Sligo Sport

MARCH 2016, ISSUE 2, VOLUME 2

Gavin Peers signs for his 11th season

All Things Golf With

GARY

Connacht Gold commits to supporting Sligo Ladies Gaa

MCDERMOTT

Strandhill Golf Club Course Development

Shane Meehan

EJs Claim Astro League Crown

Hitting The Big Time The Bull Challenge Tourlestrane

An Post yeats Tour of Sligo 2016 Launch

IT Sligo Hurlers Celebrate Cup Success

The Sligo All Stars In Action

Sligo Trio Star For Ireland U20’s

• Running • Cycling • Hill Walking • Kayaking • Basketball • Archery • Mountain Biking • Equine Events • Boxing • Hiking • Rallying • Karate • Surfing • Fishing • Shooting • Handball • Sailing • Workouts • Tennis • Horse Racing • Canine Agility • and much more!

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

SUMMERHILL CLAIM CONNACHT SENIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP

ALL IRELAND CROSSCOUNTRY

Summerhill College 1-12 St Attracta’s 0-13

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Sligo well represented at Mayo Stages Rally

Marty Toner from Armagh with Co driver Sharon Clarke from Sligo.

Billy Cowes from Scotland and his co driver Paul Gallagher from Sligo.

Larla Carty from Donegal and Co driver Anthony Scanlon from Sligo

Sligo U10’s celebrate successful rugby blitz in Ballina

Managing Director/Editor: Seamus Casey seamus@sligonow.ie Design: Stephen Finney steve@sligonow.ie

Sales: Alan Gaffney alan@sligosport.ie Richie Bradley richie@sligosport.ie Lisa Gilmartin lisa@sligosport.ie

Editorial: Kate Winter Eamon O’Neill John Graham Cian Love Patrick McCarry

he GloHealth All Ireland Schools Cross Country Championships took place in Sligo Racecourse and former international stars Sonia O’Sullivan and Catherina McKiernan were amongst the 4000 spectators cheering on the future generation of Irish athletes. It was an ideal running day with cool dry conditions and a stiff course in areas that certainly tested many of the young runners.

The opening race saw Aimee McKenna (St Mac Dara’s) judging her race to perfection to win the Minor Girls’ 2,000m. Mercy Sligo athletes battled well and Maeve Mooney finished in 34th place with classmate Eala McDermott not far behind in 39th.

The Intermediate 3,500m Girls saw Sarah Healy (Holy Child Killiney), power her way up the concluding 250m hill to claim gold. Ursuline College’s Ailbhe Morgan, in 27th position, was the first Sligo athlete home with Aoife Morris (St Mary’s Ballisodare) in 49th.

Ursuline College pupil Sadbh McCarthy finished in 76th, Eimear Joyce was 82nd, Sarah Kisby 85th and Roisin Walsh completed her race in 94th.

In the Intermediate Boys 5,000m, Adam Fitzpatrick (St Kierans) added the national title to his Leinster crown.

Summerhill College’s Leo Doherty was a creditable 24th with Abbey C.C. Boyle’s Finlay Daly in 51st.

Eimear Fitzpatrick (Our Ladies Terenure) proved tactically astute when winning the Senior Girls’ 2,500m. Mercy College Sligo’s Mary Brigid McDonagh ran well to finish in 58th. Meanwhile Ursuline Colleges’ Laura Joyce was 65th with Aoife Egan in 69th and Riona Connor in 71st.

Kevin Mulcaire (St Flannan’s Ennis) pulled away at the halfway stage to win the Senior Boys title over 6,500m.

Sligo Grammar athlete Daniel Doherty was 69th, Noah Fleming was 78th, Liam Bell came home in 79th with Philip Hunter just behind in 80th.

Special mention to Tommy Craddock who mastered the day’s proceedings with aplomb. This was a massive undertaking and the smooth running of the day’s events is testimony to his dedication, hard work and expert organisational skills.

Photos & Script: David Kearins

Photography: Jordan Cummins Patrick Regan jumpingthegun.com outdoorfitnesssligo.com Cian Love Sportsfile

Published by: IBS Publications Limited Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo F91 NX0T Tel/Fax: 071-9154538 Web: www.sligosport.ie Email: info@sligosport.ie

The information in Sligo Sport is carefully researched and believed to be accurate, but the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Statements or opinions expressed herein are not necessary those of the editor or publisher. Advertisements within the publication are not endorsed by the publisher. Neither are any claims made within the advertisements. Before consuming any products mentioned in the publication readers are advised to consult with their general practitioner or equivalent professional for opinion or advice.

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The BULL Challenge

On Saturday the 27th February many got the chance to test themselves in the Third running of the BULL Challenge.

The Banada Ultimate Loopy Loop (BULL) consisted of a 12km

or a 6km Adventure Race. For 2016 there was a New Course Layout To add to the challenge using both natural obstacles (such as the River Moy and numerous drains, ditches and

mud pits) and man made obstacles which were positioned throughout the course where physical and mental toughness was needed to conquer the BULL. The organisers are

delighted so many completed the course and hope all enjoyed it. “While it's fantastic to see the elite athletes stride around the course what gives us, as amateur organisers, immense

pride Is to see the satisfaction on all the participants faces as they cross the line. Knowing, as you say, that they have conquered both mental and physical obstacles to reach the end�.

Alan Dunne

ADAPT Athletic Performance & Therapy

BSc. Athletic Therapy & Training MSc. Strength & Conditioning Student LISLEA, ACLARE, CO. SLIGO.

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB W

ow... What a fantastic weekend here in Union woods.

Well done to all competitors, marshals and everyone who helped out! The weather gods were kind and we were treated to blue sky’s and

warm sunshine all day..

Some great results from Northwest mtb.

Taking wins in most category’s.

A testament to the forest we ride and train in. It was awesome to be able to showcase what we have here in Union

woods and we really are blessed to be able to ride here. Thanks to the Connacht mtb crew. Great job. They have the full results up now on the Connacht mtb page Thanks again. The Northwest crew.

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Advanced Dental Aesthetics • 28/29 Castle Street, Sligo F91 E820 • Tel: 087-4558741 • www.adadentallab.ie • info@adadentallab.ie

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

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8

HUGE CROWDS ENJOY GREENWAY FOR A DAY!

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

Markree Riding Stables Easter horse riding programme at Markree Riding Stables 19 days off school!! Eek. Help is at hand, let us take the boredom away. March 22nd& march 23rd teens/adult 2 day training camp British horse society stage 1 training & mock exam introduction /revision to riders wishing to further their career in the equine industry.

10am -3pm cost: €80.00 payment in full upon booking limited to 10 riders tuesday march 29th -friday april 1st 4 day childrens horse riding camp 6yrs -15yrs 10am -3pm riders will be split into riding ability and age.

Program 10am: groom & tack up your horse 11am: horse riding lesson /trek 12noon: lecture & quizzes 1pm: lunch 1.45pm: equestrian fun & games 3pm : home time.

Cost: €125.00 10%off for siblings deposit required upon booking €40.00 early booking advisable enquries/bookings to caroline t:0719130727 m:0872191786

Hong Ying Sligo/Leitrim Chinese Martial Arts

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ver 500 people voted on Sunday last - for a Greenway for Sligo! The virtual Greenway route near Lavagh in South Sligo showcased the benefits of a traffic free walk and cycle way as a community amenity and tourist attraction.

The stunning backdrop of

Knocknashee at Carrowmore provided the perfect setting for all who participated in the event.

Weather that was slightly inclement proved no obstacle to the huge crowds that that came to show their support for the proposal. Peadar Conway of Sligo Greenway Co-op said, “As

organisers we were bowled over the response to this idea – a greenway for a day! So many people, and all of them so excited by the prospects of having a greenway of our own here in Co. Sligo. We will be repeating this event in others areas in the coming weeks and months.”

Hong Ying Sligo/Leitrim Chinese Martial Arts decided to celebrate Chinese New Year at the Strandhill People's Market. Iy was a proud moment for the students, they had fun, outdone themselves in the performances, and some came over even despite their colds. Great times all around, brilliant day for it with the weather as well.

Silverstar Athletics had another great at Ukca. Well done to all involved

The Mill Centre, Coolaney, Co. Sligo • Email: themillpharmacy@outlook.com • Tel: 071-9133587

HITTING THE

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s he heads off to compete in one of the most prestigious and dangerous contests in the world of surfing, Sligo bodyboarder Shane Meehan speaks to Kate Winter about Irish waves, training, balancing life passions and Pipeline, Hawaii.

Photos: Andrew Kilfeather

F

irst up, Shane, tell us a little about how you got started in the sport of bodyboarding.

I’ve been a bodyboarder at Strandhill beach since I was a teenager, about seventeen years now. I’ve bodyboarded all around Ireland and over the years I got into it more and more, started competing in international competitions as a junior with the Irish team and just kept on gaining experience along the way.

I got really into competitions and that’s what took up most of my bodyboarding time... It was later that I realised that to enjoy bodyboarding and to stay in it long term, it’s not just about competitions, it’s about free surfing too. After a while, I managed to marry the two together and I suppose that’s why I still really enjoy it.

How has the sport changed since you were a teenager in Ireland?

For starters, there was no social

media back then. It was a lot more low key. These days, the weather forecast is splashed up all over the place and it’s very easy for people to find waves.

Back then it wasn’t so simple. In fact, it was a lot harder! I had this little scooter and I used to drive up to Bundoran with my bodyboard on my back, which took an hour each way, but still, you’d get to the waves any way you could. It was much less crowded in those days, too.

You’re not only a top class Sligo bodyboarder, you’re also a highly regarded chef. How have you manage to keep the two fires lit all this time?

I often had to choose between my two passions; bodyboarding and cheffing. I spent time in London and Dublin, gaining really good experience in the kitchen, but I always felt conflicted about which way I should go. With bodyboarding there was always a slim chance to make money out of it - the top guys today barely make a

living. I would wonder if that could be done, or if I maybe went the other way and gave cheffing my all would I be in a top restaurant somewhere...

Lately though, I’ve started to understand that it’s a really good thing that I’ve managed to keep the two going, it makes me really happy and satisfied with both.

Can you tell me three stand out moments you’ve had in your bodyboarding career?

Five years ago we decided to do a leg of the pro tour in Portugal. It seemed really farfetched to do it, as it’s like the premiership of bodyboarding, but we could enter if we paid a fee. So we just did it, expecting to go home pretty much straight away. But myself and another guy from Bundoran started getting through round after round and surprising ourselves and others around us because nobody (not even ourselves) expected us to get anywhere in the comp... I think I

got to around 17th place, into the money rounds, which was a huge achievement, it was uncharted territory for any Irish bodyboarder. I think that’s when I started to realise it might just be possible to compete against the big guys.

Then another time in Portugal at the World Championships, myself and Ashleigh Smith (female Sligo bodyboarder) finished 7th. That was a lot of heats and we just kept progressing, which was really satisfying, especially as we were doing so as two Irish bodyboarders alongside each other.

And I suppose a free-surfing one was in Mullaghmore one day... I had had a bad experience about five years previously there, when I almost drowned, so my heart was beating out of my chest when I got out there. This was the chance to redeem myself, in my own head, I suppose. I got a tow-in off a jet-ski because it was so big the paddle out

would have been really hard.

And when I let go of the rope, it could only be described as a hot knife through butter, it just couldn’t have gone any more perfectly. The wave folded over me and I ended up getting this huge barrel, the biggest barrel of my life. It was so good!

What about the Pipeline competition and what this means to you.

We watched Pipeline growing up as kids, on videos and in magazines. It’s the world’s most famous wave. I’ve always dreamed about going. I had the chance when I was eighteen, but the trip was cancelled.... Then the plan was that I’d go there before I was thirty and here I am at thirty three and I never made it.

It has got progressively more crowded and you do hear stories about having to surf with three hundred other guys and fights breaking out in the water, so it didn’t exactly sound like my ideal kind of surf trip anymore...

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016 waves like Gurlin and Mullaghmore, who reckon they are just as heavy, if not heavier than Pipeline. Which I suppose, is a bit of a comfort. Sure, people die surfing Pipe, and there are a lot more injuries...

But there are a lot more people surfing it.

I always said to myself that the only way I’d surf it is in a competition where you get the chance to surf for twenty minutes with just three other guys and if you progress then you get the chance to have another twenty minutes on that wave in all its glory.

The Pipe competition has the top 24 in the world as the main riders, then there are twenty invitees and an alternate list. I was put on the alternate list, which is a great honour in itself.

But that didn’t mean I’d be automatically get in the competition... It would have been pretty complicated and not guaranteed, so I wasn’t going to do it. I kind of wrote it off. But then I got a call early in the morning one morning (which I thought was my alarm, so I switched it off the first time!) and it was Mike Stewart, who’s kind of the creator of bodyboarding and something like nine times world champion.

I’m sponsored by his company and he is such a huge figure in the surfing world. He offered me the opportunity to go straight into the main event, as an invitee. So that was that.

it’s an amazing opportunity and a lifetime goal, so I’m delighted as well. It’s kind of like the icing on the cake, in a way.

Although, I haven’t had much

opportunity to get excited and happy about it, it’s been so sudden and pretty scary too.

