2. Thin Lizzy The greatest Irish rock band of them all, Thin Lizzy were no

The Waterboys

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 48

strangers to Sligo. As early as 1970 the band had been playing here, with gigs at the Silver Swan Hotel (now the Glasshouse) in November and December of that year, and regular shows at various other venues in town up until 1973.

Following their international breakthrough however, it would be seven years before the band returned, playing their final Sligo gig at the Baymount Hotel in Strandhill in 1980. After disbanding Thin Lizzy, singer Phil Lynott

meanwhile, returned to play a show with his new band Grand Slam at the same venue in 1984. The show would sadly be his last professional visit to the northwest, before his tragic death in January 1986.

3. Chuck Berry One of the original rock ‘n’ rollers, with his trademark duck-walk, R&B legend Chuck Berry headlined the long forgotten Ballisodare festival in 1981. The three day event, which took place in the Co. Sligo village over an early August weekend, also featured Christy Moore, Ralph McTell and a host of others.

Nowadays of course, there are a huge number of festivals to choose from to suit lovers of all kinds of music, however the Ballisodare event was one of the first of its kind. The festival blossomed from the ‘Ballisodare Folk & Traditional Music Festival’ which had first taken place four years earlier, and by 1981 it had grown into something much larger, attracting names such as Donovan, Clannad, and the infamous ‘Johnny B. Goode’ singer. Sadly the festival only lasted one more year, with the last event taking place in 1982.

Chuck Berry

U2

The Rolling Stones

4. Johnny Cash Local country star Sandy Kelly was responsible for bringing Grammy Award winning legend Johnny Cash to Sligo in 1990. Having already recorded a duet with the man in black, in hit single ‘Woodcarver’, it was following a show in Dublin that Kelly invited him to Sligo, to record a video for the song at Markree Castle. Taking her up on the offer, Cash along with wife June Carter Cash and entourage spent three days at the Castle, relaxing, exploring the grounds and of course recording the video.

The ‘Johnny Cash Room’ at Markree now commemorates the visit, and residents often clamber to get a glimpse of the singer’s signature in the visitor’s book. The video that the pair made for ‘Woodcarver’ meanwhile, can be viewed on Youtube.

5. Bananarama Football fans of the boys in ‘the bit o’ red’ will need no

introduction to the chant ‘na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, Sligo Rovers!’ As the supports’ calling card, it can be heard at every match taking place at the Rovers’ home turf of the Sligo Showgrounds and beyond.

The chant is based on the 1969 song ‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’, which was first recorded by the American band Steam. However the song is more well-known on this side of the Atlantic as a hit recorded by eighties’ girl group Bananarama. Peeking at number five in the UK top forty in 1983, the song is among the trio’s highest charting singles.

6. The Rolling Stones The Owenmore Inn in Collooney is perhaps the last place you would expect to see a bona fide rock legend enjoying a pint Guinness, yet that’s exactly what came to pass, one night in 2009. As a member of one the world’s biggest rock bands, Rolling

Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood was instantly recognisable as he strode into the bar and ordered drinks for himself and his girlfriend, Ekaterina Ivanova. Wood, who was also a member of the Jeff Beck Group in the early 1970’s, as well partner to Rod Stewart in The Faces in the same decade, had been staying in nearby Markree Castle, when he decided to wander into the village to visit some of the local hostelries. A few blurry photos behind the bar are all that’s left of his visit now, however the locals still remember the evening fondly.

7. U2 They may now be one of the biggest bands in the world, but back in 1980, U2 were still climbing the ladder to success.

A hard working act, the fourpiece comprising of vocalist Bono, guitarist The Edge, bass player Adam Clayton and Larry Mullan Jr. on drums, played a gig at the Blue Lagoon bar in February of that year. Still in their infancy, the show took place eight months before the release of their debut LP ‘Boy’. Following the

album’s release however, the band returned to play at the much larger Baymount Hotel in Strandhill that December. The Baymount may be long gone and the Blue Lagon unrecognisable from those heady days, but the memory of those early shows still lives on for those who attended.

8. The Prodigy Dance music pioneers The Prodigy are these days more likely to be found headlining the huge stages of the likes of The UK’s Reading and Leeds festivals or the Coachella Valley Arts festival in the California desert, however, it wasn’t always that way. As part of a short Irish tour to promote their breakthrough 1994 release ‘Music For The Jilted Generation’, the Essex band played a date at Sligo’s Sports Centre. Taking place on 29th December, the concert was a real festive treat for gig goers. Sadly, The Prodigy would be one of the last acts to grace the stage at the Sports Centre, joining the likes of Status Quo, The Waterboys and Paul Young who had gone before them.

The Prodigy

Bananarama

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 49

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LOSE UPTO 2 STONE IN ONLY 8 WEEKS ...NO DIETING!

