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IN THE GARDEN
summer’s on
the way!
CHARITY CONCERT
WITH PAUL
HUGHES
EXAM STRESS
HOW TO
COPE
£1.25 May 2015
CRAIC THEATRE PRESENTS
Thursday 21st May
Friday 22 & Sunday 24th @ 7.30pm
Adults £10 Children £5
of
BOXOFFICE TEL. 028 8774 1100
IN THE GARDEN
summer’s on
the way!
Get out into your graden!
Page 5
Oliver Corr - Editor
SPOT LIGHT FEATURE Welcome
to the May edition
of Mid Ulster Focus. The weeks are
flying by so quickly hopefully we
have seen the last of the winter
weather and can look forward to
the warm bright days of summer.
The students are (or should be!) up
to their eyes in revision and coursework and before we know it, the
summer will be here! May Day is
celebrated as International Workers
Day. The beginning of May is associated with the Celtic festival Lá Bealtaine. This marked the start of the
season of blossoming flowers and
fruit trees.
ANDREW
CULLAS
If you could be invisible.
Page 8
COVER STORY
RHODA
BARFOOT
The month of May was named for
Maia, the Greek goddess of fertility.
We’ve been up to our eyeballs here
at Mid Ulster Focus as well, and this
issue is packed full to bursting! Our
cover feature this month is a profile
Across the Sea to Ireland.
Page 16-17
of Magherafelt musician Rhoda
Barfoot who has released a new
album called “Across the Sea To
Ireland” which was recorded in the
home of country music in Nashville.
Our gardening expert Mary Doris
gives some great advice especially
about cutting the grass. We have a
great photo spread on a fantastic
dance event organized by DU Dance
NI where over eighty young people
from all cultural backgrounds
took part in “Heroes On The Hill”
in Dungannon. Philly McCann
once again gives an over view of
the sporting scene in Mid Ulster.
Caroline McCann from “Digg” youth
and men’s fashions in Dungannon
give her expert advice on those
important fashion accessories and
as Caroline says “The Devil is in in
the detail”. Dungannon musician
Paul Hughes held a very special
concert in St Michael’s Church
Castlecaulfield. Maghera based
family well-being expert, Elaine
Curry gives some great advice on
those exam stresses faced by many
children at this time of year.
If you have an interesting story to
tell, or if you are organising an event
that we could cover please contact
the magazine midulsterfocus@
gmail.com or phone 07803729290.
If you are a charity, community or
sporting organisation based or
operating in the Mid Ulster area
lets us know what you are doing
and Mid Ulster Focus can give you
a platform to promote your events
Mid Ulster Focus is about looking at
the good things happening in area
and we hope you make it a regular
and enjoyable part of your month.
EXAM STRESS
HOW TO
COPE
Believe in yourself
Page 20
Address
MId-Ulster Focus
18 Washingbay Road
Coalisland
Co. Tyrone
BT71 4PX
CHARITY CONCERT
Editor
Oliver Corr
07803 729 290
WITH PAUL
HUGHES
reporter
Eimear Quinn
07748 938 458
St. Michael’s Castlecaulfield
Advertising
Cathal Campbell
07565 412 289
Page 23
Publisher
Quinn’s Printers
Unit 3-6
RJ Hall Industrial Estate
Belfast. BT13 2GA
Administration
Dolores O’Neill
[email protected]
Design & Production
Comac Design
Torrent Complex
9 Hillview Avenue
Donaghmore, Dungannon
Co. Tyrone BT70 3DL
07919 40 55 26
[email protected]
Scotch Street Centre Dungannon,
Co. Tyrone, BT70 1AR
t. 028 8772 2379
e. [email protected]
www.mccrystalopticians.com
Mid Ulster's ONLY Specialist
in Visual Dyslexia & ASD
Specialist Services:
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Schoolvision
ChromaGen
Intuitive Colorimeter
Orthoscopics
Benefits:
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Improved Reading Speed & Concentration
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Change your
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Feet Beat Modern Line Dancing Club
recently held a very successful fund raising “Ladies Night” in Clonoe Community Centre in support of the club.
2
in the Garden
by Mary Doris
Yes, Summer is on it’s way but unlike other parts of
the UK, Northern Ireland can still have frosts right up until the second week
of May. It’s so tempting to get out into the garden and start planting, but
please make sure to check the weather forecast, and if frost warnings are
given, then cover all new plants and seedlings with horticultural fleece.
Plant of the Month
Lavender
(Lavendula)
This is one of my favourite herbs that I grow in my own garden. It can be
easily grown in a border, a herb garden or a container, and can also be
planted as a companion plant with roses. It is loved by bees and humans
alike and emits the most beautiful scent when you brush past it.
Height and Spread: 30cm-1m (1-3ft) height, and 30cm-1.5m (1-5ft) spread
Aspect: South or west facing.
It is definitely advisable to plant between April and May as the soil is
warming up. It grows well in any soil type. Although you will find that in
clay or clay loam, it tends to be short lived and becomes woody at the
base.
Lawns
By this month, a lawn mowing regime should be well established. The
grass is growing fast and a weekly cut is essential. Don’t cut the grass too
short. The mower blades should be lowered to their regular summer cut
height. If the grass is looking sickly or is full of weeds, then apply a weed
and feed product. Bare patches can be reseeded now too. Don’t mow
newly sown grass until it reaches three inches, (7- 8cm), and make sure the
mower blades are on a high setting.
Weeding and Mulching
Hoe between plants in the borders to get rid of the weeds before they take
hold (Ideally on a dry day). Doing this little and often means that annual
weeds will not have the opportunity to establish.
Keep mulching while you can still see what you are doing. Use your own
garden compost, leaf mould, well-rotted manure, the contents of out-ofdate grow bags or ready-made soil conditioner.
Putting your mind body and soul into gardening
Gardening brings nature to us and inspires contemplation and patience. It
reconnects us to the cycles of nature. These cycles prompt us to stop and
pay attention to the rhythm of life. To appreciate the many incredible facets
of nature. When gardening we learn to slow things down and instead of
watching the clock, we can focus on our senses and ultimately be in the
present.
Flowers
Keep removing faded flowers from pansies and violas to prolong the
flowering period. Deadhead azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, irises and
tulips, so that they look good next year.
Spray roses with fungicide to ward against black spot and mildew. Repeat
every fortnight until the autumn. Any stricken leaves must be removed and
burnt. Check regularly for greenfly. I spray mine with washing up detergent
mixed with water in a spray bottle.
Water
When living in Northern Ireland, it’s easy to forget how water is a precious
commodity. Think of installing a water butt. It’s really easy to do, and it
will really benefit your garden especially if we have a hot spell like last
year. Blueberries, Hydrangeas and other acidic soil loving plants, thrive
on rainwater instead of water from the hose. Try it and see if you notice a
difference.
Fruit
Plant strawberry plants in the ground, in planters or in hanging baskets.
This year I am trying a white strawberry called “Snow White”. The birds
leave it alone as they think it isn’t ripe. I will be putting them into hanging
baskets as this makes them slug proof too, leaving more for my children to
eat!
You really need to be keeping an eye on gooseberry bushes for the
gooseberry sawfly caterpillars. They attacked mine, and there wasn’t a leaf
left on them virtually overnight. Pick them off as soon as you see them. I
usually put them in a bucket and give them to my hens.
Garden Events in May
Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival
2nd-4th of May www.glenarmcastle.com
Tel: 02828841203
Armagh Apple Blossom Fair
Vegetables
Keep on top of the weeds in the veggie patch. They just take all the
nutrients and water out of the ground that your vegetables need. Keep
earthing up potatoes. This stops the light getting at the tubers, which turns
them green and renders them poisonous.
Once the frost is away you can start planting lots more vegetables. If the
thought of sowing seeds is too daunting, the garden centres and online
shops are full of “teenage” plants that you can easily work with, and
transplant straight into well-prepared soil.
4th of May Loughgall Country Park
www.armagh.co.uk
Tel: 02837521800
Garden Show Ireland
8th-10th of May
Antrim Castle Gardens
www.gardenshowireland.com
Tel: 028 94482338
3
apple
blossom
fair
Charity Truck Pull organised by Cancer Focus at Kilcronagh Business Park Cookstown.
A number of local firms including Allinghams Transport, TES, CDE, and a team from
Cancer Focus NI volunteers. Community fund raiser Emma McCann who
organised the event said “All money that is raised goes to supply and
fund cancer services in Mid Ulster, helping cancer patients
and their families living in our area.”
4
Crumlin Road Gaol first opened its gates to prisoners in
1846 and for 150 years was a fully operational prison. On March 31, 1996, the
Governor of Belfast’s Crumlin Road Gaol walked out of the fortified prison
and the heavy air-lock gates slammed shut for the final time.
tours, the newly opened conference centre also provides a wide range of
opportunities for conferences, banquets, special events and weddings. Public Gaol Tours
The main entrance to the Gaol is via the Gate House on the Crumlin Road.
Coaches and cars may enter the site via the Summer Street entrance and
follow the appropriate traffic management signs.
Admission tickets can be purchased on the day but we advise pre-booking
to avoid disappointment. We recommend that you arrive at least 10 to 15
minutes prior to the tour time, to enable tickets to be checked or to be
purchased.
The Gaol Tour comprises of a qualified guide exploring the prison with
your allocated group. The Tour will cover all aspects of the Gaol from the
Tunnel linking the courthouse on the other side of the Crumlin Road to the
Hanging Cell, the Historic Holding Cells, Governors Office, Centre Circle,
C-Wing, Hospital and Graveyard.
Tours can be booked online at http://www.crumlinroadgaol.com
During those 150 years the Gaol has housed murderers, suffragettes and
loyalist and republican prisoners. It has witnessed births, deaths and
marriages and has been the home to executions, escapes, hunger-strikes
and riots.
On a 70min (approx.) guided tour you will be taken through the
years and experience what life was like for those imprisoned in ‘The Crum’.
