Strabane Herald -Februray 2020

February 2020

Strabane Gears Up for St Patrick’s Day

:(Å&#x2122;9( *27 <285 1$0( 21 ,7 (0%52,'(5< 81,)250 :25. :($5 6,*1$*( %$11(56 35,17 9(+,&/( *5$3+,&6 352027,21$/ ,7(06 ::: *0*/2*26 &20

675$%$1( _ 81,7 25&+$5' 52$' ,1' (67

T

he final stages of preparation for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s St Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Festival are currently underway in Strabane. A feast of music, dance, culture, colour and food will be on offer throughout the town on Tuesday afternoon, March 17.

This year, the Festival Village will be in the Butcher Street Carpark from 2pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm. There will be live music by the thoroughly entertaining Mad Notions, a chance to meet characters from Ancient Irish Myth and Legends, storytelling, markets, family fun activities, a multi-cultural area showcasing a variety of arts and crafts; music and dance from around the world.

There will also be an Irish Quarter, where those in attendance can experience and celebrate language, folklore, genealogy and Irish music.

Meanwhile, over at The Alley Theatre there will be Irish Traditional Music by the wonderful

Comhaltas an Tsratha Báin. Food will also be available, including good hearty Irish Stew, and feast of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities will also be on offer. All this happens at the Alley Theatre from 2.30pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4.30pm.

However, it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be St Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day without a parade. This year the carnival parade will take off at 2pm, starting at Holy Cross College, working its way down the Melmount Road onto Bridge Street, over the bridge onto Market Street, Abercorn Square, then turning down the Railway Road and finishing up in Dock Street.

There will be a feast of live music as the day progresses across the licensed premises in the town centre, keeping everybody in the festival spirit well into the evening. Make Strabane your place to celebrate St Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day on Tuesday, March 17.

OPENING HOURS: Mon-Sat 9 - 5.30pm / Sun Closed

BUREAU EXPRESS FOR ALL YOUR CURRENCY NEEDS! ALWAYS BATTLING TO WIN YOU THE BEST PRICE!

BEST RATES GUARANTEED NO COMMISSION CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED FAST & FRIENDLY SERVICE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR EURO PAY CHEQUES CAR PARKING FACILITIES FOR YOUR TOP RATES OF EXCHANGE CALL THE EXPERTS!

5A LIFFORD ROAD, STRABANE TEL:028 7188 2081

:25.:($5 %HDQLH +DW

6RIWVKHOO -DFNHW RU )OHHFH

21/<

3ROR 6KLUWV

3ULFH ,QFOXGHV (PEURLGHUHG /RJR 6HW XSV 9$7

+RRGLHV RU 6ZHDW 6KLUWV

Â&#x201E;

2 | NEWS

FEBRUARY | 2020

Enterprise Week 2020 looks ahead to new era for local business

Enterprise Week 2020 gets underway from March 2-6 with a packed programme of talks, workshops and drop in clinics geared towards answering all your business questions.

The event is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Innovate UK, Department for the Economy, Invest NI, Women in Enterprise, Jobs and Benefits Office, Labour Relations, Julie Pollock HR, Ulster

University, Catalyst Inc, NWRC, Startacus, Strabane Enterprise Agency, Enterprise NW, Foyle Business Network, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, and Young Enterprise. Activities will take place across a range of venues across the City and District.

This year’s programme has a strong focus on innovation and its pivotal role in helping businesses thrive and survive in a world where change is more fast paced

and unpredictable than ever. It also promotes the importance of women in business and highlights a range of pathways to achieving business success.

Launching the programme, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle, encouraged anyone with a business idea or in need of some inspiration to sign up. “Enterprise Week provides a great opportunity for local businesses to come

together to share expertise and learnings,” she stressed.

“As always there is great support from our local business experts who will be on hand to mentor and guide aspiring entrepreneurs, and give advice drawing from their own experiences. This is an exciting time for Derry and Strabane as we work towards the delivery of our City Deal ambitions, and look forward to the benefits that increased investment in our region will bring.”

All the events are free and among the highlights of this year’s programme are a series of workshops aimed at offering the latest digital solutions to enhance business performance.

For anyone with a new business idea they would like to take further, a special innovation talk will be delivered by Dr Kelly Clarke from Orryx, offering advice on how new ideas can translate into successful business ventures.

Women in business is a strong theme this year, with a number of platforms for female entrepreneurs to network, share their successes and explore new opportunities as they continue to

break through the gender barrier to the benefit of the local economy.

Small businesses will have the opportunity to enhance their chances when competing for larger contracts at a special Meet the Buyer event, offering guidance on linking in with larger scale companies, and landing those more substantial contracts.

Business Support Manager with Council, Louise Breslin, said the programme offered something for businesses of all sizes and sectors. “2020 heralds an exciting new time of opportunity for local business. Our role is to offer the support and guidance for anyone seeking information or inspiration on how they can start a new business or grow and develop an existing business.

“We’ve tried to keep the programme as diverse as possible and to tap into a few new areas to ensure a broad spectrum of information is available. I would really encourage local businesses to check out what’s on and come along to hear more from some of our leading experts.”

FEBRUARY | 2020

Ma

ke

MCELHINNEYS | 3

rS You

ing terl

Go

h fur t

er!

0 2 .

1

£

€ = 1

FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY FREE RETURNS

4 | NEWS

FEBRUARY | 2020

Young people discuss their rights at Unicef consultation event

L

ocal young people have taken part in two Unicef UK facilitated events at the Guildhall to allow them to discuss how their rights can be embedded into public services.

A Discovery Evening and a Unicef Community and Youth Discovery Day were delivered through a Unicef partnership with Council, Western Health and Social Care Trust, the Education Authority and the Community and Voluntary Sector. The work forms part of the Council area’s journey to achieve internationally recognised Unicef Child Friendly Community status.

In advance of the event children and young people aged 4-18 from across the District took part in remote consultations to ensure all their views are represented. The children and young people have explored what it feels like to grow up in Derry City and Strabane, talking about things like places to play, meeting friends, being healthy and feeling safe.

These conversations are guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and form the basis of the Child Rights based approach, a commitment within the Inclusive Strategic Growth Plan.

The information collected during the discovery phase will be used to shape the 2-3 year action plan to make the vision of a Child Friendly Community a reality.

The Unicef Youth Advisory Panel have taken a leading role, identifying key stakeholders to help make young people’s vision for the future a reality, analysing the remote consultation responses, presenting and co-facilitating at the sessions.

The Youth Advisory Panel are aged 13-24, supporting Council, the Western Health and Social Care Trust and community and voluntary sector partners to improve our community and services so they are more child friendly.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District

Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle, attended the event and thanked the young people in attendance for their useful and honest contribution.

“Child Friendly Communities aim to create cities and communities where all children have a meaningful say in and truly benefit from the local decisions, services and spaces that shape their lives,” she explained.

“With expert training and guidance from Unicef UK, the partnership sees politicians, staff and volunteers turning to children’s rights – as

set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child – to guide decisions that affect children and young people. Ongoing work has been taking place at a local level and a range of youth and adult stakeholders have already been involved in remote consultation. This event allowed children and young people to have an input into the decisions that affect them – from major policies, to decisions around the care they receive.”

Naomi Danquah, Unicef UK’s Director of Child Friendly Cities & Communities, added: “It was

wonderful to see so many children and young people join and contribute to this Discovery Day. As a result of their active participation, the action plan will be informed by their ideas and experiences, which will support the City and District in their work towards providing better outcomes for the whole community.”

Those in attendance also learned more about children’s rights locally, nationally and globally.

For further information on Derry and Strabane’s bid for Unicef Child Friendly Status contact youth@derrystrabane.com

FEBRUARY | 2020

GORMLEY OPTICIANS | 5

6 | NEWS

FEBRUARY | 2020

Business support for local entrepreneurs

D

erry City and Strabane District Council are teaming up with the Jobs & Benefits Office to offer budding entrepreneurs and small local businesses expert information and advice. The Business Support Fair event is part of Enterprise Week, which will take

place from Monday March 2 to Friday March 6, and will consist of a series of activities, workshops and seminars in various locations throughout the region.

The Employer Advisers in the Foyle, Strabane and Lisnagelvin Jobs & Benefits Offices will be holding

information events in their local offices aimed at individuals who are interested in becoming self-employed as well as small local businesses who may wish to find out more about what services are available to them.

Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office will be holding their event on Tuesday

March 3from 12pm-2pm. Strabane Jobs & Benefits Office will be holding their event on Wednesday March 4 from 12pm-2pm, and Lisnagelvin will be holding their event on Thursday March 5 from 12pm-2pm.

The format will be a jobs fair approach, with each organisation involved having an informal discussion about the services they provide. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the services and support available locally, including the Go For It Programme, Business Innovation, EURES, Employers Online and Apprenticeships.

There will also be representation from other local provision organisations, such as Prince’s Trust, who have their own Enterprise programme aimed at 18-30 year olds with a business idea. Tara Nicholas, Council Business Officer, encouraged anyone interested to get involved in the Fair.

“Launching a new business or trying to grow your existing small business can be a daunting task for anyone.

Council, in partnership with the Jobs and Benefits Office, are delighted to offer this opportunity for passionate entrepreneurs and business owners to find out more about the support that’s available to them, and to offer any advice they need.”

Tara continued: “Whether you want to come in for five minutes or stay for two hours, we’re here to help with whatever you need. Services like the Go For It Programme have already brought huge success to local businesses in our District, and we want to use this Business Support Fair as an opportunity to help others

emulate those successes.”

Ashley Russell-Cowan, Head of Employer Services Branch with the Department for Communities, added: “Our Jobs & Benefits offices are pleased to work in collaboration with Derry City & Strabane District Council during Enterprise Week and we are delighted to host the Business Support Fairs in our local offices.

“Employer Advisers and Work Coaches will be available during these events to advise on the services and financial support our teams can offer to anyone running a small business or considering a new business venture.

They will also be able to provide information on the JobcentreOnline. com website and the bespoke recruitment support available for employers.

Ashley continued: “Representatives from the European Employment Service (EURES) will also be in attendance to provide assistance and advice on cross border recruitment and the European jobs portal. We very much look forward to showcasing all the help and support we can offer you and your business.”

For full details of the Enterprise Week programme visit derrystrabane.com/enterpriseweek.

You can also access the full EW2020 programme and registration via the What’s On Derry Strabane app from Google Play & Apple App stores.

Keep up to date on social media by following @Business Support Derry Strabane on Facebook, @dcscbusiness on Twitter and using the hashtag #EW2020.

InStrabane gift card proves popular at Argos

A

rgos took the title for top sales using the InStrabane gift card in a busy December period.

The retailer, which is located in the Bradley Way Shopping Park, received 26 payments using the gift card in the lead up to Christmas, which was the largest portion of pre-Christmas gift card redemptions by value of sales.

Argos is one of over 70 Strabane businesses which accept the gift card as a form of payment.

Sinead Lynch, Derry City and Strabane District Council Business Officer, said: “We’re extremely pleased with the number of people who have been redeeming their gift cards in Argos and across the Strabane area.

“December is a particularly busy time for retail, and we’re delighted that the card made that process a bit easier for everyone involved.

“The gift card scheme continues to go from

strength to strength, with more and more businesses joining the likes of Argos in accepting it as payment, while the number of purchases continues to rise.”

Kieran Kennedy, Chair of Strabane BID, said the figures are very promising for both consumers and businesses.

“Sales of the Strabane gift card in January and February have surpassed last year’s figures, which means that the pool of money that has been ring fenced for businesses in Strabane continues to grow.

“We would encourage all BID members who accept the gift card to get creative and think of ways of attracting this money to their businesses.”

For more information or to purchase an InStrabane gift card, visit instrabanegiftcard.com. If you would like your business to be added to the gift card scheme, please email info@instrabane.org.

FEBRUARY | 2020

EVERGLADES HOTEL | 7

8 | NEWS

FEBRUARY | 2020

Newtownstewart playpark plans move a step closer

F

amilies in the Newtownstewart area will be delighted to hear that work is set to begin this month on a new £350,000 playpark providing a range of exciting equipment suitable for children of all ages and abilities.

The park will be located at a site adjacent to Mourne Park and Mourne Walk, and will be delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from funding allocated

by Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

The work will be undertaken by contractor TD McKane & Son and is set to begin this month with a view to reaching completion by autumn 2020.

The new facilities are aimed at promoting social interaction and physical activity among children and young people in the area. The equipment will include a multi-unit with towers, climbing nets and slides, a wheelchair accessible ground-flush roundabout, swings with adapted inclusive swing seats, toddler swings, basket swings, ziplines and much more.

Newtownstewart was identified by Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership as a strategic Village Renewal Project, with £202,865 in grant funding set aside for the new play park. The funding is part of the Rural Development Programme funded by DAERA, and identified through public consultation and the ‘Cluster Village Plan’. Council is also contributing £125k to the new facilities through its Play Development Programme.

Structural engineering consultancy firm Taylor & Boyd have been appointed to progress the scheme which Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle, says will be an excellent facility for families and children in the town to visit and enjoy the outdoors.

“This is great news for the people of

Newtownstewart and will bring significant benefits to the entire local community in terms of leisure and play provision,” she said.

“This exciting project is also reflective of Council’s ongoing commitment to support investment in parks and sports facilities throughout the City and District. The new development will also play a key role in promoting social interaction and physical activity among our children and young people.”

Mary Hunter, Chair of Derry and Strabane

Rural Partnership said: “The allocation of this funding by the Partnership will help to create a brand new play resource for the children of Newtownstewart, providing them with a space to engage, interact and play. The project also contributes towards our core aims under the Village Renewal scheme to revitalise and bring vibrancy back into our rural communities enabling them to grow and prosper.”

Amanda McConomy, a local community representative from Newtownstewart, also

welcomed news of the imminent works. “I’m delighted and really over the moon that works will be starting this month on the new play park,” she said.

“Importantly, these state-of-the-art facilities will provide a safe play area for local children of all ages and abilities to enjoy. I’ve also no doubts that the new park will act as a focal point for children to play and forge new friendships – whilst also ensuring they remain healthy and active!”

Welcome for new housing developments in Sion Mills Riverine Environment Project Taster comes to Aughabrack and Sion Mills

A

new exciting environmental project focusing on cross-community and crossborder relations in the Strabane, Lifford, and surrounding area has been announced. The Derry City and Strabane District Council project will see them working with Donegal County Council and community groups on both sides of the border to deliver an innovative programme of environmental and heritage activity.

The Riverine Environmental Project is funded by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and will run until December 2020, with programmes to be delivered over six months and opportunities for 110 participants in the area to take part. The various programmes include a Practical Action Group, which will involve work days focused on improving the environment, the Environmental Explorers, which is designed to help people realise how much the local environment has to offer, and Learning in the Landscape, which will involve structured courses that bring all sides of the community together to learn more about their area.

Council Environmental Officer Julie Finlay, who is managing the project, explained that it is an inclusive and informative way of making people

more aware of the environment around them while also building positive relations across all sides of the community.

“The purpose of this project is to increase environmental awareness and provide environmental education for groups and communities within the Strabane, Lifford and surrounding areas, whilst establishing sustainable relationships amongst those communities through peace and reconciliation.”

Annie Mullan from Butterlope Farm who is delivering the Learning in the Landscape courses stated that “ This is a diverse project with so much on offer from mountain biking, hiking, angling, gardening courses, learning about wildlife, historical places and names, bushcraft for kids, practical action and much more” Taster events for the project was held recently in the Alley Theatre in Strabane. Future taster events will be held in Aughabrack Hall on Wednesday, March 4 7.00 – 9.00pm and Sion Stables Heritage Centre on Thursday, March 5 7.00 – 9.00pm. Dates for Donegal area to be confirmed.

For further information contact Annie Mullan, Butterlope Farm, 07840194792, email butterlope@btconnect.com

M

embers of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee have given their approval to a number of new housing developments enhancing housing provision in Sion Mills.

Committee members gathered in Strabane for their monthly meeting where they welcomed a series of applications detailing plans for over 70 new houses and apartments.

The first development to receive outline planning approval will see 15 new houses and apartments to be constructed at Melmount Road in Sion Mills, at lands including and adjoining 127 Melmount Road. The terraced dwellings will be located in a residential area and will help meet housing demand in the Sion Mills area.

Among the other successful applications passed at the meeting were plans to bring 24 new dwellings to the Ballymagowan area, consisting of one three storey block of 12 apartments and 12 two storey semi-detached dwellings, featuring four different house types.

Members welcomed the development which is located at a vacant site at 8 Letterkenny Road, Ballymagowan.

The Committee accepted planners’ recommendation to give full planning approval to the development which is part of a wider plan for the transformation of the area and will also go some way to addressing housing need.