That said, I have talked to people about our waves,

What kind of training goes into this kind of event, or this sport in general?

I said to someone in the water today that I sort of wish I got this call about five years ago when I was at the peak of my fitness...

But I suppose I appreciate it more now.

Only getting the call a week ago and having a pretty busy working life, I can’t say I’ve been able to go mad training for it, to be honest. But I guess the training for it has really been my whole life surfing.

Fitness and technique are important, but big wave knowledge and state of mind are equally so, if not more.

You’ve got so many different types of people doing this.

Some train everyday and some don’t train at all, they just have

a screw loose. It’s more about attitude than anything else. To me, if your equipment is ready and you know you’re fit, that’s peace of mind and you can fully go for it.

Do you see yourself ever stopping, is there an age limit on this sport?

No, not at all. It’s not the kind of sport that wears out your body.

It’s a great sport for young people because it keeps you focussed, it stops you from getting bored.

I think a lot of the problems that come with youth stem from boredom. If you have something to get up at 7am for, it gives you a reason to stay healthy in mind and body. And that’s a lifelong thing. In terms of general fitness, it’s amazing. I mean, if you look at Mike Stewart, he’s in the top twenty five bodyboarders in the world, he’s in his fifties and he has the body of a twenty year old.

Same with Kelly Slater.

As for me, I can’t see myself ever stopping, it’s what keeps me going and keeps me happy, so why would I?

How are you feeling about the competition now, as you head off?

Well, there’s word of the biggest swell in years hitting the first day of the competition, so it’s quite nerve-wracking. I’ve been pretty nervous the past few days thinking about it... But

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

SLIGO ROVERS ASTRO LEAGUE EJS CLAIM ASTRO LEAGUE CROWN

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js claimed the astro league title last month after recording an emphatic 101 victory over a depleted Strand Celtic side. Ejs knew

before kick-off that they required just 1 point in order to be crowned champions. Any nerves were put to bed quite quickly, as at times they stroked

the ball around for fun and Adrian Toher gave his side a deserved lead with just over ten minutes gone. Ejs were then rampant and notched another

9 goals through a hat-trick from Lee Marshall, a double from Ronan Cox, and goals from Alan Gilmartin, Kiki O’Grady, Glenn Shannon and another

goal from Adrian Toher. The result was an unfair reflection on Strand Celtics performances to date in the league, but it was also a testament to EJs who have been the most consistent side in the league, registering 16 victories from 18 matches. The night was then topped off for EJs, as their prolific striker Ronan Cox, received the award for leading goal scorer , registering a fantastic 30 gaols in 18 games.

The teams from the league will now be split in two, as the top 5 teams will now enter a champions league competition, while the bottom 5 teams will enter the Europa league competition. Each team will start on zero points and will play each other twice.

The split will run over a course of 8 weeks, with 2 cup competitions also taking place.

The league as a whole will finish in May and members of the public are welcome to attend any game they wish. Matches are played on a Tuesday at 9pm, Wednesday at 8&9pm and finally Fridays at 8 & 9pm.

To be kept up to date on fixtures, news and results of the league, please like “srfc astro turf” on Facebook or alternatively read the weekly articles in the local media.

Juniors in training...Future of Sligo Triathlon is looking bright!!

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

SLIGO ASTRO LEAGUE

KEVIN EGAN CARS PREMIER DIVISION 2015/16 CORNVIEW SNATCH TITLE IN LAST GAME OF THE SEASON

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veryone at Sligo Astro Leagues would like to congratulate Eamonn McDonagh and his Cornview Celtic team who are this year's Kevin Egan Premier Division 2015/16 #Champions.

This year's Premier division went right down to the wire with both Cornview Celtic and Foleys Bar FC having to win their last fixture to claim the 'Sonny Dineen Memorial Trophy'.

Cornview Celtic played their arch rivals and parish neighbours Puddleview Celtic in the late Thursday night kickoff at IT Sligo Knocknarea Arena Astro turf needing a win to go top of the table and put the pressure firmly on Shay Corrigans Foleys Bar FC who played on the Friday night.

Cornview started the stronger and it wasn't long until Gerard 'Chucky' Murphy put them ahead and on the road to victory with a fine finish after some quality work from Healy and Lyons in midfield.

Healy put in a man of the match performance and setup Murphy for his 2nd of the game bagging all 3pts and moving the unbeaten Cornview top of the league.

'Friday Night under the lights' in the Kevin Egan Cars Premier Division seen Mickey and Kieran Dineen Village Inn FC entertain Foleys Bar FC who now knew the title was there's if they came away

with all 3pts in their final league fixture of the season.

The game kicked off and it was clear to see the nerves and tension in both sets of players as they knew what was at stake in the next 60mins.

Rooney and Bystrainsky started up front for Foleys Bar FC and were starved of chances as McDonagh and the returning Mark Walsh ran riot in midfield for the Village Inn in the opening exchanges.

Just before the break the Villagers stunned the watching crowd as they took the lead thanks to their player of the year Gavin McDonagh who pounced on a mistake in the foleys defence to slot the ball home to the delight of the watching Cornview management team.

Corrigan gave a firm halftime team talk and sent out his troops with the full intention of shown why they were top of the league for so long but they quickly fell 2 behind as that man again McDonagh grabbed his 2nd of the game to silence the Knocknarea Arena.

"Could there be an upset on the cards?"

"How will Foleys responded?"

These were some of the questions been murmured by the watching public who could not believe what was unfolding before their very

eyes.

But it soon got worse for Corrigans men as Walsh got on the scoresheet to make it 3-0 to the Village Inn with a trademark late burst into the penalty box and calmly passed the ball past the helpless keeper.

Straight from kickoff Rooney,Henry and Fallon played some neat football for Foleys with Martin Bystriansky getting on the scoresheet to claim the leagues top markman and get Foleys back in the game at 3-1.

Spurred on by the breakthrough Rooney and Fallon tested 'Chips' in the Village Inn nets but could not get there 2nd and were caught on the break after some fine defensive work from Bart Folan who found Leon Gordon now on as sub to get the Villagers 4th of the game and hand the title to the watching Cornview Celtic.

We would like to thank our league sponsors Kevin Egan and Mark Walsh of Kevin Egan Cars, Sligo for their continued support throughout the season and congratulate them on their success in winning the SIMI 'Independent Car Dealer of the Year 2016' in Dublin recently.

We would also like to thank all the staff at IT Sligo Knocknarea Arena for all the help over the season especially Ross,Linda,John

'Sonny Dineen Memorial & Perpetual Trophy' been presented to Graham Cawley of Sligo Astro Leagues by 'left to right' Mickey Dineen,Graham Cawley,Pauline Dineen and Kieran Dineen.

The trophy will be presented to the winners of this years 'Kevin Egan Cars, Sligo Premier Division 2015/16' at a presentation night later in March. and that other fella who we can't remember but he supports Newcastle lol.

We continue the astro turf excitement this week with the opening rounds of the 'Margaret Callaghan Memorial Cup 2016' with some interesting ties including Foleys Bar FC vs Henneberry Financial Services, Charlies boys STSG Utd vs Corkys Bar FC and the White Gorillas vs IT Sligo FC. The standout tie takes place between the Roscommon men from Boyle Celtic and the returning Schillaci's Puddleview Celtic FC. There's only 1 place you can catch all the action and excitement and that's in the Sligo Astro Leagues at IT Sligo Knocknarea Arena Astro Turf.

15

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

JUVENILE B HANDBALL COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Colm Naughton and Darragh Barrins

Ailish Quinn and Carly Cooney

Club Stableford at Strandhill Golf Club

Gearoid Coleman and Patrick Cooney

Martin Cronin. Winner of Saturday’s 15 hole stableford competition Oisin Quinn and Seamus Foody

Brian Donnegan , Aaron Coleman , TJ Foody and Larla Quinn

Innisfree Wheelers

9am Sunday Spin group enjoy a leisurely break in the seaside town of Enniscrone

North West Physiotherapy

Chartered Physiotherapists Shirley Foley MISCP Mary Mulvany MISCP Ray Finan MISCP

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his week’s Friday Open Stableford saw some very competitive golf played with some excellent scores being returned.

Noel Mullaney took first place with a score of 36 points with a round consisting of four pars, distributred equally between the front nine and the back six. Noel also added two birdies in the first three holes on holes one and three to get his round off to the ideal start.

Second place was taken by Sean McMorrow with a score of 32 points. Sean played consistently throughout his fifteen holes and added three pars to his card on the third, eighth and eleventh holes to secure second place with 32 points.

1st Noel Mullaney (17) 36pts 2nd Sean McMorrow (17) 32pts Saturday’s 15 Hole Club Stableford competition was played in dry but cool and windy conditions but despite the challenging winds, there were some very good scores returned.

Martin Cronin took first place with a score of 37 points.

Martin scored a total of eleven pars over the course of his round with six coming on the front nine and the remaining five on the back six holes on the way to signing for his score of 37 points.

Second place was taken by Sean Fenton with an excellent score of 33 points. Sean notched up a total of seven pars for his fifteen holes with five on the front nine and the remaining two on the back six while also adding a birdie on the par five fifth hole to complete a round of 33 points.

1st Martin Cronin (12) 37pts 2nd Sean Fenton (10) 33pts

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THINKING YOUR WAY TO RECOVERY

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

A

S I write this the 6 Nations Rugby Championship is at its halfway point, it’s one of the highlights of my sporting year (even more so as Scotland have finally won a game crushing Italy 3620!!). As well as the skills involved the ability to take the hits these guys take & most of the time manager to play on is so impressive.

In modern rugby apparently each tackle is the equivalent of having a fridge dropped on you from 2m in the air, while all the scrummages from one game generate enough force to push two London buses across the pitch.

Ooooft.

What’s also certain is players are going to be injured. Some short term some long term. Sports injury is something that the media will always pick on.

Whether it’s the determination of the player beating the odds and recovering quickly or the player that has doubts over his mentality in terms of the stomach they have returning back to their game.

In another sport, football, one of the big talking points of the moment is the medias portrayal of Liverpool player, Daniel Sturridge.

Questioning whether his heart is in the game after having so many injuries, whether his confidence is shot. Something he has dismissed quite passionately (and I don’t blame him).

I thought it would be useful to touch on a

couple of areas in relation to injury that the mind can have a huge effect on.

First would be injury recovery and the second would be confidence to perform post injury.

With injury recovery I’ve already talked about the benefits of meditation, in a previous edition, to allow the body to repair. When the mind rests the body rests, when the body rests the body heals. There has also been a lot of research done in terms of visualisation and the effects this has on recovery from all manor of injuries.

The mind doesn’t differentiate between reality and imagination. If you think a scary thought the mind will start sending messages to the body as if it was

happening.

Just sit for a minute, close your eyes and imagine that your alone in a pitch dark room. Your not sure where the exit is and within a couple of seconds you start to hear a scratching down by your foot, theres something running around on the floor, you don’t know what…….

Now if you managed to truly visualise and feel that, you may have noticed that your heart beat started to race or you may have felt tension in your body. Just by thinking you were having an effect on the body.

This can be done in terms of positive visualisation.

Whether its imagining a bone break joining together and getting stronger or imagining tension in a stiff joint easing away. The more you practice it the more effective it gets.

Believing that it will work is also a huge part of it.

There was a BBC documentary that showed a man whose heart arteries were clogged. Everything the Doctors had tried had not been successful. So out of exasperation the Doctor asked the patient to visualise for 20 minutes twice a day. The patient visualised himself shrinking

down and canoeing through his arteries and scrapping of and clearing his arteries with his paddle.

A few months later at his next scan the gentlemen was feeling a lot better which his scan supported by showing a clearing and widening of the arteries.

The conclusion of this study was that the Doctor could have asked 99 other patients and not got the same amazing results. The difference with this patient was that he believed in the treatment and that this was normal and would work.

In terms of performance after recovering one of the main things I have found is sports people living in what they think is the past or the future.

For example: Thinking about the pain of the injury when it happened, maybe even reliving the experience.

Thinking about whether the same injury will return Thinking of all the consequences of their game if it does One way of helping here is learning that your never experiencing the past or the future. Your only experiencing the feeling of your thinking, right this second.

Back to what was mentioned earlier in the

article if you think something then the body is going to react accordingly.

Engaging in fearful thoughts of the future and the past will hinder ongoing repair and strengthening by limiting growth hormones such as testosterone.

So when ever you catch yourself delving into the ‘mind made’ past or future.

Just recognise that all your experiencing is a thought, nothing else. You then don’t have to do anything else, just get back to what ever you were doing. The more you catch yourself and don’t engage the more the thought loses it’s power & with that the effect it’s having on your body & your game.

A large part of my job is helping people understand when to use the mind as a tool. When to pick it up & when to put it down.

