CHRISTMAS in WESTMEATH
The essential gift guide
FOR HIM & HER WHAT’S ON
IN YOUR AREA
CHRISTMAS TOYS FOR GIRLS&BOYS
AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
YOUR LOCAL
NEWSPAPER
2 CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
MULLINGAR CHRISTMAS MARKET RETURNS FOR BIGGEST YEAR YET Christmas Greetings to all our customers & friends from
• • • • • •
KENDER BEARINGS
Welding Supplies Mobile Welders / Generator Sale Compressors • Belts • Bearings Pulleys Seals • Chains etc. Hand Tools • Power Tools Safety Gear
Zone C, Mullingar Business Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Tel: (044) 9341325 Fax: (044) 9341670 email: kenderbt@eircom.net
Kelly Caulfield Shaw
Solicitors
Wishing all our Clients a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New year
Services Include Probate, Wills, Conveyancing, Family Law, Litigation And Personal Injury
1 Chapterhouse, Friars Mill Road Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
T: 044 9348412 F: 044 93 43619
www.kcs.ie • info@kcs.ie We wish all our Customers and Friends a very Happy Christmas and a Safe Prosperous New Year
Be sure to drop in to the Mullingar Christmas Market this weekend from Thursday, 7 December to Sunday, 10 December.
Now in its fourth year, the Mullingar Christmas Market has an array of unique gifts, goods, and services waiting for you and yours at the Market Square and Mount St. From Thursday, 7 December to Sunday, 10 December. You won’t need to go any further than Mullingar for all your Christmas needs. Over the past three years, the Market has been developed to become the midland’s greatest Christmas family extravaganza, and thousands flock to Mullingar every year to take part in the festivities. This year’s attractions include over 80 stalls packed with all sorts of goodies and gifts to suit all tastes and ages. With plenty to do, you’ll be hard pressed to pull yourself and the family away. The Market is completely covered by a marquee to suit all weather conditions. There’s fine food and drink, but always something for the children too all weekend long and has become the ‘must attend’ event of Westmeath at Christmas. Last year’s Christmas Market in Mullingar was praised as its best year, which saw 60,000 people pass through the town to see the stalls, carousel and other attractions.
Santa’s Grotto Santa’s Grotto is back and this year it’s bigger and better than ever. This year’s grotto has been built by the local Westmeath Men’s Shed and will be open every day for all the boys and girls to whisper to Santa what they would like for Christmas. Also avail-
able is Santa’s letters so if you can’t make it to see Santa, he’ll be sure to pick up his post before he heads back to Lapland.
Cinema The kids will be able to catch their favourite Christmas films with the Market’s indoor children’s cinema. Showing this year will be the Will Ferrell classic comedy Christmas caper ‘Elf.’ We’ll be able to catch up with Kevin McAllister and his two nemeses Harry and Marv for the hilarious ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.’ The animated and enthralling ‘Polar Express’ will take the kids on a wild ride to the North Pole to see Santa in action at his workshop. And who could forget the ‘Muppet Christmas Carol’ to relive the greatest Christmas story ever told with hysterical yet heartwarming results.
Exhibitors Every year, just before the Christmas Market in Mullingar, the streets and market square are transformed into a paradise of lights, colours, festive sounds and seasonal smells. This year, the Christmas Market has been developed with great care and senti-
Last year’s hugely successful Christmas Market is returning this year, new and improved. ment and will fascinate all visitors over a four day period with a huge range of attractions to keep the whole family entertained. Those hoping to grab an interesting gift for friends and family won’t be disappointed with the range of quality goods on offer at the market again this year. With more than 80 festively decorated stalls, visitors will find classically festive treats and trinkets on offer as well as local delicacies like cheddar cheese’s and handmade chocolates.
DAVID O’MALLEY’S Wishing all our Customers a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year
33 Dominick Street, Mullingar • Tel. 044-9348300
WATCHMAKER, JEWELLER FISHING TACKLE SPECIALISTS FIRE ARMS & AMMUNITION Call in and see our large range of jewellery and watches
Unit 17, Zone A, Mullingar Business Park Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Phone/Fax:
044 9390391
E-mail: info@totaltiles.ie Web: www.totaltiles.ie
Purchase your watches and jewellery from a qualified watchmaker
We also cater for fishing & shooting enthusiasts
What else? This year, expanding on the success of last year’s attractions, there will be a beautiful vintage carousel as well as a vintage tea cup attraction. A Christmas Choir will be keeping is in great Christmas cheer from 12pm to 4pm every day, so make sure you practise and warm up your vocal chords. The Mullingar Christmas Market is regarded as one of the Midland’s finest Christmas markets and
with its perfect setting, lovingly adorned stalls and the romantic Christmas lights creating a warm ambience, it's not hard to see why. The 2017 Mullingar Christmas Market takes place from Thursday, 7 December to Sunday, 10 December daily. Times vary over the course of the weekend: Thursday’s market runs from 12pm to 8pm, Friday and Saturday’s runs from 11am to 8pm, and Sunday’s runs from 11am to 6pm.
Christmas Greetings from
Sending gifts abroad this Christmas
CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
You’ve just grabbed a bargain from one of our local advertisers, and now you’re looking to send one abroad to a loved one. A gift to your family or friends from home will always go down well. Whether you’re thinking of shipping Christmas gifts, personal effects or important documents, there are a few things you need to consider before sending your shipments. An Post has released a handy guide to upcoming dates which detail your last possible chance to post your cards, letters, packages, and parcels abroad. There are also some common restrictions for international deliveries, and you may not be aware of country specific import restrictions. As a general guide, we also have an overview of what to consider and what can and cannot be shipped to the USA, Canada and Australia to help you plan.
LAST CHANCE TO POST While there are a few places and services - such as economy post - that have already passed the last chance date, there is still plenty of time to post your goods to the majority of countries. For International Standard (airmail) and International Tracking Signature services: Wednesday, 6 December marks the last chance to post to Cyprus, Malta, Asia, Far East, and Eastern Europe (except Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia). Thursday, 7 December marks the final date of postage to the Caribbean, and Central and South 9 America. Saturday, December is the last chance to post to Greece, Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand. Wednesday, 13 December is the last
chance to post to Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, and Poland. Thursday, 1 4 December marks the last date of postage to Canada, Finland, Sweden, and USA. December Friday, 1 5 marks the last chance to post to Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and Switzerland. Saturday, 16 December is the final day of postage to Belgium, France, and Luxembourg. The last posting dates to the UK is Wednesday, 2 0 December for 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For, while Thursday, 2 1 December is the final date for 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For, as well as Special Delivery Guaranteed. Finally, Friday, 2 2 December marks the final date of postage to the UK with Special Delivery Guaranteed Saturday Delivery service.
TRANSIT TIMES While most Express services offer transit times of two to three days. This does not take into account potential customs delays, service disruption or deliveries to remote areas of the USA, Canada and Australia. It is recommended that customers ship a few days early, just in case there is a delay at customs, and our transit times do not take into account customs delays.
patch. That should be good news for the Christmas hamper you’ve been compiling, but remember to bear in mind that countries such as Australia hotter than we Irish are used to, so some food – chocolate is the first thing that comes to mind – may not end the journey in exactly the same state it started in
Include full contact details of recipient including mobile, email, address and a second contact number if possible.
CUSTOMS Every country has its customs regulations, which set the duties and taxes. Typically, the recipient must pay these taxes upon entry of that country. Unless you are shipping documents, you will need to provide a customs invoice. Duty and taxes are based on the reason for export and the value of the items. For example, high value goods for resale can attract a higher level of import duty and tax than gifts. Even if you are sending a gift that may be exempt from duties and taxes, cus-
Season’s Greetings from
toms paperwork is still required.
PACKAGING Whenever you send a parcel, especially one containing fragile items, it is best to invest in a new double corrugated cardboard box for the outer packaging. Wrap each item individually in bubblewrap and fill any remaining space left in the box with leftover bubble wrap, newspaper or foam. Seal the box with plenty of packaging tape and secure all flaps and seams with multiple layers of tape. Clearly display the packaging labels and make sure each item is clearly listed on the shipping invoice. This will avoid your goods being delayed at customs.
3
To make sure that there are definitely no problems with what you’re sending, you should make sure you post them in the sealed manufacturers packaging. You’ll also want to make sure that you’ve clearly noted everything you’re sending in your package or hamper to make sure that it’s easy to identify everything.
SHIPPING FOOD Sending food to anywhere can be a tricky proposition, as there are a lot of details to get caught up in. We’ve worked out some steps to make sure that whatever tasty treat you’re sending over this yuletide, it’ll make it to its final destination just fine. Generally, couriers won’t take any food items with an expiry date of less than six months from the date of shipping. They will take preserved foods like jam or marmalades and they will of course take whatever variety of sweets you’ll think those down south might be having a hankering for, as long as they have a shelf life of over six months past the day of dis-
A PHOTO BLOCK OF YOUR LOVED ONE ALL WRAPPED UP!
5
Prices start from only €10
Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Yew
4 CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
FISHER-PRICE BEATBOWWOW INTERACTIVE LEARNING TOY Get your kids dancing and learning at the same time with this interactive toy puppy. From toy kings Fisher-Price, this fun and easy to play with BeatBowWow will activate upbeat, educational mu-
FOR THE
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
sic and bright engaging colours to get your kids up and at ‘em and learning from a young age. The BeatBowWow has 25+ learning songs, tunes, and phrases and teaches the kids to move and groove with a smile, while introcing them to colours and counting.
pre-readers and early readers to follow along and develop their reading skills. Teddy Ruxpin also connects through Bluetooth to read along anytime and anywhere. HATCHIMALS SURPRISE
TEDDY RUXPIN
Wishing all our Clients & Friends a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from Tormey Auctioneers. Mary Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
044 93 33377 / 086 2450616 www.tormeyauctioneers.ie Happy Christmas from
Multyfarnham 044 9371845 or 086 3061888
RATHGANNY PRE-SCHOOL Madeline O’Neill FULL & PART-TIME DAY CARE
• Baby room from 6 months • Wobbler room • Pre-school 2.9 months - 5 years • After school and out of school care • Drop off and collection from National School Large playrooms. Safe, enclosed, secure outdoor play area can be used in all weather. Fully wheelchair accesssible.
