This year we celebrated the 10^th Anniversary of the twinning with Viarmes in France.  55 people from South Sligo travelled to Viarmes in May to celebrate the 10th anniversary. We stayed in families and enjoyed the warm welcome of our French Friends.

In September, 20 French people from Viarmes  came to Tubbercurry. They stayed in Yeats County Inn in Curry. They enjoyed walks in Moylough, Lough Talt, Union Wood  and Strandhill before travelling South West with 20 Irish in tow to enjoy a weekend visit to the Aran Islands, The Burren and The Michael Cusack Centre in Carron, County Clare.

Plans are afoot for a walking trip to Biarritz in France next May. Watch the Tubbercurry notes in the Local Press for details of this trip.

Next October 2010 Tubbercurry hopes to host in families a group of  French people from Viarmes to celebrate Irish Style the 10^th Anniversary of the Twinning.

PS: Our French friends are quite ashamed of the outcome of the Irish-French soccer match and have told us so.

 The Jikijela Project

The Jikijela Project is Jel's community outreach programme working on a non-profit basis with groups and projects of many kinds.  We use interactive, theatre-based techniques like forum theatre to enable creativity and self development in areas like:

• Youth groups and projects
• Social exclusion and marginalised groups
• Rehabilitation and personal discovery
• Initiatives for older people
• Community education

The Jikijela Project currently seeks new projects and is open to enquiries, particularly from community groups in the North West.  To find out more about the methods we use and some examples of our previous work, check out www.jikijela.com or email info@jikijela.com

The One Act Drama Festival being organised by the Western Drama Festival takes place in St. Brigids Hall on Fri. 20^th, Sat. 21^st, and Sun. 22th  November.
A large number of entries were received from all over the country and the committee have chosen an interesting and varied selection of plays. Included in the programme are The Phoenix Players, Cloonacool Players and Corran Players Ballymote.
The Festival will be adjudicated by Mr. Scott Marshall. Having many years of experience adjudicating, including the All Irelands on a number of occasions, Scott is regarded as one of the top adjudicators on the festival circuit. He is no stranger to the Western Drama Festival having adjudicated here on previous occasions.  Fri. Nov. 20^th at 8p.m. Lough Gill Players ‘The Dumb Waiter’ by Harold Pinter, Cornmill Theatre Carrigallen ‘Wagging Finger’ by Seamus O’Rourke, Phoenix Players, Tubbercurry ‘Breakfast with Willy’ by Karen Schiff.  Saturday 21^st Nov. at 8p.m. Breffni Players ‘Faded Footsteps’ by Maura Williamson, KODE Theatre Co. Castlebar ‘When a Man Knows’ by Alan Richardson, Corran Players, Ballymote ‘The Corner Shop’ by Donal Horgan.  Sunday Nov. 22^nd at 7p.m. Cloonacool Players ‘The Land of Heart’s Desire’ by W.B. Yeats, Moate Club Naas ‘Bar & Ger’ by Geraldine Aron and D.A.D.S. Dunmore ‘On the Outside’ by Tom Murphy. The Cornmill Theatre, Carrigallen, KODE Theatre Co. Castlebar and Moate Club, Naas are in the Open section and the 6 remaining acts are all in the Confined section.

The plays commence nightly at 8 pm with the exception of Sunday night when the first play starts at 7pm. Admission nightly is €10, concessions €8 Season Ticket €20. Booking and Season tickets available from Killorans Traditional Restaurant Teeling Street. Ph 071- 91 85111

F.A.I. Cup fever has hit Tubbercurry big time over the last few weeks as Sligo Rovers have now qualified for the Cup Final on Nov. 22^nd.  Star player for Rovers is Tubbercurrys Raphael Cretaro, a young lad who grew up on Humbert Street and learned his skills on the footpaths of Tubbercurry.  Local soccer club Real Tubber also played a huge part in grooming Raph’s skills and many of the senior managers and players take great pleasure in seeing one of their own reaching such high levels of achievement.  Raphael is on top of his game having scored over 20 goals in the season to date and he is one of the most feared and respected strikers in the Irish game at present and must be in line for player of the season in Ireland at present.  If Rovers do manage to win the Cup there will be another night of celebration, just when we had got over the excitement of Dearbhla Walsh’s win of her Emmy.  The F.A.I. Cup and an Emmy Award for Tubbercurry in the one year would certainly make 2009 a year to remember.  GOOD LUCK RAPH

This fantastic event is to be held in Teach Laighne, Tubbercurry on  Wednesday 11th November from 4pm - 8pm.

If you would like to find out more about options available to you in TRAINING, EDUCATION & ENTERPRISE, then this event is for you!

Meet and get advice in confidence from all the major public sector agencies.

The Red Carpet was rolled out in style last Saturday October 24^th for the welcome home reception given for Emmy Award Winner Dearbhla Walsh.  The evening turned out to be a fantastic event and RTE cameras along with North Western Correspondent Eileen Magnier filmed and reported the entire event on the evening news within an hour of it happening.  The whole event really put Tubbercurry on the map once again and the combined organisers of Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix Players, Western Drama Festival and Tubbercurry G.A.A. Club all deserve great credit.  Of course the organising groups wish to thank the individual helpers and the general public for turning out in their hundreds to make the evening a memorable one and Tubbercurry certainly came up trumps. 

