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Issue 89

Thursday 29th May 2014 EVERY FORTNIGHT

p4 Carrickmore’s Cliodhna Fullen – the Tyrone face of Ireland’s newest TV channel – on proving her doubters wrong, the power of positive thinking, and the health condition that threatened it all…

wee aidan's on the fast track to success p9

FEATURE p9

Fintona flash flood brings town and traffic to a standstill ONLY £1.25

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Welcome...

ISSUE 89 | 29TH MAY 2014 13

32

38

46

4

Big Interview

8

Local man rallies £110,000 support for Arvalee school

12

Coffee morning for Romanian bound church group

20

Trail blazer

27

Wit & wisdom as Omagh-born priest launches second book

38

Drumquin walk raises funds for Care for Cancer

46

Sacred Heart ABC Spectacular tournament on Main Street

44

Summer’s nearly here…

Though you might not think it, especially if you live in Fintona! But there’s no escaping the fact that the end of another school year is in sight and many of us will be looking forward to a well-earned break somewhere sunnier than Omagh.

In the meantime we visited the Costa del Carrickmore this edition, where we caught up with the ray of sunshine that is Cliodhna Fullen – the Tyrone face of brand new channel, Irish TV! Cliodhna’s always dreamed of a career in the spotlight but the events of 2013 threatened everything she thought she knew – find out why she’s back with a smile on her face and a new sense of what really matters in life in our interview.

Check out our chat with the mum of a budding young author who – aged just eight – has already had his first book snapped up by a publishing company! You’ll find him inside posing with the car he will no doubt be able to afford by his 18th birthday if he keeps it up!

We got up close and personal with the PSNI's new F District chief superintendent too – Kevin Dunwoody definitely doesn’t have a typical police background and his busy career is rivalled only by his hectic personal life.

Last but not least we have the lowdown on a brand new book by an Omagh-born author – Fr Michael Collins is a brother of another well-known writer, Jude, and has just launched his second book which is a funny and touching reflection on his many years in the priesthood.

As for Pat, you might have spotted him at the Killyclogher 10K, the Clogherney Vintage Day, the Greencastle Vintage day, the Fintona Cowboy Night, Strathroy Harps Dinner and a whole clatter of birthday parties and other functions.

Don’t miss our competition over on the Kids page – we have two family passes to the Brick City Lego exhibition at Titanic Belfast, plus full access to the museum itself, to give away!!

READ/BUY OMAGH TODAY ONLINE at www.omaghtoday.com

CONTACT US EDITORIAL

Claire Martin - 077 2563 1646 | claire@omaghtoday.com Post to: Omagh Today, 79 Moylagh Road, Beragh, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, BT79 0UN

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Email - ads@omaghtoday.com or telephone Pat - 077 1284 0985

PHOTOGRAPHY

Pat McSorley - 077 1284 0985 | pat@omaghtoday.com

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Email: claire@omaghtoday.com | pat@omaghtoday.com Tel. 028 8075 8078

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S

Living the

dream Carrickmore’s Cliodhna Fullen – the Tyrone face of Ireland’s newest TV channel – on proving her doubters wrong, the power of positive thinking, and the health condition that threatened it all…

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HE’S bright, she’s bubbly, she’s certainly no stranger to the spotlight – it would be difficult to find a better ‘face of Tyrone’ for brand new channel, Irish TV – but the road to broadcasting success has been far from smooth for Carrickmore based presenter Cliodhna Fullen.

A major health crisis in 2013 left Cliodhna questioning whether she would ever be able to return to the job she loved, or even lead a normal life with her husband and baby daughter, but after dedicating herself to a complete lifestyle change she’s back looking and feeling great, with a spring in her step and absolutely no doubt in her mind about what’s important in life!

One of five children born into a normal family in Carrickmore, there were lots of polite smiles and eye rolls from outsiders when a young Cliodhna announced she wanted to be a performer when she grew up – “they’d tell me that wasn’t a real job,” she smiles – but the determined youngster started as she meant to go on. Her primary one teacher tells a hilarious if slightly cringeworthy story about a four-year-old Cliodhna holding court on top of a table with a doll stuffed up her school jumper, explaining to her classmates how babies were born! But far from simply wanting to be centre stage, Cliodhna showed real talent from a young age, particularly as an Irish dancer.

“I absolutely loved it,” she says. “I was taught by Seamus Kerrigan and basically dedicated my whole childhood to dancing; I’d have been going several nights each week. I was part of an All-Ireland Champion dancing team and on a personal level, my biggest achievement was coming second in the West Tyrone Feis. I also played the tin whistle.

“I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer; I spent a lot of time daydreaming and visualizing my future on the stage or in front of a camera. I suppose I felt that I could never learn what I needed to know from a book, especially as back then hardly any schools offered Drama as a GCSE – I had to do that privately. But in spite of that I loved school and I worked hard, maybe harder than most people, because I wanted to prove that I could do well and sort of silence the people who said I wouldn’t be able to make the kind of career I wanted.”

Cliodhna left Dean Maguirc College after her GCSEs with a very clear plan in her head. She got a part time job for a year, saved up her money, and as soon as she turned 18 she

headed off to Belfast, enrolling on a course in Performing Arts and Theatre Studies at what was then the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education (BIFHE).

“It was a big step but I couldn’t wait to get started,” she says. “My family were really supportive – in fact I couldn’t have done any of this without them – but it was still a bit daunting at 18 going off to live in the Holy Lands on my own! I had to give up my Irish dancing though, which I think is probably my biggest regret in life so far, because I really loved it. I just couldn’t fit it in – I needed to get a job so I wasn’t able to come down home at the weekends.”

Cliodhna ended up spending six years in Belfast; she completed her course at BIFHE and then went on to study Drama at Queen’s University.

“Between the two things I studied every aspect of performing arts I could do and then when I was 21 and still a full-time student, I started my own academy. It came about after I chatted to one of my tutors; I felt there was a market for a drama school that wouldn’t just teach kids how to perform on stage or how to recite lines, but a place where they could learn real skills that they could take with them as they travelled through life. I felt very blessed to have been taught those skills myself by the people I had around me when I was growing up – things like having confidence to speak up when you know something isn’t right, and being sensitive to other people’s feelings. Those things make you a better performer, but they make you a better person, too,” says Cliodhna.

‘Act2Act’ started life in the clubrooms at Carrickmore before graduating to the more appropriate surroundings of the Patrician Hall. Cliodhna’s instinct proved right – there was demand for her services – but she could never have predicted exactly how much!

She explains: “A couple of year later things were ticking along; I was about to graduate from University and at the same time I decided to enter the Rose of Tralee competition. I ended up becoming the Tyrone Rose and it really kicked things off for me with all the interviews and the press – everybody wanted to talk about the fact that I was about to graduate and that I was working as a freelance performing arts tutor. The schools started contacting me and I ended up doing drama full time which was absolutely brilliant and something I certainly never expected when I entered the competition!”

‘Act2Act’ became simply ‘Cliodhna’s Academy’ and over the years that followed it grew and grew into a vibrant company with clients of all ages, and teaching everything from acting and dance to presentation skills, interview skills and more.

Cliodhna’s motto is ‘if you feel it in your heart, you’ll hold it in your hand’ – emphasizing her long-held belief that we each hold the power to make our own dreams come true through determination and positive thinking – and the realization of everything she had been daydreaming about since she was little more than a child certainly seemed to prove her theory!

“I loved every minute of it. You could be having a bad day for one reason or another but then you’d arrive in the car for your next class and be greeted by all these eager wee faces wanting to carry your bag or your folder – when you’re met with that sort of innocent energy there is just nothing like it, there’s no better feeling. It’s hard sometimes but there is no job more rewarding than teaching.”

Cliodhna’s style of teaching was shaped by her own experiences of feeling like a bit of a square peg in a round hole, or being told by those who should have been inspiring her that her aims were unrealistic.

“My approach was to see every child as an individual and to be mindful of how precious each and every one of them is. I wanted them to use their imaginations,

to be dreamers and to always believe in themselves. I think every single child has potential, you just have to help them unlock that and encourage them to believe they can do whatever they put their minds to.”

Little did Cliodhna know that her own philosophy was about to be tested. Married to her long-term sweetheart Barry in 2011, the couple welcomed a daughter, HannahMarie, the following year. But just four months after her birth, Cliodhna began to develop some worrying health issues. She experienced bouts of confusion and extreme tiredness, which eventually resulted in her spending five weeks in hospital in Belfast.

Cliodhna was inititally – and wrongly – diagnosed with TB meningitis, when the tuberculosis bacterium affects the lining of the brain, but doctors later revealed their suspicion that she might have lupus, an autoimmune disease which can cause a wide range of physical, neurological and emotional symptoms. She is still undergoing tests to find out for sure.

“I was terrified,” she recalls. “To begin

with they thought I was having a stroke and it was just so scary not knowing exactly what was wrong with me. At the time, even though I loved my work, I had an extremely busy and quite stressful lifestyle and my doctors encouraged me to cut that all out, which I did – thankfully I have great staff and although I have been taking more of a back seat, Cliodhna’s Academy is still going strong. I also cut out all processed foods, alcohol, fizzy drinks, anything containing aspartame, and I embarked on the Herbalife programme full time. Lupus is very poorly understood but my doctors have been impressed with the difference it’s made – I have far fewer attacks now. It’s hard but I have so much support from my family and that makes all the difference.

“In fact it was my uncle, Declan Grimes, who told me that Irish TV were looking for somebody to front their ‘County Matters’ programme in Tyrone. I talked to my doctors in Belfast about it and they said I should go for it, so I did! I do miss teaching full time – I don’t do the work in schools any more – but I’m still heavily involved with the evening classes and I have great staff working for me so it’s going well. Plus, I did that for ten years so it’s nice to do something a bit different – and being a TV presenter is something I’ve dreamt of since I was a child, standing in front of my mirror with a hairbrush for a microphone!”

Irish TV officially launched in April; it’s the brainchild of husband and wife team Pierce O'Reilly and Maireach Ni Mhaoilchiarain, backed by Mayo-born multi-millionaire John Griffin and has bought Sky channel 191, though it’s also available on Freesat and online. The firm’s operations in Northern Ireland are managed

by Donaghmore-born singer Malachi Cush and each of the 32 counties has a three-strong team, producing a weekly ‘County Matters’ programme that slots into a schedule featuring news, country music, sports, farming, fashion, children’s programmes and more. As the face of Tyrone’s County Matters Show, Cliodhna essentially gets to do the thing she loves most all day long – talk!

“I am absolutely loving it so far – I think a lot of the skills I have from working in performing arts transfer readily to working in broadcasting – for example I’m well used to establishing a rapport with people to put them at ease, and that’s really important in this job. I do still get nervous though, especially when I’m covering the more serious stories. So far I have met some really lovely people and the welcome we’ve had has been amazing. And it gives me the flexibility I need with my health issues and also with juggling being a mummy! After everything that’s happened, I just feel so lucky to be part of it.”

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Engagements, weddings, babies, gossip…

well, if it’s good enough for the NewYork Post, it’s good enough for us!

Broody alert! These two adorable bundles are twins Patrick and Áine Strong, who were born on March 13, 2014 to proud parents John and Sinéad Strong – mum Sinéad is originally from Omagh but the family now live in Monaghan. The twins arrived a month early at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, weighing a healthy 6lb 4.5oz each – a baby brother AND a baby sister for four-year-old Bláthnaid. Photo: Katrina Taggart Photography.

Pictured following their marriage at the Sacred Heart Church are Omagh bride Ciara Montague and her groom, Fergal Campbell from Fintona. The couple celebrated their marriage with a reception for family and friends at the Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan. Photo: Paula Donnelly Photography.

Newlyweds Sinead O'Neill from Ballygawley and Keith Gladney from Co. Kilkenny pictured in the stunning surroundings of the Lough Erne Golf Resort following their wedding at St Malachy’s Church, Ballymacilroy on Friday, May 2. The couple met in an Irish pub in Perth, Australia, and got engaged at Rogey in Bundoran after ringing in the New Year at the Allingham Arms in 2013 – the performer that night was Nathan Carter and he also provided the entertainment at their wedding!

The pair have now returned to their adopted home in Australia. Photo: Cormac McAleer Photography.

Congratulations to David and Jackie Crawford from Omagh, pictured here as they cut the cake to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary - 25 years wed on the 25th of May, and looking just as much in love as ever!

Congratulations to everyone who has featured on Page Six this edition! If you would like to have your photo featured here, email claire@omaghtoday.com omaghtoday | 6

Nail your style at Kara’s brand new salon LONG ones, short ones, bright ones, dark ones, quirky ones – we’re talking nails, of course! Long gone are the days when the options were limited to a solid colour or French polish, or maybe a set of dodgy stick-on falsies – nail technology has come on in leaps and bounds and these days the only limit to what you can do is your imagination!

Talented Omagh nail artist Kara Evans was just 23 when she started her own business doing acrylic and gel nails from home, but she’s so dedicated to her craft that she has now reached one of the highest levels of training - making her one of only three official Crystal Nails Educators in Northern Ireland – and has finally achieved her longheld dream of opening her own salon.

Kara’s Nails officially opened at Unit E11A, Omagh Enterprise Centre, earlier this month and offers all the expertise you need, not just for super-cool and stylish talons, but also for healthy nails and complete peace of mind.

Kara explains: “The nail industry is completely unregulated, and there are a lot of people out there doing nails that don’t have the proper training. I get people coming to me worrying that having their nails done is going to be painful because of experiences they’ve had in the past which they assumed were ‘just normal’ – but it’s not normal! Having your nails done should never hurt. Through my training I am aware of the anatomy of the nail and also how to apply and remove gel or acrylic nails while keeping your natural nails as healthy as possible.”