NOW BOOKING PLACES FOR
ECCE SCHEME AND CETS SCHEME SEPTEMBER 2018
Everyone’s favourite, Teddy Ruxpin, is back bringing magic and friendship to storytime with plenty of interactive technologies and features. Children can start and pause stories, or move on to the next exciting adventure with easy-to-use touch sensors in each of Teddy Ruxpin’s paws. Teddy Ruxpin also has colour LCD eyes with over 40 animations to make storytime come to life. Teddy’s expressions will light up a story with laughter, love, curiousity, surprise, and many more. His animatronic mouth moves in time with his stories making it the most realistic story telling toy ever. The gift is perfect for
This year, stock up on the latest Christmas craze; the new Hatchimals start off as eggs, and who’s inside? That’s the surprise. You can hear their heartbeats, tap them and listen for them to tap back, and as soon as you see rainbow eyes inside the shell, they will need your help getting out. Encourage them out with your touch as they peck their way out into the world. This year’s Hatchimals come as adorable twins who can keep each other company. Then your child can teach the Hatchimals to walk, dance, play games, and much more. It will even repeat your words in its own voice. PAW PATROL SEA PATROLLER RESCUE VEHICLE Trouble is on the horizon and the Paw Patrol is on the case. Tackle the high stakes rescue missions with action figure pups, transforming vehicles, play sets and more.
Chase, Rocky, Marshall, Skye, Zuma, and Rubble led by tech-savvy 10 year old Ryder are on hand to let your child uniquely blend problem solving skills, play with cool vehicles, and loads of cute doggy humor. The Sea Patroller uses drop down wheels to transform from ship to land vehicle to take the pups on a new and exciting missions.
IMAGINEXT DC SUPER FRIENDS BATBOT XTREME
The ultimate toy for Batman fans. The Batbot has extendable wings, projectile launchers, a Batcycle, punching fist, and voice changer. Your little superhero will have a ball defending Gotham City
from the devious supervillains of the DC Universe. Imaginative play and storytelling bring fun and education together helping kids to develop their language skills and nurture a love of reading early on.
T/A Tommy Begley Taxi Service & Mullingar Taxi Cabs
Tel: 087 909 4494 Freephone: 1800 520222
Fast Efficient Safe Taxi Service • 1-8 passengers
www.mullingartaxis.com Catering for Elderly & Infirmed /Wheelchair accessible
You’ll find this gem at Eason’s, and it is an ideal gift for kids (or adults) this Christmas. Follow Harry, Ron, and Her mione on their adventures in the third instalment of the massively successful Harry Potter series, with the added bonus of beautiful and intriguing illustrations. The trio are returning for their third year at Hogwarts and Harry must contend with a killer on the loose. Time travel, dementors, hippogriffs, Animagi, werewolves, and much more are all brought to life in this magnificent new adaptation of the books. The trilogy are available now, with the remaining four novels to get the
Car Parts • Accessories • Batteries Zone A, Mullingar Business Park, Mullingar (Previously located in Millmount S.C.)
Ph: (044) 9342415 or (044) 9333660 Wishing all our Customers a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year
email: lenehanmotorfactors@gmail.com
Wishing all our Cutomers a Safe and Happy Christmas
FURREAL ROARIN’ TYLER
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN: THE ILLUSTRATED EDITION
Lenehan Motor Factors
Assumpta Begley
illustration makeover in the near future.
This interactive tiger cub loves to play and roar and cuddle. When you kids roar at him, he roars back. If they talk to him, he will respond. Tyler has over 100 sound and motion combinations that your child can interact with. If you pet his forehead, muzzle, or back, he will respond with sound and movement. He can move his eyes, head, mouth, tail, and ears all the while trying to act like a full-grown tiger. WOWWEE FINGERLINGS PET BABY MONKEYS
These cute little toy monkeys will hold onto your finger and love attention. You can pet them to sleep, talk to them, and even hang them upside down. Blow them kisses and they will kiss you back. Fingerlings will grab onto anything while they’re monkeying around and come in a variety of different colourful characters. Collect them all. LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE DESTINY’S BOUNTY If the kids loved the ‘Lego Ninjago Movie’, they’ll really enjoy this huge ninja training base model consisting of decorated sails, dojo area for ninja training, hidden weapons, and special mini figures. This amazing model also includes hidden weapons including the ultimate weapon and assorted accessories to keep your child enthralled for hours.
KIDS!!!
CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
world for Thomas, Percy, Harold, and James to enjoy. LUVABELLA DOLL
tures and discovering the magic of magnets all by themselves. The XL version contains larger easier to handle magnets compared to original versions allowing a safer experience for the younger child. There are even Xtension sets to add to the fun with more colourful pieces to expand the experience. GLTC WALNUT TOY FARM
LOL BIG SURPRISE
Kids can discover 50 layers of fun with the LOL Big Surprise. Each layer reveals an exciting new accessory and clue, for hours of surprising fun. It is the ultimate unwrapping experience with all the work already done. The first layer can double as a handbag or purse once the kids have managed to get inside of it. COZMO BY ANKI
THOMAS AND FRIENDS SUPER STATION Follow Thomas and all his best friends on a new adventure with the Thomas and Friends Super Station. The Super
Luvabella moves, talks, and plays just like a real baby. Tickle her tummy and she giggles, give her a bottle and she will drink it. Luvabella can learn up to 100 words just by talking to her. She can even play peekaboo. Discover all the surprises that Luvabella has to offer through touch and play as she affectionately responds to your child’s love. Luvabella comes with four interactive accessories to play with, and when she’s all tuckered out, she’ll even fall asleep. SMARTMAX MAGNETIC DISCOVERY START
Station offers iconic locations from the show to set all new adventures also. A turntable allows little engineers choose directions for the engines, and layouts can be changed to fit any space. The kids can even race their engines with the Racetrack layout opening up a world of excitement. The Super Station is connectable to other sets, so if your child’s friends want to come by with theirs, they can create an even larger
Roy, Angela and all staff wish all our customers a Happy and Peaceful Christmas Taking the world by storm is Cozmo, a clever little robot with a mind of his own. The more your child spends time with him, the smarter he gets. Cozmo’s personality will evolve and he can express a wide range of emotions in response to his environment. Cozmo can also connect to your phone which will allows him to access the high level robotic functions constantly being updated with new features to keep your boy or girl entertained with new ways to play.
2007 - 2017... 10 YEARS IN DOMINICK STREET, MULLINGAR MON - FRI 7AM - 9PM SAT 8AM - 9PM CLOSED SUNDAY BANK HOLS 11AM - 6PM C
HICKEN FILL • FULL OFF LICENCE • ET ROLLS • HOT/COLD DELI • ALWAYS € 2 • LOTTO • NEWSAGENT •
Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2018
The Spiced Bean Cafe • Deli / Sandwich Bar • Eat in / Take out • Fresh Homemade Savories / Pastries
There’s a great sense of nostalgia that comes from wooden toys, back to a time when not every toy was made of plastic, screeched and screamed, and required batteries every few weeks. The little ones will love this interactive farm with all their favourite animals to play with. The farm comes a base unit with pens, fences, and buildings for the animals to mosey around in, and there’s even a pond for little wooden duckies to play in. OLLIE THE OWL For the very youngest, you can get Ollie the Owl, designed specifically for
SmartMax encourages children to explore the world of magnetism by building their own struc-
newborns with four comforting sounds to lull them to sleep, as well as a built in CrySensor which will reactivate the soothing noises if your baby stirs. Ollie has an adjustable volume and can hush baby back to sleep with white noise static, heartbeat, rainfall, and lullaby. There are also different levels of light which automatically switch off after 30 minutes.
5
STAR WARS BLADEBUILDERS PATH OF THE FORCE LIGHTSABER Hype is set for ‘The Last Jedi’ coming to cinemas soon, and what better way to treat the Star Wars fans in the home than their very own lightsaber. Depending on whether you want to be a goodie or a baddie, blue Jedi or red Sith, this lightsaber is perfect for Christmas. Connector pieces can be used and customised to choose the light side or the dark side and set your little force wielder off on their own adventure against droids or wookies, stormtroopers or Jedi.
WOODS PHARMACY Dominick St., Mullingar, Tel 044 9348409
GIFTS FOR HER! GIFTS FOR HIM! Christmas perfumes, aftershaves and gift sets now in stock.
Designer brands in stock
Thanks to all our customers for their support in 2017 and wishing you all a Prosperous New Year
Mary Street Mullingar Co. Westmeath Tel: 044 9349967 Christmas greetings to all our customers & friends from
N4 SERVICE STATION, BALLINALACK
and
044 9371621
Opening Hours: 7 am-11 pm daily Ballinalack, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
O’Reilly Commercials:
Tel: (044) 9371360
Wishing all our customers a Very Happy Christmas
Geerah’s Ballinalack Post Office and The Western Gem
CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFERS Open: Monday to Friday 6am to 12am Saturday and Sunday 8am to 12am
Tel: 9371160
6 CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
‘Twas the lights before Christmas... Top tips to help your festive display dazzle in the safest and most energy efficient way. The traditional date is approaching to deck the halls with boughs of holly or indeed string the lights for a house of folly! Reports show that Ireland has consistently been the biggest or secondbiggest Christmas spender in the per-capita league table over the past decade. Our fondness for letting our festive spirit soar carries through to some pretty amazing décor and lighting displays all over the country. Christmas lights range
from modest displays to show good cheer to million-bulb lightappaloosas that draw attention from near and far. Irish lighting experts Solus have some top to tips help your festive display dazzle in the safest and most energy efficient way.
Safety first Accident and Emergency departments are filled with homeowners who lose fights with their Christmas
lights and fall off ladders or suffer electric shocks. To avoid the Christmas black and blues, never hang lights solo; instead, work with a partner who holds the ladder. Also, avoid climbing on roofs after rain or snow.
Use LED Christmas lights These consume 90% less electricity compared to old lights and Christmas incandescent bulbs.
Light only at night Don’t turn on the Christmas lights during the day, it is a waste of energy and electricity and no one can really enjoy looking at the lights during the day. Use timers to automatically switch the lights on and off.
Tree lights on - room lights off When the tree is lit, there is no need to have other
lights on. Save energy and enhance the festive atmosphere.