Pick it up – Engage in vivid visualisation, believe it will work Put it down – Recognise the only power your thoughts have, is the power you give them For information on upcoming courses delivered by John G or any queries around how he can help your game, your business or yourself go to www.johngcoaching.com

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

AN POST YEATS TOUR OF SLIGO 2016

T

he An Post Cycle Series, supported by An Post, Sport Ireland and Local Sports Partnerships, encourages people of all fitness levels to get physically active by getting on their bikes with a choice of 5 cycling tours across the country between May and September. The An Post Yeats Tour of Sligo Cycle is the first event in the series and takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Cyclists of all fitness levels will be catered for with events on Sunday 1st May over 60k/ 100k/ 160k taking place, while families and newcomers to cycling can participate in the 10k or 2k on Saturday 30th April while also enjoying a Family Fun Day. Check out www.tourofsligo.ie for more information and to register for the event.

Cyclists celebrated the launch of An Post Yeats tour of Sligo 2016 with a cycle through the streets of Sligo

Cyclists from North West Mountain Biking, Ballisodare Bay Cycling Club, Yeats Country Cycling Club, Sligo Triathlon Club and Eire Og Cycling Club.

Ambassadors and staff from Acquired Brain Injury Ireland with Mayor Cllr. Thomas Healy and Cathaoirleach Rosaleen O’ Grady,

Members of Innisfree Wheelers Cycling Club supporting the launch

Cyclist from Ox Mountain cycling Club were in attendance at the launch.

17

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Chartered Accountants Northwest Society 5th charity 5k run/walk in Doorly Park

T

he Chartered Accountants Northwest Society will host their 5th charity 5k run/walk in Doorly Park, Sligo on Saturday 9th April 2016. All monies raised this year will be in aid of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland with Dunally Day Care Centre in Sligo been known throughout Ireland for the great work it does in this region.

Registrations will be at ROM Fitness Studio in Cleveragh from 1.30pm and the start time is 2.30pm. On the day a minimum donation of €10 would be greatly appreciated and kids under 12 go free. Each person that registers gets a free t shirt.

All abilities are most welcome as are walkers, personal best, first timers, kids and buggies!

A previous presentation to Sligo Cancer Support Services.

There will be prizes for 1st Male and Female, 1st Child and 1st buggy.

So if you know anyone that would be interested be sure and tell them to come along for a healthy, active and fun afternoon in Doorly Park while raising much-needed funds for the Dunally Day Care Centre Sligo for Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.

This years event is sponsored by CARR Communications Chartered Accountants Northwest Society is a district society of Chartered Accountants Ireland and represents over 500 Chartered Accountant members in the Northwest.

District Societies throughout the country will host various charity events on the 9th April in aid of numerous charities throughout the country.

Past years 5k run/walk were extremely successful with over two hundred participants taking part in aid of Sligo Cancer Support Services last year.

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

Sport and Young People – Increasing Self-Esteem and Emotional Wellbeing

N

o building is better than its structural foundations and no person is better than its mental foundations. Current research supports findings that for young people, participating in sport and exercise has the capacity to build strong mental foundations, characterised by mental toughness, resilience, selfcontrol, confidence and drive. In addition, such characteristics built through engagement in sporting activities can often take a young person further academically and in terms of career, than a similar person with a higher IQ, but with less of these capabilities.

Sport and in particular, teamsports play a significant role in building self belief, persistence and grit, whilst encouraging children and young people to think creatively, collaborate with others, use initiative, turn setbacks into opportunities and be adaptable to change. Being part of a team or club, participating in training, competing and being creative on the day and more importantly, being in the winning and in the losing, fosters the mental toughness and emotional resilience, needed to live in a fastmoving, fast-changing world.

Correspondingly, such self belief and self esteem, built through participation in sport, often also translate into other areas of the young person’s life, promoting capacity to do well academically and manage set-backs, both emotionally and otherwise.

For good mental health, young people should aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week. Don't panic this isn't as bad as it sounds.

Exercising with friends or family or being part of a club or team makes all this much easier to achieve.

Scientists have also discovered that exercise makes your brain release chemicals which make you feel good - the same chemicals that you get from antidepressants. For mild depression, research shows that physical activity can be as good as antidepressants or psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Since current neurobiology also supports the period of

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adolescence as continuing to age 25 approximately, with a simultaneous ‘pruning back’ of the adolescent brain (similar to that occurring in plants and gardening), there is a created a unique window of opportunity to foster in young people, through such sport and exercise, the brain circuits necessary to set down strong foundations for the future, in terms of such creativity, mental and emotional resilience, confidence and drive.

Since physical health and mental health are also so intertwined, it is worth noting the positive physiological effects of sport and exercise, being increased physical health, characterised by strength, condition and physical ability.

Finally, adolescence is also a time for establishing a personal identity, participation in sport or being part of a team or club assists in promoting a solid and stable identity. Other psychological benefits include better body image and increased self efficacy, being the ability to achieve a task or solve a problem. Participating in sport also builds social and relationship skills.

So for parents who often make many sacrifices in the promotion of sport and exercise for their young people, it is encouraging to note that they are participating significantly in building emotional wellbeing and creating essential core skills towards the promotion and maintenance of such emotional wellbeing in their offspring, well into adulthood and beyond. Building such strong foundations is also the key to happiness and resilience, even in the face of life’s adversities, reminding us of the words of Jackie Joyner Kersee, 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist in track and field :- “The medals don’t mean anything and the glory doesn’t last. It’s all about your happiness. The rewards are going to come, but my happiness is just loving the sport and having fun performing.”

Moya Mohan is a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist and has completed Postgraduate Study and Training in working with Young People.

AVENA LEISURE, MAIN STREET, BALLISODARE, CO. SLIGO TEL: 071-9130882 WEB: WWW.AVENALEISURE.COM

Check out our fitness classes at www.avenaleisure.com

Great Food Great Value

Sligo’s “Best” Live Music Venue All Parties Catered for

5 Wine Street, Sligo • Tel: 071-914-2280

Gary McDermott

Gary McDermott (Carton House) during the finish of Matchplay Round 2 on April 6th 2015 for the 2015 West of Ireland Open Championship, Co. Sligo, Golf Club, Rosses Point, Sligo, Ireland.Picture: Thos Caffrey / Golffile

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

F

rom as long as he can remember, as a child, Easter meant one thing to Gary McDermott , it wasn’t the Easter Eggs, and it wasn’t necessarily the school holidays, although they did help, - Easter meant one thing – “The West” – The West of Ireland Golf Championships held in his village, Rosses Point at his Golf Club – County Sligo Golf Club.

As a young boy and aspiring Golfer, every Easter he would watch the greatest amateur golfers take on one of the world’s challenging courses, take on one another and take on themselves. The West after 2 rounds of qualifying Stroke play, is a match play competition, when you lose to your opponent, you’re out, when you win, you go into the next round, just like a cup competition in soccer, the qualifying stroke play rounds are played on Good Friday and Easter Saturday – Easter Sunday Morning, it’s 64 golfers, 32 Matches – the best over 18 holes – Easter Sunday Afternoon – Its 32 golfers and 16 matches, and so on thru Easter Monday till Easter Tuesday afternoon and two golfers remain – Last man standing takes home the cup, and the title of West of Ireland Golf Champion.

A young Gary McDermott who started playing golf at 7 years of age has watched some amazing golfers win the West, Gareth Mc Gimpsey, Ken Kearney, Padraig Harrington, many times he has looked up at the winners roll of honour – some of Irelands greatest golfers are listed there - Des Smyth, Barry Reddan, John Burke, David Long, Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy. The young McDermott wants his name there too… forget about the Masters, the Open, they are of no interest to this young man – his dream is to win the West!

The 2016 West of Ireland Golf Championship will be Gary McDermott’s 12th outing in the competition – he has qualified through to the match play section on each occasion, and he has gone close to being that last man standing, making the quarter final on a few occasions and making it to Tuesday mornings Semi-finals once in 2011, beaten by eventual winner Paul Cutler. The Dream still keeps on burning – McDermott is an established golfer on the amateur scene; he has competed at the higher end of the board in all the major amateur competitions. At the North of Ireland Championship he has reached the quarter finals, and the same at the South of Ireland Tournament and the Irish Close Championship, at the East of Ireland Championship he has been 2nd, 6th and in the top 10 numerous times. At the Irish Amateur Open, a competition open to world amateur golfers, he finished 2nd in 2014 after leading for the first 3 rounds of the competition. His pedigree is high and well respected. He

Gary McDermott (Co. Sligo) with his caddy for the day, Ian Baraclough, manager of Sligo Rovers F.C., during round 2 of The West of Ireland Amateur Open in Co. Sligo Golf Club. Picture: Thos Caffrey / www.golffile.ie works with two coaches, Mark McTiernan a golfing friend also from Rosses Point and the renowned Jonny Foster in Belfast – “Small things done well, make big differences” is the coaching philosophy.

Fitness and strength work are also included as is the modern era of the golfing game and this is done with Robbie Cannon, an esteemed golfer himself.

It’s worth noting that while the West is an amateur competition, there will be golfers at the championship who are full time golfers, they have already played competitions this year in Spain and Portugal and gained that competitive form. Gary’s run in to the West would have started mid-February, combining his job with AIB and time on the golf course can be challenging as he prepares for a pitch at the West title. Working in Dublin, he plays his Golf out of Carton House where another Rosses Point native Francis Howley is the club Professional “Francis

has looked after me really well and I am very grateful” says McDermott. “I have never wanted to be a full timer, it brings its own stresses, and while it is an advantage it can bring lots of pressure too” Gary explains that the west really is the only one, - “for me it’s the best one, the only tournament that I only really get the butterflies for and the adrenaline really pumps, I don’t always get that at other tournaments, it’s the season opener and the weather can be unpredictable, I prefer bad weather, I can grind out a result better, and then it’s my course, my home event, the crowds, its special!”

Gary recalls how he grew up beside the golf course at Rosses Point, caddied for his dad, and started playing golf with his mates and looking up to some of the the clubs Senior players who he later then played Senior Cup golf with – “we looked up to some great golfers in the club, David Dunne, Gerald Sproule, the Flanagan’s, Seryth

Heavey – it was a great apprentice!”

Golf can be cruel at times, and in such a championship like the West, you need everything to go your way all the time, all of the time throughout the 5 days of golf, that’s if you survive to get 5 days at the tournament. With Elite amateur sport so professional these days, competition is high, especially for the normal working amateur such as McDermott, but that childhood dream is still alight, it still flickers and come this Good Friday that dream of McDermott’s will be burning brightly, shared by all involved with Golf at County Sligo Golf Club and the locals in Rosses Point. It may be Easter but Gary McDermott will be in many people’s prayers that weekend.

It’s been over 60 years since a Sligo- Rosses Point person has won the West and Gary McDermott is the perfect golfer to end this drought. I put it to him – if he becomes the last man standing this Easter and is

presented with that iconic Cup, does he know what he will say…? “it’s a speech I’ve thought about a lot over the years and then I still really don’t know what I’d say – an honour firstly to follow in the footsteps of so many greats, a tribute to my family and my father who introduced me to golf. To the members of the club and the club itself, I imagine for onlookers it’s hard to watch golf, never mind a father watching his son, it would be a very humbling experience, a lot of thank you’s to people who supported me and put up with me.. I would try to convey that” and then I ask… for you Gary…. what would it mean to you if you won it? - “Achieving my dream” – a simple answer from an elite sportsman who has no wish for major world honours but only to win the biggest competition that his club hosts every Easter.

Bruce Springsteen has a song called “Working on a Dream” It could well have been written

22

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

TRY ARCHERY AT CARROWMORE ARCHERS THIS SUNDAY 20TH MARCH

W

e are having a have a go session at Carrowmore Archery on Sunday 20th March, suitable for complete beginners and improvers from approximately 9* t0 99 years of age. Fee per adult is â‚Ź15 and â‚Ź10

per child, this includes all training and equipment.

Text David on 083 400 4130 to arrange your booking. Pre-booking essential, spaces are very limited! *the lower age limit is determined somewhat by mental maturity and

physical ability, the child will have to understand that they are using a weapon and have the ability to safely pull a bow. We assess each child individually but of course there is no charge if they cannot participate.