Kara has trained all over Europe and when it comes to amazing nail art, there’s simply nothing she can’t do and she’s always up for a creative challenge! From embedding tiny crystals, shells or even pictures into your nails to creating intricate designs, you can make a real style statement no matter what your vision.

As well as applying nails for her own clients, Kara’s status as a Crystal Nails educator means she also runs courses for other nail technicians on a group or 1-2-1 basis, and these are delivered within a dedicated space at Kara’s Nails. Upcoming courses include a 5-week foundation course on hard gels, starting on August 10, and a one-day workshop on fine art, taking place on September 21. In addition to nails, Kara also offers tanning sessions using the latest and best sunbooth technology. Kara’s Nails also hosts laser tattoo removal clinics in conjunction with Abrade Tattoo Removal – the results from this service must be seen to be believed.

Kara’s Nails is open from 10am daily but operates on an appointment only basis. For further information find her on Facebook or call 07856 495035.

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TALKOFTHETOWN Omagh man rallies £110,000 support for Arvalee school

ARVALEE School is to benefit from a £110,000 investment over the next five years thanks to the support of a host of local businesses – not to mention the innovative thinking of one Omagh man.

Jason Sawyers was searching for a more positive outlook in life when a friend recommended the Landmark Forum – a personal development organization in Dublin. Through the two courses he completed with Landmark, Jason was encouraged to come up with an idea for a project that could benefit other people in his community – and his first thought was Arvalee.

“My daughter is a pupil at Arvalee,” he explains, “and up until about 18 months ago we weren’t sure if she would ever be able to speak.

But now she’s talking away, full sentences and everything, and I put that down to the work they have done with her at Arvalee. The staff and the management at the school are unreal so I wanted to do something for them.”

Jason hit on the incredibly simple but effective idea of approaching local companies and asking them to pledge £1000 per year, over the next five years, to Arvalee – but before he began approaching the businesses, he sat down with the principal Jonathan Gray, and the board of governors, to establish exactly what the money could be used for if he was successful.

“They said they had been looking to get this sort of funding in place for the past two or three years but they could never work out a way to raise the money,” says Jason, “so they were delighted. Together we came up with a business plan outlining how the money would be spent, and that’s what I took with me when I went to speak to the businesses.”

Thus, ‘The Arvalee Inspiration Project’ was born, with Jason initially aiming to get 20 companies signed up. Such was his confidence in what he was doing that he actually booked the Silverbirch Hotel for a dinner to thank all those associated with the project, before he had even got anybody on board! But his faith in people’s support of Arvalee was well-founded, and within a fairly short space of time he had 15 businesses signed up.

“I sort of got stuck at 15,” he says, “but then one day I was driving to Dublin and I took a call from one of the mums at the schoolwho said she had heard about what I was doing, and she had two more omaghtoday | 8

companies for me. That kicked it off again and before long we had hit our target and indeed got a couple of extra businesses on board as well.”

The final list of businesses – all of whom have had their logos displayed on a brand new sign outside the school this week – is as follows: Kerr Bros., Doherty Group, Barry Healy & Co. Solicitors, Scott & Ewing, Campsie Filling Station (Niall McCullagh), Mark Lyons Haulage & Lime, A1 Recycling, WW Tyres, Sawyers Transport, McElholm & Co., Silverbirch Hotel, JMG Systems, Juniors Childcare, O’Kane Kitchens & Bedrooms, Linden Foods, Fane Valley, Dickson & Co., Telestack Omagh, Foyle Food Group, Renewable Heat Solutions, Donnelly Group and Clogher Valley Windows. The project has also received sponsorship in the form of support for its celebratory dinner from Todd’s Leap, who have offered a package worth almost £2000 to be auctioned off on the night along with a host of other generous prizes, and also from Completely Covered, who will be dressing the venue. Meanwhile Justin McGurk and the Boogie Men have offered their services free of charge for a fabulous evening on June 13 to say thank you to the companies that have signed up, while giving them an opportunity to meet staff and pupils from the school, and to see how their money will be used. Some projects earmarked to receive funding include the establishment of an after school youth club, drama and dance performance experiences and tuition, music tuition and massage/ sensory therapies.

Principal Jonathan Gray said: “We had been wanting to provide these types of courses and experiences for our pupils but we were struggling to find a sustainable way of funding it, so we were delighted when Jason approached us with his idea. We have been so impressed by his belief in the project and his commitment to seeing it through.

It’s difficult to put into words what it means to the staff and the pupils, especially seeing the support coming from so many businesses and knowing that the school is held in such high esteem in the community. In addition to this fantastic amount of funding pledged by the companies, we can now free up the money we had earmarked from our budget for these courses and experiences, to use for other things. We are thrilled and we would like to thank Jason and those who helped him organize the project, and of course the companies who have pledged their support in what is still a very tough financial climate. We’re delighted.”

If you would like to get involved with the Arvalee Inspiration Project, contact Jason on 07901 850141.

Fintona's flash flood

EMERGENCY services were drafted in and residents had to be evacuated as freak flooding engulfed parts of Fintona on Thursday evening following a period of sustained, heavy rainfall. Around 100 sandbags and four pumping appliances were deployed to try and stop water from entering property at Tattymoyle Road, Main Street, Kiln Street and Ashfield Gardens. One woman had to be rescued from her car. Councillor Allan Rainey said an urgent lobby was required to have the flooding risk in Fintona addressed. “A scheme must be put in place to stop this from happening again - it is simply intolerable,” he said. “Certainly from what I saw it

appears that an initial course of action might be a thorough clear out of the gratings, which appeared to me to be sitting full of water.

However it is important that the drainage infrastructure keeps pace with development in the town and if there is work to be done to protect property and life then we must lobby strongly for that to be taken forward as a matter of urgency. I would also like to put on record my commendation of the rapid response by the emergency services, without whom the damage caused by Thursday’s flooding would undoubtedly have been much greater.”

Duke of Abercorn welcomes Princess Royal to NI

THE Princess Royal met the Duke of Abercorn and the Lord Lieutenant for Tyrone, Robert Scott, when she visited Northern Ireland recently in her role as Patron of the Woodland Trust. During the two-day visit, the Woodland Trust unveiled plans for the ‘Centenary Woods’ project, which will see four flagship woods created throughout the UK to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War. Land in the heart of the beautiful Faughan Valley in County Londonderry will be Northern Ireland’s jewel in the crown. The 53-acre site – currently grassland with one pocket of precious ancient woodland – stretches alongside the River Faughan, just off the Glenshane Road.

The Duke, who is a key ambassador for the Woodland Trust, played a major part in facilitating the event.

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8-year-old

Aidan’s on the fast track to success!

MOST mums of seven-year-old boys will know that it’s difficult enough to get them to focus on their homework for half an hour, never mind write their very own book – but from chatting to his mum Pauline, you get the distinct impression that Aidan Gormley from Omagh is no typical boy.

Now aged eight, Aidan was only seven when he was inspired by another pupil at his school to write a story book of his own, but neither he nor his parents ever expected to see the day when it would be published and sold in major outlets including Amazon and Waterstones.

And yet that’s exactly what has happened; Aidan officially launched his debut book, entitled ‘Ferrari Adventure’ at the Strule Arts Centre on Saturday after displaying remarkable maturity and determination in driving the project forward.

Pauline explains: “He came home from school one Friday evening and he was telling us all about a girl at his school who had read out a story in Assembly that she’d copied from the internet, and he told me he wanted to write his own book as well.

It being a Friday evening we were just relaxing at home so I agreed around 7 o’clock that I would go upstairs to the computer with him – and I didn’t get away from it again until 11pm!”

Aidan’s story centres around a little boy who falls asleep and has an amazing dream about a Ferrari, only to be disappointed when he wakes to find it’s not real. Once he had committed the words to paper, he spent the next three weeks illustrating his creation before taking it in to his teacher at St Colmcille’s PS.

“He had been learning about the different parts of a book and the language of publishing and hewas determined that he wanted to be the writer and the illustrator,” Pauline laughs. “His teachers were really impressed with it – so much so that it was presented to the Education Minister John O’Dowd when he attended the official opening of the new Holy Family Primary School. He happened to remark that it was good enough to be published, and so Aidan started to ask us if

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we could find him a publisher. I told him I would have a look online when I had time but then one evening I was sitting at the kitchen table and he brought me the iPad, set it in front of me and said ‘NOW will you find me a publisher Mummy?’ – so I had to go and look! The first website I came across asked for an email address so I started to enter mine, but Aidan deleted it because he said it was his book, not mine – so we had to find another website where we could send off an email, and the next day we got a reply!”

The website in question was the Northern Ireland-based Emain Publishing, which specializes in children’s literature, and they loved Aidan’s book, immediately setting the wheels in motion to have it published.

Being something of a perfectionist, there was a delay in the book’s production after Aidan reevaluated his own illustrations and decided he would like to recruit a designer to make them more professional – but in actual fact, all that was needed was some tweaking of the original illustrations, helping the character of Johnny to really come alive.

The book is now available to order via Amazon, through Waterstone’s and at the Carlisle Bookshop, priced £6.99. As Aidan himself says, he’s “too young to be rich” and therefore proceeds from the book are to be split between Holy Family PS and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children – the hospital has special significance for both the Gormley family and also the owner of Emain Publications, Shauna Dunlop.

As for Aidan, he’s already thinking about his next book although this very wise young man says he’ll wait until the fuss has died down from this one first!

Back by popular demand... the

Dollybird Bazaar!

UPCYCLING, recycling, handcrafting, customizing – the demand for handmade shows no sign of abating and we simply cannot get enough of all the gorgeous creations being produced by talented crafters in the Omagh area!

One supplier whose beautiful re-loved wares we are always lusting after is

Dollybird Vintage – if you’re not familiar with what they do, think gorgeous handpainted furniture, plush bespoke upholstery and fabulous soft furnishings – but as well as being super-talented themselves, owners Joanne and Emma also have a keen eye for the skills of their fellow crafters!

Last year the duo ran a hugely successful series of markets on Omagh’s Main Street and the good news is that due to popular demand, the Dollybird Bazaar is returning for 2014 – and it’s going to be even bigger and better!

From handmade jewellery to stunning

handbags, delicate scarves, quirky vintage clothing, expertly upcycled furniture, designer lampshades and even yummy cupcakes, the Bazaar has something for absolutely everyone with the surroundings of Main Street making this a perfect place to potter on a Saturday afternoon!

The first Bazaar will take place on Saturday, June 7 from 12 noon until 5pm and will be held thereafter on the first Saturday of each month, at the same time, right through until September. For full details keep an eye on the Dollybird Vintage Facebook page.

Charity fly-in at Carrickmore

Carrickmore Flying Club held their charity fly-in on Saturday and Sunday. Hundreds enjoyed flights in the Giro copter and small planes with the highlight of the weekend being the arrival of the Air sea copter. omaghtoday | 11

Coffee morning for Romanian bound church group A trio of young people from Omagh Baptist Church held a fundraising coffee morning at the church’s brand new home last weekend ahead of a trip to Romania, where they will help to distribute food parcels and run Bible camps for young people. Hayley Ellis, Joshua Ellis and Cara Patterson will embark on an Exodus Outreach Team to Romania at the start of July. Teams from Ireland have been going to Romania regularly and Exodus has now a centre at Sutor in North Romania.

There was a great turnout for their event which will be of great help as they raise the necessary funds for their trip.

Pastor George Morrow, right, with Grace Patterson, Fred Charters and Pauline Ellis at the Beth Ferguson, and fundraising Coffee morning at Omagh Baptist Anderson Ferguson.

Church on Saturday 17th May.

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Hannah Enjoying the fundraising coffee morning at Hannah Omagh Baptist Church

Enjoyable day at Clogherny Vintage fayre In a week punctuated by showers and longer periods of rain, not a drop of rain fell on Saturday as Clogherny, Seskinore and Drumnakilly churches working in collaboration with Care for Cancer held their first ever Vintage Fayre in the grounds around Clogherny church. A local farmer Charlie Giles had kindly donated a large field and after an initial grant awarded by Omagh District Council; a number of local firms had agreed to sponsor the event helping to pay for many of the initial costs. By all accounts the day was a huge success with over 80 vintage tractor, car and machinery owners exhibiting and over 500 people from the local community attending.

In addition to the vehicles a number of local craft stalls exhibited and sold their wares, an archery competition was held along with

a number of other small sideshows to keep everyone entertained.

A barbecue provided a hearty lunch and ladies from the church put on cream teas in the church hall. Entertainment including line dancing, a Zumba session, Highland dancing, accordion playing and local singers from the churches took place on a main stage throughout the day, however the highlight was a slow tractor race which certainly drew the crowds and was won eventually by William Blaney. Although at the time of writing the final figure isn’t known the churches hope to have raised in the vicinity of £5000 which will be divided between local charity Care for Cancer and the rectory fund. However more importantly it was great to see the smiles as this was a great community event enjoyed by everyone.

Rev. Andy Heber with Alice McCausland and Tug-O-War with a difference at Clogherny as John Crawford on his 1957 Ferguson 35.

Betheny Younger. teams pull a tractor and driver uphill.

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There are some collectors who collect Fair Day and Market Day cards from all of Ireland. I am interested in views of Fairs in and around Omagh. My father told me many stories about him and his brothers attending fairs. He said me how they would go to a fair early in the morning without much, if any, money at all. They would buy cattle, with the deal to be settled at the end of the day. They would then sell them on to latecomers or farmers who trusted their judgement. At the end of the fair they would settle up and count up their profit. Apparently my uncle Harry was the quickest at doing mental arithmetic. He could work out the profit very quickly indeed. This photo of a Fair at Mountfield in February 1933 and some of my uncles may have been there.