Follow in the footsteps of over 25,000 prisoners and make the journey
through the tunnel that connects the Gaol to the Courthouse. Explore
C-Wing and see for yourself what prison life was like through the ages as
well as the dark secret that lies within its walls. Pay a fleeting visit to the
Condemned man’s cell where seventeen men spent their last days before
being executed. You will also visit the gravesite within the Gaol where the
remains of fifteen of the executed still remain today.
As well as daily guided
5
Ballet Ireland’s
TUTUS &
BEYOND...
of Ludovic Ondiviela to audiences around the country, a rising star of the
international ballet and dance world. 2014 was a whirlwind year for the
company which saw our debut at Sadler’s Wells with Morgann Runacre
Temple’s much loved Carmen and a successful 25 date tour of Swan Lake. The
company continues its commitment to present classical works alongside
new ballets to our national touring audience – and Tutus & Beyond shows
the connection between the old and the new worlds of ballet.”
Ballet Ireland is Ireland’s only professional ballet company, bringing
new narrative-led ballets to Irish audiences each Spring and Autumn. The
company was founded in 1998, and has been funded by the Arts Council
of Ireland since 1999. To date the company has mounted over 30 seasons
of work, and their activities, which also include summer schools and
professional workshops, have had a profound impact on the landscape of
ballet in Ireland.
Ireland’s President, Michael D Higgins became Ballet Ireland’s sole
patron in 2014. For further information about Ballet Ireland see: www.
balletireland.ie
Ballet Ireland presents
Tutus & Beyond
Featuring Lost by Ludovic Ondiviela
Lighting by Paul Keogan
Featuring choreography from Ludovic Ondiviela
Lighting design by Paul Keogan
The Burnavon, Cookstown
Sat 2 May, 8pm
Tickets: £12 / £10 conc.
Booking: (028) 8676 9949
or burnavon.com
Dancers: Richard Bermange, Chris Furlong, Céline Le Grelle, Maria Ledesma,
James Löffler, Jane Magan, Simona Marsiblio, Kesi Olley-Dorey, Diarmaid
O’Meara
Dates & Booking Information:
The Burnavon, Cookstown
Saturday 2 May, 8pm
Tickets: £12 / £10 conc.
Booking: (028) 8676 9949 or burnavon.com
balletireland.ie
TOUR INFORMATION
BALLET IRELAND TAKE AUDIENCES ON
A JOURNEY THROUGH DANCE: TUTUS AND BEYOND
Alley Theatre, Strabane
Sunday 3 May, 8pm
Tickets: £10 / £8 conc.
Booking: (028) 7188 4760 or alley-theatre.com
About Ballet Ireland director, Anne Maher
A mixed-bill of classical and contemporary ballet from the National Ballet of
Ireland, featuring work by Ludovic Ondiviela.
Dublin-born Anne Maher is one of Ireland’s most respected voices in ballet
and dance, with an international career spanning over 30 years. She has
trained and worked with the major figures of Ireland’s ballet world, including
the Abbey Theatre School of Ballet’s Myrtle Lambkin, Irish Ballet Company
founder, Joan Denise Moriarty and Dublin City Ballet’s Janet Lewis.
In 1980 Anne was awarded a scholarship by the late Princess Grace of
Monaco, to study at L’Acadamie de Danse Classique in Monte Carlo under
Marika Besobrasova. Following her training in Monaco, Anne danced for the
British Ballet Theatre in London and as Principle Ballerina touring all over
Europe with Wiener Ballett Theater.
Anne returned to Ireland in 1997 to found Ballet Ireland, which
she continues to develop as a successful and vibrant national touring
company. She also founded and is chairperson of Irish Ballet Forum, a
resource organisation which provides master classes, intensive courses and
information for Ireland’s aspiring young dancers.
Anne continues to be one of this country’s biggest advocates for ballet
and dance. She is chairperson of Dance Ireland and for the past 2 years has
sat on the Graduate Assessment Panel at Elmhurst School in Birmingham,
alongside Kevin O’Hare, Director of the Royal Ballet Company and
Christopher Hampson, Director of Scottish Ballet.
Ballet Ireland visited The Burnavon to present work spanning three
centuries as part of their national Spring tour. Tutus & Beyond journeys
from traditional classical ballet to striking contemporary work in a mixed bill
spanning an array of styles, including new work created for the company by
Royal Ballet dancer-turned-choreographer, Ludovic Ondiviela.
Ballet Ireland’s latest production presents three works in two halves. The
first features Pas de Quatre, a classic of the Romantic style which caused a
sensation in 1845 when it was created for the four greatest ballerinas of
the time. This is followed by Sing Sing Sing, a high-octane visit to Broadway
& Hollywood of the 1960s & 70s - inspired by Bob Fosse.
The second half of the programme features the premiere of a powerful
and magical new ballet, Lost, by Ludovic Ondiviela. Ludovic developed this
work in Dublin last year drawing inspiration from Irish mythology which he
became fascinated by during his time here.
Ludovic Ondiviela trained at the Royal Ballet School in London and
danced with the Royal Ballet for 11 years before retiring in 2014 to dedicate
himself to choreography. Last year he choreographed and presented his
first full-length commission for the Royal Ballet, Cassandra. His many works
for the Royal Ballet’s Draft Works have included Furious Angels and Duplicity
(Deloitte Ignite 2010). He has also created works for companies including
Ballet Black, Men in Motion at the Coliseum and Gandini Juggling.
Anne Maher, director of Ballet Ireland is thrilled about the tour of this
fresh new season of work: “We are bringing ballet well beyond the tutu
in this fun, diverse show. We’re especially excited to be bringing the work
For more information please contact
Sarah Dee at Kate Bowe PR
[email protected] Tel: +353 (0)1 6520143
6
Caroline O’Neill
So
Belts
we are officially heading towards the summer
months and its hard to believe Winter is as far away as
ever – although I haven’t had any men purchasing shorts
just yet I have noticed men swaying more toward the
brighter colours and lighter fabrics. Bring on the sunshine
i say, so the men can get those legs out – At least they
don’t have to deal with the waxing and the tanning that
us poor women are laboured with . The warmer months
of the year may not lend themselves to sharp jackets and
multiple layers, but you can still individualise any outfit
with the right accessories. accessories are an essential
addition to any mans spring/summer wardrobe.
Although plain leather belts in neutral shades like
black, brown and navy work year-round, it’s during
the sunnier months that you can afford to branch out
a little with your belt style.Woven belts are particularly
season appropriate and complement sporty or smart/
casual outfits, like a lightweight hooded jacket, T-shirt
and chino shorts combination. Coloured Belts in
Cotton twill also offer a cool alternative to the leather
belt and look great with shorts. So don’t be afraid to
add a little excitement to your jeans and shirt combo
this summer
Pocket Squares
Jewellery
The pocket square is now considered a modern day
essential. Plain pocket squares can be used to finish off
full tonal looks (which, by the way, are easily achieved
in shades of grey, off-white, blue, and burgundy) or add
a point of contrast to your tailoring – for example, a
burgundy pocket square with a beige suit or a light grey
pocket square with a navy suit.
If you are daring enough you can add a pattern with your
pocket square – theres nothing like a bit of polka dot to
make a plain suit stand out .
Alot of men have been reluctant to wear jewellery in the past and i wasn’t really sure if
this trend had changed however during a trip to McCalls Jewellers in Dungannon the staff
stated that men have become much braver in the jewellery stakes therefore they now stock
Fred Bennett jewellery range for men which has been extremely popular of late. They also
confirmed that the old faithful watch is still the most popular piece of jewellery for men
however this has also taken a step forward into the fashion world with the Guess range of
watches being their best performer this season with their top seller boasting a tan leather
strap, navy face and a Rose Gold Case ! Very nice and very on trend - I will most certainly be
telling all the customers @DIGG to make a trip to McCalls to check the range out !
7
Andrew Kullas
is from Dungannon
and studies Film
and Media at The
University of Ulster
at Coleraine.
One day is not very long to
do anything useful, so I’d end up
getting into mischief and moving
peoples stuff around on them and
freaking them out. What’s your least appealing habit?
Probably my habit of telling people
exactly what I think of them or what
they say. I’m never rude about it,
always honest, but it often comes
across as the wrong way. that I could get on board with very
quickly. I love the filming style from
one side, and the stories are very
immersive on the other. What is the first record/tape/CD you
ever bought?
First CD I ever bought was a Robbie
Williams one. Big fan growing
and had all the coloured CDs. Big
range in music tastes nowadays,
but nothing beats some good old
Robbie Williams. What is your greatest trait?
What is your most treasured
possession?
would be fine for me. Build me up
Buttercup would be my jam for sure. I suppose I’ve never got sentimental
over possessions really, but the
one thing I have that I enjoy are
my speakers. As a big music fan,
they get used a lot, but they are
beautifully shaped like butterfly
wings, and are good enough for
some chill music and any house
parties. Of anything I own, they are
the things I keep wherever I go. Who is the person you most admire?
Do you have a catchphrase?
Who’s you favorite band/singer?
Probably the same as the last one,
just my honesty, regardless of what
people think about it, I will tell them
the truth. I don’t believe in wasting
time by lying or playing word
games. I get straight to the point as
often as I can and have had plenty
of people commend me on that. Did you have a role model as a
youth?
I wouldn’t say I had anyone in
particular I took as a role model, but
I did look up to a lot of actors on TV
and Film. Probably a big reason why
I study the course I do now. Well like I said, I’ve got a big range
in my taste of music now, but I’d
say its Papa Roach right now. I seen
them in Limelight a few weeks ago,
but I’ve been a fan of them for years,
but it was great to finally see them
come over. It wouldn’t be a catchphrase per
say, but I’ll always ask myself, or
someone else, “Will it matter in a
month” If it isn’t going to affect you
in a months time, then it really isn’t
worth wasting time fretting about.