Irish Colleges Strokeplay Championship

A selection of some of the photos taken at day one held at Strandhill Golf Club

CONNACHT B Handball Championships A list of competitors who took part in last weekends handball championship which was held in Collooney Quarter Finals Sligo v Galway U11 singles TJ Foody (Sligo) v Galway tbc U12 singles Seamus Foody (Sligo) v Yann O Maille (Galway) U12 Doubles Oisin Quinn/Sean Donnegan (Sligo) v Cathal /Liam O Laoire (Galway) U13 singles Patrick Cooney (Sligo) v Liam Seoighe (galway) U15 Doubles colm Naughton/ darragh barrins (Sligo) v Thomas o Connor/ Oisin Noone (Galway) U16 doubles Diarmaid harte/ Vincent Harte (Sligo) v Luke Adams/Colm Healy (Galway) U17 singles Tony Fox (Sligo) v Sean Hession (Galway) GIRLS U13 singles Laura Foody (Sligo) v Niamh Burke (Galway) SEMI FINALS Letrim v Sligo/Galway BOYS U11 SINGLES Darren Wrynne(Letrim) v winner Sligo/ galway U11 doubles Aaron Coleman/Iarla Quinn (Sligo) v Galway tbc U12 Singles Ciaran McMorrow (Letrim) v winner Sligo/ Galway U12 doubles Karol Foley/Dean Cornyn (Letrim) V winner Sligo/Galway U13 Singles Ronan Moran (Letrim) v winner Sligo /Galway U13 Doubles Sean Lynch/Conor Flood (Letrim) v Paul Kearns/Liam Davoren (Galway) U14 Singles Caolan McDermott (Letrim) v Labhras Hession (Galway) U14 doubles Brendan Gunning/Adam Houte (Letrim) v Enda lawless/ Paul Costello(galway) U15 singles Fergal Moran(Letrim) v Sean Maughen (Galway) U15 Doubles David Gallagher/Garrett Gilmartin (Letrim) v winner Sligo/Galway U16 singles no game U16 doubles James Lennon/Tom McKeon (Letrim) v winner Sligo/Galway U17 singles David Wrynn (Letrim) v winner Sligo/Galway U17 doubles no game GIRLS U11 Karley Cooney (Sligo)v Galway tbc U12 singles Elaine Naughton (Sligo) v Eadaoin Nic Dhonnacha(Galway) U13 singles Edel O Donnell (Letrim) v winner Sligo/Galway U15 singles Sarah Coleman (Sligo) v Rachael Gavin (Galway) Well done to all who took part

We would love if your club could submit pictures and reports on what is happening in your organisation on a regular basis and we will be sure to include it. It is important that we get as much involvement from clubs such as yours from the get go so any info you have please send it to seamus@sligosport.ie or feel free to contact me on 085 2498067.

23

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

County Sligo Surf Club H

ip Hip Hooray to everyone that turned up t for our first junior fun competition. The conditions were not classic but everyone went in and really tried hard, well done to all. The real hero's were the parents who stood around in the cold and sometimes rainy day, watching and worrying how their prodigies would preform. ell all the kids were fantastic, particularly the under 10s. All out trying to catch waves all by themselves and going hard. We had surfers from Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, and some of the real travelers came from Dublin.

W

U10 Boys.

1st Sky Sacolax Killiney Bay surf club 2nd Cathal Deery Co. Sligo surf club 3rd Conor Golden. Co, Sligo surf club U12 Boys.

1st Mathew Burke Kennedy Easkey surf club 2nd Eoin Mc Kirdy Co. Sligo Surf Club 3rd Mika Sacolax. Killiney Bay surf club 4th James Golden Co. Sligo surf club 5th Finnian Howard Co. Sligo surf club U14 Boys 1st Nicolas Garcia Co. Sligo surf club 2nd Tiernan Mc Crea Rossnowlagh surf club 3rd Shea Porter Causway coast surf club 4th Callum Wall Co. Sligo surf club U16 Boys 1st Rodrigo Garcia Co. Sligo surf club 2nd Tiernan Mc Crea Rossnowlagh surf club 3rd Jack Scott Rossnowlagh surf club 4th Nicolas Garcia Co. Sligo surf club

U18 Boys.

1st Rodrigo Garcia Co. Sligo surf club 2nd Jack Scott Rossnowlagh surf club 3rd Tiernan Mc Crea. Rossnowlagh surf club 4th Ewan Foy Co. Sligo surf club U14 Girls 1st Susana Garcia Co. Sligo surf club.

2nd Calina Sacolax. Killiney Bay surf club 3rd Sara Mc Kirdy Co. Sligo surf club U16 Girls 1st Una Britton Rossnowlagh surf club 2nd Mairaid Cavanagh Co. Sligo surf club U18 Girls.

1st Mia Monaghan Rossnowlagh surf club.

WELL DONE TO ALL

SLIGO ACUPUNCTURE & TUINA Tuina (Deep Tissue Massage) • Sports Injuries • Sciatica • Ankle or Wrist Pain • Joint Pain • Neck Pain & Stress • Back Pain For information or to make an appointment Contact Shane on 087-1340772 • www.sligoacupunctureandtuina.com

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016 SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

6 recipes you should try from Irish sports star David Gillick’s cookbook

A

GillyBars

head of the big race David shared below his top five training tips and top six recipes for race week to ensure all participates achieve their personal best on the day!

Ingredients: 250g agave syrup or honey 200g porridge oats 200g good-quality lowsugar peanut butter 150g raisins 100g skimmed milk powder 100g dried apricots, chopped 100g chopped walnuts (or any chopped nuts) 50g sesame seeds 3 tbsp melted coconut oil Makes 12

1. Don’t try anything new on race day – this includes trying any new nutrition routines, drinks or kit, especially trainers, blisters aren’t good!!

2. Do make sure that you are hydrated in the days prior to the Triathlon, especially on the day you compete.

Don’t simply down litres of water in one go, sip over the days leading up and morning of the race.

Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Line a deep baking tray with parchment paper. Mix all the ingredients together in a

3. Add a little more carbohydrates to your meals in the run up to the race, don’t just eat a big meal the night before. Finish your morning meal 2.5-3 hours before yours due to start competing.

4. Make sure you do a good warm up that you have tried before while training, don’t just stand there waiting for the race to start, get moving, stretching and get your heart rate up!

Switch your body on!

5. Finally, look at the course, check the maps and the transition areas so you can identify where your bike and kit will be. Also have a race plan and include nutrition into it, when you will eat and what. Be prepared!

David’s Tasty Training Recipes: From Chicken, Quinoa and Mango Salad to healthy Pancakes and his signature ‘Gillybars’ there’s healthy options for all culinary abilities.

large bowl. Use your hands and make sure all ingredients are well combined. Transfer to the lined tray and spread out in an even layer. Use your hands to pat it down firmly. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden brown, not burnt. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 30 minutes. When it has cooled slightly but is still in the tray, cut into bars.

Wrap the tray in cling film and leave in the fridge over-night so that the bars harden. When hardened, you can store the whole tray in the fridge or re-move the bars and wrap each bar individually in cling film. Store in the fridge and use as needed.

Butternut, Chicken and Bacon Casserole

Chicken, Quinoa and Mango Salad

Ingredients: 1 and a half Onions (finely chopped) 5 Rashers of Bacon (cut into large strips) 500g Butternut (diced) 1 Knorr Chicken Stock Cube 200g Boiling Water 20g Wholegrain mustard 400g Tinned Tomatoes 15g Tomato Paste 1 teaspoon Dried Majoram 1 teaspoon Dried Basil 15g Coconut Oil 200g Buttoned Mushrooms (cut in half) Fresh Basil (to garnish) Serves 4 Cooking times: Slow cooker: Low for 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours

Ingredients: 60g quinoa 1 tsp coconut oil 1 medium chicken breast, chopped into bitesized chunks 1 ripe mango 1/2 red pepper, chopped 1/2 red onion, chopped handful of mixed salad leaves handful of fresh mint leaves, Lunchchopped can be tough. A juice of 1/2 lemon – 15glot cashew nuts,don’t have of people chopped time to cook and are Serves 1 looking for something quick and healthy. Every Method: meal should be balCook the quinoa as peranced the packet instructions and include eleand drain well. Melt thements coconut oilall in the a frying from food pan over a medium heat.

AddIthe groups. like chicken using wraps, and cook for 10 minutes, occasionally, asstirring they are lighter than until it’s cooked through.

To cutor the mango,and I paninis ciabatta, run a knife from the toppack into the middle them full ofand goodaround the stone to theness. bottom.

Take the cut The avocado purée upwards, piece and with the fleshispointing full of healthy fats, plus slice the segment from top to bottom andmoist left it makes the wrap to right without piercingand all the way through. appetising.

Another Using your hands, push on thewrap skin side and the good filling is turkey flesh part will flare out, making easy to cut it and theit homemade away from the skin. Combine the(recipe cookedavailcoleslaw quinoa, mango, red pepper, red onion, salad able in book). leaves and chopped mint in a bowl and drizzle Ingredients the lemon juice over. Mix theavocado chicken and 1/2inripe sprinkle with the chopped cashew nuts.

Method: Combine bacon and onion and place in the slow cooker and place chicken and potatoes on top. In a measuring jug add chicken stock with hot water, stir until dissolved and in a large bowl combine stock with mustard, tomatoes, paste, herbs and coconut oil. Stir together and pour into slow cooker. Cover and cook according to times above. 1 hour before cooking has finished add mushrooms. Serves alongside some boiled broccoli and green beans.

Chicken and Spinach Wrap

Lemon and Coconut Chicken Ingredients (per person): 120g Chicken, diced 200g sweet potato, peeled and cubed 1 tsp / 4g Coconut Oil 1/2 Lemon, juice & rind 1 Small Onion, diced 1 Garlic clove, crushed 40g Creamed Coconut (1 sachet) Half Green Chilli, finely chopped Fresh Coriander, chopped 60g Courgette, chopped finely Half red pepper, chopped 40g Asparagus, chopped Boiling Water

Protein Balls Ingredients 50g porridge oats 30g shredded desiccated coconut, plus extra for coating 10g chocolate or vanilla-flavoured whey protein 4 tbsp good-quality low-sugar peanut butter 2 tbsp honey 1 tbsp cocoa powder makes 8 balls

Pancakes Ingredients (per person): 60g Oat 25g Whey protein (Optional) 1 Egg 1 tsp / 5g Coconut Oil 70g Greek yoghurt 50g Berries 1 tbsp chopped nuts Water

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Divide into eight equal portions and roll into balls between the palms of your hands.

Sprinkle some extra coconut in a shallow bowl and roll the balls in it. Chill until ready to eat. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

AIRE approved Est 1997

Method: Place oats in bowl and lightly cover with water. Microwave

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for 40 seconds.

Crack egg into oats in bowl.

Add scoop of protein if desired.

Mix really well with fork. Heat coconut oil in pan.

Ladle oat mixture into pan to make palm sized pancakes.

Fry for 3-4 minutes or until lightly brown.

Flip sides, be careful, make sure the bottom is cooked enough to flip. Transfer to plate and cover with Greek yogurt, berries and chopped nuts.

All leading sports brands stocked

Method: Boil cubed sweet potato in water. Heat oil in pan, and sauté the chopped onion.

Add crushed garlic and lightly brown the diced chicken. Add the chopped vegetables. Soften creamed coconut in a cup of boiling water until soft and then pour contents into pan. Grate in rind of lemon and then squeeze in lemon juice.

Stir everything and if creamed coconut is still lumpy, add some water and mix. Let simmer for 2 min. Place sweet potato on plate and cover with lemon chicken and vegetables.

Large selection of trophies and medals stocked

“Where all sports people call” 28 Grattan Street, Sligo • (071) 916 2929 Email: johnkentsports@eircom.net

Clubs and schools catered for

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016 SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

6 recipes you should try from Irish sports star David Gillick’s cookbook

A

GillyBars

head of the big race David shared below his top five training tips and top six recipes for race week to ensure all participates achieve their personal best on the day!

Ingredients: 250g agave syrup or honey 200g porridge oats 200g good-quality lowsugar peanut butter 150g raisins 100g skimmed milk powder 100g dried apricots, chopped 100g chopped walnuts (or any chopped nuts) 50g sesame seeds 3 tbsp melted coconut oil Makes 12

1. Don’t try anything new on race day – this includes trying any new nutrition routines, drinks or kit, especially trainers, blisters aren’t good!!

2. Do make sure that you are hydrated in the days prior to the Triathlon, especially on the day you compete.

Don’t simply down litres of water in one go, sip over the days leading up and morning of the race.

Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Line a deep baking tray with parchment paper. Mix all the ingredients together in a

3. Add a little more carbohydrates to your meals in the run up to the race, don’t just eat a big meal the night before. Finish your morning meal 2.5-3 hours before yours due to start competing.

4. Make sure you do a good warm up that you have tried before while training, don’t just stand there waiting for the race to start, get moving, stretching and get your heart rate up!

Switch your body on!

5. Finally, look at the course, check the maps and the transition areas so you can identify where your bike and kit will be. Also have a race plan and include nutrition into it, when you will eat and what. Be prepared!

David’s Tasty Training Recipes: From Chicken, Quinoa and Mango Salad to healthy Pancakes and his signature ‘Gillybars’ there’s healthy options for all culinary abilities.

large bowl. Use your hands and make sure all ingredients are well combined. Transfer to the lined tray and spread out in an even layer. Use your hands to pat it down firmly. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden brown, not burnt. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 30 minutes. When it has cooled slightly but is still in the tray, cut into bars.

Wrap the tray in cling film and leave in the fridge over-night so that the bars harden. When hardened, you can store the whole tray in the fridge or re-move the bars and wrap each bar individually in cling film. Store in the fridge and use as needed.