I was very exited when I heard there was a view of Mountfield Fair available to view. Although it was suggested that the photo had been taken from a postcard I am not sure if it was ever produced as a postcard. I have added the title for clarity. The photo belongs to Kevin Meenan who has kindly given me permission to reproduce it here. The copyright of the photo remains with Kevin. He was also able to give me some details of the people and buildings in the photo. Although it is not a hard and fast rule the lack of a title on the original photo suggests that it was never anything other than a photo. However a postcard is only a photo printed onto a postcard back.

omaghtoday | 14

Kevin tells me that this was the only Fair to have been held in Mountfield. I have talked to fellow postcard collectors who tell me that they have never heard of a Mountfield Fair day. I would like to be able to talk to my father, grandfather or great grandfather, all dealing men and ask them if this is true. I am certain they would know.

Kevin tells me that the group of four men on the left hand side, in the hats, are auctioneers. When I studied the photo I noticed that very few men in this photo are were wearing hats, most are wearing flat caps. I recall that as cattle dealers, my grandfather and uncles wore hats and I wonder if there was some sort of code.

He told me that he thinks that the man in the beard may be Sam Lyons but since this photo dates from 1933 and he is remembering what his father told him he is not sure. He is certain that the man to their right is by the name of Crawford.

The police barracks is in the background and just out of shot on the bottom right is the old school. Just before that is a premises which is now a dentists but was once the shop of John Pats a local character who was well known and respected in Mountfield.

I have been unable to trace a reference to this fair in the local paper but there are no reports of any cattle sales, just pigs and fowl. postcards@mgtaggart.com

Workout mania

Bessie Belle

An Omagh’s girl’s take on life...

IT’S great to see the good weather and the longer evenings arriving but that not only means an increase in midges it also means an increase in another very annoying species: people. The end of baltic temperatures and dark evenings means more people leave their caves and venture into the great outdoors.

They are pasty white and sickly looking after a winter of hibernation and lack of vitamin D, but come the first shoots of spring and the breaks between the showers, everyone and their aunty is in their lycra leggings and fluoro gutties, out pounding the roads or cycling the streets. You can spot the wobbly arses of the people who have been trying to diet since the first of January but haven’t been back at the gym since that one time in March. They are out walking in an attempt to get active. They killed themselves for about 3 weeks in January, flat out on the machines, and going to every class. Bums and Tums, Body Pump, Spinning and anything else that was designed to make you feel the burn.

For the next couple of days they’d winced in pain every time they used the stairs or sat

on the toilet. Eventually it became too much.

One skipped class became three and soon a week would go by without a visit to the gym. Very soon a family bag of cheesy puffs are gone and they are well and truly off the fitness wagon.

Then comes a glimpse of sunshine and attention turns to the summer holidays and the thought of wearing the swimming suit on the beach or by the hotel pool. Yes, we’ve all briefly considered the beach burka look favoured by Nigella but even she couldn’t make that look good. So the mind gets made up again that by the time it gets to the summer holiday, you’ll have a bikini body you always dreamed of but this time you’re going to do it right. You’re going to be sensible about it, you’re going to eat right and you’re going to get active. Unfortunately the sensible way to lose weight means it will take you about three years before you make it to your target weight. So you decide you’ll just try to lose the belly and tone up a bit and buy yourself a new trendy kaftan to cover up on the beach.

People really are going crazy for fitness these days. All everyone talks about it training.

Even the two rottweilers I work with give out about their workouts. They’ve been going for months but it hasn’t made a blind bit of difference to them. They keep complimenting each other on their muscle tone. If you ask me it’s a case of the emperor’s new clothes.

They were going to aerobics, Zumba and boxercise and now there seems to be a new workout called ‘Insanity’. Insanity? Who in their right mind would want to do that?

There’s now eejits of men, who, at one stage wouldn’t have done more exercising than raising a pint to their lips repeatedly, but who are now training 6 days a week and only eating tuna, chicken or eggs. The beer bellies have disappeared and the once soft pudgy guy with the easy laugh is now serious, chiselled and toned as he moves one protein shake closer to becoming Iron Man. That’s all well and good - but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near him when he lets off.

STEPS Students step out in style at their formal

omaghtoday | 15

Prickly Heat We haven’t been having too much warm weather in Omagh of late but as the summer months approach and with many people planning to jet off to warmer climes as soon as the school term finishes, this edition we take a look at a very common condition that can really spoil your summer holiday – prickly heat, also known as ‘miliaria’.

What is prickly heat/heat rash (miliaria)?

Prickly heat is a rash that develops in some people when they sweat more than usual – for instance, on a hot day. The rash is also sometimes called a sweat rash. It is not usually serious, but it can be itchy and uncomfortable.

The rash occurs when the sweat ducts - which carry sweat from the sweat glands to the surface of your skin, where it helps to cool you down – become blocked. Sweat is then unable to escape and seeps into the nearby skin, causing a tiny pocket of inflammation.

The sweat ducts can be blocked by a number of things. The sweat itself can combine with dead skin cells and bacteria that naturally live on the skin to form a blockage. Cosmetics, creams and even sun lotion can also block the ducts, and even clothing that is too tight, particularly if it’s made from synthetic fibres, can cause the rash or make an existing rash worse.

The rash itself usually takes the form of many small, red bumps on the skin. Sometimes the spots are like tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters – almost like beads of sweat on the skin surface – but more commonly they are red spots with irritation of the surrounding skin. They can be very itchy but most people report a sensation of intense ‘prickling’ – hence the name. Areas of the body most commonly affected include the face, neck, back, chest and thighs, though it can appear anywhere on the body.

People suffering from prickly heat, especially in severe cases, are more prone to heat exhaustion as their sweat ducts are blocked which means the body’s natural cooling system doesn’t work properly.

Who gets prickly heat?

Miliaria can develop in anyone at any age. However, it is most common in children and babies as their immature sweat glands

are more prone to becoming blocked. It is particularly common in newborn babies but soon clears.

Up to 3 in 10 people are affected by prickly heat when they go on holiday to a warmer country, and the rash can occur at any time, even if you’re used to the heat. It can also develop in cooler climates when sweating is a problem, for example if your bedding is too heavy and you sweat at night, or if your movement is restricted due to a medical condition – for example, bedbound patients may get the rash on their back.

Prickly heat treatment

In most cases the rash will clear without any treatment.

However, severe cases can last for several weeks. One or more of the following may help to treat miliaria and prevent further episodes from developing: • If possible, avoid heat and humidity.

Even if this is possible for just a few hours each day it can make a big difference. For example, staying in an air-conditioned room for a few hours a day. A cool bath or shower can also be soothing and help to avoid sweating. Some people take frequent cool showers to avoid developing the rash.

• Simple creams such as calamine lotion or aloe vera gel may cool and soothe the skin.

• Wear loose cotton clothing or clothing that has breathable fabric.

• Using an antibacterial soap or antiseptic wash may help to keep the number of bacteria on your skin down. This may reduce the risk of developing miliaria. Exfoliating the skin prior to a holiday may also be helpful in reducing the dead skin cells that can cause blocked sweat ducts.

• Some people feel that moisturising creams that contain anhydrous lanolin help to prevent blockage of the sweat ducts - for example E45® cream. If you are prone to developing miliaria then it may be worth a try. Apply some to your skin before activities that make you sweat or on arrival to a hot climate.

• A steroid cream may soothe the irritation whilst you are waiting for the condition to clear. Steroids work by reducing inflammation.

A mild steroid cream such as hydrocortisone 1% can be purchased over the counter. You should not use it on your face. Follow the instructions, and use it sparingly.

IF YOU ARE AT ALL CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR OWN OR YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH, ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR GP WESTERN URGENT CARE OUT OF HOURS - 028 7186 5195 omaghtoday | 16

Youth triumphs at Omagh election count THERE was an anxious wait for some of Omagh’s would-be councillors at the Leisure Centre last weekend with some of the counting going right to the wire over would get the local share of 40 coveted seats on the new Omagh and Fermanagh ‘super council’.

Now it’s done and dusted and with the new ‘shadow council’ due to meet for the first time shortly, it was the youngsters that made one of the biggest election stories.

Four of Omagh’s new councillors are under 30 years of age, namely Chris Smyth (21, UUP), Barry McNally (27, SF), Mark Buchanan (24, DUP) and Joanne Donnelly (23, SDLP).

Overall, Sinn Fein emerged with the lion’s share of the overall votes, despite low turnouts, especially in Omagh Town. Taking 17 of the 40 seats on offer, the party returned nine councillors for the Omagh area including seven sitting councillors and two newcomers, namely Barry Barry McNally, Sinn Fein and Rosemarie Shields SDLP after McNally in Mid Tyrone and being elected at the count in Stephen McCann in West Tyrone.

Omagh.

There were gains for the SDLP too, who capitalized on the departure of Independent councillors Johnny McLaughlin and Paddy McGowan to strengthen their showing from three to four seats – and it was girl power that won the day, with long-standing councillor Jo Deehan topping the poll in Omagh Town, joined by Rosemarie Shields in Mid Tyrone and newbies Joanne Donnelly and Mary Garrity in Omagh Town Tom Elliott congratulates new and West Tyrone respectively.

UUP councillor, Chris Smyth.

There was delight in the Ulster Unionist camp when council stalwarts Bert Wilson and Allan Rainey topped the poll in their respective DEAs, and the cherry on top came when 21-year-old Chris Smyth, co-opted to the council earlier this year, made it across the line to maintain the party’s position with three seats.

Meanwhile the DUP took a hit when Charlie Chittick lost his seat in Mid Tyrone and there was some Joe Byrne, Dr Jo Deehan and Pat tension after sitting McDonnell at the count in Omagh. councillor Elaine Thompson, wife of returned DUP man Errol, lost her seat to Mark Buchanan, son of West Tyrone MLA Tom Buchanan, who polled extremely well for a first-time candidate.

Across the whole Fermanagh and Omagh council area only one Independent candidate was successful – Bernice Swift taking one of five seats in Erne West. None of the Alliance or other party candidates secured seats, leaving the new council broken up almost entirely between the four main parties.

Final result (Omagh area): Sinn Fein, 9; SDLP, 4; UUP, 3; DUP, 2.

The DUP team at the count.

‘Favourite Things’ theme for 2014 Omagh Carnival RAINDROPS on roses and whiskers on kittens…what are your favourite things? Omagh’s crafty community will be asking just that as preparations for the 15th annual Omagh Midsummer Carnival with the theme ‘My Favourite Things’ gets underway this month ahead of the event on Saturday, June 21.

The colourful Carnival Parade, led by Artastic and including many community groups, schools and bands, will leave Omagh County PS at 1pm and weave its way through the town centre to the newly-enhanced Grange Park where a riot of colour and activity awaits to entertain the whole family.

Activities include children’s shows, puppet shows, arts workshops, dance

performances, cage soccer, and facepainting. A number of free workshops are available in the lead-up to the event, where both adults and children can create their own masterpieces to display in the town centre for the parade, while performances on the day will include ‘Red

Riding Hood’ by The Moon and Sixpence, Ireland’s only travelling marionette theatre; Borris and Ricardo clown show; Brazilian Beat Dance and Drumming from WOMAD Belfast; Comedy Fire/ Knife Juggle Acrobatics, Whip Cracking, Escapology, Magic with Oisin Charms (Galway); Cookery demonstrations with Lidl chef Ian Orr; West Tyrone Amateur Radio Club – talk to radio lovers all over the world – and an array of food stalls, information stands, facepainting, balloon modelling

etc.

For more information contact Bernie Kirrane on 028 8224 5321 Ext.405 or email: bernie.kirrane@omagh.gov.uk. Check out www.omagh.gov.uk and Omagh District Council’s Facebook page for more updates.

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Charlie

As it was to where it is now No. 89

Andy Gordon

I don’t know about you, but the older I get, the more I feel as though the world has gone stark raving mad! The event that pushed me over the top and urged me to write this piece of nonsense was a lovely celebratory meal we had in a wonderful restaurant in Enniskillen. I had travelled to Belfast to take part in a very emotional presentation to my father. He has played a huge part for the last 30 years in the building of, and maintaining, a facility – The Edgecombe Centre – catering for adults with severe learning difficulties in East Belfast. Alas for him, the family, and circle of friends, he has – as so many of his generation have – succumbed to the dreaded world of dementia.

This page is not the place to write more on this subject, but, if the powers that be permit me, I will return to it again, in another corner of this great publication.

After the presentation I drove back home, picked up what is left of the family – the remainder having decamped to London, Devon, and temporarily, America – and headed Enniskillen for a landmark birthday celebration!

I had discussed – with myself, of course – on the drive down, what I would have to eat. None of this perusing of the menu at the table and then deciding! No, if I’m going to enjoy a special meal, then I am going to start that enjoyment from some considerable time before I actually sit down to it.

Now I am a simple soul – and I can see all your heads nodding in agreement – and all this fancy food that we see on Masterchef and the other million cookery programmes that fill our TV screens these days leaves me cold. Just give me a good old fashioned dinner on a plate – I’ll come back to that later – with a bit of an animal, some old world vegetables and potatoes. Some provisos though; the animal must be cooked well – not just shown the heat and then plated; on the other hand, the veggies I prefer crunchy, and not done as my dear mother used to do them, boiled to a pulp, and the spuds can be boiled, mashed, chipped, roasted – in theory any way at all.

So by the time I got to the Ballygawley roundabout I had decided. Steak and chips with French fried onions. I’d leave the vegetable decision until later. There was silence at the table as I ordered my fillet steak with all the trimmings, due to the fact that I hadn’t eaten steak out in many years. It was like going back in time, as we recalled all the places we used to visit in the days BC – before children! Back then we would travel the length and breadth of Ireland and sample the steak and chips, washing it down with a bottle of red wine, or even Mateus Rosé – a real blast from the past!