The evening started off when Dearbhla and her parents Maeve and Joe were collected from their home in an old classic Rolls Royce from the 1930’s driven by local vintage car collector Shane Carson.  From there they were led by a torch light procession of old fashioned faideogs (burning sods of turf on pitch forks) plus a single piper and they proceeded down Emmet Street to Wolf Tone Square and St. Brigids Hall where they were greeted by hundreds of well wishers.  After doing a live interview with Eileen Magnier of  RTE Dearbhla and all the well wishers filed into the Hall where a number of speeches were given by Paul Murphy (Chamber of Commerce) Billy Kilgannon (Drama Festival) and Eamon Gallagher (Phoenix Players).  Dearbhla responded in magnificent fashion, telling all how much Tubbercurry means to her and encouraging all youngsters to ’follow your dream’.  She told the kids not to be afraid to dream and work to convert those dreams into reality. 

With talent in local drama circles throughout South Sligo over many years, Dearbhla said there is no reason for other awards – Emmy or Oscar not to come to Tubbercurry.  A presentation was made to Dearbhla on behalf of the community and the crowds then mingled in the hall with a cup of tea/coffee or glass of wine provided by the hard working ladies catering committee.  Over the course of a few hours many people got their photos taken with Dearbhla and many old friendships were renewed.  The nation viewed Tubbercurry events on RTE News that evening and it made many Tubbercurry people living away from home very proud to see their own town making good news of a world ranking.  Well done to all who made this wonderful event happen.

The Red Carpet was rolled out in style last Saturday October 24^th for the welcome home reception given for Emmy Award Winner Dearbhla Walsh.  The evening turned out to be a fantastic event and RTE cameras along with North Western Correspondent Eileen Magnier filmed and reported the entire event on the evening news within an hour of it happening.  The whole event really put Tubbercurry on the map once again and the combined organisers of Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix Players, Western Drama Festival and Tubbercurry G.A.A. Club all deserve great credit.  Of course the organising groups wish to thank the individual helpers and the general public for turning out in their hundreds to make the evening a memorable one and Tubbercurry certainly came up trumps. 

The evening started off when Dearbhla and her parents Maeve and Joe were collected from their home in an old classic Rolls Royce from the 1930’s driven by local vintage car collector Shane Carson.  From there they were led by a torch light procession of old fashioned faideogs (burning sods of turf on pitch forks) plus a single piper and they proceeded down Emmet Street to Wolf Tone Square and St. Brigids Hall where they were greeted by hundreds of well wishers.  After doing a live interview with Eileen Magnier of  RTE Dearbhla and all the well wishers filed into the Hall where a number of speeches were given by Paul Murphy (Chamber of Commerce) Billy Kilgannon (Drama Festival) and Eamon Gallagher (Phoenix Players).  Dearbhla responded in magnificent fashion, telling all how much Tubbercurry means to her and encouraging all youngsters to ’follow your dream’.  She told the kids not to be afraid to dream and work to convert those dreams into reality. 

With talent in local drama circles throughout South Sligo over many years, Dearbhla said there is no reason for other awards – Emmy or Oscar not to come to Tubbercurry.  A presentation was made to Dearbhla on behalf of the community and the crowds then mingled in the hall with a cup of tea/coffee or glass of wine provided by the hard working ladies catering committee.  Over the course of a few hours many people got their photos taken with Dearbhla and many old friendships were renewed.  The nation viewed Tubbercurry events on RTE News that evening and it made many Tubbercurry people living away from home very proud to see their own town making good news of a world ranking.  Well done to all who made this wonderful event happen.

F.A.I. Cup fever has hit Tubbercurry big time over the last few weeks as Sligo Rovers have now qualified for the Cup Final on Nov. 22^nd.  Star player for Rovers is Tubbercurrys Raphael Cretaro, a young lad who grew up on Humbert Street and learned his skills on the footpaths of Tubbercurry.  Local soccer club Real Tubber also played a huge part in grooming Raph’s skills and many of the senior managers and players take great pleasure in seeing one of their own reaching such high levels of achievement.  Raphael is on top of his game having scored over 20 goals in the season to date and he is one of the most feared and respected strikers in the Irish game at present and must be in line for player of the season in Ireland at present.  If Rovers do manage to win the Cup there will be another night of celebration, just when we had got over the excitement of Dearbhla Walsh’s win of her Emmy.  The F.A.I. Cup and an Emmy Award for Tubbercurry in the one year would certainly make 2009 a year to remember.  GOOD LUCK RAPH

Ceol na Samhna Concerts & Workshops.  The local South Sligo Ceoltas Ceoltoire Eireann group have organised an exciting weekend of Irish music, song, dance, storytelling and humorous verse for the weekend of November 13-15th and this is certainly an event you should tell friends about. The lineout reads like a mini South Sligo Summer School and anybody wanting to learn more about Irish music, song, dance and general culture should attend as many of the sessions as possible. The Itinerary  briefly is as follows: Friday 13 November at 8.30 pm- Official opening by National President of Ceoltas Seamus McCormack who is a Co. Sligo native and a regular visitor to Tubbercurry. This is followed by a Tribute Concert to Tubbercurrys own James Murray, one of our local post men and one of our great musicians and artists. Workshops will be held all day Saturday 14 November in various instruments while an interesting feature on Saturday afternoon will be Humorous Verse and Storytelling at Cawleys Hotel 2-5 pm. Saturday night will see a Ceili held in St. Brigids Hall while signing sessions take place in Murphys Hotel.   Sunday Afternoon November 15 will host a Monster Youth Session in the May Queen Lounge from 3pm. It is also important to encourage the youngsters and great strides have been made in this in recent years. Tell your friends and book them in accommodation.

Is too much choice just as detrimental to the human psyche as too little?

With touches of both humor and pathos, ‘Breakfast with Willy’ explores this timely question through the random collision of two worlds - youth versus maturity, privilege versus privation.