Unpack carefully Lights break and glass cut so unpack your lights gingerly, looking for and replacing broken bulbs along the way.
Extension cords are your friends Splurge on heavy-duty extension cords and ULlisted for outdoor use. Never overload an extension lead by plugging in appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the extension lead. This could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire. Remember, that there are now battery and solar powered options available for use in those awkward places. Instead of wrapping the lights around the tree, it is better to divide the tree into three triangular sections from top to bottom, and to hang the lights one section at a time.
Never leave lights turned on while unattended Always turn off the lights before you leave the house and when going to bed. Store Christmas lights in a ball. It sounds counterin-
Lynn Road, Mullingar
Phone: 044 9333300
Wishing all my customers a very Happy Christmas
EUGENE’S SCHOOL OF MOTORING
tuitive, but the best way to store lights is to ball them up. Wrap five times in one direction, then turn the ball ninety degrees and repeat. Store your light
balls in cardboard boxes, rather than in plastic bags; cardboard absorbs residual moisture and extends the life of your lights.
L
DRIVING LESSONS THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT. GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE.
COMING THIS DECEMBER Fri 8th - Sun 10th Fri 15th - Sun 17th
Fri: 4 - 6pm Sat & Sun: 2 - 6pm
HO! HO! HO!
Happy Christmas
087 2365438 ADI. Reg. No. 35666
KC MAINTENANCE - MULLINGAR Season’s Greetings from
AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS PARTIES
Windows and Door Repairs Locks, Hinges, Handles Double Glazed Units Restrictors - Patio Door Locks
GIFT VOUCHERS
087 2766416
Prop.
available now
JOE KEELAN
1 Glenmore Wood, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Season’s greetings to all our customers and friends from
Tara Wholesale Bottlers Ltd. Mullingar Business Park Mullingar, Co. Westmeath T: 044 9340633 F: 044 9343382 Suppliers of all beers, ciders and soft drinks
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS - IN MULLINGAR! CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH 7
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
This year’s Christmas Market in Mullingar is not the only festive event for the family. Mullingar is packed with carols, concerts, special services, charity events, and much more to keep all the kids and adults entertained and in great Christmas cheer. All the usual haunts are decorated and ready for a season of giddy celebration as everyone decks their halls and Fa-La-La-La-La’s from one soirée to the next. Mullingar is no exception and there’s always plenty to do in the midlands over the holidays.
Midlands Christmas Variety Show The Midlands Christmas Variety Show will be taking place at the Arts Centre hosted by Tyrrellspass Irish dancers, Rose and Daisy Carey - the Celtic Blondes. On Monday, 11 December, you can join the Celtic Blondes along with all our favourite local artists and performers for the charity show in aid of the Midlands Dyspraxia Group. Tickets are €10 or €6 for a child or OAP. It promises to be a night of great fun, music, song, and dance.
Visit Green Santa at Belvedere Bring the kids to visit Santa Claus at the Belvedere House, Gardens, and Park this December. Every weekend from now until Sunday, 17 December, Santa will be visiting Mullingar to see all the kids and hear their Christmas wishes. He will be arriving by boat on Saturday, 2 December at 10:45am and will meet children from 11am, and then will be at his grotto to see who has been naughty or nice this year, every weekend from 11am until 6pm. Admission is €12 for the first child, and €10 for each additional child over 18 months old. Infants up to 18 months can go free (no potted holly tree, but Santa will give candy with the parents’ permission). Two adults go free with each Green Santa booking, and additional adults are €8 each. All Green Santa Bookings include entry to Belvedere House, Gardens, Park, and playgrounds.
Ailish Tynan and the Irish Chamber Orchestra The Irish Chamber Orchestra and renowned soprano Ailish Tynan are set to grace All Saints Church, Mullingar, for a spectacular Christmas concert, on Friday, 15 December. The upcoming show is due to be packed with all of our favourite Christmas compositions throughout the years. This Christmas celebrates 99 years of the third best selling single of all time, ‘Silent Night’, which will be performed on the night. Pieces from Sibelius, Vivaldi, Greig, and Moraeus will also be presented; and Ireland’s own favourite Christmas
works including the ‘Wexford Carol’, a haunting rendition of Don Oíche úd I mBeithil and much more to enjoy this festive season. For booking and information call 044-9347777 or visit www.mullingarartscentre.i e. Show starts at 8pm on Friday, 15 December at All Saints Church, Mullingar.
Carolling and Christmas Service at the Mullingar Presbyterian Church
Members of the Mullingar Town Band will be joining carollers for the festivities at the Mullingar Christmas Market, this weekend.
The Mullingar Presbyterian Church is holding a wonderful carol service at 6:30pm on Sunday, 17 December, as well as a Christmas Day Service from 10am. Services and carolling takes place at the Presbyterian Church on Grange Crescent opposite the Mullingar Educate Together National School.
at 7:30pm and matinees take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm. For booking and information call the Arts Centre on 044-9347777 or visit www.mullingarartscentre.ie .
Mullingar Town Band
Gospel Music Concert The Redeemed Christian Church Of God, House Of His Glory presents Gospel Music Concert 2017, an unmissable evening of music straight from the soul during the festive season. The concert will take place at 8pm on Sunday, 10 December. The concert is in aid of the Friends Of Regional Hospital Mullingar MRI Scanner Appeal where all funds will be donated too. For booking and information call 044-9347777 or visit www.mullingarartscenter.ie
A Classical Evening in St Paul’s Temporary Emergency Accomodation Mullingar (T.E.A.M.) who provide accommodation for homeless women and children
Ailish Tynan and the Irish Chamber Orchestra will be performing at All Saints Church for a winter spectacular on Friday, 15 December. will be hosting an evening of classical music in St Paul’s Church, Mullingar, on Sunday, 14 January from 7pm. Admission is €20
Peter Pan at the Arts Centre The Mullingar Pantomime Group is currently celebrating eleven years of wonderful productions and 2017 promises to be their biggest year yet. This Christmas, you’ll be able to catch their latest production, ‘Peter Pan’, at the Arts Centre over a spectacular
Christmas Greetings from
sixteen shows. This fantasy adventure will whisk the audience on a whirlwind ride first to London and then on to Never Neverland for a magical evening full of enchantment and wonder. This show is perfect for both kids and adults and promises to be Mullingar’s biggest hit this Christmas season. ‘Peter Pan’ runs from Wednesday to Sunday, 6 to 11 and 13 to 17 December; then from Tuesday, to Friday, 19 to 22 December. Nightly performances are
K
ING
Following a wonderful win at the All-Ireland Marching Finals recently, the Mullingar Town Band has a few events lined up over the Christmas Season. There will be carolling at the Mullingar Christmas Market over the weekend and the Town Band will be there to accompany boys and girls of all ages as they sing with great Christmas gusto. The Town Band will also have a night of accompanying carollers at All Saints Church on Sunday, 17 December, so don’t miss that either. With plenty to see and do around Mullingar this Christmas, wrap yourselves up tight and warm, and be sure to take advantage of our lovely town this festive season.
auctioneers
ESTATE AGENTS, AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS
Valuers 40 Pearse Street, Mullingar Co. Westmeath
Best wishes to all our customers & neighbours this Christmas
Ballinalack, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
SAW REPAIR SALES AND SHARPENING SERVICE
Wide & Narrow Bandsaws • Stellite Tipped Bandsaws • Routers • Planer Knives • Round Baler Knives Sharpened • Chainsaws • Mortice Chains • Carbide Tipped Blades • Cutters • Lawnmowers • Sheep Shearing & Horse Clipping Blades
Tel: 044 9371186 / Mob: 087 2613105 E: info@whelansawmakers.ie W: www.whelansawmakers.ie
Christmas Greetings from • INTRUDER ALARMS • C.C.T.V. • ACCESS CONTROL Parsonstown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
Tel: 044 9372168 Fax: 044 9372420 Mobile: 087 2538073 Email: info@keepsafealarms.ie Web: www.keepsafealarms.ie
Estate Agents, Auctioneers &
9am-7pm Mon-Fri • 9am-2pm Saturday
ENDA FINNERTY, DECLAN O’BRIEN, CAROLINE FARRELL JULIE CAMPBELL JENNY ALGAR
Tel: 044 9342707 Email: kingauctioneers@eircom.net
Christmas Promotion Night
6PM – 7PM
info@auburnvets.ie • www.auburnvets.ie
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
35 Oliver Plunkett St., Mullingar Tel: 044 9348212/Mob: 087 9930196
THURSDAY, 7TH DECEMBER
Email or phone for appointments
Tel: (044) 934 8776
healthcare in the community
Wishing our Clients a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year
20% OFF Christmas gifts, skincare and fragrances! Amazing Christmas hamper to be won Free Gift with every purchase on the night.
Wishing our customers a Happy Christmas
8 CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
Give the gift of reading this Christmas! Eason’s - the home of great stories Always a feature on Santa’s list, books are the perennially popular Christmas gift. Intriguing fiction, well-loved classics, first rate biographies, histories, cookery books, top sporting books, and a thousands of titles to keep the kids entertained, the world of books has something for the whole family. Once again, Eason’s shelves are creaking and heaving with all the bestselling titles, with festive favourites guaranteed for all tastes. Drop in to Eason’s on Dominick St, Mullingar, to check our this year’s most anticipated books of the season, all part of the winter blockbusters sale at discounted WOW prices.
‘BAD DAD’ – DAVID WALLIAMS The new heart-warming and hilariously brilliant story from number one bestselling author David Walliams and beautifully
illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. Dads come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. There are fat ones and thin ones, tall ones and short ones. There are young ones and old ones, clever ones and stupid ones. There are silly ones and serious ones, loud ones and quiet ones. Of course, there are good dads, and bad dads . . . A highspeed cops and robbers adventure with heart and soul about a father and son taking on the villainous Mr Big - and winning! This riches-to-rags story will have you on the edge of your seat and howling with
laughter! Bad Dad is a fast and furious, heart-warming story of a father and son on an adventure - and a thrilling mission to break an innocent man into prison!