That energy is better put towards
solutions than worry and stress. What’s your favourite film?
What’s your tipple?
I’d love to say it was something
manly, but honestly, my favourite
film has always been Legally Blonde.
Not a big shock if you knew me, but
its my not-so-guilty pleasure. Whiskey, for the most part. Its a
simple enough drink to have most
of the time, and most people my
age aren’t fans of it, so I never
have to worry about people
pinching it on me. What makes you angry?
How would you describe Mid Ulster
to someone who has never been
here before?
Mid Ulster to me is a very important
part of our country. Its the home of
a lot of people who have become
successful, but I feel like its the
most integral part of our country.
We have the North Coast, where I
live now that is a very strong part
in tourism and motor racing like the
NorthWest 200, but a lot of people
forget about the races that happen
here, the farming communities that
we have, and how important those
are to the area. What are you watching on television
now?
Right now I am watching things
like Vikings and Gotham. As both a
history fan, and comic book nerd,
these are very much two shows
Who would play you in a
film of your life?
Not much gets me angry these days,
but I really hate seeing people being
treated unjustly. I’ve gotten myself
into a lot of bother for trying to help
people, but I can’t accept people
treating others without respect. I’d love to have someone
like David Tennant play
me. Not exactly close in
terms of age, or anything
else, but as a big fan of
his, I’d be happy for him
to play me even if he did
look twenty years out of
place.
Has there been a defining moment
in your life that has got you to
where you are today?
I wouldn’t say there was one single
moment, but rather a series of
moments. But I wouldn’t have been
where I am without them. I worked
hard to go from a school that failed
me in my education, to getting
myself into university, where I have
learned so much, and been involved
in so many aspects of University. Its
given me a chance to work hard for
other people during my time here. What song would you like
played at your funeral?
At my funeral, I wouldn’t
want anyone to mourn, I
think funerals should
celebrate a life lived,
and not a life lost,
so
something
u p b e a t
8
I’ve always admired Winston
Churchill. I know a lot of people
aren’t fans of his, he had a very
tough personality, but he worked
hard to protect our country at the
most difficult time in our life. He
had a lot of people who didn’t agree
with him and argued with him, but
he always conceded when he was
wrong, and he stood up for what he
thought was right. Its more people
like that that we need, people who
stand up for what’s right, but not at
the expense of others. Erde Fishing
2 Coalisland Road
Unit 19
Dungannon
Enterprise Centre
BT71 6JT
Co. Tyrone N.I.
ALAN LECKEY CARPETS
Unit 2 Dungannon Enterprise Centre
M: 07716 917 003
T: 028 8772 7852
E: [email protected]
T: (+44) 28 8723 7130
M: (+44) 77 322 600 60
E: [email protected]
alan leckey
CARPET FITTER & SUPPLIER
Dungannon Enterprise Centre
2 Coalisland Road
Dungannon
County Tyrone
BT71 6JT
Hot Food - Sandwiches & Salad
Soup - Paninis and Stews
T: 028 8775 3774
M: 07880556391
E: vp.gallagher @yahoo.co.uk
Unit 26-27
Dungannon Enterprise Centre
Oaks Road, BT71 6JT.
Tel: 028 8775 2177
A smartwatch
is a computerized wristwatch with functionality that is enhanced beyond
timekeeping. While early models can perform basic tasks, such as calculations, translations, and game-playing,
modern smartwatches are effectively wearable computers. Many smartwatches run mobile apps, while a smaller
number of models run a mobile operating system and function as portable media players, offering playback
of FM radio, audio, and video files to the user via a Bluetooth headset. Some smartwatches models, also called
‘watch phones’, feature full mobile phone capability, and can make or answer phone calls.
Such devices may include features such as a camera, accelerometer, thermometer, altimeter, barometer,
compass, chronograph, calculator, cell phone, touch screen, GPS navigation, Map display, graphical display,
speaker, scheduler, watch, SDcards that are recognized as a mass storage device by a computer, and rechargeable
battery. It may communicate with a wireless headset, heads-up display, insulin pump, microphone, modem, or
other devices.
Some also have “sport watch” functionality with activity tracker features (also known as “fitness tracker”) as
seen in GPS watches made for training, diving, and outdoor sports. Functions may include training programs
(such as intervals), lap times, speed display, GPS tracking unit, route tracking, dive computer, heart rate monitor
compatibility, cadence sensor compatibility, and compatibility with sport transitions (as in triathlons).
Like other computers, a smartwatch may collect information from internal or external sensors. It may control,
or retrieve data from, other instruments or computers. It may support wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,
and GPS. However, it is possible a “wristwatch computer” may just serve as a front end for a remote system, as in
the case of watches utilizing cellular technology or Wi-Fi.
9
NORTHERN IRELAND PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION
TOP PRINT AND PDI
2015
Dungannon Cookstown Camera Club
(DC Camera Club) had this year the honor of hosting the NIPA Top Print and
PDI event 2015. The event was held on Saturday 11th April at The Des Fox
Pavilion Edendork Gaa Club This event marked the end of the competition
year in the NIPA calendar. Throughout the year there are 5 Competition
rounds where 28 affiliated Camera Clubs enter and within that the top
starred images are chosen to go forward to this final event.
The Judge was Des Clinton. FIPF, FRPS, MFIAP. Des is a member of
Drogheda Camera Club, This meant there were 100 inspiring images on
display, and was no easy task to pick a top overall winner, who was Hugh
Wilkinson, from Catchlight Camera Club Belfast, took the Top PDI and also
the Top Mono Print Prize. Top Color Print winner was John Miskelly Bangor
North Down Club .
DC Camera Club who ranks 7th within the 28 clubs were delighted to
be able to have the use of the Des Fox Pavilion at Edendork Gaa Grounds
and thank Martin Morgan and Committee for their continuing support to
our club.
Dc Camera Club continues to grow with now over 50 members who
enjoy a range of photographic interests, and also take part in many
community projects in their local areas. More information on our Club can
be found at http://www.dccc.info if you are interested in joining a vibrant
and fun photographic group.
Martin Spackman President of Nipa presents Hugh Wilkinson with the cup for
his winning portrait and competition judge Des Clinton
from Drogheda Camera Club
Martin Spackman President of Nipa Eileen McCausland chairperson
Dungannon and Cookstown Camera Club and Des Clinton competition
judge Drogheda Camera Club
10
Reviews by
Éamonn Ó’Flannagáin
Ron Sexsmith - Carousel One - Warner Music
Mark Knopfler - Tracker - Verve (Deluxe Edition)
Tracker is unmistakably Mark Knopfler. That should be a good thing given I’ve had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Canadian Ron Sexsmith perform
Knopfler’s pedigree and to an extent Tracker is a good album. The songs, like live on two occasions, the last time at Spring & Airbrake (now Limelight 1)
so many of his songs, are a timeless mixture of folk, country with a touch of in Belfast. Sexsmith, in my opinion, is vastly underrated. Carousel One is his
celtic; and easy to listen to. However, for me one sounds much like the other. fourteenth album and as good as any of the previous thirteen, not least
I like albums to have depth and variation. There is little of the latter here. because of its more upbeat positivity compared to many of his previous
Each song if heard in isolation is good but together I was left with a feeling releases. The sixteen tracks vary in style and genre. ‘Before the Light is Gone’
I had been listening to the same song for about 70 plus minutes. Die-hard is a light pop song. ‘Saint Bernard’ is more rock influenced, while ‘Getaway
Knopfler fans will undoubtedly love Tracker. For others the only way to listen Car’ has a bluesy feel to it. ‘Lucky Penny’ will get your feet tapping while the
Sexsmith staples on the album are ballads like ’Nothing
to the entire album of 16 songs is to pop each track into a different playlist! more
recognisable
Feels the Same Anymore’ and ‘Loving You’. Ron Sexsmith has never scaled
Rating 2.5/5
the heights many less gifted songwriters/performers have scaled. That
is regrettable but after 14 albums, many critically acclaimed, that hardly
Darius Rucker - Southern Style - Capitol Records
matters so much. What does matter is that Sexsmith continues to produce
work of such a high standard. Carousel One suggests that this will be the
I like Darius Rucker mainly because of his role as lead singer with Hootie &
case. Recommended. The Blowfish. With ‘Hootie’ on extended hiatus for the past number of years
Rating 4.5/5
Rucker has turned his attention to Country music with Southern Style being
his fourth album in the genre. This album finds Rucker at ease and relaxed
and at 48 years of age apparently a man happy in his own skin. The thirteen
songs with the exception of the single ‘Homegrown Honey’ thankfully steer
clear of many of the country music cliches so much
loved by many contemporary country music artists.
Yet, there is no doubting the country bona fides here.
The melodic ‘Baby I’m Right” with its beautiful backing
harmonies and mandolin is a personal favourite.
‘Perfect’ and ’Need You More’, two of the love songs
on the album, and ‘You Can Have Charleston’ (a breakup song) highlight Rucker’s ability to express true
emotion in his vocals. There’s a little bit of honky-tonk
too in ‘Good For a Good Time’. The acoustic finale to the
album ‘So I Sang’, a personal song outlining Rucker’s
journey in music, the death of his mother and how
his music helped in the healing, is beautiful. All in all
Darius Rucker is proving that he can hold his own with
the best country music has to offer. Rating 4/5
GIG WATCH
(Gigs in and around the Mid-Ulster Area)
Rock/Pop
Wilko Johnson David Ford Duke Special Villagers CQAF Marquee, Belfast - Saturday 09th May Empire Music Hall, Belfast - Sunday 10th May
Mandela Hall, Belfast - Friday May 15th Mandela Hall, Belfast - Monday 25th May
Rory Gallagher
International Festival Ballyshannon - 28th-31st May
Pat McManus Band, Grainne Duffy Band, Uli John Roth, Wilko Johnson,
Band of Friends, Seamie O’Dowd and much much more.