Willy Winter is an elderly stock clerk in a Chicago grocery store.

A one-time victim of Nazi efforts to "Germanize" Polish children, he has had few choices in life.

One morning, before the store opens, Willy stumbles over Suzy Summer, a young graphic designer, lying on the floor of the cereal aisle.

Suffering from the modern-day affliction of too much choice in life, Suzy had collapsed the night before while trying to select among the 143 different types of cereals.

As Willy aids the confused and bruised Suzy, the unlikely pair share revelations that expose the stark contrast of riches and injustices in their lives - leaving each enraged, engrossed, and ultimately enriched.

By the end of the play, the ever-pessimistic Willy finds new reasons to be hopeful, while the floundering Suzy discovers a deepened life purpose.

Directed by Seána Haughey, ‘Breakfast with Willy’ is an engaging play well worth seeing.  The cast features Padraic Neary and Sharon Gildea, both of whom have featured in previous award winning Phoenix Players productions.  Set in the cereal aisle of a Chicago supermarket, the group is very grateful to the owners of our two local supermarkets, Mary Murphy of Murphys’ Eurospar and Gearóid Surlis of  Surlis’ Supervalu for their help and advice in putting together the setting for the play.

Prior to competing on the One Act Festival circuit in November 2009, the group is delighted to have the opportunity to present this production to their home audience at St. Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry on Thursday, 29^th October.  Curtain at 8.30 pm sharp.  Don’t miss this chance to support the Phoenix Players before they take to the road with their latest production.

Forming a double bill of one act plays, the Cloonacool Players also present ‘Land of Heart’s Desire’ by WB Yeats on the night.

‘Breakfast with Willy’ will also be performed in Cloonacool Community Centre on Saturday, 31^st October as support to the Cloonacool Players production of WB Yeats’ one act play ‘Land of Heart’s Desire’ and in Loftus Hall, Ballymote on Sunday, 1^st November as part of a double bill of one act plays alongside Ballymote’s own Corran Players’ production of ‘The Corner Shop’.

Please support the group then as they make their final preparations to travel to five festivals on the one act circuit during November.  Dates and venues are as follows:  Friday, 6^th November at Dunmore Drama Festival; Thursday, 12^th at Manorhamilton Drama Festival; Friday, 13^th at Carrigallen Drama Festival; Sunday, 15^th at Doonbeg Drama Festival and Friday, 20^th at the Western Drama Festival here in Tubbercurry.

Emmy Award Winner Dearbhla Walsh is due home to Tubbercurry on October 24^th and it is intended to have a huge welcome home reception in St. Brigids Hall in her honour.

A Homecoming Celebration will be held on Saturday 24th October 2009 at 8pm SHARP in St. Brigid's Hall, Tubbercurry.

Everyone is invited to welcome Dearbhla, Anna and her family to Tubbercurry.

Emmy Award Winner Dearbhla Walsh is due home to Tubbercurry hopefully on October 24^th and it is intended to have a huge welcome home reception in St. Brigids Hall in her honour. The details are not finalised yet but we advise you keep this day free in your diary to give Dearbhla a warm Tubbercurry welcome. The reception may be on the Saturday evening Oct 24^th but full details will be in next weeks paper.

South Sligo Autumn Walking Festival (Lough Talt Walks) are having a two day walking festival over the October Bank holiday weekend 24 & 25 October, 09.  The walks will consist of Rambles and Hillwalks, duration of walks will be from 2/3 hours for Rambles, 4/5 hours for Hillwalks. Registration Venue:   Joe Dan's Pub, Drumartin, Aclare.  Please contact committee members for more information/accomodation M. Leheny 087 - 9671339  mleheny@eircom.net  and Dermot Mooney on 087-1362703.

A variety concert will be held in Heritage Centre, Moylough on 17th October at 8.30 p.m. in aid of Niall Mellon Township Trust. Admission €10.   Jean Gallagher, Doocastle will be travelling to South Africa with the group during November.

Support would be appreciated.

Card Game – 25 Card Games Single Hand in the Supper Room St. Brigids Hall on Sunday nights at 8.30 p.m. All are welcome.

Scripture Course commencing Tuesday 13th October @ 8pm. Facilitated by Fr Benny McHale every Tuesday for ten weeks in Our Lady's School of Evangelisation, Knock. 5euro per night. Tel: 094 9388245 for further details.

Badminton is starting up at St. Atttracta's on Tuesday night 22nd September, 8-10pm every Tuesday through till April.

Beginners and Experts welcome (ages 16+). I would appreciate if you could let anyone in need of a gentle workout, that this is a good way to keep fit and quite a social event too.

Also, I have attached a small poster with some details and it would be great if you had a notice board in the locality to put it on.

Shuttle cocks are provided and a small amount of spare racquets are available to borrow.

Cost is on a membership basis - either Sept-Dec / Jan-April or Full Season. Costs to be confirmed, but roughly €5 per night (= 2 hours of play)

Any queries - 086 850 4378

Tubbercurry Old Fair & Heritage Festival runs from Saturday 8th August through to the Grand Finale of The Old Fair Day on 12th August. Events during the festival include street entertainment; open air bands (Saturday and Sunday); bouncy castles; Family Fun Sunday with "Yokes on Spokes" cycle race and I 102 -104 broadcasting live from Tubbercurry Square; and the star attraction on the Old Fair Day - Mike Denver. Come along and see our recreation of the traditional Fair Day with crafts, animals and heritage displays to mention just a few. Meet Old Friends and Make New Ones at one of the longest established Old Fair Days in Ireland. Read more about Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival Read less about Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival

It's that time of year again!  South Sligo Summer School is commencing on 12th July to 18th July 2009.