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nternational Star Hypnotist Justin Dreamz will shortly hold his successful hypnotherapy clinic locally. NOTE: This is an "exclusive" one day only clinic. Each client is important, therefore all sessions are on a PRIVATE basis (Not a group) & are low cost. One 30 minute session is all it could take for the 100% committed. FREE 28 day backup programme included. Millions around the world have changed their lives. YOU could too! Call today for your FREE phone consultation. Visit YouTube to see past clients. Tel: UK 07920853966 / ROI 0860392035 Success Stories *I've lost 5 stone. I felt very relaxed after the session. I would definitely recommend Justin Dreamz for anyone looking to lose weight. I'm able now to go walking, dancing etc. I feel more confident now.

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@moda_fix

A

s many of you may know, 2015 is the year of Irish Design. In this month‘s issue I talk about the very exciting Sligo Design Week 2015 and designED. I regularly promote local, Irish talent on my blog (modaFix) so you can imagine that this is something that really excites me. I’ve always supported Irish designers and makers.

Their work fascinates me and I think local talent should be celebrated so designers can continue to do what they love and live where they love, namely Sligo.

Irish Design 2015 2015 marks the Year of Irish Design, an all-island initiative aimed at showcasing design and designers both at home and internationally. Part of the Irish Government’s action plan for jobs, ID2015 is the start of a job creation journey exploring, promoting and celebrating Irish design and designers through events and activities on the island of Ireland and internationally.

Sligo set to host its first Design Week in 2015 Following the official programme launch in Dublin in late December, Sligo is set to host its very first Design Week in November 2015 as part of the calendar of events. Denise Rushe of Starling, who pitched for the project, said: “It was very exciting to be at the programme launch of Irish Design 2015 last month. We have secured funding for Sligo’s first Design Week in 2015, which will feature a weeklong celebration of Sligo’s Design Community.

There will be Design Talks, Film Screenings, Exhibitions, Workshop and Pop Up Events across Sligo town and county.

There are nine projects happening along the west coast, two of which are in Sligo. We’re very much looking forward to working with local partners and designers on this.”

ID 2015 is being convened by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI), in collaboration with partner organisations on behalf of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Enterprise Ireland. According to Muireann Charleton, Education & Innovation Manager at the DCCoI, “Talented designers living in the West and North West of Ireland will have the opportunity to showcase their skills as part of Sligo Design Week 2015. As a Sligo native, I am particularly pleased to see the growth of the design

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 54

sector in the North West, where many creative entrepreneurs are shaping their own future, and enhancing the community in a vibrant way.”

Sligo Design Week will launch in Spring 2015 with the event set to take place in November 2015. Further information on Sligo Design Week will be available from www.sligodesignweek.ie this Spring or by following @SligoDesignWeek (Twitter) and SligoDesignWeek on Facebook. You can also contact denise@starling.ie.

More information on Irish Design 2015 can be found online at irishdesign2015.ie

New Design Education Iniative kicks off Year of Irish Design in County Sligo Award winning Sligo based fashion and textile designer Rebecca Marsden will be taking part in the new design education initiative at postprimary level called designED: Shaping Experience. Rebecca’s work featured in the October 2014 issue of Sligo Now. You can read all about her work on www.modafix.ie Rebecca, a Design & Crafts Council of Ireland Future Makers award winner, will be designer in residence at Ballinode Community College Sligo, where she will collaborate with students and art teacher Donna McDermott on a creative project as part of ID 2015, the year-long celebration of Irish Design.

Speaking of the opportunity to work on designED, Rebecca said “This year is a fantastic opportunity for emerging,

established and aspiring young designers to come together and share their creativity through talks, workshops, showcases and exhibitions. It promises to be a great year for Irish Design and I’m delighted to be a part of it.” designED is a joint partnership project for 2015 between the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) and the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) For further information on ID2015 visit www.irishdesign2015.ie.

Ones to watch The Atlantic Equipment Project (AE) This project is about designing and building longlasting, quality equipment, that will serve our community

of adventurers and explorers, and the environment. AE packs are designed with durability and function as primary requirements, in order to support experience and adventure amongst your wilderness.

REfashion�

W

with�modaFix�

hy not try something try your hand at some upcycling? f you’d like to learn how to reimagine and rework your clothing and become a more ethical fashionista, I’m running a short course (4 weeks) at Hullabaloo, Pearse Road, Sligo. It starts Wednesday, 4th February at 7pm. Each week you will learn how to create accessories from old clothing.

Salt of the Earth (SOTE) is a design studio based on the wild and beautiful northwest coast of Ireland. They explore materiality and functionality resulting in ever-evolving collections, which are fed by inspiration collected from everyday discoveries, explorations and surroundings.

Collections to date include jewellery, surf equipment and shaped chopping boards.

Dan Leydon is an illustrator based in Strandhill. His design

expertise range from illustration to book covers, posters, flyers and logos to cards, postcards and packaging, the list goes on.