Folk
Laura Marling Alabama 3 Waterfront Theatre, Belfast - Friday 08th May Atlantic Bar, Portrush - Friday 29th May
Traditional
Julie Fowlis Duncairn Cultural centre, Belfast - Sunday 10th May
Country
Lisa McHugh Albert Lee
& Hogan’s Heroes Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown - Thursday 14 May
Marketplace Theatre, Armagh - Friday 15th May
Marketplace Theatre, Armagh - Friday 23rd May
11
Desmond Devlin is a native of Ardboe on the shores of Lough
Neagh. He went to school in Maghgerafelt to St Pius X and also to St
Mary’s to study for his A levels. In 2001 he graduated from University of
Ulster Coleraine with a degree in computer science and did a postgrad
in computers and international business studies. He has achieved all this
despite coping with Asperger Syndrome (AS). Desmond has recently
published an ebook of his poetry which is now available on Amazon and is
called “Ardboe Laureate: Poetry and Haiku from the Loughshore (20072013)”
Desmond has been writing poetry on and off since 2007. It started of as
a form of self-therapy. “In January 2007 I had lost a job I hated, my credit
card was constantly maxed out, I had yet to pass the driving test and life at
home was difficult. Our Father, Michael was killed in the Northern Ireland
‘Troubles’, an innocent bystander in a bar when he was playing darts. Our
mother was facing death through Parkinson’s Disease and was in a care
home and died in 2008 at the tender age of 54. Suffice to say, I didn’t have
a positive mental attitude at the time.”
“I remember writing a poem about asking, “Why?” for R.E. Class when I was
13 and attempting lyric writing both at School and around the time I was
searching for a job, before taking writing seriously, but they were feeble
attempts at sounding like what inspired me. I even remember writing a few
awful lyrics about Michael Jackson and an X-Factor reject when attempting
to sound like Joy Division. (Ian Curtis would’ve turned in his grave had he
heard them)”.
At school Desmond struggled with English.
“In comprehension tests at School I was either last or second last all the
time.” He didn’t get along with his teacher in those years however during
4th and 5th year he had a much better, friendlier and more approachable
teacher and in the end he passed G.C.S.E. English when he was 16.
One of the moments that inspired Desmond most to write poetry was
seeing posts on the social media site Bebo. A girl started placing poems
she wrote herself on her blog. As a result Desmond started his own blog as
a platform for his own writing.
“It was through the Internet and research, as well as my savant need
to know everything, that I became more accustomed in the English
Language.” Desmond became a huge fan of the poet Seamus Heaney
as a reaction to a teacher admonishing his class for not knowing about
Heaney despite having a very strong connection to the Ardboe area.
An earlier self-published poetry book in 2012 sold very well in local area,
mainly as he was so well known in the locality. Desmond explained “the
inspiration to take my writing seriously came from a creative writing class
held at the now defunct Peace Factory in Dungannon. The woman taking
the class was a published author from Galbally who wrote a story about a
girl who was adopted. That class was a real inspiration”
Desmond has explored several themes in his poetry including difficult
subjects like how the “troubles” and his mother’s early death has affected
him. He wants to be able to share these experiences and get his poetry
read by others who might identify with him.
About
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that
affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and
relates to other people. Autism is often described as a ‘spectrum disorder’
because the condition affects people in many different ways and to varying
degrees.
syndrome
Asperger syndrome is mostly a ‘hidden disability’. This means that you
can’t tell that someone has the condition from their outward appearance.
People with the condition have difficulties in three main areas. They are:
social communication
social interaction
social imagination
Ardboe Laureate
Poetry and Haiku from the
Loughshore (2007 - 2013)
Available on Kindle
http://tiny.cc/ardboelaureate
P
L
ht
The domestic cat is descended from the African wildcat and
remains extremely closely related and very similar to this species in size,
shape, behaviour and physiology.
Palatability of foods
The factors that influence palatability of food for cats are complex, but
include texture, odour, taste, and temperature.
Like all cats, the domestic cat is a carnivore , a meat eater and is adapted to
a hunting lifestyle. In fact, cats are extremely well adapted predators and
they not only eat meat, but in fact they have become dependent on a meat
diet (they are obligatory carnivores) and actually cannot thrive or survive
without meat in their diet.
The smell, or odour, of food is particularly important and cats have an
extremely well developed sense of smell. This is also enhanced when
food is slightly warmed, so cats actually prefer food that is around body
temperature (around 35°C). The senses of taste and smell combine to give
the perception of the flavour of a food, and for cats foods that have a high
level of protein and fat in general are much more palatable. While cats can
taste substances that are salty, sour or bitter, unlike humans and dogs they
are not able to perceive sweet tastes. Again, this is a simple adaptation of
an animal that is dependent on meat rather then plants for its survival. The
texture of food is also important and in general cats prefer the texture of
meat.
This is a simple and understandable adaptation for a hunting animal like
the cat – there is no need for them to have special enzymes or metabolic
pathways to digest and convert nutrients in plants to what they need, when
it is present already in the animals they prey on!
However, this adaptation to become strict carnivores means that cats have
a number of special dietary requirements that do not apply to many other
animals (humans and dogs for example), and it means that feeding a proper
balanced diet to a cat can be much more challenging.
Although we know what type of foods cats generally find most palatable,
there is considerable variation between individuals. Some of this is simply
as a result of food experiences early in life – kittens will tend to eat and like
the same foods that they see their mother eating and may develop a strong
preference for this. Additionally, some cats will develop a strong preference
for a particular type of food (eg, wet/tinned food or dry food) when fed
over a prolonged period of time. Nevertheless, most cats are inherently
‘neophilic’, meaning that they like to explore and try new and different foods
and enjoy variety.
Frequency of feeding
Under natural circumstances cats hunt and consume their prey throughout
the day, consuming frequent small meals. Domestic cats will also tend to eat
this way given the choice – rather than eating one or two ‘main meals’ each
day they prefer to have many small meals.
Other factors will also affect the feeding pattern of cats though, including
what they become used to, lighting and noise levels, presence of other cats
etc. Cats prefer to eat from shallow bowls so that they can see around them
at the same time as eating and so their whiskers are not brushing against
the sides of the bowl. Also, it is better to feed cats from a glass or ceramic
bowl rather than a plastic bowl as plastic bowls can pick up odours (which
may be unpleasant and become tainted).
Stress can have a profound effect on feeding – cats will be much less likely
to eat when stressed and will be much less willing to try any new or different
foods. This can be of significance, for example, when a cat is hospitalised in a
veterinary clinic – this is inevitably associated with some stress and offering
the cat’s normal food rather than something new or different is likely to be
more successful.
Choosing a cat food
Because of their unique and special dietary requirements, it is actually
extremely difficult to provide a good balanced diet for cats with homeprepared foods. Feeding a good quality commercial cat food (tins, sachets
or dry food) is therefore preferable, at least as the major part of the diet and
cats should never be fed dog food.
Offering different foods with different flavours and textures can be good
for cats, and feeding small frequent meals along with hiding food in
different places provides some fun and challenge for a cat. Good quality
dry and tinned/sachet foods are both suitable to be fed to cats, but in
some situations (especially some medical conditions) it may be important
maximise a cat’s water intake, and where this is needed, feeding a wet or
sachet food is better.
13
T H E A T R E
One-person shows
have been increasing in popularity
in the last number of years. Shows such as ‘A Night with George’ by Brenda
Murphy and Donna O’Connor, have captivated audiences in large numbers.
The cynic might suggest one-person shows have the added advantage of
lowering overheads. At a time of increasing financial constraints within the
arts sector, fewer performers balance production costs, however, it is more
than just monetary gain that has audiences calling for more. One-person
shows are a particular form of theatre, which have the potential to provide
an enthralling spectacle, if carefully conceived.
Armagh Marketplace Studio Theatre provided the setting for Dyad
Productions’ adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel “Mrs Dalloway”. The play,
“Dalloway”, revolves around the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a socialite in
1920s London, who is in the process of organising a high society soirée,
at which the Prime Minister will appear. Mental disorder, homosexuality
and feminism are some of the major themes touched on in this riveting
ninety-minute performance, written and directed by Elton Townend Jones.
Dalloway provides moments of light and shade, dealing with the aftermath
of those who fought in the First World War and came home with more than
just physical scars. The play proves an interesting study into ‘Shellshock’, the
term applied to those suffering from what is now widely recognised as posttraumatic stress disorder.
At the heart of this production is its solitary cast member Rebecca Vaughn,
who plays more than fifteen characters. Throughout the play we are
introduced to people that form Clarissa Dalloway’s inner circle, and those
existing at the outermost echelons of her society. Vaughn skilfully handles
the multiplicity of characters through her informed physicality. A nod of the
head, a hand in the pocket, an alteration in accent, together creates powerful
manifestations of people on different rungs of the societal ladder. Dalloway
herself gives away little of her inner turmoil, it is left to other characters to
provide colour and humour in this otherwise tragic story.
Review by JD Harper
Technical aspects of this production are exquisitely realised. Vaughn’s
costume, designed by Kate Flanaghan, is an emerald green dress, the style
of which evokes the period effortlessly. One is also struck by the simplicity of
the staging – three white voile panels hang suspended upstage of a square
white canvas laid on the floor. The only furniture, an opulent white chezlongue upstage left. It is this simplicity, which underpins the success of the
show overall. The lighting, designed by Martin Tucker, and sound, are so
delicately interwoven into this play, they almost assume another character
within the performance.
Dyad Productions has succeeded in creating a masterful fusion of technique
and creativity. Townend Jones dexterously translates the prose of Woolf’s
novel into a captivating audio-visual encounter, well-received by the
audience in Armagh. Dyad Productions return in December to Armagh,
and if their current production is anything to judge by, their Christmas
show for adults, will certainly not disappoint. For more details on all of their
upcoming shows visit www.dyadprodctions.com
14
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.