Butternut, Chicken and Bacon Casserole

Chicken, Quinoa and Mango Salad

Ingredients: 1 and a half Onions (finely chopped) 5 Rashers of Bacon (cut into large strips) 500g Butternut (diced) 1 Knorr Chicken Stock Cube 200g Boiling Water 20g Wholegrain mustard 400g Tinned Tomatoes 15g Tomato Paste 1 teaspoon Dried Majoram 1 teaspoon Dried Basil 15g Coconut Oil 200g Buttoned Mushrooms (cut in half) Fresh Basil (to garnish) Serves 4 Cooking times: Slow cooker: Low for 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours

Ingredients: 60g quinoa 1 tsp coconut oil 1 medium chicken breast, chopped into bitesized chunks 1 ripe mango 1/2 red pepper, chopped 1/2 red onion, chopped handful of mixed salad leaves handful of fresh mint leaves, Lunchchopped can be tough. A juice of 1/2 lemon – 15glot cashew nuts,don’t have of people chopped time to cook and are Serves 1 looking for something quick and healthy. Every Method: meal should be balCook the quinoa as peranced the packet instructions and include eleand drain well. Melt thements coconut oilall in the a frying from food pan over a medium heat.

AddIthe groups. like chicken using wraps, and cook for 10 minutes, occasionally, asstirring they are lighter than until it’s cooked through.

To cutor the mango,and I paninis ciabatta, run a knife from the toppack into the middle them full ofand goodaround the stone to theness. bottom.

Take the cut The avocado purée upwards, piece and with the fleshispointing full of healthy fats, plus slice the segment from top to bottom andmoist left it makes the wrap to right without piercingand all the way through. appetising.

Another Using your hands, push on thewrap skin side and the good filling is turkey flesh part will flare out, making easy to cut it and theit homemade away from the skin. Combine the(recipe cookedavailcoleslaw quinoa, mango, red pepper, red onion, salad able in book). leaves and chopped mint in a bowl and drizzle Ingredients the lemon juice over. Mix theavocado chicken and 1/2inripe sprinkle with the chopped cashew nuts.

Method: Combine bacon and onion and place in the slow cooker and place chicken and potatoes on top. In a measuring jug add chicken stock with hot water, stir until dissolved and in a large bowl combine stock with mustard, tomatoes, paste, herbs and coconut oil. Stir together and pour into slow cooker. Cover and cook according to times above. 1 hour before cooking has finished add mushrooms. Serves alongside some boiled broccoli and green beans.

Chicken and Spinach Wrap

Lemon and Coconut Chicken Ingredients (per person): 120g Chicken, diced 200g sweet potato, peeled and cubed 1 tsp / 4g Coconut Oil 1/2 Lemon, juice & rind 1 Small Onion, diced 1 Garlic clove, crushed 40g Creamed Coconut (1 sachet) Half Green Chilli, finely chopped Fresh Coriander, chopped 60g Courgette, chopped finely Half red pepper, chopped 40g Asparagus, chopped Boiling Water

Protein Balls Ingredients 50g porridge oats 30g shredded desiccated coconut, plus extra for coating 10g chocolate or vanilla-flavoured whey protein 4 tbsp good-quality low-sugar peanut butter 2 tbsp honey 1 tbsp cocoa powder makes 8 balls

Pancakes Ingredients (per person): 60g Oat 25g Whey protein (Optional) 1 Egg 1 tsp / 5g Coconut Oil 70g Greek yoghurt 50g Berries 1 tbsp chopped nuts Water

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Divide into eight equal portions and roll into balls between the palms of your hands.

Sprinkle some extra coconut in a shallow bowl and roll the balls in it. Chill until ready to eat. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

AIRE approved Est 1997

Method: Place oats in bowl and lightly cover with water. Microwave

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for 40 seconds.

Crack egg into oats in bowl.

Add scoop of protein if desired.

Mix really well with fork. Heat coconut oil in pan.

Ladle oat mixture into pan to make palm sized pancakes.

Fry for 3-4 minutes or until lightly brown.

Flip sides, be careful, make sure the bottom is cooked enough to flip. Transfer to plate and cover with Greek yogurt, berries and chopped nuts.

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Method: Boil cubed sweet potato in water. Heat oil in pan, and sauté the chopped onion.

Add crushed garlic and lightly brown the diced chicken. Add the chopped vegetables. Soften creamed coconut in a cup of boiling water until soft and then pour contents into pan. Grate in rind of lemon and then squeeze in lemon juice.

Stir everything and if creamed coconut is still lumpy, add some water and mix. Let simmer for 2 min. Place sweet potato on plate and cover with lemon chicken and vegetables.

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26

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

SLIGO ALL STARS PHOTOS: Jordan Cummins Email: jordancumminsphotography@gmail.com

U12 Development Squad A big well done to our u12 development squad who played host to Mulroy Hoops and Letterkenny Blaze today. We had a total of 19 players suit up today and everybody had a great time. There were some great performances during the day especially considering that some of our boys were playing their first games!!

Well done boys and major thanks to all the parents who donated snacks etc... Much appreciated!!

Girls U14’s The Girls U14 Girls took on Kilcar in the Mercy. The girls pulled off a good win against their Donegal counterparts winning the game 41 - 22. Top scorer with 10 points P Lacorte.

Squad: A Doyle, R McDonnell, E Ledwith, S Gorman, E Sherlock, L Morrison, J Morgan, P Lacorte, R McIntyre, A Doherty, N Kaniki, J Hannuel, A Moylan, A Ahmed, R McManus & D McManus.

Boys U14’s

Congrats to our U17 Boys team who won the James Hobbert Memorial Tournament in Tralee.

This is the second time in 3 years we've won this tournament so the future is certainly bright.

Special mention to Coach Pau Vila & Tournament MVP Oisin O'Reilly.

The Boys U14s played Letterkenny Blaze in a top of the table encounter. After a being out scored in 3 of the 4 quarter the Blaze were too strong for our All Stars with the side losing by 9 points; 4655 Top scorer with 10 point E Flynn.

Fortunes were better for the boys U14’s when they played Kilcar, winning 47-21. The boys took charge for the start with E Flynn clocking up 10 points.

Squad: C Kevany, E Flynn, D Mulldoon, C Connell, L Pilpauskas, J Walsh, C Flynn, C Feehily, O Harte, J Henry & D Oates.

Donegal Town’s visit to the Mercy in February

D

onegal Town visited the Mercy early in February with the Boy’s Under 14 up first. After a tight first quarter with Donegal winning by 1 point, 8 - 9, the All Stars took over from there with a home win of 34 - 26 at the final whistle.

Well done everyone and thanks to all that traveled!

Second game of the day was the Boy’s Under 13’s vs Donegal Town. The All Stars had a great start with the team up by 7 after the first quarter 10 - 03. The lead was held until the fourth quarter with Donegal fighting hard to bring the game within 2 point however the All Stars held out to take the game 23 -21. A great game of basketball was on show!

Well done to all and thanks to everyone that travelled. Also thanks to all that assisted with the set up and the tea stand, it is much appreciated.

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27

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

SLIGO ALL STARS PHOTOS: Jordan Cummins Email: jordancumminsphotography@gmail.com

Our U12 girls North West League team had a thrilling 45 points to 44 win over local rivals Ballyshannon today after overtime. After suffering a heavy defeat to the same opposition on Thursday evening the girls showed great heart and determination and no little skill in gaining their revenge today. 12 different girls scored in what was truly a great team display. Well done girls!

Well done to our U12 girls development team who won 2 out of 3 matches at their blitz in Ballyshannon today. The girls are showing great improvement with every game.

Boy’s U13’s in action against Kilcar & Letterkenny Blaze

T

he Boy’s U13’s were in action against Kilcar and Letterkenny Blaze last week. Against Kilcar the boys took charger early on winning the game 46-34. With our top scorer with 10 points Matti Weclawowicz The second game was against the Blaze which did not go so well with the Blaze winning by 16 point; 33-49. The boys put in a courageous 4 quarter taking 15 point to 6 however this was not enough to catch the Blaze. Top scorer for the All Stars with 9 point D Masa.

Squad: A Yu, C O’Reilly. B Gosakahi, R Young, D Massa, C Fahy, Matti Weclawowicz

28

IT Sligo Hurlers Celebrate Fergal Maher Cup Success

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS 2016 29th.Feb.2016 North/South 1st. P.Kilcawley & G.McCafferty 2nd. H.Demmel & J.Hargadon 3rd. O.Bodeker & P.Keyes 4th. M.Dufficy & G.Hynes East/West 1st. T. &A. Daly 2nd.M.Cullen & M.Carter 3rd. L.Boyle & B.Pugh 4th. O.Williams & E.Canning 22 Feb.2016 Charity Drive North/South 1st. M.Dufficy & G.Hynes 2nd. P.Keyes & O.Bodeker 3rd. S.Gillen & B.Pugh 4th. M.Burgess & O.Bourne East/West 1st. U.Gleeson & M.Brennan 2nd. C.Gill & M.Costello 3rd. O.Williams & E.Canning 4th. Mons.Dolan & B.Walsh 15th Feb.2016 North/South 1st. C.Johnson & M.Heraughty 2nd. P.O’Hara & H.Clarke 3rd. G.& S.Gillen 4th. M.Kennedy & N.Faul

East /West 1st B.Pugh & S.McMunn 2nd. P.Kilcawley & G.McCafferty 3rd. L.Walsh & M.Corcoran 4th. C.Gill & M.Costello 8th Feb 2016 North /South 1st. M. Heraughty & C.Johnson 2nd. G & S Gillen 3rd.P.Keyes & O. Bodeker 4 th. P.Neiland & A.Flanagan East/West 1st G. Mc Cafferty & P. Kilcawley 2nd. E.Canning & O.Williams 3rd. = A.Soden & U. Gleeson 3rd= L.Walsh & M. Corcoran Club Results in usual form.

North/South 1st. U.Glesson & M.Brennan 2nd. G.Hynes & M.Dufficy 3rd. M.Heraughty & C.Johnson East/West 1st. E.Carty & M.Sherlock 2nd. A.Mullen & A.Soden 3rd.H.Gillen & J.Noonan

IT Sligo team: Michael Carroll (Galway), Adrian Judge (Mayo), Ciaran Mangan (Dublin), Jack Dowling, Kilkenny, Conor Coyle (Roscommon), Gavin Butler (Kilkenny), Phil Reilly (Westmeath), Dean Flynn (Galway), Cathal Dolan (Roscommon), Johnny Bermingham (Westmeath), Damian Golden - Capt (Westmeath), Jack Galvin (Westmeath), Cathal Kenny (Roscommon), Pat Kiely (Mayo), Emmet Corrigan (Westmeath).

I

T Sligo GAA Club hurlers are the Fergal Maher Cup champions for 2016 thanks to a highly impressive 4-12 to 0-13 win against GMIT Letterfrack at the Higher Education hurling finals weekend, played at Cork Institute of Technology.

The team, managed by Sligo senior hurling boss, Declan Loughnane, defeated St Mary's University College, Belfast, in Friday's semi-final. They then followed that up with another stirring display in Saturday's final with man of the match Jack Galvin, a recent Sports Scholarship recipient at IT Sligo and intercounty hurler with Westmeath, scoring 3-6 of the Institute's tally.

"It was one of those weekends when everything went according to plan," said a delighted Declan afterwards. "We knew at the start of the year that we had a decent team but, between club commitments and injuries, we never got all the players during during the campaign.

"However, when we needed them, each man from keeper to corner forward stepped up to the plate. Their workrate from start to finish was tremendous".

Paying tribute to the hurlers success, IT Sligo GAA Club secretary Brian McCann said: "This is the Institute's third hurling championship success but our first time to lift the Fergal Maher Cup." "We're also very appreciative to our sponsors AIB - and to the Friends of IT Sligo hurling group which comprises past players and students of the Institute," he added.

"They played a key role in recent months in helping to raise important funds for the team in advance of the competition."

Elaine Coghill lining up a putt during Saturday’s Diageo Ladies Winter League Final at strandhill golf club

Woodlands Equestrian Centre

All finished and ready to get back to business!

Fantastic job and a massive thank you to David Mc Munn and his lads! Thanks also to Paul and Shane Kilcoyne for harrowing it and to Damien and Stephen who spent yesterday on the roof replacing the sky lights!!!

Wasn't without its logistical problems, but now it's time to enjoy our new "David Mc Munn" surface!!!

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

URSULINE COLLEGE HOCKEY UPDATE

29

Congrats to our 12 Ursuline 1st year players who played for Yeats County Hockey Club along with Mercy and Grammar girls in a friendly blitz with Pembroke HC from Dublin.

Our 2nd 1st Cahill team drew 0-0 with the Bower from Athlone. Hannah Ryder drew the short straw to be keeper and kept a clean sheet well done girls ...

1st year Cahill team lost 1 -0 to Bower from Athlone but played very well and unlucky not to score...well done girls..

1st year Blackmore team lost 3-1 to a very strong Bower side but played some lovely hockey with some excellent passes.

Ursuline college hockey team with TD Tony McLoughlin on a recent visit

30

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

Sonia O’Sullivan: Back at schools’ cross-country event that made me

I could never have dreamed back then of lifestyle that athletics has given me since It was the step-by-step approach that made the Irish schools events so pivotal in my approach to athletics – the gradual improvement and then success as a young athlete. The first step was the south Munster schools, through which you qualified for the Munster schools: then finishing in the top-15 to guarantee a place at the All-Ireland championships.

In the 1984 All-Irelands in Dungarvan I finished eighth; it was my first time running the national championships and on a course I was familiar with, having already run the Munster championships there. So I was disappointed not to at least get a medal, especially as Anita Philpott finished second. I actually thought I would be closer to her than I was at the Munster championships, where she won.