The fillet steak was superb; the trimmings mouth-watering, the glass of wine, sublime. Alas, the plate it was served on was square! Now I don’t know where you stand on square plates, but I detest them. I went through three steak knives during that meal. On a round plate, no matter where you place you knife and fork, they are secure; on the square plate, the knife, possibly because it is top-heavy, inevitably ends up in the gravy, or jus as they call it today. This is on a par with getting your food served on a slate, tile or wooden board; getting your chips handed to you in an enamel mug, or having your drink served to omaghtoday | 18

& andY

you in a jam jar – I kid you not!

I ask you – what is wrong with a simple, round, white plate and a wine glass or tumbler?

Charlie Taggart

Tom T. Hall was born on 25th May 1936 in Olive Hill Kentucky. He has earned the nickname of ‘The Storyteller’ from the many hit songs he has written. Tom T. was working as a DJ in Kentucky when Cajun country singer Jimmy C. Newman had a top ten hit with Hall’s song ‘D.J. For A Day’. Tom T. signed with Jimmy C. Newman and Jimmy Keys newly formed publishing company ‘Newkey’. He was paid $50 a week for song writing so to earn extra money he became a member of the Newman band when they were touring. Tom T. wrote many songs that were minor hits for Jimmy C. Newman and other artists until his composition ‘Hello Vietnam’ was a #1 for Johnny Wright. In 1968 Jeannie C. Riley had an international multimillion selling single with the Tom T. song ‘Harper Valley P.T.A.’ for Shelby Singleton’s Plantation label.

The song was an exposé of small town hypocrisy and is probably Tom T’s best-known song. My favourite Tom T. Hall song is ‘The Year That Clayton Delaney Died’.

He has said that Clayton Delaney was a real person although that wasn’t his real name. His name was Ronnie Easterly and he lived on Delaney Road in an area called Clayton. Clayton had played with a band in Ohio after the Second World War, took sick, and came back to Kentucky where Tom T. lived. Listening to the song you might think Clayton was an old man but he was only 19 when he died. Tom T. had his first number one hit with an autobiographical song ‘A Week in A County Jail’.

At that time Tom T. had a 1954 Ford Coupe, and to put fuel in it you had to pull down the rear number plate. Of course over time this weakened the spring holding the number plate in place and the inevitable happened - he was arrested by the Police in Paintsville, Kentucky for not having a number plate on his car.

The judge had gone to Ohio to his Grandmother’s funeral so Tom T. had to spend a week in jail; the upside was he had a hit song out of it. Recently Alan Jackson had a #1 hit with Tom T’s ‘Little Bitty’ and Daryl Dodd charted with ‘That’s How I Got to Memphis’. Tom T. has written and recorded children’s songs and crossed over to the pop charts with his biggest hit, ‘I Love’, reaching #12 on the pop charts. He has often been asked what the ‘T’ stands for and in actual fact it does not stand for anything. The alliterative ‘T’ was inserted to distinguish him from other artists with similar sounding names. Now retired, he with his wife Miss Dixie, whom he married in 1964, write songs for acoustic music and bluegrass groups. Tom T. Hall was pleased to accept his B.M I. Icon Award during the organisation’s 60th annual presentations on October 12th 2012.

The Busker was repeating the same old tune on the corner of the street until the lady shopkeeper came out and asked: “Are you playing the refrain?” “Yes Mrs,” he said. “Then would you please refrain from playing it here?” she said.

He speaks six languages, has 18 years of experience as an engineer and an infectious sense of humour…meet Omagh PSNI’s new chief superintendent, Kevin Dunwoody “I WANTED to be a cop since I was about two years old, but I had a problem with my eyes,” says F District’s recently-appointed Chief Superintendent, Kevin Dunwoody; “they were too close to the ground!”

He’s referring to the old height restriction which dictated that male police officers had to be 5ft 8 inches or taller to join the then RUC; at 5ft 6.5 inches he was, he quips “tall enough to be a female police officer, but I lacked the other attributes!”

So when the time came to head out into the big wide world, it was engineering, not policing, that Kevin – a West Belfast man born and bred - pursued. Specialising in electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering, after graduating from Queen’s University he worked for a few different companies in Northern Ireland, eventually settling at FG Wilson (now Caterpillar). Here, he was involved in the design of specialist power generators and became an international traveller, frequently visiting the firm’s subsidiaries in New Zealand, Russia, Dubai and also across Europe. As a result, he speaks no fewer than six languages – English, Irish, French, German, Russian and Arabic.

During this time he married Marie, and when the couple’s first child, a daughter, came along Kevin decided it was time for a career change that would allow him to spend more time at home. He got a job working for LEDU – the predecessor of Invest NI – but it seemed that no matter how much he wanted to, he couldn’t keep away from travel. His new role saw him working with the European Commission and with his previous expertise in telecommunications meant they soon snapped him up for their own operations, working across several countries.

It wasn’t until 1996 that Kevin made the huge decision to change his path entirely and chase his dream of a career in policing – though, he says, it wasn’t as much of an upheaval as you might think.

“A lot of the skills are readily transferable,” he explains, “it’s all about problem solving and communication really and that has always been my job! As a late joiner to the police it was great for me to be able to use my existing skills quite often in my new role.”

Kevin enrolled on the PSNI’s accelerated promotion programme and moved up quickly through the ranks; he has worked in some of the service’s most challenging and high profile departments including the major investigations team and the serious organized crime unit. In 2008 he was involved in a knowledge exchange programme with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at their headquarters in Quantico, Virginia.

“The FBI have a specialist training programme for chief police officers which the chief constable and the deputy chief constable had both completed, and were keen to roll out to other senior officers in the

PSNI. They agreed that if I could bring the programme here I could take part. Over in the States they were keen to learn more about community policing so I went to Quantico for the first part and then we brought the US delegates over here for a week. They were keen to learn more about community policing using the PSNI as a model.”

By 2009 Kevin had been appointed chief superintendent and for the last four-and-a-half years he has been the PSNI’s Head of Training and Head of Operational Programmes. One of the biggest projects he has worked on in recent years was the specialist training of officers from both the PSNI and across the UK ahead of the Fermanagh G8 summit.

Kevin took over as Chief Superintendent for F District in April following the departure of Chief Supt. Pauline Shields, who is now District Commander for E District (Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Newry & Mourne).

He says his objectives for his latest role are clear; to build on the good work that has been done to improve ‘community policing’, and to continue the downward trend in crime rates seen over recent months.

Other pressing issues include a reduction in the amount of road traffic accidents and fatalities – with young drivers in particular set to be targeted over the coming months – and also agricultural crime, including the theft of livestock and farm equipment.

It’s a huge role – so it might surprise you to know that Kevin plays almost as hard as he works and has a wide variety of interests in his personal life, many of which are hobbies he picked up during his days in serious crime when an outlet for stress was essential.

“I love working in the garden and I’ve landscaped a few gardens for other people,” he says. “I also play the piano, the guitar, the trumpet and the flute, each as badly as the next! I get banished to the garage quite often. I like to read – though never crime novels, because I always find myself criticizing the plot – I prefer old fictio. I still do a bit of tinkering with old cars and electronic stuff as well; old habits die hard!

I enjoy running too – I’ve done a few marathons in the past but I tend to stick to the shorter distances now that I’m getting old and creaky, 10K is about my limit. I’ll try anything once though and I nearly always have some project or another on the go.”

He added: “I’m delighted with my new appointment and am keen to continue to build on the excellent work and partnerships which already exist here. I look forward to working with my colleagues, and the community, to provide a personal, professional and protective policing service, which is responsive to the issues which are important to local people. I have always enjoyed the area and people and I look forward to renewing old acquaintances and forming some new friendships.” omaghtoday | 19

Summer walking programme aims to foster the exercise habit WE all know regular exercise is good for us, but finding the time and the motivation to actually get out the door can sometimes be the biggest challenge.

With this in mind, Omagh District Council has devised a summer walking programme designed to encourage everyone, irrespective of ability, to get into the habit of taking regular exercise, whilst enjoying their local surroundings and even making some new friends along the way!

‘Walk Active Omagh’ is a summer rural and urban walk programme devised by the Active Communities Project. The walks have been selected to enable local communities and members of the public to get more physically active whilst enjoying local rural and urban surroundings, and range in distance from two and a half to seven miles. They are designed to encourage people of all abilities to get into the habit of walking and taking the minimum levels of recommended daily exercise.

Commenting on the Summer Walk Active Omagh programme, the Chairman of Omagh District Council Martin McColgan said: “Omagh District Council wants to encourage the public to get

walking, and to get family members, friends, work colleagues and community groups to use the walks as part of their daily exercise programme. The Summer ‘Walk Active Omagh’ programme is a great chance for inactive people to take on a challenge which will lead to a more active and healthier lifestyle for the future.”

The programme includes weekly lunch time walks around Omagh, commencing on Tuesday, June 3 at 12.30pm, with registration at 12.15pm. The Rural Walks, which take place in the evening, commence on Tuesday, July 22 at 6.45pm, with registration at 6.30pm.

Participants will be required to complete a short health walk questionnaire prior to commencing the programme.

For further information on all walks please contact Billie-Jo Irwin, Active Communities Project & Monitoring Officer, tel: 028 8224 5321 or email billie-jo.irwin@omagh.gov. uk Council Chairman, Martin McColgan launches the Walk Active Omagh in the Grange Park with Patrick McGrath and Billie-Jo Irwin, Active Communities.

‘History of You and Me’ performed for Omagh pupils YEAR TEN pupils from across Omagh visited the Strule Arts Centre for a total of three performances of a musical play designed to link in with the history curriculum and help them gain a better understanding of how the events of Irish history are still relevant today.

‘The History of You and Me’ returned to Strule for the second year following its hugely successful stage debut in 2013. The play was commissioned by the Peace III Programme and written

by Donaghmore-based author Emma Heatherington, while the production was brought to life by the BEAM Creative Network, including Omagh actor Stuart Gibson.

The play features a five-strong cast and centres around Daniel (Conor Begley) and Stacey (Sarah-Jane Nugent), a pair of teenagers from either side of the political divide, who are taking part in a cross community schools’ history project, exploring the period from the Easter Rising in 1912 to the establishment of the Irish Free

omaghtoday | 20

State in 1922. Through their research, the pair discover that their great-grandfathers, Wally Wilson and Jimmy Doherty – played

by Stuart Gibson and Richard Priestly - had fought together in the First World War, only to go on to become sworn enemies during the Partition of Ireland. The story also focuses on June, Wally’s wife, who is expecting a baby when the course of her life

is altered irrevocably as Ireland becomes increasingly unstable.

As one might expect from a play written

by Emma Heatherington, ‘The History of You and Me’ is an extremely human story that takes key events in Ireland’s history and makes them relevant for a teenage audience, while music by ‘More Power to Your Elbow’s Damian Cullen adds a particularly striking and at times poignant element to this fantastic piece of theatre.

The project has been supported by the European Union’s Peace III programme, managed for the Special EU Programmes Body and delivered by the North West Peace III Partnership.

Kathryn O'Neill, Manager of Beam Creative Network said: “We are extremely proud of this musical and were delighted with the audience’s reaction in Omagh. I hope what they saw and learnt today will assist them in their forthcoming exams.”

‘Talking CCTV’ to keep unruly revellers in check

BIG Brother won’t just be watching you in Omagh town centre this year – he’ll be talking to you too, thanks to a new ‘talking’ CCTV camera due to be installed at Old Market Place within the next six months.

The camera will be the latest of sixteen new CCTV cameras to be installed in and around Big Brother is watching . . . . . at Omagh town centre as part Slevin's Corner. of a partnership between Omagh District Council, the PSNI, and the business sector, which has been working to upgrade the monitoring system and improve safety in the town centre over the past three years. Over the coming months, other town centre businesses will be invited to join the ‘Omagh Safer Streets Scheme’, which has estimated annual running costs of around £75,000, and which aims to secure ‘Purple Flag’ status for Omagh, marking the town out as a safe place to socialize in the evenings with a good variety of venues, safe ways to travel home and low crime and anti-social behaviour.

The sixteen new cameras replace nine older units that were in place in Omagh previously. They offer full colour footage of ‘evidential quality’, even after dark, and are monitored independently 24 hours a day, seven days a week from a control station.

Camera operators have already been working closely with police and staff from the Omagh Safer Streets Initiative as well as taxi The camera at the Back Market drivers and doormen, all which will soon become a of whom say the increased speaking camera. number of cameras is having a positive impact in deterring revellers from engaging in antisocial behaviour.

The ‘talking camera’ will be a pilot scheme over the next six months and if effective, this service could be rolled out to other cameras in the town. The camera will allow the CCTV operators to warn the public that their actions are being recorded.

Other projects ongoing include the establishment of a text alert service which will keep business owners up to speed with any ongoing situations in the town centre, from the circulation of counterfeit notes to shoplifting or even alerting them to be on the lookout for a lost child.

Further funding of £7,500 is currently being sought to establish a radio link facility – an idea mooted at a number of public meetings in the wake of the deaths of two young men in the town centre last year – that would allow the door staff of pubs and clubs to communicate more effectively with one another in keeping an eye out for people who are very drunk, or engaging in violent or dangerous behaviour.

For further information contact Elaine Fyffe Harper Martin O'Neill with the Market on 028 8224 9494 or 07734 Street camera at Scarffe's Entry in 389484. the background.

Vision care opticians 1 Bridge St., Omagh t: 028 8225 2655 www.2c.ie

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U P C O M I N G

E N T E R T A I N M E N T . . .