This book focuses on the meaning of life, from the perspective of a professor
Morrie Schwartz. Morrie has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
and he knows that eventually it will mean he will become totally dependent
on other people to help him with even his most basic needs. When a former
student, Mitch Albom, comes to visit him Mitch realises that he still has
a lot to learn from his old professor who can “sit here with my dwindling
days and look at what I think is most important in life.” And for the next 14
Tuesdays Morrie talks to Mitch on a variety of things including “feeling sorry
for yourself,” “the fear of aging,” and “forgiveness.”
Throughout each lesson Morrie expresses positive and life-affirming
thoughts. Here are two examples: “The most important thing in life is to
learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” “Forgive yourself before
you die, then forgive others.”
Many people would avoid a book on this subject, because they don’t want
to think about death. Although Morrie Schwartz is dying the subject is really
about living rather than dying. Few will find the dying to be distressing,
even though it is graphically and frequently addressed.
For those of us with many years to live, this book can be a wake-up call to
start really living now -- in the ways we would if we were about to die, as well
as to learn how to treat others while we still have them with us. For those
who have but little time left, this book can be an inspiration for how to get
the most out of the remaining time.
“At last the shimmering echoes fade
All hope of solace seems withdrawn
And then, through mist, I see him stride
Towards me, handsome as the dawn.”
This is the biography of a man whose life was moulded by scars affecting
him, and others, a flawed human being yet one who was capable of putting
into words feelings similar to those lying buried deep within our own souls.
The Last Duel by Eric Jager.
This is the amazing true story of crime, scandal and trial by combat in the
14th century in France. Just before Christmas in 1386, a Parisian monastery
bore witness to a knight and a squire fighting a duel to the death, in front of
King Charles VI, his nobles, and thousands of onlookers. This book describes
the events leading up to this duel, and how two men who were once friends
descended into a hatred of one another that could only end in death.
The author gives the reader a fascinating insight into life in France during the
Middle Ages as well as providing the backdrop of the volatile relationship
between England and France (and their sometimes allies, the Scots).
It’s always good to try a new genre and since reading the “Sharpe” novels,
set in Napoleonic times, by Richard Cornwell there has always been a place
on my bookshelves for books on history either factual or based on facts.
But as well as containing interesting facts they have to be well written and
if they are page-turners also, then so much the better. The Last Duel ticked
all the boxes.
The Alphabet House by Jussi Adler Olsen.
In Part I of the book, we follow the story of James Teasdale and BryanYoung,
two RAF airmen and good friends, who are part of a bombing and
reconaissance mission over Germany in 1944. Shot down, the two
desperately seek a means of escape, and take an opportunity to leap
aboard a passing train. The train is revealed to hold carriages of wounded
German soldiers travelling back from the Eastern Front. James and Bryan
conceal themselves by taking the places of two of the soldiers, who have
died during the journey, and find themselves transported to a psychiatric
hospital in Germany where in order to avoid being found out they have to
feign being mentally ill. This harrowing experience tests their resolve and
friendship to the limits.
Part II of the book is set in 1972 thirty years after Bryan had managed to
escape from the hospital having been unable to take James along with
him. Believing that he had died, after the hospital had been bombed, Bryan
had assumed that was the end of James until he begins to realise that he
may yet still be alive. The rest of the book concerns Bryan’s attempts to try
to unravel the knots and threads in a string of events that he hopes will
eventually lead him to the truth of what really happened to his friend.
This is a very well written piece of fiction, very interesting and very hard to
put down.
Walking Wounded
The Life and Poetry of Vernon Scannell by James Andrew Taylor.
Vernon Scannell knew a lot about thumping. He was thumped by his father
for the slightest misdemeanour. He thumped his opponents in boxing rings
and fairground booths and, usually after getting drunk, he would thump
the unfortunate woman who happened to be living with him at the time.
He also knew about the army being in the Argyll and Southern Highlanders
later the Gordon Highlanders during World War Two where he was known
for his frequent absconding, his desertion in North Africa, for being seriously
wounded during the D-Day landings and of being on the run for two years
after the war. These and many other experiences were lessons that affected
him deeply and ones which needed to find an outlet. One of the ways he
found to do this was through poetry and over many years he managed to
craft words and phrases into lines of poetry which are down to earth and
understandable as with the lines he wrote in memory of his son, Toby, who
died in a motor-bike accident when he was 34:
15
To some the violin is just
an instrument, but to one
Magherafelt native, the violin
is an extension of herself.
by Eimear Quinn
Rhoda Barfoot, a former student of the Rainey in Magherafelt has travelled far and
wide pursuing her passion for music. Coming from a musical family, she knew that it would play
a very important part in her life and after dabbling in piano, cello and the violin, she decided
upon focusing her studies on the violin.
During her time in school, Rhoda participated in the Orchestra and Traditional Irish
groups. She also availed of many opportunities to play solo at school concerts and credits the
encouragement of her music teacher, Mrs Kimber, as an important factor in her decision to
follow a musical path.
Queen’s University in Belfast was the next step and she remembers this time of her life very
fondly, commenting that she “had a ball” while studying.
Speaking of her University experience, Rhoda shared, “I studied music and I did some
languages as well but in the end my degree was in music. That’s what I appreciate about Queen’s
- I got to try out a lot of different things. I really liked that”.
Although she thoroughly enjoyed dabbling in Languages, such as French and German
in her first year of University, second year brought more focus. Rhoda made the decision to
concentrate on Music for the duration of her degree and became all the more inseparable from
her beloved violin.
Over the last few years Rhoda has travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, where she was under the
tutelage of Jean Pierre Wallez. Following this, she relocated to Holland where she trained further
with Polish violinist Robert Szreder. At this time she was putting in up to 6 hours of practice a
day, in order to fine-tune her skills.
A return to Geneva was on the cards and after 6 years of extensive violin study she acquired
a job in a Strings Programme within a private school there.
Rhoda elaborated on her experience of teaching in Geneva, saying, “I taught them classical
violin, and they were all learning these Irish and Scottish tunes, all these kids from Japan,
America and Colombia. They loved it!
“They needed someone to kind of liven up the strings programme. So I set about recruiting
pupils to the programme. They just allowed me to have fun with it and that attracted more
people”.
Currently, Rhoda is in the throws of promotion for her new album, “Across the Sea to Ireland”
– which was recorded in Nashville with Grammy Award winning producer Erick Jaskowiak. The
name of the album is taken from the opening line of ‘Galway Bay’, which is also the first track off
the record.
Nashville may seem like a particularly ‘out there’ choice to record a Celtic Folk album with an
ethereal, Enya-like feel. But Rhoda counteracts this with immense knowledge of her chosen field
of work, by saying, “where did that Nashville music come from? It came from Irish and Scottish
immigrants. I knew in Nashville they would get my style of music.
“I had a choice of some of the best producers in the world and I just thought, New York, LA
or Nashville? I thought, ‘Nashville is going to understand what I’m doing. They’re going to be
sympathetic too and are going to be able to enhance what I’m doing’.”
When it came to recording the album, Rhoda knew what she wanted to hear and stuck to
her vision. As well as meticulously choosing her repertoire and the instruments she wanted
accompanying her sound, Rhoda ensured that she was supported by an amazing bunch of
musicians.
16
Guest musicians on the album include Byron House, John Deaderick,
Nathaniel Smith and Ireland’s very own Gino Lupari, of Four Men and A Dog
fame.
To ensure her sound matches her technical skill, Rhoda commissioned
a hand crafted violin from Moneymore Luthier Martin McClean. In a sweet
homage to her instrument she celebrates it’s ‘birthday’ on St. Patrick’s Day –
the day Martin began crafting the gorgeous piece.
Not only is Rhoda a highly proficient violinist, she has one of the sweetest
voices around at the moment. You can experience her gentle, lilting vocals
on some tracks off her new album – particularly on her rendition of Dougie
Maclean’s ‘Caledonia’, which she recorded as tribute to the recent Scottish
Referendum.
A few years ago Rhoda relocated back to Ireland in order to find a base
where she could concentrate on spreading the word of her new album;
something she admits is not as thrilling as the performance aspect of music.
She has taken a step back from the concerts she had became accustomed to
and is finding her feet in playing private engagements.
Commenting on her current state of affairs, Rhoda shared that, “It’s
private concerts that I’m focusing on at the moment. Now that it’s all
recorded, it’s the sales phase. I guess it runs in cycles - from product
conception, to recording and to selling. It’s more focused on the business
side of things right now”.
Nearing the end of our conversation we spoke of influences. One person
in particular that Rhoda has considerable admiration for is Alison Krauss,
someone she describes as having “brought songs from all different areas to
possibly a new audience or taking a well known song and putting her own
spin on it”.
These principles and influences are something that Rhoda has managed
to incorporate into her own way of playing. She has an innate ability to take
songs of varying levels of notoriety and transforming them into something
uniquely her own. At the same time, she is bringing Celtic Folk to a whole
new audience.
Violin class in Geneva, Switzerland
If you are interested in learning more about this talented young woman,
you can peruse her website at rhodabarfoot.com
Rhoda with Lynette Fay on Blas Ceoil
Rhoda Barfoot - Across the Sea To Ireland CD
Gerry Kelly Studio Christmas special with Anthony Toner,
Peter Corry, (RB), Tommy Fleming
Christmas Concert
17
Martin J McGuinness
Hit The Button!
Dick also liked Gaelic games. A football match would get everyone
excited but brought yet more culture shock to me. Someone would shout,
‘Hit her up the field, ye boy ye.’ For a while, I wondered who this “her” was,
and then realised they were talking about the ball! We didn’t say ‘her’
in Lancaster. The ball was an ‘it’, as in ‘kick it’, ‘cross it’ - and a header was
something seen on a soccer field, not a command to ‘head her’.