‘THE GIRL WHO TAKES AN EYE FOR AN EYE’ – DAVID LAGERCRANTZ The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo lives on. The fifth in the Millennium series that began with ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ - the global publishing phenomenon. Lisbeth Salander is an unstoppable force: Sentenced to two months in Flodberga women's prison for saving a young boy's life by any means necessary, Salander refuses to say anything in her own defence. She has more important things on her mind. Mikael Blomkvist
Christmas at r Mullinga eason WOW Offer
eason 3ifx&oMrat2ch M
makes the long trip to visit every week, and receives a lead to follow for his pains. For him, it looks to be an important expose for Millennium. For her, it could unlock the facts of her childhood. Even from a corrupt prison system run largely by the inmates, Salander will stand up for what she believes in, whatever the cost. And she will seek the truth that is somehow connected with her childhood memory, of a woman with a blazing birthmark on her neck that looked as if it had been burned by a dragon's fire . . . The tension, power and unstoppable force of ‘The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye’ are inspired by Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy, as Salander and Blomkvist continue the fight for justice that has thrilled millions of readers across the world.
‘THE BOOK OF DUST: LA BELLE SAUVAGE’ – PHILIP PULLMAN Eleven-year-old Malcolm Polstead and his dæmon, Asta, live with his parents at the Trout Inn near Oxford. Across the River Thames (which Malcolm navigates often using his beloved canoe, a boat by the name of La Belle Sauvage ) is the Godstow Priory where the nuns live. Malcolm learns they have a guest with them; a baby by the name of Lyra Belacqua. The recent follow up to His
Dark Materials, a hugely popular fantasy science-fiction series for young adults in the late 1990s and early 2000s. What the author has described as a ‘companion piece’ to the original series, ‘The Book of Dust’ is a new series expanding on Pullman’s colourful and world of enthralling dæmons, witches, panserbjørne, aeronauts, and Gyptians.
John Grisham's newest legal thriller takes you inside a law firm that shouldn't exist. Law students Mark, Todd and Zola wanted to change the world - to make it a better place. But these days, these three disillusioned friends spend a lot of time hanging out in ‘The Rooster Bar’. As thirdyear students, they realise they have been duped. They all borrowed heavily to attend a law school so mediocre that its graduates rarely pass the bar exam, let alone get good jobs. And when they learn that their school is one of a chain owned by a shady New York hedge-fund operator who also happens to own a bank specialising in student loans, the three realise they have been caught up in The Great Law School Scam. So, they begin plotting a way out. Maybe there's a way to escape their crushing debt, expose the bank and the scam, and make a few
Rochforts Superstore Now Open at
sele ys of to e in-stor
Dominick St, Mullingar Tel: 044 9340626
Dominick Street, Mullingar • Tel: 044 9345636 mullingar@easonfranchise.com www.facebook.com/easonmullingar
‘FOCLÓIROPEDIA’ – FATTI BURKE
‘THE ROOSTER BAR’ – JOHN GRISHAM
Christmas Club
E HUcG o i t n
bucks in the process. But to do so, they have to leave law school, pretend they are qualified and go into battle with a billionaire and the FBI . . . Ingenious, immersive and page-turning, ‘The Rooster Bar’ is a John Grisham legal thriller bar none.
Deposits taken for Toys, Gifts, Musical Instruments, & Christmas Cards
This breathtakingly exciting book discovers the Irish language as you've never learned it before! Fatti Burke's amazing illustrations and her father John's fabulous teaching bring the language alive with every turn of the page. A visual introduction to Ireland's language for young and old, you will learn your first thousand words, discover your culture and enjoy the fabulous quirks and features of your native tongue! Bringing a contemporary appeal to a classic subject, get ready to fall in love with your language. It's Irish as you've never seen it before! This is the third book from the bestselling father and daughter duo behind Irelandopedia and Historopedia, which have sold over 100,000 copies.
‘THE MIDNIGHT LINE’ – LEE CHILD Jack Reacher takes an aimless stroll past a pawn shop in a small Midwestern town. In the window he sees a tiny West Point class ring from 2005. It's a woman cadet's graduation present to herself. Why would she give it up? Reacher's a West Pointer too, and he knows what she went through to get it. Reacher tracks the ring back to its owner, step by step, down a criminal trail leading west. He arrives in the deserted wilds of Wyoming, and all he wants is to find the woman. If she's OK, he'll walk away. If she's not, he'll stop at nothing. He's still shaken by the recent horrors of Make Me , and now ‘The Midnight Line’ sees him set on a raw and elemental quest for simple justice. Best advice: don't get in his way. ‘GOOCH’ – COLM COOPER A compelling and honest autobiography from the much-loved star of Gaelic football, indisputably one of the all-time greatest players in the history of the game.
‘THE NOTION POTION’ – CHRIS O’DOWD Martin Moone is about to finish primary school and feels he hasn't achieved very much. He's desperate to get his picture on the school's Winners' Wall and decides that entering the Invention Convention science competition will definitely earn him everlasting respect. But Martin - along with his teammates Trevor, Padraic and the ever terrifying Declan Mannion - is having trouble coming up with a winning idea. Martin's imaginary friend, Sean, comes to the rescue, and together they concoct a plan to beat the snooty kids from the posh school in town. If they can get their hands on some Notion Potion, a mythical brainboosting beverage, then Martin will have all the ideas he needs. And so the gang embarks on a dangerous (imaginary) journey in their quest to become 'Boyle's first Junior Genius'. ‘The Notion Potion’ is the hilarious third book in the Moone Boy series, based on the Sky TV series from dream team Chris O'Dowd and Nick Vincent Murphy. ‘ANY GIVEN SATURDAY’ – SHAY GIVEN
Irish sporting hero and premiere league footballer Shay Given has had an extremely impressive goalkeeping career spanning three decades. He has played in World Cups and FA Cup finals; shared a dressing room with football greats like Roy Keane, Alan Shearer and Robbie Keane, and worked under celebrated managers like Kenny Dalglish, Bobby Robson and Martin O'Neill. Entertaining, opinionated and inspirational, his longawaited autobiography ‘Any Given Saturday’ features a stellar cast of famous football names from the past 25 years. It tugs at the heart strings, bubbles with banter and lets slip secrets behind the big stories. This is a rare journey behind the scenes as told by one of our own. ‘DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE GETAWAY’ – JEFF KINNEY Get ready, because the very latest in the phenomnally bestselling ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ series is coming. Join Greg on a family holiday he'll never forget! To escape the stress of the holidays, the Heffleys decide to get out of town and go to a resort instead of celebrating Christmas at home. But what's billed as a stress-free vacation becomes a holiday nightmare.
CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH 9
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
Christmas in Delvin... est. 1937
We stock a range of ready to cook foods, prepared in store & delicatessan
All beef and lamb sourced from local farmers Main Street, Delvin 044 9664115
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas
Seasons Greetings from
COLIN WALSH ELECTRICAL Ltd. CLONARNEY • DELVIN, Co. WESTMEATH
Registered Electrical Contractor Domestic - Commercial - Industrial We specialise in domestic and agricultural installations and office & retail fit-outs
Mob: 087 614 3687 Tel: 044 966 8576 email: walshelect@eircom.net
Festive cheer in abundance in Delvin and Clonmellon! Retail statistics and forecasts are not very promising ahead of this year’s festive season. The constant growth in the popularity of online shopping is having a serious impact on all local retailers both in town and rural outlets but at least Delvin and Clonmellon are fortunate enough to still have general provision shops in both villages. And so, there still remains plenty of scope for local Christmas shopping and especially giftbuying because the message this Christmas should be that local businesses rely on local loyalty and custom if they are to remain part of the community and not become another disused premises! On the social and spiritual scene, there is also plenty of festive season activity despite the absence this year of a formal Delvin lights ‘switch-on’ in the Courtyard due to the unavailability of the Handball Court. Meanwhile, Clonmellon’s traditional Christmas countdown began in the best possible way last Friday evening - December 1 with another very successful festive event in the Market Square last Friday evening 1 December, which also the
arrival of Santa. And it is here at the revitalised Market Square as well as Mulvaneys and Isaac’s Well pubs and the Clonmellon Community Hall where most of the local socialising for the festive season will be taking place. Both Leonards and Gala - the two local village shops also deserve your support especially over the Christmas period. But sadly this year, the village has no Post Office.
YULETIDE IN DELVIN AND CLONMELLON When it comes to Christmas shopping in Delvin, there is no doubt that McCormack’s offers the best range in terms of Christmas-related mechandise and general household hardware and consumer durable goods in their impressive showroom. After more than fifty years in Delvin, McCormack’s also have the most eye-catching shop-front display. Directly across the main street (N52) from McCormack’s and Gaffneys is Barry’s Pharmacy, which has been part of Delvin for three decades. This company who
also has a branch in Castlepollard have a wide range of gift ideas at affordable prices and friendly staff to serve their customers. The Headquarters hairdressing salon adjacent to Carmel Gaffney’s pub has traded for eleven years in Delvin.The business is owned by Lindsay Jordan and is opened every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. But Delvin now also has a new female barber in the Castle Barber Shop adjacent to the Caman Inn. Romanian native Mariana Busuioc took over there in late November. Michael Leonard’s shop including the adjoining Post Office continue to remain the largest hub and meeting place for many Delvin shoppers. Always assured of the best of personal service and hospitality there is plenty to see in Michael’s well-stocked store adjacent to the village’s iconic Castle and directly opposite the Caman Inn. Further down the street and looking forward to its third Christmas since it opened in 2015 is the Coffee Boutique. Under the management of local couple Andy and Deirdre
Lawlor, this business has gone from strength to strength and now includes a much more wide-ranging menu (including breakfast and lunch) and longer opening hours especially at weekends and even Sundays. Whatever your business is in Delvin or even if your are just merely driving along the N52 a visit to the beautifully appointed Frenchthemed Coffee Boutique is a must. Delvin also boasts one of the few remaining craft butchers in the county in Lenihan family butchers. As well as offering a range of ready to cook foods and locally sources beef and lamb, it is also a very well presented shop. Before leaving Delvin, it is also worth noting in these times of the demise of the local rural pub, that there are still five popular ‘wateringholes’ in The Valley. Apart from the already-mentioned Caman Inn and Gaffneys, O’Shaugnessy’s, The Blue Hackle (Ballahaws) and The Greyhound all have a packed programme for Christmas and New Year. And within a few kilometres of Delvin village is Bartley’s Bar in Drumcree village on the way to
Collinstown and the Crowenstown Inn on the N51 Athboy Road. Delvin also has three take-way outlets serving Chinese, Pizza and fast-food. Further north along the N52 just a mile outside Delvin is the Gala supermarket and filling station franchise run by Paul Williams and his happy team led by John Donlon. One of the greatest local success stories for more than ten years, Paul has transformed the Moyleroe-based business into a popular shopping haven not only for local shoppers. Down the N51 from Delvin on the road to Athboy is Crowenstown where artist Hazel Revington-Cross runs her successful Purple Raven Gallery and Crafts Centre. There are plenty of plenty of gift ideas here in her gallery shop, just off the main road and adjacent to St. Patrick’s NS. There is therefore, much more than you think available on your door-step and just remember that money spent locally funds local jobs and keeps local companies and ventures in business...so it’s really a case of keeping rural life alive by using these businesses or losing them for any Christmas in the future.