The 10^th Anniversary of the Twinning of Tubbercurry and Viarmes (France) is taking place from the 7^th to 11^th May inclusive in Viarmes.  80 people from the South Sligo region are being invited to attend the celebrations. Over the last 10 years many very successful exchanges have taken place, including schools, soccer clubs and  walking groups.  Many long lasting international friendships have developed from these exchanges.  Dominique and her team are busy organising the weekends activities in France and this years 10th Anniversary Celebration promises to be very enjoyable. Accommodation can be in families or in local hotel as you choose. The sooner we book flights the cheaper it is for everyone. If you are interested in joining the group please contact Derek at 087-6393137.

Check out www.viarmes.fr

Reverend Kathy Trimby donned a clowns outfit and, carrying a huge inflatable Fairtrade banana and a supply of Fairtrade bananas, she visited schools and businesses
in Tubbercurry as part of a global Fairtrade banana marathon. The aim was to have as many people as possible worldwide eat a Fairtade banana in a 24-hour period.
Among the places she visited were St Attracta's School, Holy Family National School, Barry's Pharmacy, Cawley's Hotel, Surlis, Viva Cafe, Guns and Roses, The Laundry Basket and the Women's World Day of Prayer Service

The 37th annual St. Patrick's Day10k road race was held in glorious sunshine and a huge field of 104 runners took part. The runners came from counties Mayo, Galway, Leitrim, Roscommon, Donegal and of course Sligo. The senior mens race was won by Michael O'Connell of Sligo AC in a time of 34:29. The senior ladies race was won by Catherine Conway of Mayo AC.
 
Here are the results:
 
Senior Men:
1st  Michael O'Connell   Sligo AC  34:29
2nd Niall Higgins                          35:25
3rd  Dessie Foley          Belfast     35:29
 
Gents Team:
1st Team Sligo AC
 
Gents Vets:
 
Over 40:  Ian Egan           Galway City Harriers   35:27
Over 45:  Thomas Neville   Mayo AC                  36:46
Over 50:   Tom Meehan     Sligo AC                   36:17
 
Senior Ladies:
1st  Catherine Conway  Mayo AC    37:20
2nd  Lucy Brennan        Sligo AC     38:46
3rd   Jane Campbell      GCH            45:25
 
 Ladies Team
 
1st Mayo AC 
 
Ladies Vets:
 
Over 35:  Anne Lennon     Mayo AC          40:39
Over 40:  Marie Johnston  South Sligo AC  42:44
Over 45:   Bernie Kelly      GCH                 47:13
 
1st Junior
 
James Brett  South Sligo AC  48:13
 
Local Runners
 
1st Mens:
 
Gerard Carty   Cloonacool   40:24
 
 1st Ladies
 
Edel Carty (nee Brennan) Tubbercurry   47:10

Phoenix Players Tubbercurry are staging the musical
My Fair Lady in St. Brigid's Hall, Tubbercurry on Sat 28th March - Sat 4th April nightly (excluding Tues 31st) at 8.00pm
 
Tel 071 9185116 to book....there are group rates and concessions...so why not organise a group to go from your workplace or club ?
 
There are 100 people involved in the production and the town and surrounding parishes are a hive of activity, rehearsing, painting,building,sewing and organising the show.

Mary Barry Leonard is directing the show,Nicola Wingrove is musical director,and Marie McIntyre plays Eliza Doolittle to Pat Feely's Professor Higgins..... This show has never dated with its themes of social class and romance. You will find yourself joining in on familiar favourites like "Wouldn't it be loverly","Get me to the Church on time","With a little bit of luck" and "On the street where you live"
 
 

St Brigid's Hall, Tubbercurry.
Friday 6TH - Saturday 14th March 2009   (Nightly @ 8.30pm)
Date	Group	Play	Author	Section
Friday 6th	K A T S	"The Pillowman"	Martin McDonagh	Open
	Co Galway
Saturday 7th	D A D S	"Conversations on a	Tom Murphy	Confined
	Co Galway	Homecoming"
Sunday 8th	Glenamaddy Players	"All Souls Night"	Joseph Tomelty	Confined
	Co Galway
Monday 9th	Breffni Players	"Butterflies are Free"	Leonard Gersche	Open
	Co Leitrim
Tuesday 10th	Garrymore Drama Group	"The Country Boy"	John Murphy	Confined
	Co Mayo
Wednesday 11th	Butt Drama Circle	"Dolly West's Kitchen"	Frank McGuinness	Open
	Co Donegal
Thursday 12th	Cloonacool Players	"Sive"	John B Keane	Confined
	Co Sligo
Friday 13th	Brideview Drama	"Beauty in a Broken	Colm Toibin	Open
	Co Waterford	Place"
Saturday 14th	Bradán Players	'The Faith Healer''	Brian Friel	Open
	Co Kildare
Adjudicator Biddy White Lennon ADA
Booking @ Killorans, Main st.   Tel   071 9185679
Admission €12.00      Concession €10.00   Season €70.00
Festival Club Nightly in Killorans  -- All are Welcome  --  Admission Free

With the 66^th Western Drama Festival only a week away now, all drama fans can look forward to a wonderful line up of entertainment at St. Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry from Friday 6^th to Saturday, 14^th March with the emphasis this year very much on Irish plays, featuring some old classics and long-standing favourites such as John B. Keane’s ‘Sive’, presented by the Cloonacool Players and ‘The Country Boy’ by John Murphy, which will be staged by Garrymore Drama Group, making a welcome return to the festival circuit after a break of a few years.  More recent plays are also featured in this year’s programme.  These include Butt Drama Circle’s production of ‘Dolly West’s Kitchen’ by Frank McGuinness and Colm Toibin’s ‘Beauty in a Broken Place’ to be presented by Brideview Drama Group, Waterford, both groups no strangers to the Western Drama Festival audience, Brideview having participated regularly in more recent years and with much success and Butt Drama Circle having appeared on the stage in St. Brigid’s Hall many times over the years going as far back as the early 1970’s.