Welcoming the decisions, Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Christopher Jackson said: “I am delighted to see these

plans reach the next stage of delivery today.

We have a responsibility to encourage and promote responsible development and I am confident that these quality new homes will be welcomed in their respective community areas.

“They will go some way towards alleviating housing stress in Derry and Strabane in keeping with the aims of both the Strategic Growth Plan and the Local Development Plan which is currently being finalised. I hope to see more developers continuing to invest in the Derry and Strabane area.”

FEBRUARY | 2020

ABBEY HOTEL | 9

ABBEY HOTEL DONEGAL

ÂąÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x17E; Ć­ÄžÄ&#x17E; Ç&#x17D;ŲŌÄ&#x2014;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x2122; ŲĜ Ć­ÄžĹ&#x192;ĆĄ ƥƭƾŌŌĹ&#x192;Ōġ Ĺ&#x203A;ŲÄ?óƭĹ&#x192;ŲŌÉ? Ç&#x17D;ÄžÄ&#x17E;ĹŚ Ç&#x201D;Ųƾ ÄśĹ&#x192;ĹŚĂłĹ&#x203A;Ĺ&#x203A;Ç&#x201D; ĆĄÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x17E; Ĺ&#x192;Ć­ Ĺ&#x192;ĹŚ Ć&#x2013;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x2122;ƥŲŌÉ?Ę&#x2030; it is the service within that really makes the Abbey Hotel so extraordinary.

ROOMS FOR ÂŁ49/â&#x201A;Ź59Ç&#x201A;$?L ĹŽ PEOPLE PER NIGHT MIDWEEKR ROOM ONLY & THERE'S MORE..YOU GET 10% OFF DINING IN THE HOTEL

%(' 1,*+76

WHEN THEY'RE GONE THEY'RE GONE www.abbeyhoteldonegal.com

10 | NEWS

FEBRUARY | 2020

Visitors give Derry and Strabane a massive thumbs up

T

North West. They can all be assured of an experience that’s second to none – well done to everyone for this wonderful achievement.”

Accommodation across Derry and Strabane also scored highly with the quality of facilities and friendliness service scoring strongly. Visitors reported that the quality of food and drink was well received, scoring 8.18, while the friendliness of staff at eating establishments earned an impressive score of 8.83.

Launching the survey results, Economy Minister Diane Dodds, MLA, said: “The tourism sector within Northern Ireland is in a strong position, as these survey results demonstrate. Our friendly welcome, along with excellent attractions, food, customer service and accommodation continues to win fans both at home and abroad.

“As Economy Minister I intend to build on the good work being done by continuing to develop local tourism as an export business, helping to contribute to balanced regional growth and job creation.”

Tourism NI’s Chief Executive, John McGrillen said: “These results are a boost for the local industry as Derry City & Strabane’s unique visitor attractions clearly resonate with visitors. It was also a consistent theme across Northern Ireland that our people greatly enhance the visitor experience.

“The welcome that people receive in our hotels, guesthouses, pubs, taxis, restaurants, cafes and shops also helps to ensure that people who come here to visit want to return or to advise others to visit and experience Northern Ireland for themselves.”

he Mayor of Derry and Strabane has congratulated all those working in the local tourism industry on the fantastic feedback from visitors in the latest survey results by Tourism NI. Councillor Michaela Boyle said she wasn’t surprised by the findings of the latest Visitor Attitude Survey which indicate that an impressive 98% of those surveyed believed that the Derry City and Strabane Council area met or exceeded expectations.

The survey of leisure visitors revealed that exploring history and culture was one of the primary draws to the historic city and the range of interesting things to see and do in the area was rated positively by visitors, scoring 8.50 (out of ten). Councillor Boyle praised local industry professionals and local people for providing an exceptional welcome for visitors.

“I think this feedback highlights what we all know – that Derry and Strabane are fantastic places to visit, and we’re renowned the world over for warmth and hospitality,” she declared. “It’s a great endorsement from those who have enjoyed the experience and a great message of confidence for anyone considering a visit.

“Council and its partners have been working hard to build the profile of the North West as an exciting visitor destination. As we look forward now to our summer season with the return of the Jazz Festival and the Foyle Maritime Festival we will be welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to the

Burns Night Celebrations in Castlederg

A

special event marking the traditional Scottish Burns Night took place recently in Castlederg. The “Not so Serious” Burns event was organised by the Good Relations Team at Derry City and Strabane District Council in conjunction with Bready and District Ulster Scots Development Association.

A full morning of cultural entertainment featuring traditional Scottish music, poetry and drama was enjoyed by those in attendance,

celebrating the many strong local Ulster Scots ties. The event took place for the first time in Derg Valley Leisure Centre in Castlederg and was attended by Sperrin Carers, members of the Healthy Aging Network and local residents from Castlederg.

The audience all enjoyed a taste of some traditional Scottish fayre including neeps, tatties and haggis, as well as an appearance by Rabbie Burns himself.

FEBRUARY | 2020

HARKIN FIREPLACES | 11

12 | SCHOOL NEWS S

FEBRUARY | 2020

Knockavoe School News K

nockavoe School Makaton Choir perform with leading ABBA tribute band ARRIVAL at Mount Errigal Hotel. A spokesperson for the school said: “A huge thank you to Joe Gallagher Entertainments, Mount Errigal Hotel, our parents, all our staff at school especially Grainne Dunne, Jenny Parton, Amanda Mc Ginley, Noreen Mc Elwee, Peter Doherty and Ciara Mc Mackin, but most importantly our talented, enthusiastic and amazing pupils. So, so proud of each and every one of you!”

Youth 19 Programme scoops top local government award

D

erry City and Strabane District Council’s Youth 19 team were celebrating after coming out tops at the NI Local Government Awards 2020.

The Youth 19 Programme was named Best Local Authority Community Planning Initiative at the awards which took place last night in Belfast. The Youth 19 team have been engaging widely with young people across Derry and Strabane, helping to motivate and empower them with an impressive programme of events and activities.

The year-long programme was dedicated to young people aged 12-24 and throughout 2019 the spotlight was placed on the positive contributions that young people are making to the local community and offering them the skills, experience and opportunity to take a leading role and Make Change Happen.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle, led the congratulations, praising the work that has gone into engaging and supporting local young people over the past year.

“The NILGA Awards provide a great platform to highlight just a few of the wide spectrum of programmes and projects being delivered by local authorities that make a difference to people’s lives every day.

“I just want to extend my warm congratulations to the Youth 19 team who are deserving winners of the Best Local Authority Community Planning initiative.

The programme has offered young people here the opportunity to find their voice and become involved at all levels in a wide range of activities and initiatives designed to empower and inspire.

“I want to thank all the young people who took part in the programme, they have really grasped this chance to challenge perceptions and prove the value of our young people in shaping the future of Derry and Strabane.

Council will continue to explore new options to support and enhance the lives of local young people and involve them in civic life and decision making.”

Flight Of The Albatross - Fear To Freedom

by Sinead Lynch

L

ocal author Sinead Lynch launched her debut book, Flight Of The Albatross – Fear To Freedom at The North Star Health & Wellbeing Centre in Eglinton.

Within the pages, Sinead shares the wisdom she received from a team of 31 Angelic Beings and Ascended Masters who introduced themselves to her as The A-Team of 31, One Voice.

The former hairdresser, now working as a Spiritual Teacher and Group Facilitator, has10 years experience in the Holistic Sector. She has professionally trained as a Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Psychic Reiki Master Teacher & Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) Master Instructor.

“In my late teens, I knew I was somewhat different from my peers”, explains Sinead. “Where I felt most comfortable and at ease was with small groups of one or two friends or work colleagues”.

When others were happily socialising in pubs and clubs, Sinead was happiest attending prayer meetings and other spiritual worship gatherings.

“From a young age, I always had a strong faith

and belief in the power and mighty workings of God, strengthened by the witness of my parents. It was only in my late thirties that I began to honour and embrace my sensitivity, my healing gifts and my natural ability to consciously connect with spirit and with the higher realms of existence”.

With this realisation Sinead began a vocation as spiritual healer, writer and teacher. In her early forties she started work as a spiritual teacher. “Over the last decade, I’ve had the most miraculous, blissful and sometimes unexpected of experiences, not to mention all of the heat-centred and gentle souls along the way”.

Sinead’s latest book was written over a six month period and she had an ‘out of body’ experience a few days before beginning to write the book.