Christmas in Ballynacargy Festive period is Ballynacargy’s nicest time of year Willie Penrose TD Constituency Office: Convent Lane, Bishopsgate Street, Mullingar Open 9.30 - 5.30 Monday - Friday
Tel: 044 93 43987
I would like to wish all my constituents a very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year Instead of sending Christmas cards this year I will be making a donation to a local charity.
MUNNELLYS PUB Ballynacargy
MUNNELLYS TRANSPORT
Christmas is one of the nicest times of the year for the village of Ballynacargy, which comes alive over the festive period with plenty of festive cheer, including music, song and dance for everyone to enjoy. One of the nicest events is surely the production by pupils of St Brigid’s National School, Ballynacargy in the local Church of The Nativity on Thursday, 21 December at 12 midday. This is an event not to be missed and the youth of the parish have a lovely drama prepared. It will as usual be followed by a lovely Mass and some beautiful Christmas carols.
When all that is over, the school raffle will take place and anyone with prizes for this is urged to have them in on time for the event. There will be a Christmas crafts fair in the Ballynacargy Parochial Hall on Saturday, 16 December at 6pm and a wide range of locally produced crafts will be on sale, including holly wreaths and yule logs. Another event that may interest people locally is the Christmas fair in nearby Abbeyshrule, which will take place at the well-known Rustic Inn on Sunday, 10 december, from 12 midday to 6pm. The beautiful crib outside the Church of The Nativity always adds greatly to the
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas
SKIP HIRE & SCRAP METAL Contact Adrian
044 9373000 Best wishes to all our customers this Christmas
Ballynacargy Tel: 044 937 3132 Filling Station • Full range of oils Light hardware
spirit of Christmas in the village, while there are plans to have the Christmas lights illuminated once again during the festive period. Christmas Eve Mass is always very popular and people returning home for Christmas enjoy this beautiful vigil Mass, which is one of the highlights of the Festive Season for local families. Mass on Christmas Day is, of course, very special also and another lovely ceremony to look forward to. The Ballynacargy Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) branch is one of the best of its kind and continues to grow, with well over 300 members now involved. The branch will remain very busy and active over the Christmas period and musicians will be performing in the local churches, while on St Stephen’s Day there is a long tradition of hunting the wren in Ballynacargy. The Ballynacargy CCÉ branch will have its main fundraiser early in the new year, on Friday 19 January, when it holds the annual table quiz. It takes place in the Parochial Hall and the quiz master, as usual, will be the well-known Ken Eades, a very experienced hand. Teams of four will cost €40. The CCÉ branch will also be busy preparing for the big concert in the Mullingar Arts Centre on
18 March, 2018. There will be plenty of music and entertainment in all of the local pubs during the Christmas period and the great tradition of the Christmas raffle will continue. Munnelly’s pub is one of the friendliest and warmest places to visit during the Festive period and enjoy the celebrations in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Penrose’s newsagents in the heart of the village is the traditional place to get all your newspapers, tv guides and magazines for the Christmas time. They also stock coal, briquettes and various other fuel to help keep your home warm at this time of year. There’s always a great welcome for you in this family run business. Shanley’s garage is the only place to get your
petrol, diesel or hardware and again is a family run business in the heart of the village, well worthy of local support.
Support charities Christmas is a good time of year to show your support to local charities and Ballynacargy men, Louis and Vinny Eivers are running a Christmas tree purchase scheme, raising funds for a Kenyan orphanage where their brother, Niall worked. Previously they raised €1,200 for Childline and are hoping this year’s Christmas tree run can be just as successful. You can order your Christmas tree from @xmastrees4charity on Facebook or email xmastreesforcharity@gmail.co m. This is very worthy of local support.
10
CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
Christmas in Rochfortbridge and Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath 044 922 1100 info@newforest.ie www.newforest.ie
A big thank you to all our customers for your support this year. it’s been a very busy 2017 for New forest estate, the new orchard Pavilion has been a great success and allows New forest to cater for weddings and events for up to 300 guests in the beautiful surroundings of the historical country estate. New forest house Restaurant, as always, is a hugely popular venue for all family occasions and is renowned for its friendly service and great food. New forest golf course has again jumped up the rankings and is now confirmed as one of ireland’s Premier golf courses, with the bonus of being playable all year, tee to green, due to great design and natural drainage. the New forest Lodges, affording great value for families and individuals alike, are in great demand all
LITTLE RASCALS Christmas Party Nights with live music by Diarmuid Guinan December 8th, 9th, 15th & 16th
ROCHFORTBRIDGE
Celebrating 20 years in business
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
Festive cheer galore in Tyrrellspass
Tyrrellspass will be hosting a number of festive events in the lead up to Christmas throughout the village. On Friday, 8 December Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns will be lighting up the town again for for Christmas on the The Green at 6.00pm to light up. There will be seasonal treat, Christmas Carols and Santa Claus himself will be along to turn on the lights. Tyrrellspass Community Games will be holding their third Christmas Morning one mile Walk at 11am with all process going to Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns. The walk will commence from the car park at St. Stephen's church to the roundabout at the Dublin road and back again. It's a great opportunity for people to get out and about on Christmas day and meet people who will only be at home for the festive season as well as whet your appetite for the dinner. Tyrrellspass Tidy Town's annual Christmas draw will be taking place on Saturday, 16 December in Gonouds. The first prize will be €250, second prize €100, third prize is €50, fourth prize Christmas
Full Day Care, ECCE Sessional, Afterschool Care 7am - 6pm Monday - Friday Highly Qualified, Experienced Friendly & Professional Staff Fresh Home Cooked Meals Fun & Safe Outdoor Area for all ages
cake, fifth prize a bottle of whisky and sixth prize a bottle of Irish Creamery Liquer. Tickets are available in local shops. New Forest Estate is holding Christmas Party Nights with live music by Diarmuid Gavin and there are still some reservations available. This will be their second year in Tyrrellspass and if it is anything like last year, then a great night is always assured. Tyrrellspass Castle restaurant is also another popular venue in the village and further out the Kilbeggan Road, the New Forest Golf Club is also a splendid venue for a function or just a meal. St. Joseph’s Transition Year students in Rochfortbridge will be supporting the Santa Experience on the 22/23 December at the Barn. This two-event of Christmas ‘Magic’ will be in aid of St. Vincent de Paul. There will be tea and coffee for the parents and then Santa will arrive with a little present for each child.
AGRI SHEDS RochfoRtbRidge • 087 6155587 Livestock handLing equipment Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas & Happy New Year
JAN & APR 2018
Christmas Greetings from
ECCE LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE ALSO CCSP LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE IF IN RECEIPT OF DSP TAKING BOOKINGS FOR SEPT 2018 ECCE PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
For Booking or more details
Contact
085 8824300 • 044 9222746
Willies and the Village Barn Would like to wish each and every customer all the best for Christmas and 2018
For enquiries call David at 087 2709646 or visit www.thevillagebarn.ie
• • • •
Intruder Alarms CCTV Access Control Calving Cameras Stephen@judgesecuritysystems.com
www.judgesecurity.com “Call today for a free quotation and we can design a system tailored to your needs and issue a Certificate upon completion for a discount on your home or business insurance” 06635
If you have small kids why not visit
Christmas Magic at The Village Barn
here on the 22nd/23rd Dec call: 086 1211562 for details
CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH 11
Tyrrellspass...
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
The ideal venue for all your Christmas parties
Milltownpass’s Star Ginger bread loaf - Xmas recipe will shine brightly this Christmas
In Milltownpass, the beautiful lighting and crib at the church will once again be the focal point this festive season. The crib, put together by Leo Wright a number of years ago, always looks beautiful and the star at the top of the bell tower will shine brightly once again. The Christmas lights are traditionally switched on usually a week before Christmas marking the start of the annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus. St. Joseph’s National School will not be holding a pre-Christmas concert
this year. Instead, their ‘Aladdin’ concert show will not take place until the New Year. The Milltownpass senior citizens party in the Community Centre will also take place on the run up to Christmas but a date had not been confirmed before going to press. As always, it will begin with Mass at 6pm and will be followed by a feast and lots of fun. As is tradition, Santa Claus himself will take time off from this busy schedule to make an appearance later in the evening with a present for everyone.
Christmas in Rochfortbridge
Rochfortbridge will be a busy place in the lead up to the big day with plenty for people to enjoy throughout the festive season. The Christmas lights have looked really impressive in recent years and the plan is to have them switched on for the season, with local electrician Liam Lynam will be the main man behind the project again. The lights will stretch from one end of the town to the other as they do every year to bring a festive atmosphere to the town. Rochfortbridge Tidy Towns hold fundraisers throughout the year to ensure that locals have a great display. The Tidy Towns Committee will be busy during the Festive Season as they fundraise for next year. As usual there is plenty happening with the local schools with Rochfortbridge staging their Christmas Carol service on Friday, 15 December, at 1.00pm at the local church which is always a lovely occasion and there will also be a number of Christmas plays staged by the fifth and sixth class boys and girls the previous evening. There will be a nice surprise for the children of Dunaree Childcare and Pre-school on 15 December at 11am when the big man himself will stop by to say hello ahead of his annual nightly visit to all the children of the world.