From noon on Friday 6th March, Reverend Kathy Trimby, Acting Chairperson of Tubbercurry Fairtrade Committee, will swap her cassock for a clown's outfit and her Bible for an inflatable giant banana, to call at schools, cafes, hotels and restaurants in Tubbercurry. This is all part of the town's contribution to the world-record attempt to get the greatest number of people to eat Fairtrade bananas in a 24-hour period.

She will be joining with school pupils and customers who will be doing the same thing, all to promote Fairtrade Fortnight, what Fairtrade is all about, what a difference can and is being made by supporting Fairtrade, and how people can get involved. Her itinerary includes St Attracta's Secondary School, the Drama Festival, the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Women's World Day of Prayer Service, and Cawley's Hotel. You too can be involved. For more information, or to get her to call at your school or place of business, contact her on 071 91 86909.

Tubbercurry Fairtrade Committee invites you to an evening at Teach Laighne on Thursday 26th February at 7.30pm to celebrate world Fairtrade Fortnight. The guest speaker will be Wilbert Valverde from Costa Rica who will give a first-hand account of the changes Fairtrade has brought to coffee and sugar cane producers in his community. There will also be a short drama presentation by transition year pupils from St Attracta's School, and a display of Fairtrade drawings by local National School pupils. Fairtrade refreshments. All welcome. Admission free.

66^th Western Drama Festival

Just over four weeks away now, the 66^th Western Drama Festival takes place in St. Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry from Friday 6^th to Saturday, 14^th March. Please note one change to the programme – Bradán Players, Leixlip present ‘The Faith Healer’ by Brian Friel on the closing night, Saturday, 14^th March. This is an ideal ending to the festival as Brian Friel celebrates his 80^th birthday in 2009 and it is fitting that the Western Drama Festival programme for this year should include one of his plays and, as it happens, one which hasn’t been seen on the stage in Tubbercurry for some time. It is also worth noting that the winners of both the Open and Confined sections last year both make a welcome return to defend their titles at this year’s festival, KATS (Knocknacarra Amateur Theatre Group) from Galway and the Cloonacool Players respectively. Both groups will this year present plays by Irish playwrights. Cloonacool will be bringing us their production of the classic John B. Keane play ‘Sive’ and KATS present ‘The Pillowman’ by Martin McDonagh, a black comedy written in 2003. Like John B. Keane, Martin McDonagh’s plays have proven very popular with drama groups and audiences alike. Drama followers can look forward to another great festival of drama for nine nights running in early March. Booking @ Killorans’ Main St. will open closer to the festival. Tel 071-9185679. Nightly Admission €12.00 / Concession €10.00 / Season Tickets €70.00.

2R Plastics factory for sale. Excellent location on prestige cornersite Tubbercurry Industrial Estate, Ballina Road, Tubbercurry. Close proximity to town centre, suits a variety of uses with office spaces. An ideal opportunity to acquire a factory at reasonable asking price...

Tubbercurry is an ideally located town in the North West to consider setting up a business in, it is 20miles away from Sligo, Ballina, Castlebar and Boyle, It is centrally located for commutes between counties, Sligo, May,Leitrim and Roscommon
Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce is happy to offer help and support to any company or individual interested in establishing a new or expanding business,

For further information, please email info@tubbercurry.ie

Linha de Passe     

                 
Dir: Walter Salles            Brazil                        2008                        108mins         Cert: 15A
Starring: Sandra Corveloni, Joao Baldasserini, Vinicius de Oliverira

In Brazil, thousands clog the major football clubs’ selection process each week, but once you hit eighteen the tryouts are over. Dario isn’t getting any younger but his dream sustains him, unlike his three siblings. Hard working mother, played by Sandra Corveloni (winner Best actress, Cannes) completes the family, whose mixture of hope and hopelessness gets under your skin.
 
“There is no easy route out of their limited life. Even so, they're not willing to give up quite yet. And it's this sense of hope that makes the film far more powerful than stories that wallow in society's problems.”  Rich Cline, Shadows on The Wall

Locations & Times
Tuesday 3rd February Grange - 8:30pm
Wednesday 4th February Manorhamilton - 8:30pm
Thursday 5th February Tubbercurry - 8pm

Cake Sale

            In aid of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland

            In St Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry
            Sunday 15th Febuary
            12.15 pm - 2.15 pm

            Lots of homemade cakes and jams.
‘Bring a cake, buy a cake’

            Please support.

Welcome to Circle Dance Ireland.  

We are here to provide information on Circle Dance, classes and workshops throughout Ireland.

 If you would like your event posted here, please contact derriedancer@gmail.com.  

Cinema North West continues to bring the best of World Cinema, Art-house, Irish and Independent films this Spring to Sligo and Leitrim.

The Spring Season starts on Tuesday 3rd February in Grange, Wednesday 4th Feb in Manorhamilton and Thursday 5th Feb in Tubbercurry.
We will be back in Balinamore from March 19th.