Stepping stone Sometimes when you are out of

I

used to think it was such a long journey to travel from Cobh to the All-Ireland Schools Cross-Country Championships, staged in early March of every year.

When I was competing, in the mid-1980s, the races were held in such faraway places as Dungarvan, Dublin, Roscommon and Belfast – quite the adventure for a young girl from Cobh.

This year the Irish Schools’ Athletics Association is celebrating 100 years of competition, and the first event is the cross-country championships, which took place at Sligo racecourse last weekend.

contention in a race then that extra competitive boost you normally have is missing, and the result can look worse on paper than it really is. I was determined to return a year later and get among the medals, and at those championships, staged in Dublin, I actually won. It was another important stepping stone, another level achieved.

Interestingly, I also know when I won my last All-Ireland schools cross-country. It was in 1987 and Catherina McKiernan finished ninth; the following year she won.

Looking back at the rich history of Irish schools athletics, the names that crop up each year is like reading a who’s who of

athletics stars down the years.

But it also reveals the many great young athletes who didn’t quite reach their potential on the senior stage.

Connection This is a statistic that asks many questions and makes one wonder what we can do to retain more young athletes at a high level, beyond junior competition. This is certainly not exclusive to Ireland, but we need to do more to nurture and guide this young talent, to increase the pool of athletes and with that produce more success at European, world and Olympic stages.

There is no better breeding ground for new talent than the

And I’ve journeyed across many timezones to be a part of the centenary celebrations – this is the event that played the most important role in my development as a young athlete, important enough for me to come back from Australia to revisit almost 30 years later.

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31

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016 It’s a great way to overcome the effects of jet lag: it can wake you up late in the afternoon, when you first arrive; or likewise set your day up with an early-morning run after that first night of interrupted sleep.

The route I regularly travel is from Melbourne via Abu Dhabi direct to Dublin, using Etihad Airways.

It’s nice to know the route and familiarity of where you stop off for an hour or two; if you stick with the same airline for long enough you may also be surprised at the check-in desk and get upgraded to the luxurious flat-bed seat in the sky.

Irish schools cross-country, which is why I’m so excited to be back. I could never have dreamed back then of the lifestyle that athletics has given me since, from spending time at Villanova on scholarship, training and racing all over Europe, and eventually ending up in Australia, while all the time maintaining very close links with Ireland.

I never want to lose that connection and whenever the opportunity arises to be a part of something special in Ireland then I usually find a way to make it happen.

I often joke about the long commute I now make to Ireland numerous times throughout the year but, like

anything else, once you have a system and routine of doing things then it becomes so much easier.

The most important thing for me is to arrive ready to hit the ground running: so it’s equally important now as it was when I was competing to look after my health while travelling, and the best way to do this is through focusing on nutrition and exercise.

I generate the ideas in my head while running and then make a general plan for the week, particularly while travelling.

I try to put aside at least one hour a day for exercise. This is not always a run but whatever can fit into the daily schedule.

Perfect balance I make sure to order the same meal, and the perfect balance for me is the fruit platter, while also drinking a lot of water.

Hydration is crucial on long-haul flights, and it can make a huge difference in the time it takes to recover on arrival after 24 hours of flying. It also means that you don’t get to sit for too long.

Getting up every couple of hours to walk around the plane also keeps the circulation going.

I know it will have been a worthwhile journey, just to catch a glimpse of the future of Irish athletics in Sligo. If I can inspire just one athlete by being here, to follow through and fulfil their potential, to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams, then the journey will feel even more worthwhile.

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32

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

ROUNDUP OF CORRAN AC RESULTS FROM CONNAUGHT INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016

W

hat a weekend for Corran AC! Around 50 athletes from our community-based club were taking part on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st February in the Connaught Indoor Championships, and I think it’s far to say we did well. As far as our count goes, we came home with 30 medals and 24 qualifications to the National

Indoor Championships in March.

No, you haven’t misread that, 30 medals, 24 qualifications to Nationals, from 50 competitors!

Saturday 20th February, Under 12s & Under 13s On Saturday, the Under-12s and Under-13s were competing, and a total of 21 athletes took part in relays,

followed by sprints, field events and hurdles.

They finished the day with glorious wins in the relays yet again to top off a superb first day.

A special word of well done to all our Under-12s, most of whom have never competed here before. They put up a very brave battle and did Corran AC very proud.

Our Under-13s were a little more experienced and claimed some well deserved medals.

Elizabeth Tighe got a bronze medal for the third place in the high jump (her first competition), while Dylan McKenna also got a bronze in the Under-13 long jump, and Emer Connolly came second in the Girls 60m, bringing home a well deserved silver medal.

In the Boys Under-13 600m, Josh McNulty took home a silver medal, just ahead of Michael Lavin who came third and got

the bronze for his efforts.

Our relay teams were outstanding on Saturday, The Boys Under-12s finished in third place and got bronze medals, while the the Girls Under-13s were just beaten into 2nd place on the closest of margins – 0.02 of a second (59.12 seconds against 59.10 second for the winners). Talk about a photo finish! Meanwhile, the Under-13 boys were still on an adrenaline rush from the AIT Grand Prix in Athlone earlier in the week, and they took gold

33

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

2016 SU International/Dave McCullagh Memorial

again in the relay to bring the evening to a close.

Sunday 21st February, Under 14s and up The older Boys and Girls took to the track and field on Sunday, and once again all who took part really did themselves and their club proud.

Erin Taheny finished 4th in the Under-14 60m Hurdles, but surprised many (but not us of course!) with a second place finish in the Under-14 60m, proudly taking home her silver medal. Zara Stafford took second place in the Under-17 400m, a relatively new distance for her, with an excellent

time of 71.42, while her school mate Aideen Coyle took third place and the bronze medal in the Under-17 200m.

The Under-14 Girls 4 x 200m relay team took a third place finish with a combined time of 1.59.11, while the Under-16 Girls finished in the silver medal position, only a matter of seconds behind Galway City Harriers. The Under-15 Girls, meanwhile, finished a very creditable 4th in a tightly contested 4 x 200m relay. The Under-17 Boys snagged the third place bronze medals in their 4 x 200m relay. The final results of the second day for Corran AC had to wait for the fiercly contested

Under-17 Boys high jump, where Craig McLoughlin got silver, and Eoin McLoughlin only just behind him took third place and the bronze medal.

All-in-all, this was a fantastic weekend for Corran AC, but most especially for all 50 athletes who took part, and their families. All of us in the club are so proud of the fantastic sportsmanship you all showed over the weekend, and the results of the training that you’ve all put in over the last few weeks especially have really paid off.

Keep an eye on the above names, folks, there are some future stars in the making here.

The 2016 SU International/Dave McCullagh Memorial took place place in Aurora Bangor from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th March 2016.

This competition is a FINA recognised qualification event for the Olympic Games in Rio and is an IPC sanctioned event.

Representing County Sligo Swim Club were Carrie McDaid, Maeve Keaney, Jade Murphy, Ciara Lynch, Peter Mooney, Thomas Maher, Eanna O Hara and David Woods .... Well done to each of these swimmers for an enjoyable and swimmingly good weekend (missing from picture is Eanna O Hara)

South Sligo Athletic Club Final countdown to Club Showpeice

The 17th of March is almost upon us and the highways and by-ways of Sligo now are littered with runners, joggers and walkers in the final stages of preparation for one of the best road races in the region. There is a palpable sense of anticipation in the air as the COUCH TO 5k participants near their date with destiny. Club chairman Gerry Lee took all the C25K participants on a run over the 5K route last weekend.Gerry is delighted with the progress and remarked that the place is “buzzing with excitement” ahead of the big day. Meanwhile the committee is in full preparation mode and once again no stone is being left unturned to make this St. Patricks day a day to remember.”This is one of the best 10K races in Connaught if not the best in terms of a challenge and organisation” according to Gerry. “ we are pulling out all the stops to ensure that this continues to be the case and look forward to a great event on Thursday week”

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34

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

Island Hunt

Johnny winning the prize for most spectacular seat recovery ! Hitachi joint the hunt as a volunteer.

Cheeky proving herself a fabulous hunting pony and Rio bravest jumper! Nothing fazes him !

Connacht Minor Football League Fixtures Home Team Sligo Roscommon Leitrim Sligo Galway

Away Team Longford Sligo Sligo Mayo Sligo

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35

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

STRANDHILL GOLF CLUB COURSE DEVELOPMENT

County Sligo Golf Club Ladies fixture for 2016

The dream team carrying out the development work at Strandhill Golf Club.

L - r: Stephen McGarrigle - Greenkeeper, Anthony Henry - Greenkeeper, Jason Kelly - Head Greenkeeper, Ally McIntosh - Golf Course Architect, James Coughlan - Golf Course Designer & Declan Kelly - Asst Head Greenkeeper.

Missing from the photo is Ruairi Fox.

L

ast month saw the commencement of work on phase one of the course development at Strandhill Golf Club. The first phase involved the restructuring of the bunkers on the course and the removal of bunkers that are superfluous.

Work got underway on the bunker complex on the first hole with the two greenside bunkers to the left of the green being filled in and the surrounding

area reshaped. Two new bunkers were added further back from the green with one of the existing bunkers being moved slightly right. Course architects, Ally McIntosh and James Coughlan pitched in with our own greenkeepers with James operating the digger and consulting with Ally on the changes to be made.

Changes were also made to the 17th hole with the addition

of two new bunkers, one in front of the green and the other to the left, partially exposed from the rough. The bank that partially obscured the view from the tee was also reshaped to allow a full view of the hole.

Superfluous bunkers were also filled in on the 16th and the eight holes and there is a new greenside bunker already under construction to the right of the eighth green.

Simone and Duke (right) from Woodland Equestrian as a demo rider on Tuesday last at Coil Og EC, Kildare for the Horse Sport Ireland Level 3 coaching course.

36

GREAT FLY CAUGHT FISH FROM THE DROWES FOR JOHNNY B

Johnny B with his fish from the Crooked Hole on Willie Gunn

T

he 22nd of February marked the second full moon of the new year, bringing with it large tides. Water levels have dropped to 0.764 metres on the gauge. With that Richard Todd opened his 2016 account with a 7lbs fish on black flying c from the Stone Ditch.

On the 22nd Johnny B also had the first fly caught fish from the river of the new season. The 8.5lbs sea liced fish took a gold bodied Willie Gunn size 8 double, tied by Tony Mc Cabe at the tail of the Crooked Hole.

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Richard Todd with his fish from the Stone Ditch

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

Sligo City Badminton Club

Well done to Jack O Brien who had a brillant weekend at the Irish Senior Badminton Championships in Dublin battling through to the semi-finals in the Singles before losing out to Owen Marron.

Club Sligo fund raising Campaign launched The highly successful Club Sligo fund raising project which has enabled Sligo County Board to complete their Centre of Excellence at Scarden was launched last month.

The project has 556 members across the country and further afield and all members will have received a letter of thanks from the County Board for their support. Launching this year’s campaign County Chairman Joe Taaffe made a point of thanking all those who have contributed to Club Sligo over the past two years and looked forward to their ongoing support for 2016.

He went on to say that the financial contribution made by members and Clubs have resulted in Sligo having one of the best facilities of this kind in Ireland.

In its first year the Centre of Excellence has catered for over 400 sessions/games and is a tremendous benefit to county teams and development squads.

The organising committee have included an incentive for all those members who pay their Membership immediately by rewarding them with free passes to Sligo’s four home Allianz National League Members can also look forward to the monthly draw for €1850 of cash prizes which has been popular since the project commenced.

Any member wishing to collect their free passes should send their Membership fee to Eamonn McMunn, Administrator Sligo GAA at the Centre of Excellence, Scarden, Sligo or collect them from the office.

Contact number for the office at Scarden – 071 9168750

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Tiling

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The Sligo team who beat Westmeath in Markievicz park last month

All classes are back on! Obedience at 7 pm and agility at 8 pm in Riverstown on Wednesdays, obedience at 10 am and agility at 11 am in Manorhamilton on Saturdays and beginners' agility at 2 pm and advanced agility at 3.30 pm in Riverstown on Sundays. Don't be shy; come along and join us! It's only €5/dog/class.

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

DEER PARK fitness levels. The first section of the walk is the toughest, rising in a series of hills before levelling out at the archaeological site.

As the trail reaches level ground the walker is treated to panoramic views of Lough Colgagh, Lough Gill and the surrounding countryside. The route then returns through the forest to the trail head below.

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earn about our ancient heritage at the Deer Park trail in Calry. This forest trail provides access to an internationally renowned court tomb which dates back to 3,000BC and which many describe as the best ruin of its type in the country.

Ascent: 40m / Length: 3.5km Time: 1.5 Hour Grade: Moderate/ Minimum Gear: Strudy walking/trekking boots, liquids, mobile phone Terain: Forest trail (all weather)

Did you know?

The Deer Park Court Tomb dates back to 3,000BC. Three internal burial chambers are separated by jamb stones, which fell in the 1920s and now sit near the tomb’s entrance. Many consider Deer Park to be the best ruin of its type in the country. There are further archaeological sites nearby, including a cashel, souterrain and wedge tombs in the adjoining lands.