Friday 30th May

O v er 1 8 s - A d m . £ 5 . Door s open 1 0 pm

DJ Shai P h oto I D E s s entia l - P a s s port or DL O N LY

DJ Connor Phillips £2.50 drinks

Friday 6th June

P h oto I D E s s entia l - P a s s port or DL O N LY

All drinks £2.50 B4 12am

Saturday 7th June

O v er 1 8 s - A d m . £ 5 . Door s open 1 0 pm

O v er 1 8 s - A D M . £ 5 b e f ore 1 1 . 3 0 pm , £ 7 a f ter . open 1 0 pm

DJ Shai

DJ Mike McKee

P h oto I D E s s entia l - P a s s port or DL O N LY

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Saturday 31st May

O v er 1 8 s - A D M . £ 5 b e f ore 1 1 . 3 0 pm , £ 7 a f ter . open 1 0 pm

£2.50 drinks

P h oto I D E s s entia l - P a s s port or DL O N LY

All drinks £2.50 B4 12am

Visit our Brand New Website

www.mainstreetomagh.com

MAIN STREET STAGE saturday 31st May

Riff Raff LIVE FROM 10.30PM

Saturday 31st May

DJ Delbert Saturday 7th June

DJ Delbert

saturday 7th june

Jump The Q LIVE FROM 10.30PM

EVERY MONDAY

Happy Mondays

from 3pm to closing EVERY TUESDAY

Pub Quiz

Saturday 31st May

DJ SHAI

Saturday 7th June

DJ SHAI

from 9.30pm every thursday Karaoke from 10.30pm Friday 30th May

Declan Burke

followed by Paddys Disco Friday 6th June:

Audio Lounge

followed by Paddys Disco

Hen/Stag & party packages available Rue 028 8225 7575

omaghtoday | 23

Printed espadrilles, Dunnes Stores.

Club Tropicana Whether you’re jetting to the Caribbean this summer or simply hoping to catch a few rays on the Northern Irish coastline, tropical prints are where it’s at this summer! Bring a flavour of the tropics to your wardrobe with this little lot…

Straw trilby, Next.

Straw trilby, Next.

Floral print bralet, Topshop.

Crop top and pencil skirt combo, Miss Selfridge.

Leaf print bikini, Primark.

Floral dress with cap sleeves and tulip skirt, by Fee G available at She.

C is for chic!

Statement jewellery has never been more in vogue than it is right now – the bigger, the brighter and the bolder the better! If you’re looking for that perfect piece to spice up an outfit, whether it’s adding some pizazz to your everyday staples or the finishing touch to a special occasion ensemble, look no further than CeCe Chic! This locallybased online boutique has the most gorgeous jewellery, scarves, bags and other accessories guaranteed to get you noticed for all the right reasons!

Have a look for cecechicstyle on Facebook – you can also PM to make an appointment to view items in the showroom.

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Pom-pom trim palm leaf shorts, Topshop.

Palm print layereffect dress, Warehouse.

The bee’s knees for dry skin When it comes to treating the symptoms of common skin complaints such as eczema, chicken pox, acne and psoriasis, the power of Mother Nature can never be underestimated.

We all know about the incredible healing potential of aloe vera gel, and now Forever Living has combined this with the latest ‘wonder substance’ – bee propolis – to create an all-natural cream with incredible effects. Bee propolis is a resin produced by honey bees and is known to be a natural antibiotic and anti fungal. Combined with the soothing effects of aloe vera and added chamomile, this amazing cream is known to help with all the above-mentioned skin conditions as well as nappy rash in babies and even warts!

For more information or to try a sample, contact Emma via The Mummy Diaries on Facebook.

Mummy Diaries Frozen fever

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m:07545299550 e: emma.leathert@gmail.com The Mummy Diaries

EVERY so often a phenomenon comes along that only parents understand. For our parents, it was probably Cabbage Patch dolls or Teddy Ruxpin – and I mean, a creepy, singing teddy bear with questionable dress sense is bad enough – but they never had to deal with the kind of hysteria whipped up by YouTube and internet shopping. And yes, of course I’m talking about Frozen.

I can’t remember there ever being this much fuss about a Disney movie – and you’re talking to a girl who has a ‘To Infinity and Beyond’ tattoo. We had a birthday party for eight six-year-old boys recently and a highlight of the afternoon was when we got them crowded round the TV for a lusty rendition of ‘Let It Go’ after pizza and cake!

My three-year-old daughter practically knows the entire movie by heart and has learned the actions to the above-mentioned song, and about ten times a day both kids will stop what they’re doing, look at each other, and simultaneously shout ‘Let’s play Frozen!’ – which involves one jumping on the other’s head as he or she pretends to be asleep, whilst hollering ‘Do you wanna build a snowwwwmmmmmaaannnnnnn???’.

It’s so funny I would put it on YouTube if I wasn’t so worried about the kind of creeps who might watch it.

Now I know this kind of thing drives some parents bonkers. In fact, there is a guy who has composed an entire Frozen satire on piano and he wasn’t a bit shy about putting it on YouTube, where it promptly went viral. Personally, I am the sort of person who doesn’t mind watching a good movie over and over again, and I’m not averse to a good U-rated family fun fest – I referenced Nanny McPhee last issue, which just happens to be one of my all-time favourite ‘comfort films’, and one I’ve watched more times than I’d care to admit.

So the repetitive Frozen fascination doesn’t really get on my nerves – but these film obsessions do have a darker underbelly, one which anyone with a small daughter is likely to have experienced of late, and that’s related to the massive amount (or not) of merchandise which comes along with these blockbuster films.

There are Frozen dolls, Frozen costumes, Frozen clothing, Frozen tableware, Frozen cuddly toys, Frozen art materials…the list simply goes on, and on, and on.

The only thing standing in the way of your pint-sized consumer and an entire Frozen-themed bedroom complete with all accessories and toys is a. the fact that you are presumably not a Premiership footballer or financial equivalent and b. the fact that most of this stuff is harder to get hold of than crystal meth at a parish coffee morning.

Disney has confessed to underestimating the popularity of the film and as a result the entire UK is now experiencing an official Frozen shortage. The dolls and the dress-up outfits seem to be in highest demand and while Disney say they have asked manufacturers to step up production, they’re currently sold out on their own website and changing hands on online auction sites for around £50 (normal retail price £15).

Supplies are on their way, they say, which is cold comfort to anyone who has a Frozen fan with an imminent birthday and no desire to pay big bucks for a plastic doll whose synthetic hair will become the bane of your life five minutes after you wrestle her out of the box. On the other hand if you managed to beat the rush and score a plastic Ana or Elsa, you should give yourself a massive pat on the back for your superior parenting performance. Or, if you’re more of a bad ass, stage a mysterious disappearance and list it on eBay… omaghtoday | 25

Step into style at Scarpa!

With Chloe Kerr

Summer bags Brighter weather means brighter bags, and a new season means a new handbag, right? So let’s look at the hottest trends for bags this summer!

The first print trend in bags this upcoming season is exotic animal print, which was seen on the Dior catwalks.

Not to everyone’s taste (or budget) but there are plenty on the high street for those of us who don’t shop in Dior and also for a nod to the trend there are lots of more plain bags with animal print edging – those would probably stay stylish for longer too.

The next bag on your shopping list is the statement clutch! Think slogans, loud prints and quirky shapes! The more extravagant the better. Clutches look great with a paired down uncluttered summer look, and with a loud design you can let it do the talking with a plainer outfit!

If you want to look like Cara Delevingne, a leather backpack is the way to go.

Featuring heavily in her line for Mulberry, backpacks have taken the fashion world by storm! Not just for school children, these backpacks are now chic and cut from leather- a bit more sophisticated than the Roxy ones we used to tote at school- they’re also really practical for summer leaving your hands free to hold your camera and an ice cream!

Pastel is a big trend this season; pretty and sweet with girly detailing these bags soften any rock-y style summer outfit for a nice mishmash of trends! This palette makes for an ultra-feminine look that I can’t get enough of.

If you want something that might stand the test of time a bit more, get your usual handbag in a bright and bold colour! Michael Kors Jet Set totes come in all sizes and colours. For these bags think daring colours like bright green, red, yellow or hot orange (an upcoming trend) rather than pastels.

For that off duty model look, bucket bags and duffle bags are back in!

Championed by Karl Lagerfeld (in his signature black leather) these bags come in all hues and sizes! These slouchy bags are great for that boho summer look!

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Shoes to swoon over will be just one of the attractions for local ladies to visit Scarpa this evening (Thursday) at 7pm when the store plays host to a fabulous fashion show with shoes, accessories, hair and make-up by a host of local businesses. All proceeds from the evening will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Omagh retail guru Darren up for international award

HE’S been racking up the industry awards over a number of years, and now Omagh retail guru Darren Given has been named as a finalist for a prestigious international award which will see him compete with retailers from across the globe.

Darren, who hails from Culmore Park but who manages Swift’s SuperValu in Lisnaskea, has been shortlisted for the NACS Insight International Store Manager of the Year Award, with the grand final taking place in London on June 4.

The award-winning SuperValu Lisnaskea store, owned by the Swift family, was opened in 2000 as a 6,000 sq ft store and has expanded over the years to comprise a large forecourt and car park along with a growing household coal business.

The family owned store is now the largest employer in Lisnaskea town with over 80 staff, and specialises in all areas of fresh food sales. Training is a key focus for the store which invested £25,000 in training within the last year, launching a ‘speak to every person, sell to every person’ sales strategy.

Since taking over as manager nine years ago, Darren has driven sales year on year and has previously won both Northern Ireland and all-Ireland management awards and been named among the UK’s Top Rising Talent in Retail.

Darren said: “It is a huge honour to be named as a finalist in such a renowned international awards scheme as the NACS. I’m delighted to be shortlisted and will be doing my best to put Swift’s SuperValu Lisnaskea on the map when I visit London next month.”

Musgrave Retail Partners NI (MRPNI) SuperValu Sales Director Nigel Maxwell added: “Congratulations to Darren on being shortlisted for such a prestigious award. He is a very dedicated and passionate manager of Swift’s SuperValu store and team of staff and I wish him the best of luck for the grand final in June.”

S

Omagh-born priest launches funny and touching collection of memoirs...

WEARING, skinnydipping and drunks asleep in the confessional – certainly not what you might expect from a collection of memoirs written by a priest of over 50 years’ standing, but yet these hilarious tales, plus many more poignant stories, and not a few words of hard-earned wisdom come together in glorious fashion in Fr Michael Collins’ ‘Life, Death and the Bits in Between’, which was officially launched in Limavady last week.

Fr Collins has served all of his ministry in the Diocese of Derry, but he is of course an Omagh man by birth – well, he was born in Castlederg, but moved to Coneywarren at the very tender age of four weeks old, where he was later joined by a brother, Jude (himself the author of several novels and non-fiction books).

The young Fr Collins went off aged ten to St Columb’s College in Derry, and from there to Maynooth before eventually heading to Rome, where he was ordained. Returning to Derry afterwards, he served in various parishes over the course of his career, including Coleraine, Muff, Eglinton, Park, Long Tower, Waterside and eventually Limavady, where he was parish priest up until his retirement in 2012 – so it’s not surprising that he’s been privy to an equal measure of life’s most awe-inspiring and devastating moments.

But none of these anecdotes might have seen the light of day had it not been for the surprise success of Fr Collins’ first book, ‘Travellers in Time and Eternity’ which was published in 2013. A keen photographer, Michael had spent some time photographing members of the Travelling community in Park, where he was based in the late 60s and early 70s.

The resulting images – some posed, others candid – documented a culture that, years later, would have largely become the stuff of legend. They lay in storage for many years until Fr Collins unearthed them after his retirement, and, recognizing their value, decided to preserve them for future generations in the form of a book, which enjoyed unexpected success, being picked up by Eason’s and more recently by the bookshop at Trinity College, Dublin.

‘Life, Death and the Bits in Between’ is a completely different book in one way – where his first publication was all photos and no text, it is the opposite, with a mere smattering of hand-drawn illustrations to break up the text but in many ways, the two books are very similar. Both seek to preserve a n e c d o t e s , customs and memories that might otherwise have been lost, and both offer a unique ‘warts and all’ look at life that is funny and moving by turns.

The book is divided into five sections: ‘A Time of Innocence’ deals with Fr Collins’ early days as a young curate, getting to grips with the many idiosyncrasies and sometimes hot tempers of his seniors; ‘The Troubles’, unsurprisingly, deals with ministering to the people of Derry during the city’s most turbulent times; ‘The Bits in Between’ is a glorious collection of lively anecdotes, reflections on life and musings on the state of the catholic Church and Christianity in general; ‘Occasions’ deals with some of the most memorable days of his career, including those times when he was invited back to his home town for special Masses; and finally ‘Obituaries’ offers a selection of funeral homilies that

Fr Collins delivered over the years for many of his friends and parishioners, all of whom made the world a better place in their own unique ways.

Fr Collins has a unique gift – whether through the lens of a camera or through the written word – to go right to the heart of the human condition; the foibles and eccentricities, the shortcomings and imperfections, the often uncomfortable realities of life.

You won’t find any ivory tower preachings here, but the observances of a man who works for the people because he is of the people; a man as aware of his own failures and those of his profession as he is of the incredible resilience, warmth and openheartedness so often found in the midst of difficult circumstances.

From the set-in-his-ways cleric who would not be deterred from bathing in the freezing sea even on doctors orders, and even when his swimming attire was confiscated, to the worse-for-wear couple who saw fit to wake their PP at 2.30am for a lift home, to a fortuitous near miss on Bloody Sunday, to reflections on the lives and families shattered by conflict, to celebrating the quiet heroes and eccentric individuals, the differences that define and shape us as human beings – there is much to enjoy and much to learn within its pages.

Life, Death and the Bits in Between, published by Columba Press, is now available from the Carlisle Bookshop or online at Amazon.

omaghtoday | 27

Social life in need of a boost?