Spring is around the corner, but the nights are still long and still cold. What better way to kick off February than with a trip to the movies?  If you live near Grange, Manorhamilton or Tubbercurry, you wont have to go far - Cinema North West, Sligo and Leitrim’s Mobile Cinema, travels to you, bringing you a world of stories to spring you forward into 2009.
 
New young filmmakers, Neil Young, filmmaker, old characters, bold characters, terrible people, desperate souls, hopeful hearts, fighters, dreamers, boxers, footballers, jailbirds, all brought together to shake, rattle and roll you in your seats.
 
Opening Film
We open the season with Linha de Passe, the story of a Brazilian family centred round the eldest boy, who, along with thousands of other hopefuls, wants to try out for a professional soccer team. The resilience, of the entire family, gives rise to true faith in keeping hope alive, whatever the odds.

Stories to beat the band
Aging, hippie rockers, Crosbie, Stills, Nash and Young in Neil Young’s CSNY Deja Vu play their anti-war “Freedom of Speech” tour, across America while aging, rocking-chair hipsters do their own tour in Young@Heart – a musical group of 73-88 year olds, who cover the Clash, Gloria Gaynor, Coldplay and more.
 
If Life Gives you Lemons, Make Lemonade
This old adage speaks volumes, but what if your lemons are taken away from you? A Palestinian woman decides to stand up to the Israelis and fight for her rights in The Lemon Grove.
 
Go Directly to Jail, Do Not Pass Go
Stories that strike your heart and soul; of people getting out of prison (I’ve Loved You So Long), and staying in prison, Hunger, Steve McQueen’s award winning film about Bobby Sands and the hunger strikers.
 
In Dublin’s Fair City……..
Tales from Dublin; of boxers fighting their way to their dreams in Saviours, and of a pair of young runaways in search of a different dream on the city streets (Kisses).
 
Outlandish Outlaws
We travel to Germany and meet the Red Army Faction, who terrorised Germany in the 70’s in Baader Meinhof Complex, and move over to modern day Italy, to the streets of Naples, where the “Neapolitan Mafia” rule in Gommorah.
 
School Days
A 19-year-old Iranian director, barely out of school herself, superbly relays a day in the life of, a very young girl in Afghanistan, who wishes to start school in her newly devastated village in Buddha Collapsed Out of Shame.
 
Old Ties, New Lessons
And we take a trip to France to examine and enjoy the wonderful, rekindled relationship between boyhood friends, who chose very different paths in life in Conversations With my Gardener and see how it is never too late to share life’s lessons.
 
Admission (includes membership)
Adm: 8 euro, (concessions 6 euro)
Group Rates available

Times/Location
Tuesdays - Grange 8:30pm
Wednesdays - Manorhamilton 8:30pm
Thursdays - Tubbercurry 8pm
Full Brochure available to download from this link http://www.cinemanorthwest.com/index.php?page=spring-brochure
Other details on our website www.cinemanorthwest.com

Education Programme
Cinema North West and The Model Arts Centre will be bringing French language and Irish Language films to schools to help prepare for the Oral exams.
Please contact us if you wish to be included in our Education Programme.

Eco Eye Programme to feature Western Rail Corridor

________________________________________________________________________

17  January 2009

A special Eco Eye programme about the Western Rail Corridor will be screened on RTÉ 1 on Tuesday January 20th at 7pm. The programme was made in association with West on Track, and financially supported by the Department of Transport, Iarnród Éireann and the County Councils of Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal.

The popular Eco Eye series, presented by Duncan Stewart, examines current issues and ideas concerning sustainability and environmental protection and has shown a particular interest in the development of sustainable public transport throughout the country.

 The programme shows the ongoing intensive works between Ennis and Athenry as the first phase of the railway nears completion and goes on to visit the next sections scheduled to reopen to Tuam and Claremorris under Transport 21, as well as that mooted for future development north of Claremorris.

 Note:

As part of Transport 21 the section of the Western Rail Corridor from Ennis to Claremorris is currently being rebuilt with the first phase, linking Galway and Limerick, the 3rd and 4th largest cities of the state, scheduled to become operational later this  year. The cost which includes upgrades to the existing InterCity railway between Athenry and Galway City is €106m.  The shorter sections to Tuam and Claremorris will then be completed as outlined in the programme for Government at a similar cost, far from the €350m figure quoted by “experts” from Dublin.

Frost filled the air on a cold, clear winter’s evening as a transformed St. Brigid’s Hall at the heart of Tubbercurry became a wonderful theatre space from 5th to 7th December.  There was a palpable sense of excitement on Friday evening as the opening of the festival drew near.  Santa had arrived in town, the Christmas lights were switched on and the local school choir had entertained the large gathering with their carol singing.   The stage was set for the 2008 All Ireland One Act Drama Finals. 

Saturday, 29^th November:

Open Draw:  St. Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry @ 4 pm.  Hall open to groups at 2 pm.

Launch:   Cawleys’ Hotel, Tubbercurry @ 7.30 pm.  Film & TV Director Dearbhla Walsh launching the Finals.  Music:  Kieran Quinn. Light Buffet.  Admission free – all welcome.

South Sligo Macra are hosting a "Tubber's Hidden Talent" on Saturday 22nd November 2008 in The Forge Bar commencing at 9.30pm.  Tubbercurry's Celebrity Judges will there on the night - so you will just have to come along and join in the fun.  And the night wouldn't be complete without Mc, DJ Shane.

There are fantastic prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd winners.  Come along and enourage your favourite act.

Best of Luck to all the contentants.

A fun night with lots of entertainment is guaranteed so don't dare miss it.....