According to Dan, illustration is a universal language and it's main function is communication, so he strives to produce pieces that contain an idea, convey a message and leave the viewer with a smile. He combines his two passions: football and illustration, but I particularly love his recent fashion themed illustrations.

Week 1: Learn basic jewellery making skills Week 2: Design your own headpiece Week 3: Upcycle clothing to created bows Week 4: Create your own statement neckpiece.

This is a chance to breathe new life into your preloved clothing, get creative and inventive in a relaxed and informal setting, make friends that share similar interests, learn new skills and create your very own bespoke jewellery and accessories.

There are also crochet classes on offer with Alma from Corcra Irish Handmade Accessories. For full details and to book your place, email: sabrinawaterhouse@msn.ie, fun@hullabaloo.ie or modafixblog@gmail.com or call: 0864094164. We look forward to hearing from you and promise you will enjoy our classes. For regular updates, find @modafix on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit: www.modafix.ie.

Here is an embellished statement neckpiece by Ann Rose Designs as featured on Norah Casey's Traveller Academy on RTÉ. If you like this look, you'll enjoy week 4 where we create statement collars. Take inspiration from Ann's creativity.

Brid Cunnane, Terrie McDonagh, Laura Cunnane, Mary Neary & Kay Cunnane

Kelly Kendrick, Doloras Mulvey, Kate Crossan, Laura Crossan & Claire Crossan

Angela McManus & Megan McManus

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February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 56

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Mena Doherty, Barbara McManus, Teresa Donoghue, Sheila Flynn, Claire McNabola & Margaret McGoldrick

Ann Gannon - Nuitritional Therapist - Ethna O'Sullivan

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Northwest Simon Community - Marie O'Brien, Marie O'Dowd, Mary McKeon, Marie Finney, Colette Ferguson & Claire McTiernan

A

THE TOFFS COCKTAIL MIXOLOGIST TEAM - RORY, MITKO AND COLIN Me & you

Vodka, Grand Marnier, Lime Fresh strawberries, Strawberry liqueur , Honey Top up with champagne

Garnish chocolate flakes and flowers!

t Toffs Nightclub we find the consumer has becoming increasingly selective in their choice of drink and cocktails have really shot up in popularity. We have adjusted to the change in the market and now have two bars in the club with another in the Belfry that specialize in making cocktails. We have a team of cocktail mixologists that are fully trained and constantly work together in formulating new mouth-watering recipes for our customers. Mitko has won two Connaucht competitions and was runner-up in a national competition. He has been working on cocktail mixology for over 7 years now and flairing of cocktails for over a year. He loves thinking 'outside the box' making cocktails and recently came up with the very unique Rihanna cocktail presented on a dry-ice base - a really breathtaking cocktail

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 57

If you want to treat that special someone to breakfast in bed, here are three delicious ideas

Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon & chives

G

et your poaching technique honed and serve up this brunch classic- it's easily-doubled to feed a family or crowd.

This is definitely a complicated recipe & is not for the faint hearted. However if your keen to impress this Valentine`s Day this is something worth considering. The is beautiful tasting and will surely increase the romance in your day.

Ingredients 4 eggs 2 tbsp white wine vinegar 2 English muffins,

halved a little butter, for spreading 8 slices smoked salmon chopped chives, to serve For the hollandaise sauce 2 tsp lemon juice 2 tsp white wine vinegar 3 egg yolks 125g unsalted butter, diced

Method First make the Hollandaise sauce. Put the lemon juice and vinegar in a small bowl, add the egg yolks and whisk with a balloon whisk until light and

frothy. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and whisk until mixture thickens. Gradually add the butter, whisking constantly until thick – if it looks like it might be splitting, then whisk off the heat for a few mins. Season and keep warm.

To poach the eggs, bring a large pan of water to the boil and add the vinegar. Lower the heat so that the water is simmering gently. Stir the water so you have a slight whirlpool, then slide in the eggs one by one.

Cook each for about 4 mins, then remove with

Raspberry, chocolate & hazelnut breakfast bread

T

his indulgent brunch loaf requires good bread and kneading skills- prepare the dough ahead then pop it in the oven to serve warm Ingredients

2 x 7g sachets fast-action dried yeast 600g '00' flour, sponge flour or plain flour, plus extra for dusting 50g golden caster sugar 400ml warm milk 50g melted salted butter, plus extra for greasing and to serve 1 large egg, beaten

200g jar Nutella, plus extra to serve (optional) 200g raspberries 1-2 tbsp chopped hazelnut 1 tbsp granulated sugar raspberry jam, to serve Method Up to 3 days before you want to bake (and best if at least 1 day), mix the yeast, 400g of the flour, the sugar and 1 tsp salt in a big bowl. Whisk together the milk, melted butter and egg, then tip into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon. Cover tightly with greased cling film and chill at least overnight or up to 3 days.

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 58

a slotted spoon.

Lightly toast and butter the muffins, then put a couple of slices of salmon on each half.