Your guide to what’s onMartin in Omagh district this fortnight...

By Claire

‘Is Not Even Sorry’ Micky Bartlett

Strule Arts Centre, June 21, 8pm, £10

If you don’t know who Micky Bartlett is by now then you’re either not a fan of stand-up or you’ve been living under a rock! A young pup but with all the attributes of a seasoned professional, Lurganite Micky has appeared on the BBC’s Monumental, ‘LOL’ and ‘Find Me The Funny’ as well as being a regular face on the comedy circuit across Ireland. He returns to Strule with a brand new show exploring relationships – again – and telling everyone what it’s like to be mildly famous and absolutely broke.

He's still afraid of his parents...he's still a bit too chubby....and he still thinks he's a student...but he's still hilarious! Micky is one of the funniest and most popular acts on the circuit, destroying audiences with embarrassing stories that any normal person would take to the grave. Tickets to see this guy won’t be a tenner for much longer!

{What’s On?} Your at-a-glance guide to upcoming events

30th May

Terry McHugh presents Reservoir Dad, with support from Conor Keys. Strule Arts Centre, 8pm.

30th May MS Dance and Grand Draw, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh. Dancing to the Originals.

Tickets £10 including free door draw. Claire Bowes will draw tickets for the Grand draw.

1st June Milestone Carrickmore, Termon Wheelers Annual Sportive. All friends and members are invited to this event.

1st June Cranagh’s Sperrin Circuit 2014 – 6.5 mile scenic walk in the Glenelly Valley, starting from and returning to Cranagh Hall.

Proceeds in aid of Parkinson’s Research NI and Cranagh Hall. Starts 2pm.

5-7th June St Conor’s Primary School presents ‘Joseph’.

St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh, 7.30pm each evening with a matinee at 2pm on Saturday. £7 Adult, Concession £5. Everybody welcome.

7th June

jump the q Back together after a hiatus of some three years, Jump The Q are one of Omagh's best loved bands - their gigs have become the stuff of legends in these parts, and now's your chance to re-live the magic!

Several original members, including frontman Joe Culby and guitarist Paul Maguire will be joined by new faces such as Danny McCormick, Michael Kielty ,

main street, june 7, 9pm, free Michael Rafferty and the inimitable Jerome McGlynn for a rip-roaring, foot-stomping evening of music taking in everything from Stevie Wonder to Pharrell Williams - don't miss it!

6th June All Saint’s PS BBQ, St Eugene’s Hall, Clanabogan. Steaks will be served from 8.30 to 10.30pm. Music by Gerry, Tkts £12.50.

Proceeds to school funds.

8th June Omagh RDA Car Boot Sale, Arvalee, 11am set-up for 12noon start. £5 per vehicle.

12th June Drumragh Sarsfields ‘Nearly New’ sale and fashion show, 7.30pm, £5.

13th June

It's The Real McCoy

Strule Arts Centre, June 6, 8pm, £10

It's The Real McCoy is set in the kitchen of Madge Molloy, a woman in her 60's who has spent the last 40 years wondering why her husband Tom has mysteriously disappeared. At the time Madge was expecting her only child, Maura, who has fallen in love with the postman.

Madge is trying to convince Maura that she would be better off without a man in her life. A new curate on the parish is about to shed some light on Tom's disappearance. Will Madge make the right decision in the end? This is the last chance to see Clanabogan Drama Circle's side-splitting comedy before it travels around Ireland raising money for various charities. omaghtoday | 28

Omagh Hockey Club Fancy Dress Mixed Sixes, Omagh Rugby Club, 12.30pm. £15 per person, includes entry into hockey/ food/ table quiz /disco. Team entries (3 male, 3 female) to June Graham – 07876770225 - by 4th June

Fundraising Dance, St Mary’s Hall, Beragh, in aid of Barry McAleer who is ill in Australia. Refreshments served. Music by Gone Country, tickets £10 from Farley’s Bar or pay at door.

15th June Drumquin Social Centre Charity Leisure Cycle inn aid of Cruse Bereavement Care and Omagh Child Contact Centre. 9am.

21st June Keep free for Annual Big Breakfast and Cycle Challenge in Eskra 22nd June Youth Sport 10K Road Race in memory of Kenny McGirr. 4K fun run/walk also available; 12 noon start. All proceeds to Chest, Heart & Stroke. £1600 prize fund.

Week ending 28th June Keep free for the Flaxpullers Festival, Drumduff 28th June Skyzdalimit Presents the Blues Family Horror Show, Strule Arts Centre, 8pm, £10/£8.

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU AT STRULE Music, drama, comedy, exhibitions and workshops - Strule Arts Centre has it all! On Friday 30 May at 8pm Terry Mc Hugh takes the stage with his show ‘Reservoir Dad’.

From potty training to Irish Dancing Terry will take you through his irrational childhood fears that have followed him into adulthood.

He’ll touch on being a stay at home Dad and share the joys that come from owning 3 tiny people, a cat and a dog; and how he only needs a license for one of them. Reservoir Dad promises to be a hilarious show for parents and non-parents alike. Tickets are £7 and selling fast.

On Saturday 31 May at 8pm, Frontier Promotions presents The Paperboys. The Paperboys are a Canadian Folk Music band from Vancouver and they are back by popular demand to Strule Arts Centre. Their music is a blend of Celtic Folk, Bluegrass, Mexican, Eastern European, African, Soul and Country, which makes them a band for all tastes. Their live performances have been described as high energy and they are sure to gain new fans after every performance. Having sold out the last time they visited, don’t miss them this time. Tickets are £12 on sale now.

We are also delighted to welcome at Strule Arts Centre, ‘It’s The Real McCoy’ presented

by Clanabogan Drama Circle on Friday 06 June at 8pm. Written by Tommy Marren and directed by Tommy Mullan, It’s The Real McCoy is set in the kitchen of Madge

Molloy, a woman in her 60’s who has spent the last 40 years wondering why Tom, her husband who she’d only been married to for a few months, has mysteriously disappeared without trace or reason. The proceeds from this performance will go to the Foyle Hospice.

Tickets are £10 and on sale now.

Also this June, Together In Music presents The Big Brass Swing Band at Strule Arts Centre on Thursday 12 June at 8pm. This band does exactly what it says on the tin, its big its brassy and boy does it swing. This 20 piece band is made up of the some of the principal players from Strabane Concert Brass, Britannia band from Derry and St Josephs Strabane. They bring together a full rhythm section and 2 vocalist to combine the power of a brass band and the sophistication of a Jazz combo and all led by Trombone Soloist Bob Quick. Tickets on sale at £10/ £8 concession.

In the Exhibition area, ‘Place Names’ presented by Omagh District Council’s Arts and Tourism department, opens Tuesday 03 to Saturday 28 June. The exhibition depicts children’s interpretations of their place names, featuring a variety of posters and displays from local primary schools. Also at Strule Arts Centre, workshops include, One Day Photography Workshop on Saturday 14 June and One Day Portraiture Workshop on Saturday 28 June.

UPCOMING EVENTS Performances Terry Mc Hugh: Reservoir Dad Friday 30 May @ 8pm £7 The Paperboys Frontier Promotions Saturday 31 May @ 8pm £12 Gaelscoil na gCrann: End of Term Show Wednesday 04 June @ 7pm £4/ £2 ‘It’s The Real McCoy’ Clanabogan Drama Circle Friday 06 June @ 8pm £10 The Big Brass Swing Band Together In Music Thursday 12 June @ 8pm £10/ £8 Con A Night At The Movies Harmonise Choir Friday 20 June @ 8pm £8/ £5 Con Micky Bartlett Is Not Even Sorry Love The Concept Productions Saturday 21 June @ 8pm £10

29 May - 12 Jun 2014 Gallery Place Names Omagh District Council’s Arts and Tourism Tuesday 03 - Saturday 28 June @ 10am - 5.30pm Workshops One Day Photography Workshop Saturday 14 June 10am – 4pm £30 One Day Portraiture Workshop Saturday 28 June 10am – 4pm £40 films Frozen Saturday 31 May @ 11.30am Tickets £3 / Special Family Ticket: (Family of 4 – at least 1 adult) £10

Box Office: 028 8224 7831 or Book Online: www.struleartscentre.co.uk

omaghtoday | 29

Newtownstewart Edwardian theme day at Golf Club

omaghtoday | 30

Greencastle Vintage

Fintona three mile tractor run in aid of St Lawrence’s

omaghtoday | 32

and fun day pictorial

Church Repair Fund

Further pics and details in Issue 90

omaghtoday | 33

Mulryan twins fab at forty Right: Sister Act. The Mulryan girls pose at the twins' birthday party on Saturday night.

Far right: The Mulryan twins Josephine (Martin) and Martina (Kelly) at their 40th birthday bash in the Coach last Saturday night.

Brandon Reid is now 18

Birthday boy Brandon Reid, who celebrated his 18th with a birthday bash in the Village Inn last Saturday night, pictured with his mum Madeline, sisters Alicia and Aimee and Rea Irwin.

omaghtoday | 34

Chantelle’s Banana Cake

I have among my possessions hundreds of recipes of all kinds; some very old, some very new and some that are my own creation. Among those are quite a number of banana cake / banana bread recipes, but I have to say this one from Chantelle is an absolute winner in terms of taste, ease of baking and consistent good results.

Chantelle must take her cooking skills from her granda, Micky Turner of Abbey Diner fame - all us oldies will remember queuing outside this eatery in Abbey Street many years ago in the days of good old fashioned food.

Chantelle kindly shared her recipe and I duly set out to copy her art of cake making, so many thanks to her mum Leanne for sending us the recipe and photos - and keep baking Chantelle, a master baker in the making!

Ingredients 100g / 4ozs self raising flour 50g / 2ozs sugar 50g / 2ozs butter 1 egg 1 teaspoon baking powder 50mls milk 1/2 a banana 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Pre heat the oven to 180C. Line a 1lb cake tin.

Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix together.

Put the milk and egg in a bowl and mix together.

Mash the banana on a small plate Melt the butter in a small saucepan - do not heat too much. Quite simply add the melted butter, milk, egg and vanilla essence to the dry mix and beat until light and fluffy. Pour into the prepared loaf tin. Bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes.

That's it folks! This is a wonderful little cake, I used a 2lb loaf tin and doubled the ingredients for a perfect cake. I am going to experiment with this recipe and maybe add fudge pieces - I will let you know how I get on. Anyone else out there who wishes to share a recipe with us, feel free to send it in and we will feature it.

NEXT ISSUE...

12

JUNE

Sample Gerry's fayre at The Melting Pot, Omagh Enterprise Company Restaurant

County’s Bernie crowned ‘Nurse of the Year’ ‘Nurse of the Year’ Bernie Michaelides is pictured at the Royal College of Nursing Awards held last week in Belfast along with Dessie Lowry, RCN; Western Trust chairman Gerard Guckian; Western Trust Executive Director of Nursing Alan Corry Finn, and Trust Chief Executive Elaine Way, after receiving her award from health Minister Edwin Poots.

Bernie scooped the prestigious ‘Nurse of the Year’ award in recognition of her work in developing Tyrone County Hospital's Clinical Intervention Centre. The centre opened in Omagh during June 2013 and treats approximately 60 to 100 patients each

month who require intravenous treatments, such as antibiotics and blood transfusions. The pioneering initiative has greatly reduced the need for patients to be admitted to the hospital. So successful and beneficial is this service to the local community that the Western Trust has now opened an intervention centre in Londonderry and is also planning to progress this service in the Fermanagh area. Also picking up an award was Stephen Donnelly from the Omagh Recovery Team, who picked up the Mental Health Innovation Award for his work in developing a mental health smart phone app, ‘My Mind’. omaghtoday | 35

Conor Donnelly celebrates his 18th in the Nags

Conor with Vicki and Naomi Donnelly.

Fintona birthday boy Conor Donnelly with mum Sonia at his 18th birthday bash in the Uncle Paul Donnelly pops the champagne for the birthday boy Conor Donnelly with mum Sonia and Dad John.

Nags on Friday night.

Conor with dad John Fleming Best friends Pete Henry and Pearse and grandparents Mary and Andy Toal with Conor and his birthday cake.

Fleming.

Desmond Gallagher celebrates his 40th

Birthday boy Desmond Gallagher, centre, with his mum Frances, sisters Hilary and ruth and brother Ian at his 40th birthday bash in Fintona Golf Club last Saturday night.

omaghtoday | 36

Nearly new fashion on the catwalk at Drumragh LADIES, admit it – we all have items in our wardrobes that we simply had to have…and then never wore! Well if you can say you’re guilty of this then Drumragh Sarsfields have just the event for you – a reprise of their hugely popular ‘nearly new’ sale from 2012, with a fabulous fashion show added to make this year’s event even bigger and better!

From scarves and jewellery to shoes, bags and anything else you have that’s simply too good to throw out – the ladies of Drumragh are appealing for all your nearly new items to raise much-needed funds for the completion of their refurbished clubhouse and

grounds.

To showcase the items donated for this year’s sale the organisers have decided to run a fashion show, so with club members young and old taking to the catwalk and local comedian Terry Keyes doing compere it promises to be a great evening with lots of style and lots of laughs! Thanks to a newlyinstalled lift, the clubhouse is now fully accessible for disabled people and everyone is welcome!

The event takes place on Thursday, June 12 at 7.30pm and admission is £5, which includes light refreshments. For more details visit www.drumraghsarsfields. com.

Conor celebrates his 30th

Birthday boy Conor McCullagh, who celebrated his 30th with a birthday bash in the Glebe last Saturday Conor with girlfriend Donna McConnell. night, pictured with his parents Eamon and Geraldine and sisters Sharon, Kerrie and Clare.