The 2008 All-Ireland One Act Drama Finals will take place in St. Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry on the 5^th, 6^th and 7^th December 2008.  The Finals are being organised jointly by the Phoenix Players and the Western Drama Festival, under the auspices of the joint National ADCI/DLI committee. The draw for the running order will be held in Tubbercurry on Saturday, 29^th November followed by the festival launch in Cawleys’ Hotel at 7.30 pm.  All are welcome to attend the launch.  The Finals will be launched by Dearbhla Walsh, acclaimed Film & T.V. Director and a native of Tubbercurry.  Music by Kieran Quinn and refreshments will be provided on the night.

On Friday, 5^th December, at 5.15 pm sharp, a very special guest is due to arrive outside St. Brigid’s Hall, straight from the North Pole.  The school choir from Holy Family NS, under the direction of Cara Burke, will be providing musical entertainment and again, all welcome.  This will be followed by the opening of the festival, starting at 7.30 pm sharp with a mulled wine reception in the Supper Room beforehand at 6.45 pm.  Over twenty local young people are busily rehearsing a specially designed dance/drama piece which they will perform on the opening night.  They have been working under the direction of Kelly Hughes of Blue Raincoat Theatre Company.   

Gerry Hannigan was a proud uncle last Sunday evening November 9^th as he watched his 19year old nephew John O’Brien play a great game on his Debut as full back on the Connacht rugby team.  John’s mother Ann (nee Hennigan) is a Tubbercurry native who married John O’Brien Snr when he worked in AIB Tubbercurry during the 1970’s.  The young O’Brien is already an accomplished gaelic footballer having won an All Ireland minor medal with Galway in 2007 and he credits his uncle Gerry for a lot of his success to date.  Gerry was a noted Gaelic footballer and rugby player himself in the 1960’s and 1970’s and has passed on knowledge of both games to his nephew, acting as role of mentor.  Living in Clifden and a student in Galway, the young O’Brien has already represented Ireland in rugby at U-20 level and his elevation to the Connacht senior team on Sunday is another step to what will hopefully be a full international career.  Connacht beat Portugal last Sunday at the Galway sportsground and O’Brien capped a fine display by scoring a try just before half time.

Gerry Hannigan retired from manager of Bank of Ireland some years ago but is involved at a local level with the GAA Club and Tubbercurry Tidy Towns.  Charting his nephews progress is another string in his bow and continued success is wished to all.

It’s all systems go for the All-Ireland One Act Drama Finals which are being held in Tubbercurry this December, from Friday, 5^th to Sunday, 7^th inclusive.  With a minimum of eleven productions over the three days and nights at the recently refurbished St. Brigid’s Hall and a full programme of fringe events and nightly Festival Club entertainment, this promises to be a memorable event in Tubbercurry and one not to be missed for all drama fans.  The finals are being organised jointly by the Phoenix Players and the Western Drama Festival, under the auspices of a joint

National committee comprising of the A.D.C.I. ( Amateur Drama Council of Ireland) and the

D.L.I. (Drama League of Ireland)

Miss Alternative Tubbercurry Contest is a fun night organised by the Sligo Lions Club to raise Funds for two worthy causes. 

On the night a number of men dress up as Ladies, in turn, will be interviewed on stage by Radio Star Personality Mr. Tommy Marren when they will get to strut their stuff.

Three Independent Judges will select a Winner who will be Crowned Miss Alternative Tubbercurry.

Please note, the Judges decision shall be final and no dialogue will be entertained good bad or indifferent.

Good Luck to all contestants and may the Best Lady win.

For further information, please contact:
Collette Cooke 071-9185878 or Mary Henry 071-9185750

Why not come along and see what we have got in store for this year's Samhain Festival?

All-Ireland One Act Drama finals - It’s all systems go for the All-Ireland One Act Drama Finals which are being held in Tubbercurry this December, from Friday, 5^th to Sunday, 7^th inclusive.  With a minimum of eleven productions over the three days and nights at the recently refurbished St. Brigid’s Hall and a full programme of fringe events and nightly Festival Club entertainment, this promises to be a memorable event in Tubbercurry and one not to be missed for all drama fans.  Watch out for further details in the Arts Section of next week’s edition of the Sligo Champion.

Correspondent: Roger McCarrick                        

Email Address:

tubbercurrynotes@eircom.net

All-Ireland One Act Drama finals - It’s all systems go for the All-Ireland One Act Drama Finals which are being held in Tubbercurry this December, from Friday, 5^th to Sunday, 7^th inclusive.  With a minimum of eleven productions over the three days and nights at the recently refurbished St. Brigid’s Hall and a full programme of fringe events and nightly Festival Club entertainment, this promises to be a memorable event in Tubbercurry and one not to be missed for all drama fans.  Watch out for further details in the Arts Section of next week’s edition of the Sligo Champion.

The Phoenix Players are in the final stages of rehearsals for their 1 Act Play “Plaza Suite”, a comedy by Neil Simon.  The group will be participating in four festivals in November.  A local performance in St. Brigid’s Hall is planned for Sunday Night 2nd November.

History buffs and students of all ages may be interested in a series of lectures to be run at the Museum of Country Life, Turlough, Castlebar entitled The Moylough Belt Shrine.  This series runs 16^th October-27^th November with 6 lectures in total.  The first lecture on 16^th October is entitled ‘The Moylough Belt Shrine – Its discovery and significance’ and is being given by Raghnall O’Floinn, Head of Collections, National Museum of Ireland.

The Moylough Belt is a very valuable celtic find, found in Moylough Bog in the 1950’s just 3 miles outside Tubbercurry and is of huge national importance.