Flight Of The Albatross - Fear To Freedom is available from Healing Arts, Carlisle Road Derry, North Star Health & Well Being, Eglington and The Gatelodge, Strand Road, Derry.

FEBRUARY | 2020

THE INTERVIEW| 13

Jude Has All the Time in the Word

E

ighteen-year-old Jude Gallagher has been making steady progress in the amateur boxing ranks. In November past, the Newtownstewart native who fights out of the 2Castles Boxing Club produced one of the performances of the night at the Irish Elite Championship finals in Dublin to stun European Games bronze medallist Regan Buckley.

It was such a memorable battle that IABA website cited the fight as ‘a clash that matched

the classic 2009 final between Rio Olympian David Oliver Joyce and two-weight World pro champion Carl Frampton in terms of drama and action’. Everything seems to be falling into place for Jude and at aged just 18 he has years ahead to build on his successes so far.

It all started when he was eight-years-old. “I was boxing with Bishop Kelly Boxing Club when I was eight. Then my father (John Gallagher) opened the boxing club in Newtownstewart and I’ve been there since I was about ten,” Jude

explains.

It was here that Jude developed his craft and it was evident that he would eventually be stepping up and boxing competitively, which he has been doing over the last few years. But his step into Elite boxing is a significant one, as was his success at the National Stadium in Dublin in November.

“When you turn 18 you’re an Elite boxer and can fight anyone the same weight aged 18 to 40,” he explains. “So that was a big step up for me

but I did really well. I had three hard fights in Dublin in November and came through them all really well. I also won Best Boxer of the Tournament, so that was a big bonus.”

Jude had no qualms about stepping up to elite level and was more than ready for it and had great support. “I teamed up with former Elite champion Eric Donovan, who has been a major addition to the team. He brings great knowledge and experience to the table. Mickey O’Neill, my dad and Kevin Simmonds have been with me all the way and are top coaches. Eric has been able to give me insights into Elite boxing and has been a major help in my development,” he stresses.

That support in Jude’s corner paid off in spades in Dublin, especially for his stunning win over European Games bronze medallist Regan Buckley. “It was a great fight, real toeto-toe stuff,” Jude recalls. “It was constant action throughout and a really good fight to be involved in. People were coming up afterwards talking about it, even people who would claim not to know an awful lot about boxing have said that they’ve watched it back a few times, which is all great to hear and it was great to be part of something like that.”

Initially Jude and his team were aiming for competing in this year’s Olympic Games. But instead, Jude’s focus now primarily is stepping up into another weight category. As for the Olympic Games, he is young and they will come around again.

“I’m just focused on my amateur career, World Championships and hopefully in the future an Olympic Games. If I manage to win medals at European or World level we’ll see what the future holds after that. The next time the Olympics come round I’ll still be in my early 20s so I have a lot ahead of me,” he concludes.

Indeed, Jude Gallagher has a big future ahead of him and plenty of time to decide what to do with it.

14 | SCHOOL NEWS

FEBRUARY | 2020

St Mary’s Primary School

St Mary’s recently held a non-uniform day with donations collected for charity. A total of £800 was raised and will be split between Codie and Kaiden’s charities. Thank you very much to everyone who donated

Well done to our school netball team, the girls won 6-3 against Longtower in Derry

Well done again to Lorcan who was a winner in the Chinese New Year Poster Competition.

Some of our P7 pupils got the chance to take part in a Youth Discovery Day in the Guildhall to allow them to discuss how their rights can be embedded into public services.

Thanks very much to Paddy Simpson for bringing the ambulance to St Mary’s recently. The P1 children are learning all about the hospital in class this term

The Primary 4 children were taking part in the Paired Maths Programme this term. The children played different maths games at home each week to encourage mathematical thinking outside of the classroom and to encourage their enjoyment of the subject. Numeracy Coordinator Mr McLaughlin presented the boys and girls with their certificates.

FEBRUARY | 2020

COUNTY HOUSE FURNITURE | 15

16 | SCHOOL NEWS

FEBRUARY | 2020

Strabane Academy News

Thank you to Nexus NI who delivered the Consent Education Project as part of Derry and Strabane PCSP to our Year 13 pupils during enrichment.

Celebrating pupil success. Sophie, Year 13, hits the High Notes achieving a distinction in her Grade 7 Singing exam.

The Business Studies Department welcomed YENI into school to deliver their Project Business programme. The pupils took part in a series of enterprise challenges and took on the role of small business owners with our business volunteers from McColgans Ltd.

Congratulations to Lauren, winner of the Business Studies competition on Open Night.

Congratulations to Lucy Yr12, as she has selected in the Cricket Ireland U17 Emerging players Programme (EPP). Female winner of SASP. Congratulations to Benji Yr10, as he has been selected for the Ulster Schools Swim Squad.

Our new locker area seats have finally arrived all the way from Sweden!

Fancy! And theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve proved a real hit with the kids too!

A massive congratulations to the winner of our Open Evening Crossword Challenge, Daisy from Bready Jubilee Primary School. We hope you enjoy your prize and well done to finding all the answers to our clues!

Well done again to our RE winner, Melissa from Ardstraw Primary collecting her prize!

Strabane Academy Junior Hockey teams set the bar high with a double win at home over Fivemiletown High in their West of Ulster League Fixtures. The U14XI made history playing the first ever league hockey match on our brand new Astro turf hockey pitch and they did so in style securing a fantastic 5-1 win. Not to be outdone the U12XI secured a tremendous 2-0 victory. An excellent all round team performance ladies.

FEBRUARY | 2020

RESTEX | 17

18 | SCHOOL NEWS

FEBRUARY | 2020

Holy Cross College News

Congratulations to Bláthnaid Doherty HCC Equestrian Team, picking up her award at the Show Jumping Ireland Ulster Region Pony Awards

- Congratulations to our Junior Girls football team who qualified for the NI Cup Semifinals after recording a 4-1 victory over Royal School Dungannon.

Mrs Bradley presents a cheque from the school to Year 13 student, Kate McGorry, to support her fundraising in support of Youth Build 2020

National Sports Arena, Dublin Hannah Whyte took silver with a PB of 10.11m in Shot. Ashleigh McArdle was awarded gold in the Shot

HCC yr 9 Gaelic team pictured after their victory over Loreto Coleraine.

10 Holy Cross pupils on a trip to Old Trafford. .

During the stadium tour they were lucky enough to meet goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel who stopped for a photo.

Well done to the Further Maths class who achieved 1 A* and 30 A’s in their early GCSE Maths

The Anthony Nolan Trust visited the school to speak to our Year 13 and 14 pupils about joining the donor register for stem cells and bone marrow, to help the Trust in the treatment of those with blood cancers.

We are delighted to celebrate the success of our recent past pupils in ‘Arts’.

Amy Mae Dolan who lead Riverdance in its 25th anniversary celebrations at 3Arena in Dublin

Head boy and girl (Ross Wilders and Orlaith Sweeney) were invited to the Derry Strabane launch of UNESCO World Learning City in Guildhall in Derry

Darci Wilders has made it through to the next round of UK ‘The Voice’. Go ladies!

FEBRUARY | 2020

RONAN.CO| 19

20 | PAT KIRK

FEBRUARY | 2020

FEBRUARY | 2020

PAT KIRK |21

FEBRUARY | 2020

22 | OUT AND ABOUT

Out and About in Bannigans Lifford

FEBRUARY | 2020

BANNIGANS BAR | 23

24 | TOTAL MUSIC

FEBRUARY | 2020

The Finest Homebrew Volume One

A

s we step closer to the Spring and liberate ourselves from storm after storm, it’s always worth remembering that there are always great original artists in your town or a town never too far away that is playing live and releasing outstanding new material. Here are a few local artists who have just dropped some absolutely magnificent sounds over the recent couple of months. Do check them out if you haven’t already.

AUL BOY Having the much sought after standing as “Ramelton’s hardest working lazy rock band” Aul Boy are an indie-rock four-piece striving to merge the sounds of New York, California and Donegal. In keeping with the “lazy” aspect of it all there is natural but well nailed down sense of slacker-cool to what they do, playing loosely but always maintaining a tight rhythm. They play joyfully in the mix of soft and noisy with no fear of making it poppy if that’s what it needs. The have been keeping busy live and have scored sets at Swell and Distorted Perspectives festival, and support slots with Exmagician, The Altered Hours and BC Camplight. Their brand new EP, ‘Making Strange’, is available now. Check it out and more on their Bandcamp page : https://aul-boy.bandcamp.com.