As the eighties progressed TV really started to take over. There is a scene
in the film ‘Back to the Future’, where Marty McFly (Michael J Fox) time
travels back to 1955. He finds himself in the house of his future mother. The
family is gathered round the kitchen table getting ready to watch television
while they eat. When Marty is asked by a little boy if he has a television, he
replies, ‘Yes, we have two.’ The boy is so impressed, but his mother says, ‘He’s
joking, dear. Nobody has two televisions.’
Nowadays some monks have two televisions. Most houses have four or
five, not to mention an assortment of other screens and monitors. When I
think back to the first TVs I remember, they were wooden and box-like, just
like another piece of furniture when not switched on. You could put a vase
or a plant on top of them.
In the seventies the audience of ‘Sale of the Century’ used to ‘ooh’ and
‘ah’ when what looked like an ordinary wooden cabinet was revealed to be
a television, once the door was slid open. Clearly these televisions were
designed to be turned off occasionally; 24/7 viewing was only a remote
possibility. Modern TVs don’t blend in with the rest of the furniture. They
stand out. And you can’t put a vase on top of them because they are not
much thicker than an After Eight mint. It is like an invasion
has happened - not so much of the body snatchers
but of the soul grabbers.
Elvis Presley famously fired a pistol into a
television. I must say, there are nights when,
remote in hand, I trawl through the
Freeview channels, through ads
that seem to go on forever,
and think that Elvis was far too
restrained. A repeater rifle or sub
machine gun would have been a
far better job. But then I think of
my Uncle Dick. No doubt, his wise
and simple answer is a better one.
Ach, man, dear, just hit the button.
Around 1980 my uncle Dick Hanna (RIP) used to
visit my mother (his sister) every Sunday night.
Shortly after his arrival he would say, ‘Hit the
button’ – meaning, turn off the television. For us,
this was no great sacrifice as Dick was far better
craic than the TV.
One night the musical ‘High Society’ was on when he arrived. I said that
I’d kept it on especially for him, thinking that he might get something from
it. Dick shot me a look that said, ‘Some chance.’ Unfortunately he never got
to see any musical numbers by Louis Armstrong, Bing or Sinatra. All he got
was a few moments of Grace Kelly hamming it up as a society girl, spoiled
and rich.
‘No,’ said Dick. ‘That’s only a ball of “d” [i.e. dung], hit the button.’
This was before the advent of the hand-held remote. To turn off, you
had to get up off your armchair, walk all the way over to the television and
push the on/off button. You got a lot more exercise watching TV in those
days; since the same trip, there and back, had to be made when you wanted
to change one of the three channels, so there was little chance of anyone
becoming a couch potato. In fact the phrase did not even exist back then.
I had long known that Dick was no fan of TV. Back in the early seventies,
when I still lived in England, I would spend two weeks in Tyrone during the
school holidays. I can remember being amazed that the TV in Dick’s house
wasn’t just turned off, it was unplugged as well. I could understand radios
and toasters being unplugged, but TVs! What kind of country was this? And
it didn’t stop there. The only time Dick turned on the TV was to watch the
news, the one programme I loathed. There was a kind of build up to it as
well. Someone would say, ‘Don’t forget about the news.’ And the answer
would come, ‘Oh, I’ll not forget. We still have nearly fifteen minutes.’ ‘Is it
Ulster or BBC?’ Yes, the news was a big deal.
18
Gerry Higgins from Ardboe Credit Union makes a presentation to
Edith Richardson church warden and secretary of St Coleman’s
Parish Church Ardboe.
Ardboe Credit Union was established in 1969 to serve the
people of the Ardboe and Moortown areas and has just celebrated the first
anniversary of the opening of their new building, a purpose build facility
situated on Mullinahoe Road. The credit union is a group of people who save together and lend to each
other at a fair and reasonable rate of interest. Credit unions offer members
the chance to have control over their own finances by making their own
savings work for them. Regular savings form a common pool of money,
which in turn provides many benefits for members. Ardboe Credit Union
Ltd is built on the principal of self-help and community empowerment. It’s
a cross community organization with a membership of some 2,500 people
and is open to everyone over the age of 16 who lives or works in the civil
parish of Ardboe. Ardboe Credit Union recently made presentations to two local
organizations in line with supporting the local community St Coleman’s
Parish Church and Cookstown Gateway club.
Gerry Higgins from Ardboe Credit Union presents Brian Quinn
from Cookstown Gateway Club
19
Y!
DA
TO
K
O
Coping with
BO
…stretch bodies, minds and possibilities
T. 07834083802
E. [email protected]
Visit: www.calmconfidentkids.co.uk
It’s that time of year again, the weather is getting
warmer, the lawnmowers are out every evening, summer will be here soon
and so will the dreaded exams. That’s right, we are heading into what is
commonly termed exam season. All over the country children and adults
are preparing for their end of year exams. So how do we make it through
exam season safely, happily and productively?
To begin with, I will quote some of my old teachers (who I hope have long
since retired, they deserve it). However they did offer one or two useful
pieces of advice over the years.
Firstly, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail” - frequently quoted to an uninterested
group of sixteen year olds - is a good moto to take with you through life. If
you want to do well at something it requires practice and perseverance. We
cannot be wonderful at everything, we all have our own unique talents and
abilities, but we can be good enough at anything with a little bit of study
and practice. Studying effectively can be difficult, so here are a few tips to
help.
-Plan what you want to study each night
-Be realistic as to how much time you can spend on your study
-Start well in advance to avoid last minute cramming sessions
-Break the study down into 25-30 minute blocks
We only concentrate effectively on one thing for about 25-30 minutes then
we begin to lose concentration and the ability to retain information. Set the
timer on your phone for 25-30 minutes. After this take a 5 minute break.
Stretch, move, kick a football, bounce a tennis ball or have a walk in the
garden. Give your mind a rest for 5 minutes only and then return to some
more study. You may study more effectively this way.
Secondly, “Believe and Achieve”. Another quote from my teachers that
I never fully appreciated until later in life. It was the belief that we could
do anything if we put our mind to it. Our thoughts have a huge impact on
our lives, negative thoughts can lead to self-criticism, panic and failure. The
thought that we are not good enough can cause fear, panic, prevent us
from studying effectively and can stop us from performing at our best. We
need to believe that we are good enough, have faith that we have put in the
time and practice and that we will do well. Many very intelligent people fail
exams due to fear and lack of self-belief, causing them to forget things or
take a ‘mind blank’ during an exam.
Finally, there are some practical things you can do to calm yourself before an
exam or interview. They only take a few minutes and can make you feel a lot
calmer and ready for anything.
Y!
DA
O
KT
B
OO
The first is a simple breathing technique that can be done anytime and
anywhere. Breathing in and out though your nose, start to become aware of
your breath. You are now going to breathe out for longer than you breathe
in. This can help to remove excess carbon dioxide from the lungs, calm the
nervous system and send more fresh oxygen to the brain. Breathe in for a
count of 3 then out for a count of 5. This can be extended to 4 and 6 or 5 and
8 counts. My YouTube channel has a demonstration of this.
Secondly, you can slowly rub your hands to stimulate the reflexology points,
particularly the pads of the thumbs (the brain area) and the centre of the
palm (can help remove that ‘butterflies in the tummy’ feeling).
Hints for Exams
1.Set aside enough time for study
2.Eat nutritious food
3. Cut down on the coffee and energy drinks
4.Get plenty of sleep so your brain can work effectively
5.Try some calming techniques
6.Believe in yourself
Good Luck!
Elaine
Elaine Curry, mum of two from
Maghera, is owner and director of
Calm Confident Kids. For more
tips and advice, subscribe
to her monthly
newsletter at www.
calmconfidentkids.
co.uk or visit the Elaine Curry
YouTube Channel for useful
‘How to’ videos featuring
family yoga, pilates
and more.
Enjoy a
Flexible
NEW
Career
Become a Calm
Confident Kids
Instructor
Comprehensive Training Courses
Mid Ulster Dates:
Baby Massage Instructor’s Course
…stretch bodies, minds and possibilities
T. 07834083802
E. [email protected]
Visit: www.calmconfidentkids.co.uk
Venue: Maghera
Dates: 7th & 8th May, 5th June
Calm Soles Instructor’s Course
Venue: Maghera
Dates: 6th & 7th June
Visit our website for more course options.
Enjoy a
Flexible
NEW
Career
fact
A healthy, hearty supper
Preparation time 20 mins
Cooking time 30 - 40 mins
Serves 6
Ingredients
Chilli
2 tsp cumin powder
2 tsp ground coriander
1-2 tsp hot chilli powder
2 tsp sweet paprika
1lb 2oz / 500g pack extra lean steak
mince
1tsp flour
4 garlic cloves, chopped
400g can chopped tomatoes
1 beef stock cube
2 tsp tomato puree
2 onions, finely chopped
3 red peppers, deseeded and diced
large pack coriander (stalks for the
chilli, leaves for salsa)
2 x 400g cans black beans
salt & pepper to taste
Lime and plain yoghurt to serve
Salsa
Three large ripe tomatoes
Small red onion
Avocado
Handful of coriander leaves
(reserved from the bunch)
onions and coriander stalks to the
pan, stir to mix. Add the flour and
cook for another minute.
Add the tomatoes and a can of
water, crumble in the stock cube,
then stir in the tomato puree and
chopped peppers.
Method
Strip the coriander of its leaves and
reserved in a bowl. Finely chop the
coriander stalks.
Heat the oil in a large pan and fry
the onion, coriander stalks and
garlic together. Remove from the
pan and set aside.
Cover the pan and cook for 15 mins.
Stir in the drained black beans.
Cook for a further 20 min more until
everything is reduced and tender.
Serve with rice, lime wedges
and yoghurt, and a fresh salsa of
chopped tomatoes, avocados, red
onion and coriander leaves.
Dry fry the mince in batches until
browned. Add the spices and cook
for a further minute. Return the
21
Recent research has
shown that black beans
provide special support for
digestive tract health, and
particularly our colon. The
indigestible fraction (IF) in
black beans has recently
been shown to be larger
than the IF in either lentils
or chickpeas. It has been
shown to be the perfect
mix of substances for
allowing bacteria in the
colon to produce butyric
acid. Cells lining the inside
of the colon can use this
butyric acid to fuel their
many activities and keep
the lower digestive tract
functioning properly.