Conor with goddaughter Mia and Granny Logue.

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Drumquin walk raises funds for Care for Cancer A damp morning couldn't dampen the spirits of walkers and cyclists who turned out for the annual Drumquin Sponsored Walk in aid of Care for Cancer. People of all ages turned out for what was a very enjoyable event.

Across 1 Large-billed bird (7) 5 Savoury jelly (5) 8 Farewell (5) 9 Rubbish (7) 10 Improve (7) 11 Oddly amusing (5) 12 Evening meal (6) 14 French brandy (6) 18 Exploding firework (5) 20 Deep red (7) 22 Penitence (7) 23 Not relaxed (5) 24 Window sealant (5) 25 Declaim (anag) (7) omaghtoday | 38

Down 1 A meagre amount of money (7) 2 Mendacious (5) 3 Valour (7) 4 Lump of gold ore (6) 5 Made known publicly (5) 6 Group of soldiers (7) 7 Fisherman's basket (5) 13 Fall rapidly (7) 15 Left out (7) 16 Hide (7) 17 Loud piercing cry (6) 18 Disrobe (5) 19 Strong and heavy in build (5) 21 Relating to sound (5)

Open Door Poetry Group to host annual awards

BBC presenter Louise Cullen is to be the guest speaker at this year’s Omagh Open Door Poetry Awards, set to be held on June 12 at Omagh Library.

Audience members attending this year’s free awards night can expect once more to be entertained on a journey through the wordsmithery, imagery and soundscapes created by local poets, photographers, designers and producers across the disciplines.

Open Door will get the evening’s proceedings underway by performing a selection of their works, accompanied by projected imagery and graphics whilst adding sound bytes to enhance the mood, stimulate discussion and provoke thought where appropriate.

The group will also be launching their new book on the evening. ‘The Language of Imagination: A Collection of Poetry’ provides a walk through a selection of their favourite original works. It is an aim of the group to promote, make accessible and encourage local poets through this and future events and projects. New members are welcomed.

Lisnacrieve school reunion raises funds for CHS

Country Days with

George Poet

‘We have no time to stand and stare’ – the complaint of poet William Henry Davies rings truer than ever more than 100 years after it was first published.

But amid the rolling hills of Tyrone, our newest columnist George Poet will regularly be taking time to stop and observe the beauty and poetry that’s happening daily all around us, if we only take the time to notice. Join us for a breath of fresh, country air amongst the hustle and bustle of modern living…

H

ello folks, it’s great to be joining you in this week’s edition. Spring hath sprung and the long winter has left our shores for another year. What a treat to see new life abounding in our gardens and in the surrounding countryside!

The sun rises over the brow of the hill near to half five now which sets the birds off in a chorus of good mornings. How I treasure this quiet time, the peace and calm, as though I were the only solitary soul breathed into existence. The birds joyful on the quiet air singing thank you and good morning. Their song only heard by me and a fortunate few, perhaps the milkman, the coal man and the grocer, maybe you! I’m rearing calves at present; black and white Friesians. The sweet smell of the hay mingled with powdered milk greets me on the first task of the day. The four girls are pleased to see me and even more delighted when I produce the large whisk I use to mix the milk. Breakfast is served and it’s all over in a few hungry draws from the pail. Tootsie is never too far from my side when there’s milk to be had; he rubs his sleek black body against my leg, purring in anticipation of the creamy white treat. When he’s had his fill I often find him in the round barn fast asleep on a straw bale. I’m sure you’ll agree there’s nothing more contented than a sleeping cat on a soft bed. It’s a time for washing and painting, preparing and planting; patience will bring its reward.

Ah, to breathe in the spring To absorb her vitalizing qualities You are a welcome friend And you bring me hope .

Una Bourke, Treasurer, CHS, centre front, receives a cheque for £550 from members of the Lisnacrieve School Reunion committee.

They are Laura Roulston, Elizabeth McGirr, Jean Moore and Nan Henderson.

High re-union

I see how the world responds to you As a fair lady who rings a bird song bell, gently calling “awake, awake, the cold is leaving.”

You call the swallows to you and they return to your hand Crossing oceans and mountains to answer you.

Arise the snuffling badger from your slumber Long evenings await you on your favourite paths Arise the brown rabbit and wash your face And enjoy the sweet grass of the meadow once more The ancient oak opens his gnarled fingers His sleep has been deep and dreamless Old as time, slow and patient He knows her sweet song better than all.

Your friend,

George Poet.

Making preparations for the Omagh High class of '89 re-union which will take place on June 28th at 7.30pm in the birches. omaghtoday | 39

around the

community Our fortnightly look at what’s happening in your local community

Omagh Women's Aid host Michelle Owens at Bogan's

Michelle Ownes, Maeve Dunphy.

Deirdre Ownes, Mary Heagney.

Elaine Agnew, Fiona Murphy.

Omagh Women's Aid Finance Manager Fiona Murphy with Deirdre Dunphy, Support Worker, Valerie Macaughey, Administration Assistant and singer Michelle Owens at the Charity fundraising night at Next Door @ Bogans Bar on Friday night.

Tracy Clarke, Rachel Ballantine.

St. Conor's P. S. present Joseph All pupils in Years 5, 6 and 7 at St Conor’s are looking forward to taking to the stage in St Joseph’s Hall on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th June at 7.30 pm and on Saturday 7th June at 2 pm and 7.30 pm with the musical ‘’Joseph’’; a show based on the story of Joseph’s coat of many colours from the Bible’s book of Genesis.

Auditions for ‘Joseph’ which is produced, directed and choreographed by St Conor’s teacher, Mrs Nicola Kennedy, Ronan Cassidy who will play the part ofbegan back in January Joseph at the St. Conor's P. S. musicaland since then the pictured with narrators Rosa Bradley andchildren have been Cailin McCann. rehearsing as well as keeping up with their normal school work and in recent weeks have been attending lots of after-school rehearsals.

St Conor’s has long involved their school community in their shows and ‘Joseph’ is no different. The audience can look forward to the superb singing, acting and dancing of all of the very talented children in Key Stage 2 as well as guest appearances from 2 members of the teaching staff. Mr Grugan - who is no stranger to the stage in St Joseph’s Hall, takes on the role of Jacob in the show, while Mr McCullagh was persuaded to take on the character of Pharoah.

Members of the school staff have formed a choir to complement the children’s singing on stage while all staff are involved in the

preparations for the show. The school’s Parent Support Group, which includes past parents and friends of the school, is working round the clock on the costumes, props and set, trying hard to maintain the high standard set in the school’s performance of ‘’Chitty’’ back in June 2011.

The pupils are performing 2 matinees for local schools on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th June at 10 am as well as 4 performances for the public.

The show has little spoken dialogue; and with its family-friendly storyline and catchy music it promises to be a sell-out. Even though Joseph has been performed by numerous schools and amateur theatre companies around the world these children believe that St Conor’s ‘Joseph’ will be one that the audience will remember.

Tickets priced £7 for adults and £5 concession are on sale from the school but are selling fast. (Telephone 82 244683).

Do you have an upcoming event or story to tell?

Contact claire@omaghtoday.com or tel. 077 2563 1646 or pat@omaghtoday.com or tel. 077 1284 0985

Would you like to advertise in Omagh Today?

Email ads@omaghtoday.com or telephone Brendan 078 8431 3385 or 028 8075 8078 omaghtoday | 40

Sneak preview of new Leisure Complex facilities MEMBERS of Omagh District Council as well as the press were given a sneak peek of the new facilities at Omagh Leisure Complex recently with a chance to tour the centre as it nears completion.

High on the agenda of those present was a first look at the new pool arrangement, which includes a 25m swimming pool, a 10m training pool, a separate toddler pool and a jacuzzi – all of which should make for much more harmonious conditions for the various pool

users. Other exciting new additions include improved facilities in the major hall, which will increase its potential for use as a concert or event venue, and new ‘village style’ changing rooms which are more accessible for families and also disabled people. The refurbished leisure centre is due to open in July, but watch local press for details of open days where the public can also preview the facilities as well as membership packages etc.

Dragon’s Den appearance for CBS entrepreneurs

THEY’VE conquered Northern Ireland and are now looking forward to competing at a UK level with their Young Enterprise company Iluminight – but first of all it’s an appearance on Dragon’s Den for this talented buch of young entrepreneurs who’ve made it their mission to keep us all safer after dark!

Iluminight were crowned ‘Company of the Year’ for 2014 at the prestigious Young Enterprise award ceremony in City Hall, Belfast last week.

Omagh’s young entrepreneurs developed a range of fashionable highvisibility clothing and accessories designed to improve visibility of walkers and cyclists etc.

Ilumight were also presented with the ASDA Retail Excellence Award by Roisin Dugan. As a result, the company will now go forward to the UK finals in July.

Speaking after the awards ceremony at City Hall, Conor Devine, Marketing Director of Iluminight explained: “Winning an award at Northern Ireland level is a first for Omagh CBS and for our young entrepreneurs. We are delighted to represent Omagh and Tyrone and effectively the rest of Northern Ireland in our bid to complete what we started out to do – to be the best we can in developing a business to fruition and be UK wide! – we are nearly there!”

County PS pupils scoop prizes in colouring competition

Corey Duffy, the managing director of Illuminight spent many hours with his team developing products and assessing opportunities for expansion and improving quality. He explained his strategy as a team effort that required the talents of the entire team and was grateful for all their support.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all team members for their input into a company I believe will live past Young Enterprise. The idea we had was borne of tragedy and we focused on how we could effect change. Speaking to people with expertise in road safety allowed us to excel and we are grateful for their advice.”

Corey went on to say: “We developed our aims of the company as a team producing a simple acronym ‘S.A.F.E.R’ I believe this stands for all the aims we want to achieve as a company ensuring people are Seen, making sure our products are Affordable, Fashionable, Effective and Reflective.”

In the meantime you can catch Corey and Conor on June 1 on RTE’s Junior Dragon’s Den, where they will be representing Illuminight in a bid to gain investment from the real life tycoons! Tune in and watch the guys to discover their outcome.

Pupils from Omagh County Primary School pictured with their impressive haul of prizes, won in an Easter colouring competition run by McCullagh’s Centra, Campsie. The winners of the 4-8 year old category were: 1st, Eve Hamilton, who won a mountain bike; 2nd, Ryan Henderson, who won Easter egg and Argos voucher and 3rd, Anete Vigante, who won an Easter egg and Argos voucher. Winners of the 9-11 category were: 1st, Melissa Fenton, who won an iPod shuffle; 2nd, Tristan Wilson who won an Easter egg and Argos voucher; and 3rd, Sara Hamilton, who won an Easter egg and Argos voucher.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

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Niamh Taggart gets the ‘key of the door’.

Birthday girl Niamh Taggart with her parents Shane and Roslyn and sisters Niamh with her famous grand parents Charlie and Bridget Taggart and one of her cousins.

Cleonagh, Aisling and Caoimhe at her 21st in the Village Inn last Saturday night.

Killyclogher hen on tour

Killyclogher 'Bride to be' Donna Treanor who is a hair stylists with Hair Flair in Beragh pictured with her hens at her recent hen do. The girls took in roller skating in Belfast, dressed in the evening "bad teacher" style in Cameron Diaz movie (as hubby to be is a teacher) Donna pictured with hubby-to- be and had a memorable day.

Michael and son Micheál. omaghtoday | 42

Fintona Cowboys and Cowgals at the Halfway

The ladies and gents of Fintona Pearses GFC held a Wild West night in the Halfway House, Tattyreagh recently when members and friends were encouraged to dress in cowboy style and enjoy

a night of craic, dancing with a supper thrown in for value. A good night was had by all with special thanks to the Halfway team of Dermot, Ethna and family.

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Big turnout for Killyclogher 10k

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Strathroy Harps celebrate a memorable year

Strathroy Harps FC celebrated a very successful season with their annual dinner dance, held at The Venue on May 24. The side was crowned Mercer League champions for 2013/14 as well as scooping the Reihill Cup.

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Sacred Heart ABC Spectacular tournament on Main Street

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Rivers Since our last column we have seen a lift in levels in our rivers, particularly the Drumragh. Both of the Strule’s tributaries have swollen with rainwater, but the Drumragh rose in spectacular fashion during the week thanks to what can only be described as a deluge in Fintona! Hailstones the size of squash balls bombarded Fintona by all accounts, causing chaos with traffic and flooding the local shops, and where did the water end up?

Yip - in the river!

A number of salmon have been spotted in the rivers over the last week and there are reports of two being caught at Cappagh, but as the river cleans out over the Bank Holiday weekend perhaps we’ll see a few more silver boys getting hooked.

Charity Competition Saturday the 24th saw the sixth Omagh Angling Forum Open Charity Fly Fishing event take place at Loughmacrory. There were fewer anglers than usual for this comp as we decided to mix things up a bit a by fishing from boats this time round. In total 13 anglers braved the stiff north-easterly and headed out onto the lough in search of brown trout and rainbows.

The action started pretty much from the off with four anglers hooking into fish within the first few minutes of play. Cian Ward landed the first fish, winning himself a couple of tickets for the game fair at Shane’s Castle. After I untangled my line from the

propeller (doh!), I began to get the hang of the boat and opened my account, with what would be my only fish of the day, with a 45cm rainbow on a #12 Peacock and Black.

Not surprisingly the main prize was contended between the three regulars to the lough, Cahir McGovern, Pearse McKernan and Noel Kelly. Noel Kelly eventually won the title with an impressive haul of 17 fish to the net, closely followed

by Pearse on 16 and Cahir landed 11 in total. This year’s heaviest fish was won by Weigh Inn angler Mark Wilson with a 48cm fish that earned him the second place trophy and prizes.

All in all it was a good day out, despite the low turn out, and I will definitely be fishing from the boat more often over the coming season.