CHERYM

STRENGTH N.I.A. Active in various guises for almost ten years, the one constant with Derry’s Strength N.I.A. is front man and leader Rory Moore. He describes their sound as “Werewolf pop”. “It’s Wooly and deliberate. We record onto magnetic tape because it gives us the bass frequency we like. Bass frequency is the sound of warm blood flowing through our bodies,” he expands. Their distinct use of bass guitar, organ and beats to create sounds is unique to them, making them one of the stand-out DIY specialists in the country. Check out their incredible debut album ‘Northern Ireland Yes’ and most recent stand-alone single ‘Margaret’ – one of the finest singles of 2019. It can all be found on https://strengthnia.bandcamp.com. Exciting new music will be coming from Strength N.I.A. this year.

HCBABY HcBaby aka Strabane’s Danny Houston has been rapping and recording for an unbelievable 15 years now. In that time, he was remained prolific, nailing down regular day to day hometown life in rhyme and a consistent clever array of beats.

His latest collection, simply titled ‘Strabane’, is a reflection of his 15 years as a creative force and serves as a love letter to his hometown, his past and the places that marked his youth and growth. ‘Strabane’ by HcBaby is now available on Spotify.

Sister Ghost

CHERYM Derry trio CHERYM have made quite a name from themselves via their sharp fastpaced punk-pop. They have been added to Hotpress magazine’s Hotlist for 2020 and their most recent single, ‘Abigail’, released late last year, was awarded ‘Single of the Year’ by Chordblossom. “A teenage throwback that sounds accessibly new…sonically perfect pop punk makes this a winner,” said the online magazine.

It is, indeed, a delightful slice of guitar pop with a chorus to match the melodic splendour of a young Stiff Records period Kirsty MacColl. Check out ‘Abigail’ and more from CHERYM on Spotify and https://cherym.bandcamp.com.

MARIA MCCORMACK Donegal singer-songwriter and broadcaster Maria McCormack has been writing music for 20 years. ‘I Choose to Love’ is her first collection of songs on release and what a wonderful debut it is – a rich, beautifully arranged, polished group of songs that conjure up scenes from a wine bar in France to the bohemian creative hubs of New York City. The transportive melodies are flavoured with heartfelt, cinematic lyrics. It’s a treat from start to finish. Check the album out now on Spotify.

The Lost Brothers Maria McCormack

SISTER GHOST Sister Ghost is the project of Shannon Delores O’Neill from County Derry. In late 2013, Delores embraced a dedicated DIY ethic, writing, demoing, singing and playing everything herself – before enlisting some friends to bring Sister Ghost to completion.

Playing noisy, melodic grunge pop, their sound has the soul of 1990s alternative guitar rock in its engine. As a live band they are an incendiary unit, claiming the NI Music Prize ‘Best Live Act 2019’ award. New single ‘Bruised Fruit’ is yet another stormer. Previous single ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a fast and furious kick in the particulars to those in power far and near, some very near! Check it all out and more on https://sisterghost.bandcamp.com.

Aul Boy

THE LOST BROTHERS. Omagh’s Mark McCausland and Navan’s Oisin Leech have been making great waves over recent years as The Lost Brothers. Their brand new album, ‘After The Fire After the Rain’, is so impressive it would not be bold to say it’ll be in the running for album of 2020 by many critics and radio stations come the end of the year. Recorded at Strange Weather Studios, Brooklyn, New York, it was co-produced by Daniel Schlett and Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan’s bassist since 1989 and longest running band member). Richard Hawley said of the duo: “The Lost Brothers harmonies are to die for, as near as a duo have got to the mastery of The Everlys and The Louvin Brothers’ tender close harmony singing that I’ve heard anywhere near these shores.” High praise indeed. The new album available now on Spotify and https://thelostbrothers.bandcamp.com.

Strength NIA

FEBRUARY | 2020

RADISSON BLU | 25

AT RADISSON BLU HOTEL LETTERKENNY

PAC K AG E S from

€43PP

Including complimentary room hire, table décor, chair covers, sashes, centrepieces, fairy light backdrop, complimentary bedrooms & more…

Call us on

+353 74 919 4444 to book a showaround

Radisson Blu Letterkenny Paddy Harte Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Follow us:

26 | MCELHINNEY’S BEAUTY

FEBRUARY | 2020

McElhinney’s -Spring Summer Beauty Trends Hi Ladies, It’s that time of year again where we embrace all the new trends of the Season, and we have an exciting Season of beauty ahead of us as there is a trend to suit everyone, so let’s jump straight in!

WET LOOK GLOSSY LIPS

DEWY SKIN

CLASSIC RED LIP

Say goodbye to matte lips, the luscious glow is back! The wet look lips compliment both dramatic makeup and the ‘less is more’ makeup looks, either toning down or toning in with the looks.

Achieve the Look: When it comes to lips each brand cater to all shades and styles, for this look the Inglot test tube glosses are ideal and come in 5 different shades. Or the Chanel Rough Coco Flash lipsticks give that lovely hydrated look to the lips and come in a range of shades.

As we already seen with the contour trend, healthy hydrated skin is back again and going nowhere fast. The dewy, wellness skin trend is all tied in with that natural radiant glow and the ‘no makeup’ makeup look. This look is easily achievable through use of moisturisers, tinted moisturisers and liquid illuminators.

Achieve the Look: The new Clarins Milky Boost is a moisturiser which oxidises when it’s put on the skin, giving you a healthy skin glow, while also adding a little colour to the face. It is available in 5 shades to cater to everyone.

Another new product is the Clinique ID Dramatically Different Moisturising BB-Gel, which also oxidises once put onto the skin; giving you both the hydration and colour in one.

The classic red lip continues to be a staple beauty trend this Spring/Summer just like every other Season. Complimenting the ‘less is more’ makeup look, the timeless red lip brings a modern aspect each season with the vast variants of the shade and how the many makeup artists utilize this chic shade on runways.

Achieve the Look: Each brand in our department does a range of red lipsticks which can help you recreate this look, but the brand that is most well-known for its iconic red lipsticks is of course Chanel, and their Rouge Allure Shade 104 Passion is my personal favourite! ving you both the hydration and colour in one.

So, as you can see ladies, we have a really exciting Season ahead for Beauty, so why not call in store and try out a new trend for yourself!

See you soon, Noeleen C ONTOUR & HIGHLIGHT

WINGED LINER Just when we thought the winged liner was gone and the smoked-out liner look was back, it comes around again. The black flicked out winged liner is back with a bang this season, from small and pretty, right to big and dramatic, making it fun to play around with and effective in every look.

As seen on runways from Dolce & Gabbana, Jeremy Scoot and Blumarine this trend ranged from short cat-like flicks, to dramatic eyes with neon pops.

Achieve the Look: The New Aideen Kate collection from Suzanne Jackson, has a duo liner set which has both your black kohl pencil and liquid liner. The liquid liner is ideal to get your perfect flick, with the hairs of the brush making it so easy to achieve the look. Another favourite is the Liner Plume from Lancôme - this felt tip liner is just so easy to use and doesn’t budge!

Spring/Summer 2020 is all about the dewy, healthy skin and the no-makeup look. Subtle highlighting and contouring are playing a huge role in this image in 2020, which gives the face more of a sculpted look rather than the extreme chiselled look we’ve been used to over the past number of years.

On the runway, Alexander McQueen opted for a lovely iteration on no-makeup makeup with a touch of natural-looking taupe contour that enhanced the already high cheekbones of models, and a touch of highlight in the inner corner of the eyes. For Chanel, makeup artist Lucia Pica was a bit more heavy-handed, applying a healthy dose of a warm contour high on the cheekbone along with some glowy highlighter. And for Burberry, there was a slight contour on models, though otherwise, the face wasn’t overly made up at all.

Achieve the Look: Build your own Inglot palette in store which allows you to choose which shades of highlight and contour you want, as well as having everything in the one palette which is perfect for travelling.

METALLIC SMOKEY EYE

WINE LIPS The goth like shades are all back this Season for those ladies who enjoy a darker lip, which is unusual for Spring/Summer! Similar to the staple classic red, these wine tones are seen complimenting the ‘no makeup’ and ‘less is more’ makeup looks, adding that stand out aspect to the look.

Achieve the Look: The Estee Lauder lipsticks are long-wearing and come in a host of strong, statement colours. The Pure Colour Envy Liquid Matte Shade 522 Red Noir is ideal to give you that dark wine lip.