Tyrrellspass Castle
Restaurant Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath (044) 9223105 Get your Christmas Voucher Now Wishing all our customers and friends a very Happy Christmas
CORRIGAN’S BAR & LOUNGE Rochfortbridge A soft and delicious loaf to enjoy over the festive season - 25 0 g plain flour - 15 0 g dark brown sugar - 15 0 g golden syrup - 15 0 g treacle - 1 egg - 12 5 ml milk - 4 tsp g round ginger - 2 tsp baking soda - 15 0 g butter 1. 2.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Line a 20cm baking tin with
greaseproof paper 3. Dissolve baking soda and a tablespoon of milk together in a bowl 4. Melt butter, sugar, syrup, treacle, and remaining milk together over a low heat, then allow to cool. 5. Add all dry ingredients with this mix along with a beaten egg. 6. Add the baking soda and milk, mix together, and pour into the baking tin. 7. Bake for an hour, and allow to rest in the tin for a further half hour. Turn out, and allow to cool.
SHERIDAN WINDOWS
BRIDGE AGRI Tel: 044 9222801 CORRIGAN INTERIORS Tel: 044 9222886 Function room available for Party Nights Christmas Greetings from
John Healy Coaches
REPLACE • REPAIR • RENEW • A-Rated Windows and Doors • Repairs • Composite doors • Replacement Glass • Double or triple glazed
U values as low as 0.8
Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath T: 087 9938 753 E: Info@sheridanwindows.ie
C. Gallagher
Stitching and Reseeding
John Healy
Funeral Director & Chapel of Rest
Happy Christmas to all Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas & Happy New Year
Ploughing Tilling Sowing
Christmas Greetings from
Stitching into burnt off ground
Grass • Kale • Rape
Hedge Cutting • Saw & Flail
Moving • Baling • Wrapping
Happy Christmas and all the best for 2018
087 7735425
Dublin Rd., Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath Tel: 044 9222 187 / 087 256 8594 E-mail: lolhealy74@gmail.com
Rochfortbridge
FARM LAND FOR SALE AND FOR LETTINGS BUILDING SITES FOR SALE HOUSES URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR SALE Mobile: 087 2508626 www.gavinauctioneer.com
Jamie Farrell Amber Filling Station OPEN 6AM -11PM KEENEST FUEL PRICES GREAT VALUE GROCERY OFFERSRS DUBLIN ROAD, TYRRELLSPASS
Mob: 087 0553334
12
Christmas in Kinnegad
CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
Merry Christmas to all of my friends and customers from
Michael Donnelly Chartered Accountant
Killucan Road, Kinnegad Tel. 044-9375285 Fax 044-9375287 email: michaeldonnellyco@eircom.net
Westmeath CIL Christmas Raffle: Based in Kinnegad, the Westmeath Centre for Independent Living annual Christmas Raffle will be held this Thursday, 7th December and lines @ €2 each or three for €5 are now in circulation. There are lots of fantastic prizes to be won and your support would be greatly appreciated. Money raised goes directly towards the day to day running expenses of the Centre at Main Street, Kinnegad. Annual Christmas Auction:
CAR SALES SERVICE AND CRASH REPAIR CENTRE
The annual Christmas Auction in aid of the MS Therapy Centre, Trim, takes place in the Trim Caste Hotel, this Wednesday evening, 6th December, with the Auction commences at 8.00pm and viewing of the variety of items gets underway at 7.00pm. There are a vast variety of items going under the auctioneers hammer and they are furniture, vouchers, hampers, jewellery, concert tickets, gift sets to mention a few and everything on offer on the night is new. A great night with great bargains in aid of a great cause.
Mullingar Road, Kinnegad
Boiler out of action in Parish Church:
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas from
FINIAN TREACY 044 9375459 • 087 4118284
Order of St. Camillus SERVANTS OF THE SICK
The Friends of St Mary’s had a meeting on Wednesday, 22nd November, and
the main topic of conversation was the need for a new boiler in the Parish Church, Kinnegad. It was felt that every effort should be made to have a new boiler installed before the Christmas, this is a tough task, but the church is so cold, the work will need to be carried out before then. Funds are very much required for the purchase and installation of the boiler and a number of ideas were put forward one suggestion being an emergency envelope collection between now and Christmas. It was felt that this fundraising should not interfere with the fundraising of excellent local organisations, so it was decided to be prudent with the efforts for the boiler while requesting your support. The financial support that is already coming in for this work is greatly appreciated and with your continued generosity it is hoped that it will not be a cold Christmas in our parish church. Christmastime at Vincent’s Shop, Kinnegad: The fantastic window display at Vincent’s Shop, Kinnegad, is something to behold and it reflects the Christmas atmosphere within the confines of the well appointed premises. The committee wish to thank everyone who supported their recent Christmas Fair and last Sunday’s
Thinking of selling? Call on our experience today
St. Camillus Nursing Centre Killucan, Co. Westmeath Tel: 044 9374196
Christmas ‘Giving Mass’. The quality in women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, shoes, toys, books, furnishings, costume jewellery etc is top class and the prices quite simply unbelievable at Vincent’s Shop, in the impressive East-Wae Building, Kinnegad. Run by the Kinnegad Branch of St Vincent de Paul, the Shop is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10.30am until 3.00pm and on Thursdays from 10.30am to 5.00pm with a break from 1.30pm to 2.00pm for lunch. The committee wish to express their appreciation for the valued support the shop receives and would like people to know that all money raised by the local Vincent de Paul is used locally to assist local people who have fallen on stressful times. The help these people receive restores their dignity and is a stepping stone for them to return to and experience the quality of living they truly deserve. If you feel that you might like to avail of the services please do not hesitate in contacting St Vincent de Paul, Kinnegad, in confidence on 087 9725076. The Vincent de Paul would like to hear from anyone who might be interested in giving a few hours voluntary work with them each week, is so please
KINNEGAD
087 2888363 / 044 9362500
John Coyne Estates www.coyneestates.com EDENDERRY
M.I.P.A.V. (REV) • Licence no. 001013
Est abl i shed i n 1975
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas
Fully REgi stEREd Hi gH Quali ty NuRsi Ng CaRE i N a HomEly atmospHERE
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2018
REFURBISHED AND UPGRADED si tuatEd i N matuRE gRouNds i N a RuRal sEtti Ngs Pastoral care Programme Dai ly mass
OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE • HAIRDRESSING • CHIROPODY • FULL ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME
Wishing our residents, their families and all our neighbours and friends a very Happy Holy Christmas & a Peaceful New Year
HARMON OIL Galway Road, Kinnegad For Your HOME HEATING OIL Derv • AGRI DIESEL
Tel: 044 9379532 or 087 8301087
drop into the Shop during business hours or contact the above mobile number. Apostolic Society’s annual Christmas Bingo: There are hampers, turkeys, hams, cakes, puddings and lots, lots more to be won at the popular annual Bingo in aid of the great work of the Killucan Apostolic Society and it’s all happening this Friday evening, 8th December, commencing at 8.00pm sharp. Donations and gifts are gratefully accepted and can be left in with Margaret in the Post Office or with any committee member. Your support for the annual event would be greatly appreciated. Dark evenings – be safe be seen!! The darkest evenings are with us and with them come the added dangers for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The road is a much more dangerous
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
place during the hours of darkness and we all need to be extra vigilant and take extra precautions to avoid unnecessary accidents and heartbreak for so many families. Our local Gardai continue to receive a substantial number of reports of cyclists and pedestrians using the roads without the proper lighting and protective high visibility clothing. Without appropriate clothing cyclists and pedestrians are putting themselves in grave danger, they cannot be seen until a car, van or lorry is unable to take evasive action with disastrous consequences. Please, in everyone’s interest, especially your own, if you are going out at dusk or after dark, wear a high visibility vest/jacket, they can be purchased almost anywhere at little cost, or free if you contact the Road Safety Association. Don’t put your life in danger, it’s not worth the risk, be safe – be seen.
KINNEGAD CLEANERS Unit 2, Kinnegad Shopping Centre
Tel.: 044 9375035 The Premier Wedding Dress/Bridal Gown Specialist Dry Cleaners in the Midlands CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS:
Closed 24th Dec Re-opening: 29th Dec & 30th Dec 10am-4pm Open as usual from 2nd January
Wishing my customers a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year
Killucan and Raharney...
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
13
Six steps to a CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S ROAD stress free SAFETY CAMPAIGN Christmas
Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas
Christmas is definitely in the air. The excitement is building, the shops are dripping with Christmas fare, children are bubbling over with excitement and plans are afoot for ‘your best Christmas ever’. But what if this creates too much stress? What if you now feel under far too much pressure to get everything right? Suddenly, everything changes from great fun to growling and snapping at each other. However, a lot of this can be avoided by taking some simple steps to make life easier. PLAN AHEAD Santa is not the only one who can make a list. Write out a list of all the things you would like to achieve on the run up to Christmas, make it as detailed as possible. Then you break it down into bitesized, manageable groups so it doesn’t feel so daunting. Most importantly, every time a task is done you must strike it off the list, this gives a great sense of achievement and spurs you on to complete the rest. SET A BUDGET By giving yourself a budget for gifts, decorations, food etc., and sticking to it, it removes the pressure of trying to find that extra cash at the last minute. Try shopping online to reduce the chance of impulse buying. CARDS Get your Christmas cards done as early as possible. Just remember to leave them in a visible place so you don’t forget to post them.
CAFFEINE Cut out coffee or at least decaf them. Caffeine produces cortisol in our bodies. This is the same hormone that is released when the fight or flight response is triggered in our brain. This causes a whole body wide stress response, it reduces blood flow to vital organs and the digestive system, makes the heart pump faster and reduces oxygen to the brain. KNOW WHEN TO STOP Know when to stop the Christmas preparations and reduce the workload to the bare minimum. This will give you time to relax and enjoy the festive season too. KEEP CALM On Christmas Day stay calm, use some relaxation techniques. Try abdominal breathing (place your hands on your abdomen and breath good and deep to fill your lungs right to the bottom, this will push your stomach out, then exhale slowly. Repeat this twice then breathe normal, then twice again and breathe normal) this will re-oxygenate the body and get rid of the stress hormones that are floating around your bloodstream. Light some scented candles and put on the Christmas carols. Incidentally, turkey contains tryptophan, our body uses this to create serotonin, which is a powerful brain calming chemical. This explains why we all love a good snooze after our Christmas dinner. Remember Christmas is supposed to be a mix of fun and relaxation time and neither can happen if you are stressed.