By delivering a greater
amount of IF to the colon,
black beans are able to
help support this lower
part of our digestive tract.
Lowered colon cancer risk
that is associated with
black bean intake in some
research studies may be
related to the outstanding
IF content of this legume.
Local South West College catering student, Ciara Mackle from Desertmartin
is celebrating success after scooping the top prize in ‘The Great South
West College Fry-off’ competition, an exciting new recipe challenge
organised
by SWC Dungannon, in association with the Dolphin Takeaway. Ten eager students took up the gauntlet and entered the college’s ‘Fish
Cake Challenge’, vying under strict professional conditions to create a
cod fish cake worthy of starring on the Dolphin’s award-winning menu. The competition was open to Level 1, 2 & 3 students at the SWC catering
department in Dungannon and also included a total prize pot of £235
worth of Argos gift cards, sponsored by the Dolphin. It was a closely
fought contest, but the judges fell hook, line and sinker for Ciara Mackle’s
tasty but traditional fish cake recipe which the Dolphin’s owner, Malachy
Mallon described as, “A great looking, well-filled cod fish cake with top
notch flavour and seasoning - it was
absolutely menu-ready and couldn’t be
faulted.” Ciara, who is studying the Level 1
Diploma Professional Cookery, was
one of the youngest contestants
and is now enjoying the accolade
of having her recipe produced
commercially. Her winning cod fish
cake is now on sale at the Dolphin
and Ciara will also appear as the poster
girl for the Dolphin’s new fish cake
marketing and PR campaign.
Three additional
finalists were highly
commended, NVQ
Level 3 student,
Emmett Rocks
from Ballinderry
and NVQ Level 2
students, Shea
Corrigan and Dean
McCalmont, both
from Pomeroy.
Six students
were also
commended;
Edvinas Astrauski,
Stephen
Cunningham,
Laim Devlin,
Emily Willis, Conall Kelly
and Kieran Martin.
Malachy Mallon, from the Dolphin Takeaway, Dungannon was delighted
with the outcome.
“It was a tight contest, but Ciara really delivered on all the judging criteria,
from start to finish, and her traditional, flavoursome recipe is exactly what I
was looking for. The winning cod fish cake will appeal to all the family and I
have no doubt that it will become a firm favourite on the Dolphin menu.”
Darren Pitts, South West College Lecturer and competition organiser said
he is very proud of all his students,
“The students had to research and create a unique recipe from scratch,
work out how much it would cost, balance ingredients and flavours,
as well as organising, preparing, frying and presenting the perfect
fishcake, all whilst keeping an eye on hygiene and professional practices. Ciara ticked all the boxes, presenting a delicious fish cake that could be
replicated in Malachy’s shop with consistent quality each time. However,
all of the students put in a superb performance, I’m very proud of what
they have achieved. “
Susanne Workman, Head of Health and Life Services at South West College
added,
“ Clever ideas such as the ‘Fish Cake Challenge’ contest can really bring
learning to life and offer practical challenges to prepare our students for
a successful career in the catering industry. Well done to our winner, Ciara
and indeed all the participants, and thank you to Malachy Mallon for his
valuable and unique contribution to South West College.”
SWC student, Ciara Mackle is pictured with her winning recipe at the final of
the ‘Fish Cake Challenge’ competition at South West College, Dungannon. Also
pictured ( l-r): Darren Pitts, SWC lecturer and competition finalists, Emmett
Rocks, Shea Corrigan and Dean McCalmont with Malachy Mallon, Dolphin
Takeaway, Dungannon.
Ciara Mackle in frying form: Fish Cake
Challenge winner, Ciara Mackle is
pictured helping Malachy Mallon fry
up her winning recipe at the Dolphin
Takeaway, Dungannon. Ciara’s
winning cod fish cake is now on sale
at the Dolphin in Georges Street,
Dungannon.
22
with
A very special fund raising concert was held in St Michael’s Church
Castlecaulfield, which featured local singer songwriter Paul Hughes.
Paul, from Castlecaulfield is also a gifted guitarist. Well known as the
salesperson in Stewart’s Music shop in Dungannon, he is known throughout
N. Ireland as a solo acoustic artist and also as the lead guitar player and
vocalist with his band ‘Top Floor’, which he formed whilst attending
Drumragh Integrated College in Omagh. From the age of fifteen, he has
been involved with the Omagh Community Youth Choir and has travelled
extensively with the choir as a member and currently in his role as assistant
musical director. Paul had his first debut concert in the Bardic theatre in
Donaghmore where it was standing room only after which he released his
original acoustic track ‘Be with Me’. Hundreds enjoyed his ‘Harmony on the
Hill’ Concert, and his band ‘Top Floor’ performing at the ‘Rock around the
Clock’ at the Hill of the O’Neill last summer.
He has performed twice at the RTE recording of the church service from St
Michael’s, most recently singing one of his favourite artists Foy Vance’s cover
of ‘Guiding Light’.
at
His special guests on the evening included Daryl Simpson, one of the highly
acclaimed Celtic Tenors. Daryl is from Omagh and in 1998 formed the Omagh
Community Youth Choir. Sixmilecross Tenor Brian McNamee who received a
scholarship to study a Masters Degree in Vocal and Opera Studies at the
Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and has a further year to do
to complete his studies and Bronagh Broderick (fiddle) from Ballygawley.
Bronagh started playing the guitar at age 7 and wrote her first song at 15.
She has released her own album and is currently in her final year studying
Music at Queens.
The Reverend Paul Thompson rector at St Michaels played a selection of
pieces on the church organ. Part of the funds raised will go to the restoration
of the organ as well at to Omagh Youth Choir who hope to tour America
later this year. The concert was also recorded for broadcast on Irish TV with
presenter Bronwen Quinn interviewing members of the pact audience.
23
Monday morning, and not a wink of sleep did I get last night wondering
should I phone in sick tomorrow or should I just face the music??????? Face
the music it is better to get the humiliation over and done with, makeup
on hair done classic little navy shift dress, beautiful tan wedges on looking
every inch the lady, let’s hope I behaved like one Saturday night.
Arrive at work ten minutes early no sign of Mr Massive’s car, maybe/hopefully
he has decided to phone in sick. Head into the office get myself a cup of
coffee settle at my desk ready to start work and in he walks EEEEEKKKKKK,
oh please ground open up and swallow me head first, before my heart burst
right out of my skin!!!! He is beginning to make his way towards my desk
when the managing director nabs him and asks him to follow him to the
board room, phew a reprieve if only for a while. The meeting looks set to last
longer than I thought, the next thing I know the caterers arrive with an early
lunch, oh please make him come out, he is bound to need the toilet at some
stage???? My mind begins to wonder, as to what might have happened
on Saturday night, next thing I know my phone starts to ring, panic sets
in its the Yummy Mummy, this can only mean one thing, the bambino has
decided to make an arrival 10days early!!!!! I answer the phone,” hello hello”,
all I get is a very loud painful sounding “IT’S TIME, THEY ARE ONLY MINUTES
APART”, WTF???? Panic sets in where are my car keys, found them in the
kitchen, just as I am running out the door, I run straight into MR Massive,
(typical I have to run and the meeting finishes) oh shoot I’m so sorry, all
flustered I say I have to run the baby is on it’s way.
Collect the Yummy Mummy, ooohhhhh she is in agony there is only a minute
and 30 between contractions, no time to put the waterproof cover over the
passenger seat, her waters better not burst in my nice new car!!!! I actually
don’t even remember driving to the hospital, before I knew I had pulled up
at the doors of maternity the Yummy Mummy was being wheeled into the
hospital and I of course was blocking the whole entrance, car parked and
I run into the maternity unit, where the midwife runs out of the delivery
suite “quickly” she says, “hurry” she is about to deliver, “a moment a partner
doesn’t want to miss” In the delivery suite, it’s crazy the Yummy Mummy
is let’s just say quite vocal, the mid wife is telling her not to push she is
screaming but I need to push, this place is mental, then the midwife says,
“ok a big deep breath then a big massive push, and again deep breath and
big massive push” I thought this was a long haul kind of thing, next thing
this I know there is a baby screaming its head of, the Yummy Mummy is
exhausted, mind you so am I. A beautiful baby ..........?????
With everybody finally sorted and everybody
told of the early but beautiful new arrival we
move up to the ward, the Yummy Mummy
and the new arrival get parked up, I go to find
a bottle of vino (wishful thinking), no I go in
search of a bottle of milk this baby can drink!!!
When I arrive back the Yummy Mummy
has made friends with her neighbour,
congratulations she says as I arrive
back with a perfectly heated bottle of
milk, eeehhhh thanks I say. The Yummy
Mummy is taken away for a bath, while
I’m left to sort the baby, which I might add
I’m not bad at!!! I am busy doing my thing
when I hear the neighbour greeting a
visitor, that voice sounds very familiar, and
when I look up there stands Mr Massive,
beautiful as ever with a Massive Bouquet
of flowers and a massive teddy, wtf, is
this his wife???? Then the neighbour
introduces us, this is my brother, she
says and this is the ‘life partner’ of
my neighbour. ‘Life partner,
Life partner, oh sweet
home Alabama, how am
i ever going to pull him
now, he thinks I am gay,
with a life partner and a
new baby???