The soft smokey eye is yet another staple beauty trend which plays its part each Season.

This timelessly seductive look is both modern and vintage and by adding more bronze and metallics on the lids this compliments the smoked-out chocolate browns in both inner and outer corners.

Achieve the Look: The new Lancôme Hypnose Eyeshadow Palettes are a lovely combination of metallics and mattes and come in a vast range of shades and 10 palettes in total. They are so pigmented and ideal for that metallic smokey eye. Another new palette which is also great to achieve that smokey metallic eye is the Aideen Kate Palette, with colours ranging from bright shades to your classic golds and browns!

FEBRUARY | 2020

MCELHINNEYS | 27

Asha Printed Midi Dress £129.17

Floral & Animal Print Mini Dress £165.83

Krystle Bow One Shoulder Dress £275

Loren Abstract Print Bodycon Dress £275

NEW IN SPRING/SUMMER 2020

We are loving the new Spring/Summer Collection 2020.

This romantic & fun collection is playful and unique.

Availalbe instore & online in sizes 8 to 18.

Enjoy Free Next Day Delivery online

Make Your Sterling Go further!

£1 = €1.20

Off The Shoulder Satin Dress £87.50

Puff Sleeve Floral Mini Dress £74.17

28 | NEWS

FEBRUARY | 2020

Visit Rome at Least Once 10 Reasons Everyone Should

The capital of one of the world’s most powerful ancient empires, Rome is a fascinating place that has inspired people to visit it for millennia. With its breathtaking buildings and monuments, incredible works of art, smalltown charm, leisurely pace of life and world-renowned cuisine, the Eternal City is worth a visit at least once, though it would take a lifetime to see all it has to offer. Read on to see why you should visit Rome and what you can expect as you’re exploring this marvelous city.

Ancient Ruins Rome is a city built on layers: Cascading ivy wrapped around ancient columns, ruins incorporated into modern structures, piazzas filled with remnants of 2,000-year-old temples, cobblestones that date back thousands of years. Rome is filled to the brim with visual records of its diverse time periods, and its an incredible sight to behold. Other ancient cities may have plenty of cultural heritage on display as well, but in Rome it is so integrated in the present city, that you will experience the breadth of its history at every turn.

Architectural Prowess The ancient Romans were lauded for their architectural and engineering artistry, and testaments to their brilliance still stand throughout the city.

A visit to Rome brings you up close with monuments and constructions that influenced building practices and trends over centuries and across continents, including the Colosseum, the world’s largest amphitheater, and the Pantheon, with the largest unsupported dome in the world. If you venture outside the historic center,

you’ll also see Via Appia Antica, an ancient road that made the most of cobblestone techniques, and the aqueducts, an innovative way to bring large quantities of water into the city.

Seat of the Papacy Vatican City, the world’s smallest state and the center of the Roman Catholic Church, is one of the most sacred places in Christendom and is a big draw for tourists and pilgrims visiting Rome. Vatican City is located within Rome, adjacent to the Prati district, and contains important religious and culture sights, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. It has been the seat of the papacy since the 14th century, and the Pope holds an audience in St. Peter’s Square each Wednesday morning.

The Sistine Chapel The Vatican Museums are famous for

their priceless sculptures, frescoes, tapestries and paintings, but the uncontested main attraction is the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel is located within the Apostolic Palace, the residence of the Pope, and is named for Pope Sixtus IV who restored it at the end of the 15th century. Michelangelo painted the cycle of frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel between 1508 and 1512, and it is considered one of the greatest works of art in the world and an important landmark of High Renaissance art. You can take a virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel online but you’ll have to visit Rome to see it in person Roman Cuisine Italian cuisine is beloved throughout the world but few people realize that each region of Italy has its own unique dishes. To taste Rome’s famous “cucina povera” dishes, you

have to eat a traditional trattoria in the Eternal City. Rome is lauded for its pastas, including amatriciana, carbonara, gricia and cacio e pepe as well as its thin Roman-style pizza and pizza al taglio, or pizza by-the-slice – a favorite street food. There is also a heavy Jewish influence in the cuisine, so you’ll find lots of artichokes, zucchini flowers and anchovies incorporated into the dishes. Be sure to try the city’s delicious fried artichokes during your time in Rome.

Health and Balance A visit to Rome will surely leave you with some epiphanies during your trip. Yes, Italians often eat three course meals with wine each day. Yes, Italians eat plenty of carbohydrates, though they are balanced out with plenty of vegetables, grains and meats. Travelers to Italy often worry about how they will maintain a healthy diet in the land of pizza and pasta, but Italian cooking strikes a balance between food groups and incorporates plenty of fraesh, seasonal ingredients into each dish. With regulations that protect farmers and consumers and an emphasis on locally sourced foods, you’ll be surprised how healthy you feel after eating out in Rome. Plenty of walking doesn’t hurt either!

La Dolce Vita Italy in general, and Rome in particular, is famous for its dolce vita lifestyle where everything is seen through rose-colored glasses and real life appears to be a never-ending vacation.

Rome has its share of problems – bureaucracy, transportation, unemployment – but a visit to the city will have you seeing its beauty and

charms rather than its downsides.

As you stroll through Rome’s elegant piazzas basking in the city’s plentiful sunshine with a gelato in hand, only to bump into magnificent sights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, you’ll be sure to feel the magic.

Diverse Quartieri Rome is comprised of dozens of diverse neighborhoods and exploring these different quartieri is one of the most rewarding aspects of a trip to the city. The city truly feels like a set of villages combined into one expansive capital, so you’ll soak in plenty of small-town charm everywhere you go. The well-trodden Trastevere, Rome’s medieval neighborhood located across the Tiber River, is a bohemian enclave with plenty of bars and eateries that spill out onto the streets, while neighborhoods San Lorenzo and Pigneto are popular with students and an alternative crowd.

Slower Pace of Life Rome is located in the center of Italy, but in attitude and style it is largely a southern city. The pace of life is slow, work hours are relaxed and leisure is valued more than productivity.

While this has some obvious negative consequences, living a slower pace of

life also puts things into perspective and Rome provides a welcome respite from the frenetic energy overtaking most of the industrial world.

Work/Life balance is important here, vacation is a right and time is largely relative: plans arean’t made weeks in advance but often last minute, and this is how Romans like it.

3 night breaks from Dublin from £229.00pps

GALLAGHER TRAVEL LTD

10 STRAND ROAD, DERRY-LONDONDERRY, T: 028 7126 1226 167 SPENCER ROAD, DERRY-LONDONDERRY, T: 028 7134 1715 www.gallagher-travel.com

At the heart of the community Sustaining community life for today and tomorrow Modern mining brings many opportunities - well paid jobs, training or extra business for local firms to name but a few.

issues of common interest and shape how the mine would support the community by investing in a number of landmark projects.

As well as being environmentally responsible, 21st Century mining also brings opportunities to build sustainable communities. Through local partnerships, mining can invest in the physical fabric of our villages and towns – enhancing the sporting, cultural and educational bonds that bring a community together. This has been the legacy of modern mining in rural Ireland in both Navan with Tara Mines and in Tipperary with Lisheen Mine.

These initiatives, which will serve the area for decades, included major refurbishments of community centres in the local villages of Moyne and Templetuohy. Moyne’s centre was practically rebuilt with a new roof, offices, kitchen and state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment to support its thriving drama group. Templetuohy benefited from a new hall which is used for sports and other community events.

Tipperary’s Experience North Tipperary is renowned for its horse breeding and dairy farming, but until 2017 it was also home to a zinc and lead mine which provided 400 jobs for almost 20 years.

Dominic Everard, who was part of the community forum, said “The mine changed the lives of the community.

Instead of supporting a lot of small projects, we asked them to sponsor specific projects for the community.

We achieved a lot together.”

Over those years the company worked with a local community forum to discuss

Mining may have ended, but its positive community legacy will continue for years.

For more information about Dalradian please visit dalradian.com

FEBRUARY | 2020

EVERGLADES | 29

30 | STRABANE GOLF CLUB

FEBRUARY | 2020

Winners at Strabane Golf Club

The winners of the Leo Kavanagh Winter Cup were James McAllister and Eddie Bradley with Paul Kavanagh and Club Captain Kevin Neeson.

Third were Eddie Finlay and Michael Mathers

The runners up were Senan Roarty and Colin McCafferty(missing)

The new lockers have been allocated. A very big Thank-you to our members who oversaw the work and gave freely of their time and to the tradesmen who have done an exceptional job in what members will agree is a fabulous new asset to the club.