There is no doubt that alcohol is a huge contributor to road accidents and fatalities, yet every Christmas there are still people driving under the influence both on the night and on the morning after, at a time w hen a lot of people think that they are safe and under the limit. Alcohol is a contributory factor in 38% of fatal crashes in the lead up to Christmas, a Road Safety Authority (RSA) analysis of Garda investigation files for fatal crashes in the m onths of November and December has found.
Another analysis of preliminary Garda data from 2008-2016 reveals that a total of 292 road users were killed in the months of November and December. The average number of fatalities each month for this nine-year period was 16 in November and 16 in December. The new RSA analysis also shows that: • Dublin, Cork and Galway had the highest number of RTC fatalities in November and December and accounted for almost a third (32%) of the total number of fatalities that occurred during this time period. • The most prevalent times of day were between 4pm8pm (33%) and 12pm-4pm (23%), followed by 12am-6am (22%). • RTC fatalities were more prevalent on Sundays (21%). The most dangerous time of day on Sundays was midnight-6am. • Drivers represent almost half (46%) of all road users killed in November and December. • Pedestrians represent over a quarter (26%) of fatalities, while passengers account for almost one fifth (18%). Meanwhile, arrest figures released by the Gardai for driving under the influence (DUI) up to end of October 2017 shows that there have been 7,428 drivers arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence compared to 6,637 up to October 2016. This is a 12% increase in DUI arrests in 2017. The ultimate aim of the RSA and Gardai’s appeal this year is to warn the public about the impact alcohol has on road safety. The statistics revealed today by the RSA and Gardai clearly indicate that alcohol remains the primary contributory factor in fatal crashes and is responsible for far too many deaths and injuries on Irish roads. Given the more difficult driving conditions typical of this time of year, November and December are
already particularly dangerous months for driving. However, the statistics show that road safety is diminished further in these months due to the consumption of alcohol and speeding. All those socialising during the Christmas and New Year period are urged to do so responsibly and never, ever, drink and drive. Minister for Transport Shane Ross said, “I am currently bringing legislation through the Dail that will introduce an automatic disqualification for people who are caught drink driving and my Department has also started work on tackling issues involving speeding offences and fines. But I would urge everyone, please do not drink and drive and keep to the speed limits at all times. Let’s keep our roads safe this Christmas.” Ms. Liz O Donnell, Chairperson, Road Safety Authority, said: "Any amount of alcohol impairs driving. In fact, just one drink can affect your driving. That is not a theory this is scientific fact. So, if you are heading to an office party or socialising over the Christmas and New Year period, make sure you plan how you are going to get home safely. Leave the keys at home and book a taxi, hackney, use public transport or designate a driver. Do not leave it to chance because once you have that first drink, you will not be able to make the right choices. This advice also applies if you are intending to walk home after socialising too. Crash data shows that alcohol could be a factor in almost half [46%] of pedestrian deaths. Too many people have lost their lives in the past by walking home drunk on roads with poor visibility. Please don’t take the chance.” Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, An Garda Síochána, said: "An Garda Síochána will be launching its six week Christmas and New year road safety campaign from midnight tomorrow night. This will include a focus on Mandatory Intoxicant Testing checkpoints around the country to deter people from drinking and driving. The Gardaí will not just be targeting drink drivers at night or in the early hours of the morning during the Christmas period, but also during morning rush hour as many drivers could still be over the legal limit if they have been drinking the night before. There has been a 12% increase in drivers arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence up to end of
October 2017. While it is disappointing to see so many refusing to heed our advice, this clearly shows that our members are out there enforcing drink driving laws. The consequences of drink driving for you and others could be very serious and range from losing your licence to living with the guilt of being responsible for someone’s death or severe injury. Please don’t take the risk this Christmas – don’t drink and drive.” Ms. Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority, said: "Drink driving is a behaviour that must no longer be tolerated in our society and for that to happen people need to know all the facts. Drink driving at any time of the day is drink driving, that’s why you must take extra care the following morning if you have been drinking the night before, as you may still have alcohol in your system. The morning after is a danger zone for alcohol related fatal crashes. 11% of fatal collisions in which a driver had consumed alcohol, occurred between the hours of 7am and 11am. If you are out socialising, please remember it takes roughly one hour for your body to get rid of one unit of alcohol, that’s a half pint, a standard glass of wine, or one shot. If you got to bed in the early hours and didn’t get a good night’s sleep, this will magnify the impairing effects of any alcohol in your system. The only cure is time.” The RSA and An Garda Síochána’s are supporting Coca Cola’s 13th annual Designated Driver campaign which is encouraging the nation to give the ‘Gift of a Lift’ this Christmas to help keep our roads safe. The campaign running across Ireland and Northern Ireland will once again offer free soft drinks, water or juice to designated drivers from 28th November. The RSA will be airing its antidrink driving TV campaign ‘Ciaran’ which features the Treacy family who lost four-year-old Ciarán in a head-on collision with a drunk driver in April 2014. A three minute online video and two new radio ads plus pub / club washroom advertising focusing on the danger of drink driving the morning after will also be deployed over the festive period. To date this year, 143 people have been killed on Irish roads, a decrease of 26 when compared to the same period last year.
/SHERRYFITZGERALDTOMFOX
WE’RE YOUR YOUR LOCALS IN KINNEGAD , EAATH MAIN STREET EETT, KINNEGAD, CO. WESTMEA
T: 044 937 99888 E: INFO@TOMFOXAUCTIONEER.IE
KEVIN MOORE TRACTORS Sion Hill, Killucan, Co. Westmeath 087 2528928 • 044 9374288
Best wishes to all our customers this Christmas
LANDINI TRACTORS • Rossmore Loaders & Grabs • Fleming Agri Equipment • Major & Conor Tanks & Agitators • Grass Harrows Fertilizer Spreader • Rollers • Mowers • Toppers • Sprayers
0% Finance Packages Available
SHANLEY UPHOLSTERY For all your upholstery Wishing everyone a comfortable Christmas and New Year
requirements
Clonlost, Killucan Tel: 044 - 93 74244
14
Christmas in Kilbeggan...
CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
Kilbeggan has plenty to be optimistic about its future Steeped in decades of heritage and tradition, today’s modern Kilbeggan is a town that serves as a service centre for the local farming community; hosts some light industry (Shanette Sheds), including sand and gravel extraction in the surrounding area; and is seen increasingly as a Dublin commuter town, particularly since the improvement of the M6 and the extension of the M4, starting in Kinnegad. The canal branch closed in the 1960s and the basin is now dry. But the harbour buildings, however, have survived and are currently enjoying a revival by their use as offices and workspace. Although whiskey production ended at Locke's Distillery in the 1950s, the buildings survived and were reopened as a visitor attraction. Distillation has recently recommenced in 2007 with up to 50,000 plus visitors annually. The local race course is about a mile north of the town on the Ballynagore
road is also synonymous with Kilbeggan, with its eight meetings every summer. It is also Ireland's only all-National Hunt course. Kilbeggan is also home to Mercy Secondary School, which stands on the Dublin Road. It is linked to the Mercy Convent, situated in the town and also close to St. James’ Church and St. James’ Hall and a modern Parish Centre that is now the hub of all community activities.The town also has a library situated in the square. St. James’ Hall hosted a Craft Fair on Saturday, 2 December to get the festive season underway and the Parish Centre will welcome Santa on Saturday, 16 December after 8.00pm Mass always a great evening for everyone. In recent years, Fit Factory Kilbeggan was opened. Fit Factory Kilbeggan provides a small gym with a variety of fitness classes including TRX, boxercise and ladies toning. This is the first
Kilbeggan Distilerry. gym of its kind in Kilbeggan, adding to the local amenities and providing a healthy environment in which both young and old can exercise and socialise at their ease. Another
business just after celebrating its first anniversary is the much acclaimed ‘Little Big Town’ Playcentre in the modern Riverview development quite close to the whiskey
M6 Service Centre Ltd Tullamore Road, Kilbeggan,
Tel: 057 93 33908
distillery. But since the bypass opened for the new M6 motorway, Kilbeggan has had to slowly adjust to life as a ‘bypassed’ town. While this development over the past ten years has claimed some commercial casualties, it has also presented Kilbeggan with an opportunity to reassess its role in local community life. News of a planned €1.3 million enhancement to the town later next year will also give the general appearance Kilbeggan a much needed ‘make-over’. But Kilbeggan’s close proximity to all three Midlands Gateway towns of Mullingar, Tullamore and Athlone has also
meant that retail shopping opportunities have been restricted in the town. Nevertheless, any place that can attract such a high volume of visitors and tourists, undoubtedly has future potential if it is harnessed in the correct way. It is not surprisingly therefore that the Centra/Topaz M6 Services centre attracts most of the retail business in Kilbeggan. Apart from the parking space on offer, this retail unit and filling station attracts much of its business from the passing trade of the nearby motorway. The town’s square also hosts a weekly market on Saturday mornings with
Kilbeggan Physiotherapy and Pilates Clinic LOTTO
CAR WASH
HOT DELI
Kilbeggan Physiotherapy and Pilates is devoted to the promotion of women and men’s health, the treatments of sports injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. We offer a full, patient-focused, physiotherapy service, including many areas of expertise. Our highly skilled Chartered Physiotherapist, Eimear Fox, specialises in a broad range of Physiotherapy treatments and conditions. She is dedicated to the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions.
ATM
All major fuel cards accepted
LOYALTY CARDS
Christmas Greetings to all our Customers
Contact us at:
The Crescent, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath
Tel: 086 1280806 I www.eimearfox.physio
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE
Wishing all our clients healh and happiness at Christmas and in the New Year
just two traders including a vegetable stall holder and PJ Plants based in Rochfortbridge. Londis is the only supermarket in the centre of the town along with Whelan’s general stores and newsagent. But the town does have Murray’s butcher shop and two hardware stores – Noel Moran and McLaughlin’s. But just three pubs remain trading today which is surprising for a town of its population size. However, like so many other tourist centres, Kilbeggan’s commercial activity is strictly cyclical but there is plenty of evidence of enterprise and industry all year round. The revival of the local distillery has resulted in giving the town a new lease of life and the emergence of Kilbeggan chocolate, the creation of local chocolateer Michael Donegan, is another great local success story in recent years. Michael also runs a coffee shop adjacent to Kilbeggan distillery and Londis supermarket. Kilbeggan also has a Brazilian shop serving its own local community, which numbers in excess of 200. But without a hotel of any kind in the town, Kilbeggan’s wider business community is unable to capitalise on much of its impressive throughput of visitors for the distillery and summer race-goers. But the very fact that the Kilbeggan name is now a national brand and well on the way to becoming an international brand gives the place real hope for the town’s future potential. And in the words of Kitty Flynn - one of its popular senior citizens and staunch loyal defender of the town “Kilbeggan always has lots of activity and has many positive developments down through the years.”