Deer Park as the name suggests was an enclosure for deer and was an area originally used for hunting by the gentry.

Description: The Deer Park Loop or Court Tomb Loop as it is alternatively known, is a lovely forest trail which provides access to an internationally renowned court tomb.

The route is located on the beautiful Calry area and affords a great vantage point over Lough Gill.

Directions The trail is located 7km east of Sligo. Take the N16 from Sligo past the hospital. At the crossroads take the R286 signposted Dromahair. After 500m, take a left turn signposted Calry. Continue for approximately 5km. The walk is located on the right and is signposted Deerpark.

The Route This walk is easy to navigate and clearly waymarked. The Deer Park trail is suitable for most

Sligo Sean McGowan picture with other committee members of INDO

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38

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

Connacht Gold commits to supporting Ballinacarrow Boxing Club Sligo Ladies Gaelic Football in three-year sponsorship programme

Sligo LGFA senior team at the launch of their new jersey and sponsorship of the team by Connacht Gold

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urivo Co-op has announced details of a three-year sponsorship deal with Sligo Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA).

The sponsorship will see its iconic Connacht Gold brand appear across all senior and underage ladies’ jerseys from the beginning of March. In addition to title spon-

sorship of all Sligo LGFA squads, Connacht Gold will also hold naming rights to Sligo LGFA leagues and championship competitions.

The partnership also marks the first time in Sligo LGFA’s history that a three year sponsorship deal has been secured for the organisation.

Speaking at the formal event to launch the partnership and new kit

U16 team at the launch of the sponsorship agreements between Connacht Gold and Sligo lGFA which sees Connacht Gold sponsoring the senior and underage squads for three years.

The U14 team at the launch of the three year partnership between Sligo LGFA and Connacht Gold

at Aurivo’s HQ in Finisklin, Communications and brand manager, Lydia Rogers, said; "We’re delighted to partner our Connacht Gold brand with the teams of Sligo Ladies Gaelic Football Association through a three year programme of support. Sligo Ladies have performed particularly well in recent years and we are committed to helping them achieve even more and to reach their goals for 2016 and beyond. With headquarters for Aurivo’s global business based in Sligo, we have a strong commitment to the region and ethos of giving back to the community we are proud to be a part of.”

Concluding, Lydia Rogers said: “With sport being a major contributor to good health, combined with a healthy, balanced diet, we see this sponsorship as being an ideal fit for Connacht Gold. Our consumer foods’ ranges offer products to suit all diets and lifestyles, including for the health conscious and sports enthusiasts— a prime example being the recent launch of our Connacht Gold Protein Milk- a 500ml fresh milk bottle which contains the optimal serving of 25 grams of protein to aid muscle recovery.”

Welcoming the announcement, Sligo Ladies Gaelic Football Association chairperson, Kathleen Kane, commented; “We are delighted that Connacht Gold has gotten behind the ladies of Sligo LGFA. The subject of women in sport has received a lot of media coverage of late, and to attract a high profile brand, such as Connacht Gold, shows their commitment to the development of our dedicated senior and underage players. We look forward to working closely with Connacht Gold over the coming months and years, as ladies football goes from strength to strength”

Well done Jason Clancy who boxed very well against Sean conroy in a tournament held by ballyhaunis boxing club. Presenting the trophy is Enda Kenny

Cloonacool club notes Cloonacool Defibrillator Committee are seeking donations for the provision of a new defibrillator for the Cloonacool community. The existing defibrillators are nearly 10 years old. Wear and tear means they are not in great condition and they need to be replaced.

The cost of a new defibrillator and protective casing is approximately €1700. To meet this cost the committee have decided to take donations after masses on Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th of March in the community centre. A defibrillator for the community is of vital importance and will be there for all the community. Please support. If you want to make a donation but can’t make it on that weekend you can contact: Fergus Leonard (0877926950), Karen McIntyre (0863169126), Michael Armstrong (0868185393) or Brid Calvey (0877912725).

We had a successful table quiz in aid of the upkeep of the community park on sat night in Brennans. Thanks to all that supported.

Coolaney/Mullinabreena GAA Club notes Peile for the U.12 players takes place every Friday from 7pm to 8pm in Buninnadden Community Centre.

Player Registration will be held on Saturday 12th March in Coolaney Community Centre from 9.45am to 11am and in St.Nathy’s Hall from 10.45am to 12 noon. A 5 euro nominal fee applies ( max 20 euro per family ). All youths ( U.18 ) Must be accompanied by a guardian. This is to ensure that everyone is properly insured and that players, coaches and the club are protected in all eventualities.

Training for U.8 players continues every Saturday morning in St. Nathy’s Hall from 10am to 10.45am, and Coolaney Community Centre from 11.15am to 12pm.

The senior teams first game in the Kiernan Cup for 2016 is on Saturday 12th Match at 5pm, away against Curry.

39

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

SLIGO MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

Sunday session where there is a great blend of old and new generations training for the same purpose. Always strive to improve,

Professional Drycleaners The Perfect Spot for all Sports Club Kits Computerised system so your club knows what teams kits were laundered and when Pearse Road, Sligo Town • Phone: (071) 916 9791 Open Mon -Fri 8:30am - 6:00pm / Sat 9am-6pm keadysdrycleaners@gmail.com

40

Sligo Interagency Adult Boccia Tournament ‘16

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

Kevin Egan Astro Leagues

Margaret Callaghan Memorial Cup been presented to Sligo Astro Leagues Graham Cawley by the Callaghan Family 'left to right' Lauren Callaghan, Stefan Callaghan, Megan Callaghan, Graham Cawley, Peter Callaghan.

S

ligo Sport and Recreation (SSRP) in conjunction with the HSE training centre, Ballytivnan ran the annual Boccia Tournament in the Knocknarea Arena IT Sligo on Tuesday the 23rd February 2016. This event is part of

an overall Adult ID Sports link initiative set up by SSRP to encourage local Adult ID Services in Sligo to work more collaboratively in the area of sports and physical activity provision for service users.

A total of six agencies were involved including the HSE Ballytivnan Training Centre, the HSE Resource Centre, Tubbercurry Family Resource Centre (FRC), Rehab care, National Learning Network (NLN), and Rosses Sheltered Workshop. Each of the groups involved have been practicing the game of Boccia with the staff and identified volunteers for the past number of weeks in preparation for the tournament.

The agencies then met and challenged each other to an exciting competition in the Knocknarea arena, Sligo IT. Approximately 60 players participated and there was great fun and excitement when HSE Training Centre, Ballytivnan and NLN fought their way to the final.

Tubbercurry FRC who had won the title the previous two years running were beaten by the HSE Training Centre Ballytivnan in a very exciting semi-final.

In an exciting finish, the triumphant Training Centre, Ballytivnan were dominant in the final and overcome their excellent opponents NLN winning the final by an 8 point margin.

The HSE Ballytivnan and SSRP would like to thank all the agencies involved for their collaboration and in particular would like to thank the players for making the day a memorable one.

A special thanks to volunteers and referees on the day, who were a huge support, students George, Justin, Pater and , and a particular thank you to mairead Connolly the SSRP volunteer who coached a number of the centres in the lead up to the event and who helped with refereeing on the day.

Applications for Kelloggs GAA Cul Camp Coaches Anyone wishing to coach on this years Kelloggs GAA CĂşl Camps are required to send their CV and photocopy of the following by March 31st to: Liam Og Gormley, Sligo GAA Centre of Excellence, Scarden, Strandhill Rd. Sligo 1. Garda Vetting form 2. Child protection certificate 3. Foundation/Award 1 Coaching cert 4. Reference from club coaching officer

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

IT Sligo Unveils New Sports Scholars

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2 IT Sligo Students have been awarded new Sports Scholarships, which will develop their skills and make them ambassadors for the Institute in competitions at home and abroad.

They were presented to the students at a special ceremony on Wednesday. The first-time recipients include Donegal senior gaelic footballers Stephen McBrearty, Eoghan Bán Gallagher and goalkeeper Danny Rogers and five-time Irish women’s light welterweight boxing champion Ciara Sheedy from Co. Mayo.

Soccer goalkeeper Ali Alniyadi, originally from Oman and who has recently been part of the Sligo Rovers squad during their pre-season friendlies, is also a Sports Scholarship recipient.

While GAA and Soccer dominate the scholarship list this year with 24 awards, Athletics, Racquetball and Clay Pigeon Shooting also feature.

Colin Donegan from Cleveragh in Sligo is also making history as he is the first student from the Institute to receive a Scholarship in the sport of Lacrosse.

Congratulating all the students on their success, the Registrar of IT Sligo, Colin McLean, said: “Each of our Sports Scholarship students has excelled in their chosen sports activity and in so doing they have enhanced IT Sligo’s reputation as an academic setting that values and rewards sporting prowess.” In addition to the first time recipients, a further 23 students had their existing sports scholarships renewed. These include reigning World Kickboxing Champion Desssie Leonard from Riverstow, golfer Declan Reidy and Northern Ireland women’s soccer international Catherine Hyndman and Sligo Rovers footballer Jake Dykes.

IT Sligo allocates a €50,000 fund for Sports Scholarships Scheme and all students are entitled to apply.

Since its introduction, the scholarships have benefited students involved in a wide range of sports including soccer (ladies/men), Gaelic football (ladies/men), basketball, athletics, surfing, boxing, camogie, hurling, golf and martial arts.

Gavin Peers signs for his 11th season

S

ligo Rovers are delighted to confirm that Gavin Peers has signed to stay with the club for an 11th season.

Dave Robertson has secured the services of the experienced defender to finish the building of his squad for the 2016 season.

Peers is the club’s longest continuously serving player having joined Rovers before the start of the 2006 season.

He has made 326 appearances in The Bit o’Red in the years since making him fifth on our all-time list.

The ten years have been marked by success with Peers winning every trophy in the game.

First was in EA Sports Cup in 2010 followed by the FAI Cup that year and again in 2011 and 2013.

2012 saw him play a major role in Rovers league and the full set of trophies followed in 2014 with the Setanta Sports Cup. Peers also played an important part in Rovers Premier Division survival last year forming a solid defensive pairing with Tim Clancy in the closing stage of the season.

Peers is the 20th player to join the new Bit o’Red squad.

Dave Robertson has spoken about how thrilled he is to secure Gavin Peers as the final part of his 2016 Rovers squad.

With 12 new signings made the highly experienced defender Peers is now confirmed to be a part of it

again when the new season begins next week.

Robertson said the experience of Peers will be a big asset to his squad: “Gavin will add a lot of experience to the squad of both the league and the club. Having that experience will really help us.

He is the final bit for us to add to the squad before the season starts in March. He will provide us with experience of being successful and it is a great boost for us before the start of the season.”

The Bit o’Red has some exciting young talent at the back like Regan Donelon, Gary Boylan, Tobi Adebayo-Rowling and more who Robertson sees as benefitting from having the Dubliner around: “We have younger players but a lot of them have experience of playing in the Football League which is important. He will help us with the way we want to play with energetic full-backs beside him. It also means we will have good competition in the centre half position. Gavin will support the group we have and definitely help the other players. I think the squad we have is a squad that can be successful this season.

“Gavin has had success with the club so he knows exactly what it takes. I spoke to him at length about what we want to do here and now he is the final piece. We have an energetic group that will be honest and hard-working which is hopefully what the supporters want to see. He will be a good leader for us and I think is an excellent signing.”

With Robertson now finished with signings for his squad he reflected on some good work done to bring together the talent he has at his disposal: “I think that we have done an excellent squad putting the squad we have together. I am very keen now to get on with working with them all day in, day out. We have a bunch of lads who all want to learn, improve and get better.

Most importantly for me everyone here want to give 100% for the club and we will see where that takes us.

I think that with the players we have brought in this year will be very exciting.”

Gavin Peers is looking forward to get back out on the pitch for Rovers having put pen to paper to remain at The Showgrounds for 2016.

It will be an 11th season with the club as he brings his experience of

41

success to the dressing room.

Peers said he wanted take his time before deciding what to do for this season: “I have been speaking to the club and Dave all along. I had a few other calls as well with some clubs. But I just wanted to take my time. I had the chance to go over to America and look at doing some player-coach roles over there. But that didn’t really work out and I still want to continue playing for another few years.

“I still think I have a few good years left in me, as a centre half I should be coming into my prime now. I just want to get back out on to the pitch and let my football do the talking.”

The style of football of new manager Dave Robertson has left a good impression on Rovers fans so far in pre-season and Peers is glad to see that continue: “It’s the way it has always been here really in my time. So I would be glad for that to continue again this year. Hopefully with that we can have a successful season.”

Peers has been doing coaching badges for the last few years which is something he feels is helping him and his fellow players: “I enjoy helping the younger players. The fact that I am doing my coaching badges as well helps with that. But I have found as well that some of the work I am doing to get my coaching badges is helping me on the pitch. I am always glad to help the younger players in whatever way I can.”