Michael McGavigan and John McMenamin in fourth place.

Macmillan programmes come Brighter Ballymagorry Development Group raise £1400 for together to mark World Cancer Day Leukaemia and Lymphoma N.I.

M Strabane Branch members Mrs R Devenney and Mrs M Robinson of Leukaemia and Lymphoma N.I. receiving Cheque for £1400.00 which was raised by Brighter Ballymagorry Development Group’s New Years Day 5K sponsor walk.

Thanks to everyone who took part in the event also to Fox Lodge Cricket Club for use of facilities

acmillan Move More programme participants from Derry City and Strabane District Council and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have joined forces to mark World Cancer Day. The neighbouring Councils met at Roe Valley Country Park in Limavady to take part in a walk and have lunch at the park’s visitor centre.

World Cancer Day aims to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. The Macmillan Move More Co-ordinator for Derry and Strabane, Sean Hargan, said the event was an ideal opportunity for programme participants to share their experiences with their neighbouring Council area.

“The Macmillan Move More programme aims to improve the lives of people living in the Council area with cancer through physical

activity,” he explained.

“Macmillan believes that everyone living with cancer, and other long-term conditions, should be aware of the benefits of physical exercise and are supported to be active at a level that’s right for them. Causeway Coast and Glens have recently established the programme and the walking event was a good opportunity to meet with our neighbouring counterparts to raise awareness of World Cancer Day and share our stories and experiences of Move More.”

People living with cancer can be referred onto Move More NI by a healthcare professional or can also self-refer onto the project.

To get involved or for more information on Move More visit www.macmillan.org.uk and visit ‘in your area’.

FEBRUARY | 2020

DALYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S | 31

32 | STRABANE SIGERSONS

FEBRUARY | 2020

Four girls represent the club at half time at Garvaghey: Micah Conwell, Caoimhe McElduff, Amy Falconer and Kayla McCool.

Sigersons club coaches Claire McGillian, Johnny McHugh and Tina Molloy along with club Chairperson Liam Sweeney visited St St Catherine’s, Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh and St Mary’s to tell the children about the club training times and to introduce themselves to the children.

P1 and P2 - Tuesdays - 6pm to 7pm in Melvin - P3 to P6 - Tuesdays - 7pm to 8pm in Melvin- P7 - Monday’s on Melvin 3G - 8pm 9pm

NEW SIGERSONS FOUNDATION COACHES - Aaron McGrath, Damian Crawford, Martin Skeffington and Oisin McGillion.

SIGERSONS UNDER 14’s TRAINING GETS UNDER WAY- with Coach Tina Molloy noted, “With the National Feile in Tyrone, this year is a big year for the club . ” Training continues on Tuesday at 6.30pm. All new players welcome.

NATIONAL DRAW TICKETS- Sigersons Cathaoirleach Liam Sweeney is pictured selling a book of tickets each to St Mary’s PE coordinator Mr Danny McBride and to their coach Stephen Beattie, Every ticket sold will bring money directly into the club and will be directed to coaching

Congratulations to club player Ella Stewart who has made the Tyrone Minor squad.

FEBRUARY | 2020 020

SION SIO SWIFTS | 33

Sion Swifts

Our 2011 group were out bright and early to travel to Coleraine for the Harry Gregg Youth League. The boys played some excellent football and scored some great goals and really enjoyed the game.

The 08 boys played fantastic football against one of the top teams in the National League - Foyle Harps, a team that has defeated us heavily in the past. Despite a narrow defeat, it was an incredibly tight game.

North West League. Foyle Wanderers Res 2 Swifts 8 Good performance by the entire team with exceptional performances from Conor O Hagan and Michael Houston. Swifts scorers were Ciaran Slevin with a hatrick, Torigh Nicholas with 2 goals, Ross Porter with his 11th goal in 12 games, Stephen Crompton with a bullet header and Titch McDermott with his first header in his long career!

Sion swifts U14 sidewho played out a hard fought draw against a good Phoenix athletic team . Final score was 1-1.

Another win for our U15s against Foyle Belles in the League Cup. Some great football played and well taken goals from Aoibhean, Zahara, Naomi, Ciara Mac, Aoibhe and Rebecca

Well done to our U17s and management who reached the U17 cup final after a great game against Linfield in Melvin. After a 1-1 draw, penalties it was and there was some fantastic penalties scored but it was Sion who came away winners.

We want to wish our two new youth signings a massive welcome from everyone at the Swiftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Naomi and Aoibhe will bring something different to the club as they are both fantastic players and love the sport

34 | STRABANE ATHLETIC

FEBRUARY | 2020

Athletic Herald H eraStrabane ld C Christmas hristm as C Cooking ooking

Thank you to Cargate and MC Motors for the recent sponsorship deal

Leona Conwell won the Strabane Athletic 50/50 Draw

What a great turn out at Strabane Athletic Netball P7 training.

Bumper field expected as Strabane Lifford Half Marathon launched

R

unners are being advised to register early to avoid disappointment for one of the most popular events on the Irish athletics calendar, the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon.

The 13.1 mile cross border race returns on Sunday May 17 and, with entries capped at 1,200, the race will sell out well before that date.

The event is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, in association with Lifford Strabane Athletics Club with support from the PSNI, the Garda, the PSNI and the Department for Infrastructure.

The event was formally launched by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council,

Councillor Michaela Boyle.

“Over the last seven years, the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon has firmly established itself as one of the best race day experiences in Ireland,” she said.

“It is a wonderful spectacle to see hundreds of people line the roads as over 1,000 runners weave their way around the course which has a spectacular finish on the running track at the Melvin Sports Complex. We have experienced a running boom in Strabane in recent years and it has been pleasing to see the Holy Cross Parkrun established over the last 12 months. The Strabane Lifford Half Marathon is a high level

event on your doorstep so I would encourage all local runners to consider taking on the challenge by registering now.”

Jacqueline Whoriskey, Festival and Events Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, warned local runners that the event will sell out fast.

“The event is strictly capped at 1,200 runners so our advice is to seal your spot now because when the places are filled we can’t reopen registrations,” she explained.

“With a registration fee of just £23 it is one of the best value events on the local athletics calendar and that fee includes chipped timing for each

competitor, a free event t shirt, finishers’ medal and goody bag. Many runners have completed or are preparing for 10 Mile events in Stranorlar, Derry and Ballyliffin so this event is the ideal next challenge in your running journey.”

All Half Marathon entrants must be 18 or over on the day of the race which starts at 9:30am on Sunday May 17 from Meeting House Street in Strabane and will finish at the Melvin Sports Complex running track.

Registrations for the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon are open now at www.derrystrabane. com/SLHM and will close on Sunday May 3rd or before that if the quota is reached.

FEBRUARY | 2020

TOTAL ENTERTAINMENT | 35

The Kids are Alright!

T

‘This Country’ to Honour ‘Slugs’

T

he final series of the BBC Three hit comedy This Country will honour actor Michael Sleggs after his death in July. He played the character Michael “Slugs” Slugette, in the show set in a fictional unnamed Cotswolds town. The show’s creators, siblings Daisy May and Charlie Cooper, were friends of Sleggs before giving him a role in the show and have named the first episode of the series ‘A Letter from Slugs’.

Mr Cooper said: “He totally embodied the whole spirit of the show.” They spoke at a screening of This Country in their home town of Cirencester about how it felt to film the third series with-

out their friend. The 33-yearold was already well-known in Cirencester but he found wider fame on the Bafta-winning comedy.

Filmed in and around Northleach in Gloucestershire, This Country centres on the lives of cousins Kerry and Lee “Kurtan” Mucklowe - played

by Daisy May and Charlie and the characters’ friends and family. The pair said they regarded Michael as an “integral part of the show”.

“Michael was always a kind of misfit in Cirencester,” said Daisy May. “He was plagued with health problems, but he had a wicked sense of humour.

He was a pain in the arse a lot of the time, but we just adored

him.”

“It was so difficult. I think we always wanted to include him and I know he wanted to be included,” Charlie said. “It was really tough filming those scenes but we had to be truthful to that character and the storyline. I genuinely don’t think this show would have been half as popular or successful if it hadn’t been for Michael.”