24
25
Crossword Clues
Across
1 Prejudice based on ethnicity (6)
5 Erotic fixation (6)
8 Hope, desire (4)
9 Addictive drug (8)
10 Sacred songs or hymns (6)
11 Marrying twice without divorce (crime) (6)
12 Dull heavy noise (4)
14 Sick (3)
15 Female (4)
16 Horror-struck (6)
18 Place of Christian worship (6)
20 Nazi symbol (8)
22 Military force (4)
23 Iconic Australian city (6)
24 Twinging, hurting (6)
Word Search List
Down
2 First sign of the Zodiac (5)
3 Breathed in (7)
4 Short item of ladies’ clothing (4,5)
5 A long way away (3)
6 Strip of leather, shoe (5)
7 Sparkle, glitter (7)
11 Warm headwear, ski-mask (9)
13 Main road, carriageway (7)
15 Hungarian soup or stew (7)
17 Set a fire with criminal
intent (5)
19 Pungent spice (5)
21 Evergreen climbing plant (3)
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Morocco
Niger
Rwanda
Senegal
South Africa
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verdi
Chad
Comoros
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Kenya
Solutions for Cross Word, What’s This and Word Puzzle page 32
A
B
26
27
Inspired from the leg­ends, myths and heroes
from around the world Heroes on the Hill cel­
e­brated our diverse and sep­a­rate his­to­ries
within a shared arena. 120 young people took
to the stage in Dun­gan­non Square on Saturday
11th and Sunday 12th April, and through
music, dance and sto­
ry­
telling captured our
imag­i­na­tions engag­ing and cel­e­brat­ing as they
reclaim our hill of many heroes. The event was
organised by DU Dance supported by
STEP, Dungannon Arts Forum
and The Arts Council
NI.
on the
Hill
Solutions for Cross Word, What’s This and Word Puzzle page 28
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis
A Garlic Crusher
45 letters.
This is an English word that refers to a lung disease that is otherwise
known as silicosis. It is the longest word in the English language
published in a dictionary, the Oxford English Dictionary.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it is “an artificial long word
said to mean a lung disease caused by inhaling very fine ash and sand
dust.” No doubt this will find its way into the local vernacular very soon.
30
B USB Drive
Philly McCann
Road Racing
Hurling
Local road racing fans will have plenty to keep them
entertained in May, June and the months ahead.
The Station Centre, Omagh was the venue for the 2015 Allianz Cumann na
mBunscol Tyrone Indoor Hurling Final. Eight Tyrone Primary Schools, that
had qualified via heats, took part and local schools included St. Patrick’s
Primary School, Donaghmore and St. John’s Primary School, Kingsisland.
St. Patrick’s Primary School, Annaghmore, who finished their group top and
unbeaten, and St. Patrick’s Primary School, Dungannon qualified for the final
after impressive semi-final wins. In what was a superb and closely contested
final Dungannon came out on top and were crowned Allianz Cumann na
mBunscol Tyrone Indoor Hurling Champions for 2015.
The 55th Tandragee 100 takes place on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd May,
with practice Friday and race day Saturday. The North West 200 Race Week
Festival runs from Sunday 10th May to Saturday 16th May. North West 200
practice takes place from 9.15am to 2.45pm on Tuesday 12th and Thursday
14th May and racing takes place from 5.15pm to 9.00pm on Thursday 14th
May and from 9.30am to 7.00pm on Saturday 16th May.
Rugby
Qualifying for the 2015 Isle of Man TT runs from Saturday 30th May to
Friday 5th June. Qualifying takes place every evening at 6.20pm, apart from
Sunday 31st May when no qualifying will take place. Racing will take place
on Saturday 6th, Monday 8th, Wednesday 10th and Friday 12th June.
Cookstown Rugby Football Club, in this the anniversary year of the club,
have won the 2014/15 Minor League South title. When Cookstown travelled
to their nearest challengers Clogher Valley the Cookstown men came out
on top with a comfortable 43-3 win, a win which sealed the league title.
Cookstown now face McCambley Cup finalists Malone RFC (UD’s), at Mid
Ulster Sports Arena (MUSA), in a league play-off semi-final on Saturday 2nd
May for a place in the Ravenhill Cup Final.
Dungannon’s Ryan Farquhar, who retired from racing in August 2012 before
returning in 2014, will compete again in this seasons North West 200 and
Isle of Man TT. In 2015 Farquhar, the most successful racer in the history of
Irish road racing, will be hoping to add to his three race wins at the Isle of
Man TT. The Dungannon man will take part in four races over the Mountain
Course at this years TT.
Hockey
The 2015 Irish road racing season commenced on Friday 24th and Saturday
25th April with the Cookstown 100, the Cookstown & District Motorcycle
Club holding the races over the famous Orritor Circuit. However, one
notable absentee from this years race calendar is the Bush Road Races. The
Bush Road Races, held in late June, were a constant fixture from 2006 to
2012 before problems raising the funds to run a national road race meant a
break in 2013. Thanks largely to a dedicated group of volunteers the races
returned in 2014 but unfortunately there will be no race in 2015. However.
Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club are hopeful that the race will return
to the calendar in 2016.
Cookstown Under 11 Boys Hockey Team have won the Ulster Hockey Boys
U11 Championships. The tournament was hosted by Campbell College,
Belfast and Cookstown topped a group that included Raphoe A, Banbridge
B, Lisnagarvey C, North Down and South Antrim. The Cookstown Boys
winning four games in a row before drawing their fifth and final group game
against Raphoe A. Cookstown defeated Cliftonville 5-0 in the quarter-final
and beat the tournaments other undefeated side, Banbridge A, 2-0 in the
semi-final. Annandale were their opponents in the final and a 2-0 scoreline
at the final whistle meant that Cookstown were crowned champions of
Ulster for 2015. The boys have had a very successful season with this win
adding to their successes in hockey blitzes throughout the country.
Gaelic Football
Tyrone’s Minor (U18) and Senior footballers begin their 2015 Ulster
Football Championship campaigns on Sunday 17th May. The sides travel
to Ballybofey to take on Donegal, the current Ulster Minor and Senior
Football Champions, in the Preliminary Round of the competition. Tyrone’s
Senior footballers will be looking to go further than the Quarter-Finals, a
stage which they have reached in the last two seasons, whilst the Tyrone
Minor (U18) footballers will be hoping to reach the final for the first time
since 2013. The Senior game has a throw in time of 4pm whilst the Minor
footballers play in the game beforehand at 2.15pm.
Appear in the next Mid-Ulster Focus
If you know of an individual/team/club/event that should be included
in our monthly sports feature please get in touch with PhillyMc:
Email: [email protected]
31
TEAM OF THE MONTH
The only hurling/handball club in the Coalisland
and neighbouring areas, the ‘baby club’ of the
many established football clubs, if you like.
For 25 years N.C.C has been around and many’s a change from its humble
beginnings. There’s currently between 140-150 young children from
the age of 5 right up to the, “well I shan’t say the age of the clubs oldest
member/supporter, other than to say that stooling turf would have been
the regular chore of the time!” I’ve always loved hurling as a sport and I was
truly honoured to be put forward as P.R.O and now HWB Officer, Now, I still
don’t fully grasp the rules of the sport however, that ‘clash of the ash’ and
healthy rivalry on the pitch sure gets the blood pumping. So my role will be
to promote, and of course the notes among other things such as helping
with fund-raising projects as many things are still needed at N.C.C
With numbers growing and ever more fancy and flashy boots hitting the
pitch, it’s a beautiful sight to see the progression of the we ones in just a
few weeks, how they pick up the skill set needed to master the craft that is
hurling, and the handball with its pace helping with hand eye co-ordination
which leads me to my final point. None of this would be possible only for
the sheer dedication and commitment of the coaches and managers who
have been there from they were we nippers, and their passion has been
brought along with them to teach the art of hurling/handball at the one
and only in our area Naomh Colum Cille!
Michelle Robinson - Club PRO
THE MID-ULSTER COURT SCENE
100 YEARS AGO
Archives from the
Cookstown Citizen’s
‘AROUND
THE COURTS’
pull-out section
April, 1916
I SAID, “NO ONE MOVE!”
A SLOW DAY
Two Stewartstown mechanics have been refused bail after a botched robbery
attempt in the local Post Office. McKnight and Hobson were attempting
to rob the popular PO during lunchtime yesterday only to be foiled by a
misunderstanding between the pair. McKnight shouted “b’jaysus, nobody
move” after securing the doors tight with a plank. All staff and customers
obediently stood still whilst his fellow robber moved to collect the money
from the counter and was promptly shot in the leg by his nervous partner.
Case adjourned until Hobson recovers.
A robbery in Coalisland was foiled when police managed to arrest the
villain within two hours from the commencement of the dastardly deed.
Murray held up the town’s chip shop and tied up the owner only to find
there were very few takings in the till (2 shillings). He proceeded to put
on the shop’s overalls and worked for two hours serving locals chips, fish,
mineral and sausages in order to boost his takings by which time the police
arrived and arrested him. The judged sentenced Murray to three months but
commended him on his work ethic.
UNDERAGE
ROBBERY
A canny Magherafelt off-license
vendor saved the day after an
initially successful robbery of the
till in the town’s only alcoholic
premises. The Lissan robber, Mr
Tomney, held up the off-license with
a homemade pike and filled his bags
with the takings. He then demanded
a bottle of whiskey from behind the
counter. The fast thinking cashier,
Mick Lundy, asked for some form of
identification to prove he was over
18. Tomney showed him his gun
licence before making off with £45
and a bottle of Ardbeg single malt.
Lundy immediately cycled to the
police with the naive robber’s name
and address. They were waiting for
him as he arrived home. Tomney is
out on bail.
OLD HAGS
The Derrylaughan Witch Trials
began yesterday, the first of its
kind in Ireland since 1467. Thirteen
women were reported to authorities
last weekend of possessing haglike appearances and mumbling
incoherently around midnight
on the lough shore. The defence
pointed to the fact that they were
simply a group of Brocagh girls
dressed up for the night to the best
of their ability and were simply
stocious by the time they got off
the boat at the Washingbay. The
prosecution, the Reverend Willy
Smith, who was patrolling the shore
at the time to prevent courtships,
said he’d never seen such shedevil behaviour since a night out
in Moortown in 1869. The trial
continues.