Christmas in Kilbeggan...
CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
15
TIPS ON SAVINGS AT CHRISTMAS you add on delivery charges, so be sure to take them into account. Make sure you leave plenty of time for delivery too.
CREDIT Don’t get caught out by
Christmas is an exciting time of year but many of us are short on time and money. If you’re trying to tighten Santa’s belt this Christmas, follow our Christmas shopping tips this festive season. CREDIT CARD Leave the credit card at home and bring cash or your debit card instead Credit card debt can be very expensive if you can't repay it in full immediately or within a few months. When you are spending the cash in your pocket or in your bank account, you will be much less likely to overspend than if you pay with a credit card. If you do need to use your credit card, then keep your mind open to credit card cost comparison. There are still some providers offering 0% interest on balance transfers. If you can't afford to pay your Christmas credit card bill in full, you could take advantage of one of these offers in the New Year. But before you sign up, make sure to check what rate will apply when the introductory offer ends and if there are any conditions attached to it.
of all your expenses.
LAST MINUTE Avoid shopping at the last minute and try to arrange to go shopping when it’s quieter. Shops are a lot quieter late at night or first thing in the morning. Leaving yourself plenty of time and avoiding busy shopping times will make your Christmas shopping a bit easier.
APPROACH Try a new approach to buying presents. You could agree a spending limit with your friends and family or try an option like a Secret Santa, so each person only has to buy one present. Or if there is a special item that you really want to give to someone, consider splitting the cost with a friend or relative. Keep an eye out for coupons or deals on gifts wherever you can.
LIST
RESEARCH
List everyone that you intend to buy for, then budget a reasonable amount that you can afford to spend on each person. Making a shopping list will also help you avoid impulse buying and keep track of your spending. Our Christmas budget planner can help you plan for and keep track
Do your research. If you have a present in mind, shop around and compare prices, both in store and online. Keep your eye out for discounts and promotional offers. If you do plan to do some shopping online, be careful. What might seem like a great deal could be more expensive when
Seasons Greetings from
SCALLY PRECAST PRODUCTS LTD ALL GRANT APPROVED CATTLE SLATS 6’6’’ TO 16’6’’ SPECIALISING IN MANHOLES
ALL GENERAL PRECAST
Tel: 044 9223211 Mob: 087 7933736 Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath
credit. In the run up to Christmas, personal loans and in-store credit may look like attractive options, especially for larger purchases like PCs, electrical equipment or furniture, where stores may offer you
0% finance for a period of time. Before signing up to store credit or a personal loan, consider the full costs and not just the monthly repayment. Would the repayments still be affordable if your income
dropped for any reason, or if you had an unexpected expense?
BE REALISTIC Be realistic with your food shopping. It can be
easy to buy more than you need, but bear in mind that most shops are only closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, so there’s no need to go overboard.
16
CHRISTMAS IN WESTMEATH
Christmas in Castlepollard and North Westmeath...
TOPIC • 7 December, 2017
Christmas Festive Fun in Castlepollard, Collinstown and north Westmeath BY PAUL O’DONOVAN
The Christmas festivities began in earnest last Sunday in Castlepollard when Santa paid a visit to the north Westmeath town for the switching on of the Christmas lights. The entire square was lit up and there was a great festive atmosphere as children sang Christmas Carols and lined up to meet the big man in the red suit. Santa looked very well in his new hut and a great time was enjoyed by the many families that turned out for the fun occasion. Great credit is due to Pat Davitt, Tom Egan and Micheál Cassidy and the Castlepollard Fire Service, who all help to organise this event for the children of the area. It shows the true Christmas community spirit.
Santa visited Fore Not long after his visit to Castlepollard, Santa flew up the road in his sleigh and visited the village of Fore. There he was delighted to meet all the young boys and girls of the area, before popping into The Abbey House Fore for a cup of tea and some biscuits. Indeed, Santa enjoyed himself so much in Fore, he said he would come back again next weekend, and the weekend after, with all proceeds going to the Peter McVerry Trust for homeless young people.
Tullynally Christmas Market Last weekend, the wonderful Christmas Market was held in Tullynally Castle, Castlepollard, where there were numerous stalls available to suit all the family, with lots of entertainment for all the young children.
Christmas Cribs The crib in Castlepollard will also be erected in the days prior to Christmas and children from a number of local schools will attend the blessing of the crib on the square, on a date yet to be confirmed. As always the crib is a vital symbol of the Christmas season and the Christmas Crib in Coole, will also be blessed next week at Coole Hall. The school children from Coole National School will attend and they will sing carols before the crib is blessed.
Hotel a hive of activity Hotel Castlepollard will
Wishing all our friends and customers a Happy Christmas
Lakeland Pest Control Tuitestown, Collinstown
044 9372970 086 1706029 Proprietor: Christo Murtagh
Best wishes from Ita at
The Seven Wonders Bar Fore, Co. Westmeath
be a hive of activity over the Christmas period as it hosts many Christmas parties and events. Amongst the groups and organisations holding their Christmas parties in the hotel are St Peter’s, Collinstown ICA, Castlepollard ICA, Taekwondo Club and the Active Retirement Party.
New Bars opening It is great to see that McCormack’s Bar on the Square Castlepollard has re-opened after it was destroyed by fire. Ollie McCormack has gone to great efforts to get the bar reopened and it certainly is a fine premises now. Ollie and his staff would be delighted to see you calling into him over the Christmas period. Speaking of new bars, Pat Burke in Coole, has had extensive renovations carried out to the lounge of his bar in Coole and he would also be very pleased to see the locals call in for a drink and a chat over the Festive period.
Parish Concert on Wednesday, 13 December If you are feeling lucky this Christmas then the annual Castlepollard, Castletown and Finea Parish Fund Christmas Draw will take place on Wednesday, 13 December. This night coincides with the Annual Parish Concert, when a number of local talented artists will all provide some entertainment in the Hotel Castlepollard, what has proved to be a great night’s entertainment in the past few years, and this year should be no exception.
Cards for the Parish Draw are on sale, with lines costing just €1.50 or €15 for a full card. There are several great prizes on offer including cash prizes of €250, €100, turkeys, hams, hampers and vouchers and much, much more. Cards are available from any parish committee member. Please try and support this very worthy cause and get along to the concert, which is always a great night’s entertainment. If you do miss the parish concert then don’t worry you can still avail of the Christmas atmosphere, fun and games at the many party nights taking place in Hotel Castlepollard during the month of December.
Coole Cooks recipe book on sale The Parents Council of Coole National Schoool launched a book entitled ‘Coole Cooks,’ last Saturday at the Cookery Demonstration in Coole. The book contains recipes that were handed down to the pupils of the school by their parents and grandparents over the years. The colourful book, containing receipes and photos of the young ‘Coole Mini Chefs’ that provided the reciepes is available at just €15. The book would make an ideal Christmas gift and it is on sale in all local shops.
SHOP LOCAL For shops, businesses and local traders, Christmas is a very important and busy time of the year and when shopping we should all try and shop local and support the local business people in our community and re-
Santa meets all the children in Fore last year. member the old saying ‘Keep your business in town, to keep the town in business’!
Collinstown Christmas Market Collinstown Action Group have decided to put their village on the map in a big way this Christmas. The recently formed Collinstown Action Group have set up a magical Christmas event for Sunday, 10th of December in the village from 12 noon to 4pm. The group have promised the greatest Christmas market in the whole of the midlands and have secured numerous stalls full of crafts, baked goods, seasonal decorations and you will be guaranteed to find many unusual and rare Christmas gifts readymade for wrapping. There will be a great Christmas atmosphere in the village with stalls, Christmas music and lots of entertainment for all the family. The organising group will be concentrating on promoting talented
Christmas Greetings from
MICHAEL FAGAN CONSTRUCTION GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTOR RENOVATIONS, EXTENSIONS, ETC...
XMAS POKER CLASSIC Sunday, 17th December at 5pm in aid of Jack & Jill Foundation Tickets available at 044 9661114 or from The Seven Wonders Bar
Coolure, Coole Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
044 9661401 • 086 2513775
Santa arrives in Castlepollard last year to the delight of all the children. local producers from the area in a new light and to an entirely different range of customers. The Square will be filled with all the scents and sounds of Christmas, with food laced with cinnamon and mulled wine, Carols from Collinstown Choir and MC Joe McNally will be introducing a full afternoon of entertainment including Wexford Latchico, Tom Power the Leinster champions the Lough Lene Set Dancers, Children’s Christmas Storytelling with Lesley and Sean Nós with Rosario. Music will be provided by local talents including Adrian Connolly, Mairéad and Jenny O’Rourke, The Carltones, Jack O’Shea, Joe McNally and Fore Choir and much, much more.
One of the best things about Christmas is Christmas Fare and the Collinstown Christmas Market will be filled with the most delicious cakes, Puddings, jams, pavlovas, cheesecakes, mice pies and mulled wines. Confirmed are the culinary talents of Helen Mackey, Patrick Dempsey and Kenneth.
Lighting the Tree and welcoming Santa The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is from 6.00pm with Joe McNally, Collinstown Choir will accompany Fr Patrick Donnelly who will be turning on the lights just before Santa arrives to check on all the children and make sure everyone is ready for Christmas. The market runs from 12-4pm.
Happy Christmas from
CLEAR DRAIN • SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED & CLEANED • FULL JETTING SYSTEM • GREASE TRAP MAINTENANCE
MICHAEL TIERNEY AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTOR & SLUDGE DISPOSAL
044 96 61607 • 087 258 1006 E: tierneyagri@gmail.com