There hasn’t been a full series of This Country for almost two years, but Cotswolds cousins Kerry and Kurtan Mucklowe are now back running around their claustrophobic village in the Cotswolds. The sitcom now airs weekly on BBC iPlayer and BBC One from 7pm. Have a peep!

he second season of British teen comedy series ‘Sex Education’ has arrived on Netflix. Created by Laurie Nunn and starring Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Connor Swindells and Kedar Williams-Stirling, the series became a critical and commercial success for Netflix, with over 40 million viewers having streamed the first series after its debut on the streaming service.

‘Sex Eduction’ follows the story of Otis Milburn, a socially awkward teenager, who is ambivalent about sex, despite, or perhaps because of, his mother being a sex therapist who is frank about all aspects of sexuality. After inadvertently assisting the school bully with his sexual performance anxiety, Otis sets up a sex advice business with Maeve—a confident but troubled classmate—to educate their fellow students in how to deal with their own sexual problems.

The second season follows Otis, who after finally securing a relationship with Ola, gets

hit with the reality and pressures of a high school romance. That is further tested by the introduction of new students who challenge the status quo at Moordale High and a chlamydia outbreak that causes students to question and struggle with topical issues.

The series has to be the most un-British looking British series ever, with most settings shot in such a manner to perhaps appeal to a more global audience. While it’s based in the modern day, it doesn’t necessarily feel particularly 2020, even if the quite transparent attitudes of the younger characters towards sex, sexuality and identity are very much that of the millennial generation, where less is repressed. It’s slightly other-worldly. Even the quintessential British awkwardness around sex, which has been a major feature for comedy for decades, is a very minor player here.

With an 18-certificate, it’s not for the younger teens, not that that will stop them. As for older viewers, well it certainly can be an education!

Friday night disco at the Farmer’s Home

36 | MOTORS

FEBRUARY | 2020

Herald Motoring

New Land Rover Defender - It does All its own Stunts

B

ehind the Scenes: Watch the Defender TV commercial featuring rehearsal footage from the movie including a 30m jump https://youtu.be/u7Oc4g_CtZc

demand of the new model set to outstrip supply. UK deliveries set to begin in Spring 2020.

• No Time To Die: In Cinemas April 2020

• Unstoppable capability: Land Rover’s pioneering off-road tech, wading ability and extreme durability made the new Defender the natural choice for the chase sequence in No Time To Die. • VIN 007: 10 Defenders were used in the making of No Time To Die including the seventh Defender built VIN 007 • In demand: Since the reveal of the new Defender in September 2019, Land Rover has seen unprecedented interest with

17TH February 2020, Whitley, UK: Land Rover’s television commercial for the new Defender demonstrates its capability on tough terrain.

The commercial, due to air in the UK from the 20th March, but can be previewed on YouTube, features an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at what to expect from the new Defender in No Time To Die. The rehearsal footage featured in the advert shows the new Defender launching into the air and being put to further extreme tests as the

vehicle is driven at high speed through swamps and rivers.

The chase sequence in the No Time To Die was led by stunt coordinator, Lee Morrison working alongside Oscar winner and special effects, action vehicles supervisor Chris Corbould.

Lee Morrison stated: “We pushed the Defender further than we believed possible to generate the maximum excitement, and to give fans an insight into the uncompromising challenge of producing an incredible chase sequence which you can look forward to seeing in No Time To Die.” Nick Collins, Land Rover Defender vehicle line director said: “We developed a new test standard for Defender, the most challenging we’ve ever had and unique to this vehicle. Physical strength and

durability is measured by a number of different tests including a bridge jump test which gave us confidence to deliver what the stunt team needed to create for No Time To Die, with no modifications to the body structure except the installation of a roll cage.”

Putting these vehicles through their paces was the inspirational Jessica Hawkins, who Morrison handpicked from the Formula 3 W Series after spotting her potential and he wasted no time in giving her the opportunity to feature in No Time To Die, her first ever motion picture. Jessica commented: “It doesn’t get any more exhilarating than being a stunt driver in a James Bond movie and it’s an honour to be a part of this incredible movie driving the new Defender. ”

Auto Trader predicts cars will look like in 2050 T

he UK’s largest digital marketplace for new and used cars, Auto Trader, has released concept designs for what it forecasts vehicles will look like 30 years from now – based on the expertise of futurologist Tom Cheesewright, market trends, the rate of technological development and research into consumer demand.

Auto Trader’s 2050 concept car is a fully electric, colour-changing vehicle with space for passengers to make the most of the time they spend in the autonomous vehicle - by relaxing, doing yoga and even sleeping during the commute.

Featuring ‘digital paint’, the car allows passengers to change the colour and style of the car from the tap of an app, depending on their mood, with advances in technology meaning this feature could be widely available as early as the year 2040.

Designed to be a home away from home, passengers can relax and unwind on the built-in mattress in the centre of the spacious cabin – a feature which 24% of motorists said they’d use for catching up on much-needed sleep and a cheeky 13% of men would use for some intimate time with a partner.

Drivers also said they’d like to reclaim their commute time by delving into a good book from the built-in library (22%) or binge-watching their favourite Netflix shows and movies from the large in-built TV screen (19%).

Other popular recreational uses for the spacious design include beating friends and family at board games (16%), getting hair and makeup done enroute to an event (15% of women would do this), and 4% would even practice yoga whilst in transit.

Catering to the 10% of drivers who want cars to be fully voice operated in future, the car welcomes passengers with a friendly AI that helps them set their preferred driving speed and style, whether out for a leisurely Sunday drive or dashing home for dinner.

The 2050 car is fitted with windows that extend right over the roof in one large bubble, offering

more head room to allow passengers to freely move around during transit.

It also features 360 degree panoramic views for those wanting to sit back, relax and enjoy an autonomous ride, plus black-out functionality on the windows, which can be activated with a quick tap.

Auto Trader’s Rory Reid comments: “The government’s recent announcement on bringing forward the ban on sales of petrol and diesel cars to 2035 is already influencing what Brits are looking for. Overnight we saw a 165% increase in searches for electric vehicles on Auto Trader. So it’s no surprise that the 2050 car will be fully electric, but

it’s fascinating to think what these advancements, including driverless tech, could mean for the actual design of cars and how they could be used.

“The concept of digital paint and the implications this may have for those looking to buy new cars is in keeping with consumer trends and our growing desire for personalisation. People are increasingly using technology to express themselves and this tech would remove the need to wait for a colour of car to come into stock or fork out extra to have a car spray painted a certain colour.”

Futurologist, Tom Cheesewright, adds: “Tomorrow’s car takes you from A to B with minimum fuss and in maximum style. Future

technologies will give designers free reign to create more space and comfort, so that we can get on with our lives while an AI takes care of the driving. While our cars won’t be flying any time soon, we can all benefit from cleaner, quieter, safer roads. In just twenty years, the age of the combustion engine will be well and truly over.”

Partnering with the world’s first applied futurist and leading futurology author and speaker, Tom Cheesewright, Auto Trader’s Cars of the Future report combines motor industry forecasting with a survey of 2,142 UK drivers, to build a picture of the future of the car industry 10, 20 and 30 years from now.

FEBRUARY | 2020

DESMOND MOTORS | 37

38 | C&M MOTORS

FEBRUARY | 2020

FEBRUARY | 2020

39 | CLASSIFIED ADS

Memorial Cards

Â&#x2039; -VSK 6]LY *HYKZ Â&#x2039; :PUNSL *HYKZ Â&#x2039; (JRUV^SLKNLTLU[ *HYKZ Â&#x2039; )VVRTHYRZ Â&#x2039; 7S\Z 6YKLY VM :LY]PJL )VVRSL[Z L[J Please Ring or email me for a free Download of PDF Brochure.

In Loving Memory

@V\ JHU OH]L H WOV[VNYHWO PU THU` KPMMLYLU[ Z[`SLZ HUK LMMLJ[Z MLH[OLYLK LKNL VY J\[ V\[ L[J 7OV[VZ JHU High Quality Gloss Laminated Cards IL Z\WLY PTWVZLK V]LY H IHJRNYV\UK VM `V\Y JOVPJL

Contact Mobile Number: 07518 951264 Email: strabaneprintservices@gmail.com

PLANT HIRE

SEE US ON FACEBOOK Tel: 07725709089

PLANT HIRE GROUND WORK DRIVEWAYS CONCRETE OR TARMAC LANDSCAPING SITE CLEARANCE FENCING - DRAINAGE RETAINING & WE ALSO SUPPLY DECORATIVE GRAVEL GARDEN WALLS AT COMPETITIVE RATES FOUNDATIONS

40 | MCGILLIONS MOTORS

FEBRUARY | 2020