When you’re ready to finish the bread, heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Add the remaining flour to the dough and use your hands to mix in. Tip onto a lightly floured surface and lightly knead to completely bring together. Roll out with a little more flour to a 50 x 30cm rectangle. Spread the Nutella all over the dough. Scatter the raspberries evenly over, then press lightly with your hands so they stick into the dough a bit.

With a long side facing you, roll up as tightly as you can (like a Swiss roll). Use a sharp knife, dusted with a little flour, to cut the roll in half down the length – but not quite through at one end, so the 2 strips are still joined. Twist the 2 strips together, then bring the ends together to make a wreath, pinching the ends together to stick. Lift onto a baking sheet, scatter with the hazelnuts and granulated sugar, and bake for 30-40 mins until browned and crusty. Cool until just warm. Serve with butter, raspberry jam and extra Nutella, if you like.

Top each with an egg, spoon over some Hollandaise and garnish with chopped chives.

Peach Melba smoothie

Blend peaches, raspberries, orange juice and fresh custard into a fruity, creamy shake that's low in fat Ingredients 410g can peach halves 100g frozen raspberries 100ml orange juice 150ml fresh custard, plus a spoonful for garnish

Method Drain and rinse peaches and place in a blender with raspberries. Add orange juice and fresh custard and whizz together.

Pour over ice, garnish with another spoonful of custard and a few raspberries.

Best served chilled.

WINE GUIDE With Foleys Bar & Off-License A

re the winter blues getting you down?.

Embrace the chill and enjoy sampling some good wines.

Because of tight budgets in January almost everyone cuts back on spending at this time of the year. Another reality on wines is because of high taxes

a decent drinking bottle of wine has risen from €9.00 to €12.00

A favourite tipple for Valentines Day is a sparkling wine whether it is a Prosecco, Cava ,or Champagne.

An impressive Prosecco in Foley's is Riondo Prosecco. This sparkler is. effusively fruity light bodied with terefic floral notes and a clean delicate finish.

Riondo Prosecco is € 17.99 it is extra dry and 11%alc .

A wine that has proved very popular comes from the heel of Italy. Salice Salentino Riserva Duca Del Salento, a Gold Medal winner at the Irish wine show in 2014.This is a versatile wine and a perfect treat after a long day with a good meal.Salice Salentino has aromas of smoky cinamon and black cherries.There is nice acidity, elegant oaking and dry tanins, and can be enjoyed at temperatures of 18-20 degrees. This award

winning wine is available in Foleys at €14.99 I have chosen an organic wine from the Corbieres/Languedoc region of France. Chateau Pech-Latt is a blend of Marsanne and Vermentino grapes. In this arid region of France wines have been cultivated since Roman times.

This blend give the wine a nice roundness and it is light and fruity.This is available at €14.50 in Foleys and can be enjoyed with fish and white meats.

My beer of the month comes from the Carrick Brewery in Drumshambo. The Brazen Amber Ale combines the flavours and aromas of classic earthy hops, and the caramel warmth of malt,a fruity sweetness from yeast and a slight bitterness to finish.

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February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 59

Shells is the perfect beach cafe, bright & airy with fabulous fairtrade coffee.

Br unch is a must and includes eggs benedict & freshly baked bread.

WB’s Coffee House & Deli Bar

11 Stephen Street, Sligo • 087-9757475

Sweet / Savoury Crépes Sandwiches Paninis Ice Cream Smoothies Coffee

TAKEAWAY COFFEE AND FRESHLY MADE SCONE ONLY €3

With wonderful wines and an organic Prosecco, this is a real gem. The Shells Little Shop, next door, is a treasure trove of jewellery, gifts, art and of course our Homemade range of deli delights.

Open from 8.30am every morning Serving freshly baked scones, freshly made gourmet sandwiches, homemade soup and delicious coffees

Beachfront, Strandhill Tel: 071-9122938 www.shellscafe.com

Tel: 087-9125783

Hargadon Bros. is situated at 4/5 O’Connell Street in the centre of Sligo and comprises a traditional Pub and Restaurant with a modern Wine Shop attached as part of the Johnston Court Shopping Mall. Pop into the wine shop and let our helpful staff help you choose from the widest choice of wine for any occasion.

Live Music Every Thursday & Friday from 10.00pm

Good Food Ireland Awards 2013 - Hargadon's Sligo awarded 'Best Food Pub In Ireland'

See you in Hargadons for a Pint O’Connell Street, Sligo. www.hargadons.com Michelin Eating Out In Pubs Guide 2013

Quayside Shopping Centre, Quay Street Mall, Sligo

EARLY BIRD MENU AVAILABLE 5.30pm to 7pm Beers and a Huge Selection of Wines available Open 7 Days a Week 5.30-11.30pm

Delivery Service Available Delicious dishes from all over India

7/8 Market Street, Sligo

Tel: 071-9147700 www.classicindia.ie

The Still Bar & Restaurant Dromore West Cold beer & warm atmosphere.