The Bit o’Red begin the new season against Shamrock Rovers in what promises to be an exciting night in The Showgrounds: “I’d love to be able to be involved against Shamrock Rovers but having missed pre-season it will be tough. It’s up to me now to get fit. I just need to get a bit sharper and get back to the intensity of training, I’ll just need a week or so to catch up.

“For me my mentality has just been to try and go out and try and win every game and see where that takes us, hopefully we can finish as high as possible. I think that is the mentality that you need to have and is what we will be trying to get across to the youngsters.

We’ll see at the end of the season where we end up but we will be trying to push as high up the table as possible and go as far as possible in the cups.”

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Sligo Trio star for Ireland U20’s in their win over England

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

Superb performances from Maeve at Lisbon International meet

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ligo’s Conan O’Donnell, Cillian Gallagher and Stephen Kerins all played a major part in Ireland’s amazing come back from losing 20-6 at half time to turn the game around in the second half and go on to win 20-26 over England.

Conan O’Donnell was called back into the starting XV, having been on the bench for the game against France and Stephen Kerins earned his first start for the national side. Cillian Gallagher started all three games to date, scoring a fine and well taken try in the first game against Wales.

As the game went on against England, coach Nigel Carolan made just two changes and it was great to see the three Sligo players play the full 80 mins.

The second half performance of the young Irish team was immense and was greatly assisted by a fine performance by the three Sligo players and in particular by Stephen Kerins who put in a superb effort in what was close to a man of the match performance, the accolade of which ultimately and deservedly went to the Irish Captain and second row Ryan. Scrum half Kerins’ passing, tackling and overall speed at the breakdown was a game changer for Ireland and he, his family and his Club can be hugely proud of his display.

Well done lads!

County Sligo Golf Club AGM Sunday 13th March @ 7pm

T

he 2015 AGM of the Club is taking place on Sunday 13TH MARCH in the Clubhouse commencing at 7.00 p.m. It is an opportunity for you to meet the Officers of the Club, and to hear at first hand what has been happening over the last twelve months and what is planned for the future. It is also an opportunity for you to express your views and ideas, and to participate in the meeting.

So please put the date and time in your diaries and I look forward to meeting you on the night.

JIM FLOOD Club secretary

STRANDHILL GOLF CLUB December 50 / 50 Draw Results €100 Paul Hynes €50 Brendan McKenna €50 Johnny Redmond €50 Mary & Jackie Coyle €50 Vincent Nally €25 Jack Reynolds €25 Adrian Wynne €25 Michael Kivlehan €25 Fr Dominic Gilhooly All money raised through the 50/50 draw goes towards the course development fund. Tickets are €8 each and can be purchased in the golf shop, bar or through the office. You can also ensure that you are included in every draw by buying your ticket through monthly direct debit. Direct Debit forms are available from the office.

Congratulations to all of our winners.

S

ligo Swimming Club swimmer Maeve Keaney took part at the VIII Meeting Internacional de Lisboa on 6th and 7th February. This prestigious gala took place at the University Stadium Swimming Pool Complex in Lisbon, Portugal and was attended by 580 swimmers representing 79 clubs from all over Europe, including teams from Ireland, France, Italy, Spain and of course host nation, Portugal. Maeve was one of the eight Irish swimmers selected to compete at the event.

All of the Irish swimmers are members of the Swim Ireland Connacht High Performance Centre based at Kingfisher NUI Galway which is overseen by Head Coach, Pearse McGuigan. Maeve was one of the two Irish swimmers who managed to secure A final places in all of her events, 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke. She placed a fantastic 4th overall in the "A" final of the 100m backstroke in a time of

1:06.00, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal by just 6 hundredths of a second. She secured 2nd place going into the "A" final of the 200m backstroke, but unfortunately wasn't able to compete in the final itself as the team had to fly back to Ireland that same evening.

Overall the meet was a great success for all of the Connacht high performance team and was great practice for the 2016 Swim Ulster International/Dave McCullagh Memorial which takes place at the magnificent Aurora facility in Bangor, Co. Down from 4th to 6th March. This long course competition is a FINA recognised qualification event for the Olympic Games in Rio and is an IPC sanctioned event. It is also very important as it is the first event that younger swimmers will have to obtain qualification times for the 2016 European Junior Championships which take part in Hungary in July.

Maeve, along with fellow Sligo Swimming Club

swimmers Jade Murphy, Carrie McDaid, Ciara Lynch, David Woods, Peter Mooney, Eanna O'Hara and Thomas

Maher, will be looking to post good times at the first major Irish competition of the year. Best of luck to them all!

43

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

Sligo Yacht Club W

inter training dates for Mirrors at Lough Ree are March 12/13 and April 16/17. Cost is €70 per boat, dry storage available. Training is from 10-4pm. Be sure to wrap up well,

hat, gloves, plenty of layers, also bring lunch and hot drink. Pasta will be available after training sessions. Coach for February, March and April is Graeme Grant.

In preparation for the first mirror

event of 2016 we would like to see the Mirrors at the club for 2/3rd April, we would like to get practice over the next two weekends in preparation for the Westerns on 23/24th April.

Easkey GAA Club notes Benson Cup BCGpA - Easkey play St.Pats in the first round Saturday week, 12th March 5pm Abbott Cup ACGpB - First round also vs St.Pats Sunday week, 13th March 1pm u16 Easkey u16s are away to St.Marys Sunday 13th March 11am u10 and u12 West Sligo Indoor Camp u10s Friday 4th and 18th March. 7-9pm u12s Friday 11th and 25th March. 7-9pm Development Draw Our development draw will now take place after the St Patrick’s Day parade in Easkey.

Thank you to all for the great interest and support this draw. Please contact any officer or player of the club if you want to get in before its too late. We have an on-line purchase option available for any of our overseas supporters. Thank you for your support in the past and hopefully of your support into the future.

Shamrock Gaels GAA Club

Sligo Yacht club at the Mirror Nationals in Crosshaven last year

Dates and locations for the Mirror events for 2016

Matthew White and crew - Sligo Yacht Club

Westerns 23rd – 24th April Sligo Yacht Club Easterns 21st – 22nd May Lough Ree Yacht Club Nationals 22nd – 24th July Sutton Dinghy Club Europeans 7th – 12th August Royal Cork Yacht Club Northerns 27th – 28th August Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Southerns – 9th – 10th July – Lough Derg Yacht Club ODowd – September – dates tba soon – Mullingar Sailing Club

The annual dinner dance takes place on Easter Sunday March 27th in Castle Dargan. Medals will be presented to the Senior team who won the Division 2 League in 2015 along with Player of the Year awards put the date in the diary and register your interest on our Facebook account.

Registration for 2015 remains open and you can still register for 2016 by contacting Michelle McMorrow on 087 6157455. The registration remains unchanged at €30 per child and maximum €70 per family.

Easkey Castle Fun Run The 4th Annual Easkey Castle Fun Run on Sunday 17th April incorporates a 5km, 10km and a 10 mile run around the scenic coastal route by Easkey Castle and caters for people who are serious about their running while also being very much family orientated - a run for all.

This year we will have chip timing for all races with the help of Core Timing.We will have live results on the Core Timing website as you cross the finish line; we’ll post results to our facebook page within 1 hour of finish and will also text your individual result to your mobile,So please put the date of the 17th April 2016 in your diary and decide if you want to run or walk either the 5km, 10km or 10 miles.

Curry GAA Club notes

Sarah White and crew

Muiris and Ferdia Fitzgerald

Registration for 2016 takes place in the Clubhouse on Friday, March 11th from 8-9pm and Saturday, March 12th from 12-1pm. Registration fees are as follows: Family - €120, Adult - €120, 1 Child - €60, Student - €60.

The Nursery Programme continues this Thursday from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in Moylough Heritage Centre. All kids between the ages of 4 and 6 are welcome to attend.

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CONNACHT SCHOOLS CROSSCOUNTRY

SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

Congratulations to Kieran Elliott team member of the UL 4x200m relay who set a new record (86.94) at the IUAA indoor championships 2016

North Sligo athletic club

T

he Connacht Schools Cross Country finals were held last month in Calry. It was a perfectly calm running day with the rapture blue Half Moon Bay and the rugged Killery mountains providing a perfect backdrop for the day’s proceedings. Those who attended were afforded a good day’s racing in particular from the Sligo AC athletes. The Minor Girls opened the proceedings. The opening race saw Mercy College Sligo colleagues Maeve Mooney and Eala McDermot battling each other like sworn enemies before Maeve pipped her classmate on the finish line for the friendly pair to finish 4th and 5th respectively. The Mercy team finished 4th overall. In the Boys Minor race, Summerhill College’s Michael Morgan was 3rd overall. Aoife Morris from St Marys Ballisodare was 2nd overall while Ailbhe Morgan, in 3rd place, and Eimear Joyce, in 20th position, were part of the Ursuline College

Sligo team that finished 2nd in the Inter Girls Team competition. Leo Doherty from Summerhill College was 7th overall in the Boys Intermediate race. Mary Brigid McDonagh from Mercy College Sligo may be a novice in her first year of running but she glided patiently through the field like a seasoned veteran to finish 7th overall in the Senior Girls event.

Eimear Joyce from Ursuline College was 11th and she was part of the Ursuline College Senior team that included Riona Connor that finished 3rd overall. Philip

Hunter was part of the 2nd placed Grammar Senior team. Finley Daly finished 6th and so added All Ireland qualification to his Connacht 1500M Gold from the Athlone Indoors at the weekend. Well done to all the named athletes who qualified for the All Ireland Schools Cross Country and Inter Varsities on Saturday March 5th in Sligo Race Course.

Photos courtesy David Kearins & Rory Connor.

Congratulations to Daragh Kelly u18 800m Connaught Champion

Kevin Egan Astro Leagues

Januarys player of the month 'Ronan O'Hara' of Corkys Bar FC with Sligo Astro Leagues Graham Cawley.

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

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OPEN MUGENDO WEEKEND @ SLIGO IT

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

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SLIGO SPORT MARCH, 2016

RBB PARTY Rodeo Bull Hire for Kid's Party & Events From €195 including a Zoo Bouncy Size 4x4x4 mts Complimentary.

Top Quality Animal Feeds From Pirate Ship Bouncy From €135 Size 8.2x4.2x4.2 mts

Also specialising in equestrian, yard and agri supplies.

Rodeo Bull Hire for Adults Party & Events From €250 Size of mattress 6x5 mts

QQU L5 Occupational First Aid

Sligo

8th March

SafePass

Sligo

Occupational First Aid Refresher

Sligo

4th March

UK CPCS Plant & Trade Assessments

Drumkeen

Weekly

UK Health and Safety test

Sligo

Weekly

Forlift Operations

Donegal

Fortnightly

7th Apr

Full Public Liability Cover, can be using in Pubs, Night Clubs, Community Hall, etc.

Tel: 087-0907188

P.B Carpentry & Construction Sligo

Unit 3 Rathrippon Business Park, Union Rd, Collooney, Co Sligo • nwagri@eircom.net • Tel: 071-9118892

Michael O Doherty Plexus Bio Energy Approved therapist to help you retore your life energy. Treat conditions such as pain, stress, disease and sports injuries What can be treated?

Because we work at an energy level it doesn’t matter what your problem is. Our job is to deal with what causes your problem, so people come to our clinics with every conceivable problem be it physical, emotional or mental. Children also benefit hugely from the treatment.

How does the therapy work?

Your body is made up of energy and if this energy system becomes imbalanced then your body becomes. We balance that energy system with specially developed techniques which in turn allow the body to heal.

What is the role of the Plexus therapist?

The first step in the bodies healing process is to get your energy system balanced and flowing again. The Therapist will also create a health-care programme for you depending on what your problem is. This involves looking at your diet, teaching you how to deal with your stress on a daily basis, look at your muscular and skeletal system and most importantly get your mind focused on your journey back to health.

Contact Joseph McGuiness on 086 3051356

Bundoran Star Bundoran, County Donegal.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters are offered for reef, sand, bottom and shark fishing.Our full and half day fishing charters are suitable for larger groups of anglers while shorter 2 hour trips are very popular among smaller groups, families and individuals.

Suitable for Hens, Stags and All Corporate Events

For Bookings Contact the Skipper, Patrick O Doherty on 0874198323

We provide full ball stop solutions to a range of clubs schools, colleges, soccer , golf, rugby clubs, and all other areas where high netting is required, in retractable or stationary forms.

Along with supporting new net structure we also repair nets to our highest standard where possible.

Telephone: 086-0224141| sales@connachtsportsnets.com www.connachtsportsnets.com

N4/N17 Collooney • Open 6.30am-11pm Mon- Sat and 8.00am- 11pm Sun/Bank Hols

For Health & Wellbeing!

In life we all want to choose the right options. When it comes to what we eat, the range of foods available to us can make it more difficult to choose the right option. Here at MACE we have developed a way to help. So whether you are looking for foods to fuel an active lifestyle, following a specific dietary routine, or simply want to eat more healthily, MACE has the “Right Options” in foods and drinks for you.

Look out for the “Right Options” signs throughout our store and choose the “Right Options” today.

www.mace.ie

It is important to choose a balanced diet for you. This means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions, and consuming the right amount of food and drink combined with an appropriate amount of exercise.

Sligo Junction