I would like to personally thank all the anglers for turning up on the day and all those people that put up prizes for the competition and raffle prizes. The event managed to raise £600 for a local charity that will help to enrich the lives of young people here in Omagh, so thank you all very much!

10K in memory of sporting stalwart Pictured at the launch of the Youth Sport Kenny McGirr Memorial 10K road run are Stevie Duncan, Sean Cuneen, Niall McKenna, Marie Kelly, Johnny Keyes, Julie Butler, Derek Sawyers and Conor Moore. Kenny, who passed away earlier this year, was a founder member of Youth Sport in 1995 and held office as treasurer right up until his death. A keen sportsman in his own right, Kenny was a former captain of Omagh Accies 1st XV and even when injury forced him to end his playing career, he remained an active and enthusiastic supporter of the Accies in more ways than one. The committee at Youth Sport, headed up by Omagh Harrier Conor Moore, worked with Kenny’s family to organize an event that would be a fitting tribute to a man with a real passion for sport and a love of people. The 10K race, as well as a 4K fun run and walk, will take place on June 22 at 12 noon with a £1600 prize fund and chipped timing. This is a flat, fast course – perfect for PBs. Entry forms are available now at Youth Sport Omagh or via the event’s Facebook page. Sign-on events will take place at Youth Sport on June 19, 20 and 21. Proceeds to Chest, Heart & Stroke. omaghtoday | 47

TheSideline Local sport insights ...

Whistler Frankie honoured at Fermanagh and Western awards LONG-serving Omagh referee Frankie Hannigan was among those honoured at the Fermanagh and Western gala awards night in the Killyhevlin Hotel on Friday evening.

Mr Hannigan received a standing ovation when he was presented with a Special Achievement award in recognition of a long and distinguished career with the whistle.

It was a good night all round for Tyrone officials with Omagh's Matthew Gilchrist named the Young Referee of the Year while Castlederg's John Coyle won the Referee of the Year accolade.

On the playing front Killen Rangers goalkeeper Trevor Morrison was named Division One Player of the Year in edging out Enniskillen Rangers' William Burleigh and Brendan McElholm, Strathroy Harps, while fellow clubman Jamie Sproule was selected the league's best young player.

In Division Two NFC Kesh striker Mark Jones picked up the top honour in seeing off the challenge of experienced campaigners Dylan Early, St Pats and Joe Keenan, Enniskillen Santos while Enniskillen Athletic's Christopher Curry was named Division Three Player of the Year ahead of Tony Glenn, Orchard Farm, and Magheraveely's Joseph Williamson.

Awards Division One Team of the Year: Trevor Morrison (Killen Rangers); Sean McMenamin (Fintona Swifts);Brendan Boyle (Strathroy Harps); Brendan McElholm (Strathroy Harps); Darren McQuade (Enniskillen Town); Ryan Hanna (Enniskillen Town); William Burleigh (Enniskillen Rangers); Matty McAuley (Enniskillen Town); Stephen Browne (Beragh Swifts); Ryan Sharkey (Strathroy Harps); Jamie Sproule (Killen Rangers).

Division One Player of the Year: Trevor Morrison (Killen Rangers) Division Two Team of the Year: Dylan Early (St Pats); Stephen Roulston (St Pats); Joe Keenan (Enniskillen Santos); Grant Ellis (NFC Kesh); Jason Keenan (Enniskillen Santos); Niall Devine (St Pats); Brendan McDonald (Enniskillen Santos); Lee Walker (NFC Kesh); Gary McGuigan (St Pats); Lee Glass (Derrychara United); Mark Jones (NFC Kesh).

Division Two Player of the Year: Mark Jones (NFC Kesh).

Silverware for hockey club

Geoff Hawkes, Chris Martin and Andy Young of Omagh Men’s Hockey Club pictured with UTV sports presenter Denise Watson at the annual Ulster Hockey dinner, held in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast on Friday, May 23, where they received their trophy for finishing top of Junior League 6 this season.

Division Three Player of the Year: Karl Fallis (Orchard Farm); Mark O'Sullivan (Omagh Hospitals); Jonathan O'Malley (Magheraveely); Tony Glenn (Orchard Farm); Paul Elliott (Magheraveely); Scott Armstrong (Orchard farm); Joseph Williamson (Magheraveely); Alan Gregg (Erne Rovers); Christopher Curry (Enniskillen Athletic); Gregory Johnston (Magheraveely); Richard Flaherty (Enniskillen Athletic).

Division Three Player of the Year: Christopher Curry (Enniskillen Athletic) Young Player of the Year, Jamie Sproule (Killen Rangers).

Referee of the Year: John Coyle, Castlederg.

Young Referee of the Year: Matthew Gilchrist, Omagh.

Buoyant Tyrone supporters plenty to look forward to TYRONE supporters have plenty to look forward to next month after the county's footballers and hurlers both produced polished performances at the weekend.

At Pairc Esler in Newry a Ciaran McGinley-inspired Tyrone made the most of their second chance when they recorded a comprehensive 3-11 to 0-12 victory over Down in their Ulster Senior Football Championship preliminary round replay.

With Ronan McNamee, Emmett McKenna and the Omagh St Enda's pair of Justin McMahon and Ronan O'Neill added to the Red Hands line up the visitors began in positive fashion after goalkeeper Niall Morgan denied Aiden Carr from the penalty spot .

Ronan O'Neill paved the way with a couple of early points before frees by Darren McCurry and Morgan had Tyrone firmly the driving seat.

Peter Harte then surged forward to register before Ciaran McGinley took a Sean Cavanagh pass in his stride to hammer a low shot past Down net-minder Brendan McVeigh for a 1-5 to 0-3 lead.

James McCartan's men though responded in magnificent fashion with Conor Laverty, Conor McGinn, Dan Gordon and Donal O'Hare all pointing to leave just two points between the sides at the interval (1-6 to 0-7).

That, though, was as good as it got for the Mourne men. In the opening minute of the second period Darren McCurry placed that man McGinley, who rippled the Down net with a rising shot, and from that moment on there was an inevitability about the final outcome. omaghtoday | 48

And when Ronan McNabb was taken down for a penalty Peter Harte, another one of Tyrone's star performers, duly converted to hammer the final nail in the Down coffin to set-up a mouthwatering first round tie with defending Anglo Celt Cup champions Monaghan in Clones.

The hurlers were equally impressive in their resounding 2-20 to 0-18 victory over Roscommon in the semi-final of the Nicky Rackard Cup at Athleague.

Mattie Lennon's side went into the last four decider as firm underdogs and everything appeared to be going according to the script as the Rossies led 0-12 to 0-8 at the half-time interval.

Tyrone though dramatically turned the tables with two goals in the space of a minute at the beginning of the second half.

Sean Og Grogan stunned the Rossies by latching onto a Conor Grogan pass to thunder past goalkeeper Padraig Dolan and before their opponents had time to regain their composure the Red Hands struck again with Gerard Gilmore majestically collecting a searching Mark Winters pass to raise another green flag.

A shell-shocked Roscommon rallied to an extent with points by Cathal Dolan, Cathal Kenny and Robbie Fallon but, after a Ronan O'Meara effort cannoned back off John Devlin's crossbar, Tyrone finished with a flurry of points from Matthew Mulgrew, Gary Fox and the excellent Damien Casey.

The Red Hands now meet Fingal, who were shock winners over Donegal, in next month's showpiece decider.

This weekend the focus turns to the Tyrone club championship.

Tatts to build a stand in memory of former clubman

Nicola Mullan, wife of the late Aidan Mullan, Aidan's brother Declan (second from right) with Tattyreagh GFC officials, Sean Darcy, Mickey Darcy, Paul Harley, Dominic Darcy and Charlie Mitchell at the launch of the fundraising drive to build a stand in memory of former clubman Aidan.

Club Tyrone casts its net

Ardboe and Tyrone stalwart Patsy Forbes is ‘reeling’ about the prospect of landing another large ‘catch’ for the coffers of Tyrone GAA with the launch this week of the latest Club Tyrone ‘Fishing for Fifty’ fundraising initiative. Following on from last year’s ‘Hunt for 100’ campaign, which exceeded its target and delivered 127 new members to the already large membership of Club Tyrone, Patsy is joined by Terry McNally and Roisin Dooher who will spearhead the trawl. Patsy will ‘cast his line’ this Thursday night at a special meeting at the Tyrone GAA Centre in Garvaghey at 8.00 p.m. when further details of the three week recruitment drive will be announced. Anyone who would like to help or be part of ‘Fishing for Fifty’ should either contact Patsy Forbes 07808 961 168, Roisin Dooher 07734 413 993 or Hugh McAleer 07771 603 687.

NEXT ISSUE...

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JUNE

Prompt entry encouraged for hugely popular Tour of Omagh cycle

OMAGH is the place to be this June for the best A4 racing cyclists across Ireland as the annual ‘Tour of Omagh competition gets underway. The 3-day stage race takes place from June 27-29th and features a similar format to previous years with three road stages and one time trial stage. Of those stages, two of the road stages have challenging new routes to ensure the race keeps fresh and offers riders something different. Interestingly, the race will not feature a hill-top finish this year, but will however provide hard hilly routes to help provide dynamic and exciting racing.

The race which will once again feature jersey competitions for the overall race leader; King of the Hills; and Sprints. The club is retaining the Combativity competition in 2014 following the excellent success of the initiative in 2013. The event will also feature a separate women’s race, building on the strength of this category in 2013, with the women’s leader wearing a leader’s jersey each day.

Omagh Wheelers will host the official launch event for this year’s event on Friday June 6 at 7.30pm in the Silverbirch Hotel. Entries will open via entrycentral.com on Saturday, June 7 at 10am, and close within 7 days subject to demand. Last year the event sold out in less than 2 hours so the advice is to get online and get entered early! Clubs are encouraged to plan team entries in advance of June 7. Clubs will be invited to enter teams of five riders, and whilst clubs may apply for two teams, only one team can be guaranteed entry. A team manager for each club must be nominated who will be used to confirm team entries. Whilst preference will be given to teams, a limited number of slots will be available for individual entries. The Women’s race will allow teams and individual entries.

Race organiser Mark McAleer said: “I am delighted that Costcutter have once again come onboard as the main sponsor for the 2014 Tour of Omagh. We are also very grateful to our other sponsors who make the event possible, namely WW Tyres, Omagh who are sponsoring the KOH competition; JMG Systems for the Sprints competition; Café d’ Roamer for the Women’s Competition and McGrath & McCrystal Opticians for sponsoring the Combativity competition.”

For further details, check the Omagh Wheelers website www.omaghwheelers. co.uk or email To u ro fo m a g h @ l i ve . co.uk.

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NO ADULTS ALLOWED!!!

IT is arguably the most popular children’s toy of all time – since a Danish company first began manufacturing LEGO in 1949 these little bricks have been into space, formed part of many world record attempts, been used to create artistic masterpieces, been licensed for film themes from Harry Potter to Toy Story and of course, spawned their very own blockbuster movie – and now they’re coming to Belfast as part of an exciting exhibition no LEGO fan will want to miss!!

LEGO fever has gripped the globe and if there’s such a thing as LEGO royalty, independent artist and professional LEGO builder (coolest job EVER!) Warren Elsmore is the crown prince! His book, Brick City, features some of the world’s most famous landmarks in LEGO form, including detailed instructions and parts lists for anybody brave enough to try and recreate them – and now Warren is bringing the Brick City exhibition, featuring more than 70 of these amazingly detailed models, to Titanic Belfast!

Brick City’s scaled down versions of iconic buildings and landmarks include London's Olympic Park and Westminster Abbey, as well as icons from cities such as San Francisco, Tokyo and New York.

The exhibition also includes a model of London’s famous St Pancras Station, which took two years to complete, measures 5ft tall and is 12ft long, and contains no less than 180,000 LEGO bricks.

It’s not glued together either, and Warren is on hand to set fallen mini figures back on their feet or replace chimneys knocked off by stray elbows if needs be!

Warren used to work in IT but he gave up his job a year ago to become a full time LEGO artist. "I started in the same way as everyone else, when I was three or four, getting Lego sets for Christmas

and building them," he says. "I put it aside for a bit when I was a teenager but I came back to it, like a lot of adults did and I've been building commercially for the past five years."

Warren’s on a mission to prove that far from being ‘just a toy’ LEGO bricks are an exciting medium with endless possibilities for builders of all ages – so get ready to defend your LEGO box from mum and dad!

The Brick City exhibition at Titanic Belfast will feature 72 architectural scale models, made in LEGO, all of which appear in Warren’s book. There will be something for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages at the Brick City exhibition in Titanic Belfast, including your chance to show off your own LEGO modelling skills!

This exciting exhibition will open daily from Mon-Fri 11-7pm and Sat-Sun 9am-7pm, with allocated hourly time-slots priced at £5 per adult, £4 per child and £15 per family.

But what happens when the exhibition is over – do the models get demolished? Thankfully, not, says Warren: "It is all packed up very carefully, put into boxes and it'll sit in a warehouse until the next time a museum wants to stage an exhibition!”

WIN!! Tickets to Brick City!

Thanks to the lovely folks at Titanic Belfast, we have not one but TWO family passes to the fantastic Brick City exhibition to give away!! Passes include access to the Titanic Museum also so a whole day's fun up for grabs!To be in with a chance of winning, simply complete the coupon answering the question: In what year were the first LEGO bricks manufactured? Add your personal details and don’t forget an email address. Good luck!

Return the coupon to Omagh Today, 79 Moylagh Road, Beragh, BT790UN.

Answer: Name: Address:

Email: omaghtoday | 50

Tel No:

Trip into the wild wild west with Killyclogher

Gina Carrigan 'Forget me not' cycle and walk

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