Live music regularly.

Food served on a daily basis and also breakfast served on weekends.

THE

Irish

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Live Music Every Saturday & Sunday Live Games on TV

Parties Catered for

PEKING HOUSE

Phone: 086 391 3135

Bridge Street, Sligo 071-91-46799

Having a Party?

21st, Christening, After Wedding, Work parties, Hen parties, Stag Parties, Family Occasions & Graduation Pearse Road, Sligo (Opposite Garda Station) Tel: 071-9171731 • 071-9169831 • Open 4pm-1am

Delivery Service Available

Find us on Facebook: PekingHouseSligo Find us on

SHENANIGANS FOR THE COMPLETE NIGHT OUT EAT, DRINK OR DANCE!

Tel: 071-9142003 O’Connell Street, Sligo

O'Connors Bar and Lounge Friendly family run bar • Main Street, Ballysadare - Telephone: 071-9167267

Crozon park, Sligo Telephone: 071-9152670 www.thecrozoninn.com Open 7 days a week, from 12pm Daily lunch, early bird, evening and traditional Sunday lunch menu.

Join us for our regular fireside traditional music sessions.

All live sports showing.

Function room available for Birthdays, christening, Christmas parties or Any other occasion.

Under New Management

CASTLE STREET, SLIGO • OFF LICENCE TELEPHONE: 071-9138900 Stocking premium Irish, Scotch and world whiskeys, Armagnac, Quality Rums and Liqueurs Award winning wines ranging from €5 to €80 Excellent variety of quality Cuban Cigars Craft and World Beers stocked

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Our friendly Staff can help you choose from our extensive range of wines and spirits Traditional Music Every Friday & Saturday

Very few off licences will capture your imagination like Foleys, with its breathtaking range!

THE BEST HAIR TRENDS FOR SPRING 2015

W

hether embellished, slicked back, pulled high and tight or worn down in loose waves, the hairstyles on the spring runways all had one thing in common: serious length. Start growing out your bobs and lobs because long hair is back and it's cooler than ever. Here are our favourite trends from the Spring 2015 shows.

BIN BUNS

The buns were shaped into soft hearts, while at Carolina Herrera, models wore graphic, Japanese-inspired "sumo knots." Others, like the ones at Edun and Erin Fetherston, were full and classic.

BOHO WAVES

Carefree, barely-there waves cascaded onto sheer dresses, pastels and floral prints at Marchesa (right), Chloé, Valentino and more for a free-spirited, bohemian moment.

Professional Make Up Artist In Ireland You’ll love the confidence make up gives you...

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Hair

by Eimear O’ Reilly

...continued

Bridal & Photographic Makeup Bridal Party – Mother of the Groom/Bride/ Sisters/Aunts etc.

Hen Parties Makeup Lessons Shellac nails Waxing Body painting Artificial eyelash extensions - mink or silk lashes Single party bookings can also be facilitated

Phone: 0863740540 Email: vickysbeautypoint@gmail.com Website: www.vickymakeups.com

Vicky’s Make Up And Beauty Studio, 19 O’Connell Street, Sligo.

@ The Hair Station, Ballygawley

Award winning stylist and colourist catering for ladies and gents Colourist of the Year 2014 at the Bronzed Beauty & Golden Scissors Awards

Contact 086 8672970 / 071 9303030 Open: Tue-Wed: 9:00 - 19:00 • Thu-Fri: 9:00 - 20:00 Sat: 9:00 - 17:00

BRAIDS & TWISTS

From twisted rope braids at Donna Karan (left) and cornrowed buns at Giorgio Armani to messy, classic plaits at Michael Kors, there's a braid for every skill level.

Beautilicious

Brand new Skincare & Beauty Clinic based in Dromore West, Co Sligo

FEBRUARY SPECIAL OFFERS

Minimi Body Wrap usually €65 Now €55 or book 2 for just €100!

20% Off all Dermalogica Cleansers!

Receive a free gift worth €50 when you spend €60 or more on Dermalogica Skincare.

Fuschia Makeup Gift-sets still available from as little as €8.95!

Tel: 087-2989958

Email: beautiliciousu@gmail.com

• Beauty Packages • Eye Treatments • Facial Treatments • Make-up by Royal Effem • Waxing Treatments • Tanning • Nail Bar

O’Connell Street, Ballymote. Co. Sligo t: 071-9189222 e: info@newimageballymote.com www.newimageballymote.com

Fuchsia Freelance Beauty, a beauty service that come's to you, taking the hassle out of being beautiful!

BOMBSHELL BLOWOUTS

BOMBSHELL BLOWOUTS Big, sleek blowouts and bouncy curls, as seen at Diane von Furstenberg (left), referenced the ultimate sex symbol—Brigitte Bardot—and were the result of setting the hair in lots and lots of rollers.

Professional beauty therapist & make-up artist, trained in Bridal, high fashion & catwalk make-up.

Whether its a wedding, debs, special occasion or you just fancy some pampering, Fuchsia Freelance Beauty takes pride in delivering a friendly & relaxing service.

Tel: 087-9653024

fuchsiafreelancebeauty@gmail.com

Strandhill, Co. Sligo

10% OFF When quoting ‘Sligo Now’ when booking

Unisex boutique Hair Salon and Millinery Studio

Hair, Hats and Happiness

A bespoke experience for everything hair and headwear.

Telephone: 086-3437573 • 071-9122921 Email: locksandlace@hotmail.com

Radiance

Beauty & Body Clinic 44 O'Connell St, Sligo • Tel: 071-9146004

More than just an inch-loss wrap! ...drop a dress size

Say go odbye to T hread Veins! T he Revolutionary Veinwave ystemis now available.

VeinwaveTM is a revolutionary technique used by physicians around the world to eliminate spider veins and fine thread veins, known as telangiectasias. This FDA-cleared device has been used in Europe for over nine years. It is the treatment of choice for spider veins that are too small to treat with injection sclerotherapy and it is particularly effective for the treatment of facial spider veins.

Call 0871664900 for free consultation!

• Procedure carried out by a fully accredited and insured aesthetic nurse

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Gift Sets Now Available

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Lydia’s Beauty Rm

LONG TAILS

Ponytails went from high and sleek at Oscar de la Renta (left) to looser and lower at Gucci and Jason Wu to practically falling out at Rag & Bone.

• Waxing • Nail Treatments • Tanning • Make-up • Eye Treatments • Body Treatments • and more Opening Hours Mon - Closed Tues & Wed - 10am - 6pm Thur & Fri - 10am - 8pm Sat - 10am - 5pm

Teeling Street, Ballymote, Co. Sligo Tel: 087 2797932 www.lydiasbeautyroom.ie Email: lydiasbeautyroom@gmail.com

Mystique

Skin Care & Beauty Salon WEDNESDAY SPECIAL OFFERS

Diamond Peel Dermabrasion €35 (usually €50) Dermalogica Skin Brightening Facial €25 (usually €40) Shellac Polish €15 (usually €20) Full Body Tan €15 (usually €20) Luxury Manicure €15 (usually €20) Luxury Pedicure €20 (usually €25)

Main Street, Collooney, Sligo Tel: 071-911 8747 • www.mystiquebeauty.ie

Trisha’s Cutting Alley Unisex Hair Salon Special Offer

Digital Ego Evolve Dryer with Complimentry Digital Hair Iron

The Perfect gift for only €129.95

Tel: 071- 9140400 • 30 Castle Street, Sligo Visit us online www.colourbar.ie

Available to travel to sligo / mayo surrounding areas for bridal parties, hens and wedding guests.

14 years experience with recommendations from local hotels and businesses in the wedding industry.

Stocking new BE BLONDE range of products for highlighted & coloured hair.

Dromore West, Co. Sligo Tel: 09647901 - 0866602838 Anytime

MIXED MATERIALS

Ornate and playful accessories turned ordinary ponytails and buns into works of art at shows like Fendi (left), where bold leather flowers matched the prints in the collection

Adelaide St, Sligo (071) 9160341 info@salon2hairdressing.ie • www.salon2hairdressing.ie Sligo’s Award Winning Ladies and Gents Hair Salon

12 week blowdry

Price now €150 with FREE shampoo and conditioner worth €36 for a limited time only

BEFORE

AFTER

Not just a straight look but also beautifully controlled waves and more defined curls – always frizz free!

Lasts up to 12 weeks

OUT OF THE WATER

The slick, shiny hair on the runways varied in degrees of wetness, going from lightly gelled at Versace (left) to fresh out of the water at Thakoon. Part it down the middle, comb it back or pull it up in a tight bun.

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Services Directory No.1in the No.2 Business...

• Domestic Drain Cleaning • Emergency Service Call Out • Commercial Drain Cleaning • Man Hole Covers Replaced • Odours Investigated • High Velocity Water Jetting • Annual Maintenance Contracts • CCTV Drain Inspection

• Septic Tank Cleaning

Contact Damien: 087 297 4842 or 071 916 8086

Chem-Dry Sligo

323 Ferndale, Cartron Point, Sligo

• Carpet Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Upholstery Cleaning • Tile & Grout Cleaning • Stain Removal • Water Damage Restoration • Smoke Damage Restoration

Tel: 071-91-43519

All Franchises Independently Owned and Operated - Covering all of Sligo County

CHIMNEY CLEANING SERVICE

Sunday Nov 23rd 12-6 DOMESTIC HOOVER Monday Nov 24th 10-6 (No Mess) GUTTERS & GULLIE CLEANED

CALL P. 087-7928131 BEDS • SANDING • FLOORING Lynns Dock, Sligo • Tel: 071-9157830

• Computer & Laptop Sales and Repair • Custom PC Builds • Software repairs / Virus removal • GPS Systems • Games Consoles • iPhone / iPod, iPad and iMac Mon-Fri 10am - 5pm / Sat 10am - 2pm Call Us on 087-6452450 or 087-3232439 2 Stephen Court, Stephen Street, Sligo www.repairzone.ie

Aluminium & PVC Repairs To windows, doors and patio doors

Expert patio door repairs!

• Rollers • Tracks • Hinges • Door Realignment • Locks • Multilocking systems etc

Over 20 years experience servicing Irish windows and doors. Fully insured GLASS PARTS ETC REPLACED

Brendan Gormley: 071-9183860 / 087-2562669

• 1st and 2nd Fix • Kitchens • Flooring • Roofing • Decking • Wardrobes • Conservatories • Attic Conversions • Bunk Beds

Laminate Floors Only €5.99 sqyd

North West Counselling

Counselling for people with addictions eg. Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling • ALSO COVERS GENERAL COUNSELLING Counsellors are professionally trained • Relapse Programme and are fully accredited or working • One-to-one Counselling towards accreditation.

• Referral system for private clients to White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre For appointments ring: 087-2879707 OR 074-9723822 • Addiction and General counselling available Afternoon, evening and weekend Email: tabourhouse2004@eircom.net Tabor House, Drimark, Donegal Town appointments available

Helping people to recover

Talk to us any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal Usual hours open to receive callers at the door 11:00am - 9:00pm

For all your carpentry needs at keen rates

Samaritans Sligo, 3 e Mall, Sligo Tel: 07191-42011 (Lo-call )1850 609090

Sligo Citizens Information Service Providing a free, confidential and Independent Service Have you questions about your social welfare entitlements, employment rights, medical card entitlements etc. For information, Advice and Advocacy on all your rights and entitlements contact Sligo Citizens Information.

We operate from the following locations • Rockwood Parade, Sligo • Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry • Family Resource Centre, Ballymote For further details contact 0761076390, email sligo@citinfo.ie www.citizensinformation.ie

Rathedmond

CRASH REPAIR

Rathedmond Road, Sligo • 071-9150066 Mobile: 086-8885349

Tom Cawley Plastering & Building Contractor

• Extensions • Renovations • Dry Lining • C2 Reg & Insured

087-2218487 Phone for a FREE QUOTE

Abbey Insulation Carraroe, Co. Sligo • Established 1996

Cavity Wall & Attic Insulation Spray Foam Insulation Adrian 087-2357727 • Office 071-9142100

GRANGE FUELS

www.abbeyinsulation.ie

SINCE 2008

OIL & COAL DISTRIBUTORS • TEXACO QUALITY OILS • COMPETITIVE PRICES • SAME DAY DELIVERY • MAJOR CARDS ACCEPTED • ELECTRONIC METERED DELIVERIES More Litres Per €uro than All Our Competitors Same Day Delivery Throughout Sligo

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Sligo / North Sligo: Trevor Farrell: 071-9173805 • 086-7273805 Christy McTiernan: 086-7779376 South Sligo / North Roscommon / East Mayo Noel: Mahon: 094-9870453 • 086-2070453

Deliveries throughout Sligo / North Roscommon / East Mayo

Like us on Facebook @ Grange Fuel Oils and Coal Distributors for news and special offers

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W

hen you think of drumming, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Heavy metal music?

Drum n bass? Hippies sitting in a circle with their eyes closed, breathing in time? Marching bands? All of the above?

Well, if you smoosh all those preconceived ideas together, add a bit of funk, a carnival-esque atmosphere and a lot of laughter, you have samba drumming. And in particular, Samboeire, Sligo's own samba band, who run classes every Thursday from 6.30 to 8pm, in Fifth on Teeling.

And THAT, to me, sounded like as good a reason as any to duck out of the hardcore exercise class I've been promising to take for this column for many, many months now. Samba drumming? But I've wanted to do that forever! Count me in!

Samboeire have been around since the mid nineties, initially founded in Drumshanbo, and for quite some time the only rural Brazilian samba drumming band in Ireland. Peter Crann, one of the original members, is still at the helm, alongside Stephanie Pawula and Fionnuala Kennedy, all of whom are multi-talented musicians, heavily involved in the Sligo scene.

There are also several other leaders and assistants in the group, which makes it a great place to be a beginner - so many wings to nestle under.

First night I attended I discovered that my rhythm, far from being bang on the beat like I had managed to convince myself it was (even after the debacle of attending dance school last year), is actually shocking. I literally can't count. It's all guesswork, or following someone else's lead. As for stepping and banging an instrument at the same time, I knew instantly that one of these would have to go. So I don't step along in time with the rest of the group, I bounce irregularly and bop my cowbell at around the estimated time that the person next to me will be bopping hers.

Despite my diabolical step-bop multitasking skills, I still managed to get into the swing of things even on that first day. And the buzz of making tons of really cool, festive, funky noise with a whole room full of near-strangers is bleddy great. There's a tribal feeling to drumming (and bells, the beginner instrument, which I'm still bing-bashbopping away on) and there's something innately primal and wonderful about being part of a tribe.

This class suits me so well because it's so relaxed and informal, and yet stuff still gets done. There are several teachers, all with different styles, but all with one thing in common - they are doing this for the love of it. They are doing it dynamically, with enthusiasm and a relaxed attitude, and they're really, really good at it. I've never been in a class dynamic where I've felt more

Follow Kate on Twitter @katicut at ease. I hate classes. I hate being bad at things, I hate being the centre of attention when I'm not 100% comfortable or prepared to be, I hate awkward small talk. I hate trying to keep up with other people. I hate stressed-out teachers and disjointed crowds of disconnected humans. I mostly hate classes, because I'd rather be locked in my office doing what I do best, alone.

But in this room, with these people, it's made so easy. Fionnuala makes it look easy. Peter makes it look easy.

Therefore it must be easy. Even when you keep missing the beat, or stepping out of time, your mistakes get swallowed up in a room full of joyous banging and nobody cares, least of all yourself.

And then there's the instruments. So many fun and fabulous LOUD things to play with. There's the big drums and the little drums (if you want official names, you've come to the wrong place buddy) the mini-clacky drums and the bells, the jingly things and the shakers, the ones that go BOOM and the ones that go plink plink plink, and the whistle!

The leader has a whistle and she or he gesticulates wildly at us and blows his or her whistle and then we try to guess what it means and miraculously stop or flip or start again in complete unison. It's almost spiritual, I tell you! Except when I'm the only one lost in a moment of rapture who bops my bell in a perfectly silent pause, but even then everyone laughs and we're off again... It's great. I can't stop smiling while I'm drumming with this bunch. Literally, my cheeks hurt.

And then Peter takes out his great big bag of 'special' instruments and a whole new world of wonder is opened up! From the UFO-shaped 'hang' to the pervy-sounding 'vibraslap' (and yes, these are the correct terms, I wrote them down) and the traditional bongos, there's something new and exciting for everyone to try. Especially when our music-maestro decides to effortlessly assist us in composing a brand new piece of music, just off-thecuff in fifteen minutes, as you do.

The Samboeire experience is a very, very pleasurable one, from start to finish. The class flies by, and the rapport built up by banging stuff against other stuff in time with other people is continued down the pub for one or two samba-sociables. The very best part, though, for me, was learning that aside from being a class, this is actually a band, too. I knew Samboeire were a community band, however I initially found it hard to wrap my head around the fact that once I attended class, I became a member of the band. But apparently, that's how simple it is.

Woah, look at me, I'm in a band!

I always knew I'd be a rockstar someday.

For more information look up Samboeire on Facebook, or check out www.samboeire.com. Better yet, just show up on Thursday.

February 2015 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 70

Wonderful Walks in County Sligo

This Month: Killaspugbrone Loop Distance: Approx 7km if you do it right. But you can shorten it a little and come back the way you went.

Difficulty Level: Not quite a stroll in the park, but relatively easygoing and peaceful. Can get muddy/wet so wear waterproof shoes. There's a slight climb to get back up to the main road, and some footpath walking back to the village.

Directions: Start at the cannon on the seafront in Strandhill village and head off left (away from the Culleenamore side of the dunes) and walk along the beach or through the campsite toward the ruin of Killaspugbrone church.

Follow the wooden posts with markers all the way along the half moon beach after the church and the airport, up into the forestry, where the sunlight dances through the trees and pine needles scent the air. Come out beside the runway and follow the path along Dorrin's Strand, till it leads you up a hill and out the back of Bree's Pub. Then it's a standard walk along the road back down into the village and the cannon where you began.

Description: Killaspugbrone is the beautiful old ruin of an eleventh century church, reputed to be built on an existing structure that dates back as far as the 5th century. Locals love to walk out to the church and watch the sun set, with the stunning backdrop of both Benbulben and Knocknarea watching over the scene and Coney Island sitting pretty in the distance. Legends of St Patrick abound here, with tales of him losing a tooth and taking refuge from the tide on a nearby islet now known as Dunan Padraig. The beautiful crescent beach beside the church is a perfect spot for a summer's day paddle, but equally bewitching on a crisp winter walk.

The forestry adds a whole other element to this lovely long stroll, with the unique peace and tranquillity you can only find beneath the boughs of old trees. Careful you pay attention though, and watch for the markers, I got lost in here a few times when I first did the walk! Out the other side, Dorrin's Strand sees flocks of beautiful Brent geese at the right time of year, and plenty of other wonderful wildlife year round. This loop is a truly lovely walk to take any day, but Sundays are a real treat as you can pop in to the Strandhill People's Market at airport hangar 1 along the way for a quick cuppa to keep you going.

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