Other lectures cover topics such as Peatland Discoveries, The Church in the 8^th /9^th Century and secrets of the bog bodies.  Lectures are free of charge but booking is required.  Booking details Ph. 094-9031751.   

Banada Development Association visited Stormont in Belfast a couple of weeks ago and launched their colourful tapestry of ties donated by famous people to promote peace and reconciliation.

They were welcomed to Stormont by Dr. Ian Paisley, the former Northern Ireland First Minister. 

Included in the 40 strong party from South Sligo were Sean Owens, Cllr Gerry Lundy, Geraldine Kirrane, Mary Quinn, Tom O’Hara, Doris Clements, Tom Walsh, Alan Groves and many more who have done great voluntary work in the Banada area. 

Dr. Paisley was in great humour and greeted and shock hands with the entire visiting party.  Dr. Paisley has been invited to visit Banada and he said he will

be delighted to include it in his itinery for 2009.

The peaceful death occurred at Newtown Park House Nursing Home, Dublin of Maimie (Mary) O’Connor (nee Toohey) late of Clonskeagh, Dublin and formerly of Carrentubber, Tubbercurry, on October 10^th last.

Aged 87 Maimie was born and reared in Carrentubber and was educated in the Marist Convent.  All her adult life she was a very regular visitor to Carrentubber visiting her late brothers Sean and Roger and her love of Tubbercurry was evident all through the years.  She also loved to host her brothers Sean and Roger when they visited Dublin, be it for holidays or trips to the RDS shows.

Maimie loved her visits to Carrentubber, especially in Summer when her brother Sean would be busy preparing cattle or sheep for the local agricultural shows and her children were regularly enlisted for show duties.

Maimie is survived by her husband Patrick, son Rory, daughters Marie, Annette, Noreen & Marguerite, sons & daughter in laws, 14 grandchildren and her brother Fr. Seamus Toohey, all to whom sympathy is extended.

Her remains were removed to the Church of the Guardian Angels, Newtown Park Avenue and burial took place on October 13^th in Deans Grange Cemetary.

May she rest in Peace .

“Ar dheis De go raibh h-anam dilis”.

North Connacht College - Great numbers are this year taking advantage of the courses on offer at North Connaught College on the Sligo Road.  This facility is run by the VEC and caters for post leaving certificate courses for adults as well as school leavers. Those who have  recently left  school have joined those retraining for a new career, and  those who wish to take advantage of the  opportunity to re-enter the work of education.

 The building has proved too small to accommodate all the classes this year  and the college is also using ,temporarily,  the fine facilities at Moylough Heritage Centre .  Courses running this year are Beauty Therapy, Business Studies, Childcare, Community Development, Nursing studies, Security Studies, Tourism studies as well as evening classes in a variety of subjects.  For further information contact the college on 0719185035

Cinema North West (mobile cinema) - has returned for Autumn/Winter Season 

The film for Thursday 16th is In Search of a Midnight Kiss -USA, 2007, 99 min, Cert:Club Dir: Alex Holdridge, Cast: Scoot McNairy, Sara Simmonds, Brian McGuire A low budget, stylised romantic comedy about a bunch of neurotic and frustrated twentysomethings in LA. Wilson, an impulsive, self-pitying, ne’er-do-well  makes a last-ditch attempt to ring in the new year with, well, anyone and posts an ad for a New Year’s Eve date. He gets more than he bargained for, when Vivian, a quasi-suicidal drunken blonde with emotional issues answers his call. Shot in fabulous black and white, we are taken on a journey through parts of Tinsel Town traditionally ignored by Hollywood.   “Funny, tragic and a date movie of an altogether classier breed.” Time Out, London

The mobile cinema located beside Teach Laighne is a wonderful evening’s entertainment and should be on your regular social evening schedule.  For this Autumn the time has been changed to an 8pm start (Teach Laighne Car Park)

to give you plenty of time for a meal or drink locally afterwards.  This weeks film is kindly sponsored by Fergus Brennan Tool Hire.  

Tubbercurry win National Endeavor Award in Nation Tidy Towns Competition.

Tubbercurry Tidy Town Committee is pleased with their achievement in winning the County Endeavours Award in the 2008 National Tidy Towns Competition recently announced.  The €1, 000 prize will go towards further enhancement of their town in 2009.  The increase of 15 mark (7.8%) was the highest achievement of any town/village in Sligo and offers great encouragement for further progress for future years.

The committee this year set out a 5 year plan and an equal improvement over each of the next 4 years would leave the town vying for overall County honours and indeed in the frame for National honours

The Committee realise that to achieve this, there must be a continued local  Community involvement, such as shop front and house painting, provision of flower hanging and window baskets together with planters and improved garden displays.

The absence of weeds, the necessity of lawns and hedges cut and above all else an endeavour to ensure that each house/business ensures their “own place” is litter free.

The committee also point out that it is in the interest of the local community that their town figures prominently in this competition as it enhances the overall appearance and attractiveness of the place, to live, work and visit, also helping business environment, house prices, etc.

The committee would like to thank the local people for their increased support this year, and would point out that it is only with their active involvement that progress can continue in the future.

For the coming year the committee have targeted the following places for improvement ie. the old railway station, the VEC grounds on mountain Road, tree planting on circular Road with further enhancement of flower beds and planters.

They would also like to congratulate Highfield Estate Residents on winning a €700 award from a Sligo County Council run competition, also Mullarkeys Furniture for their shop front award. 

A large support from the Local Community is expected at the upcoming A.G.M  the date of which will be announced in this column at a future date.   

Watch out for Foreign Lottery scams.  Many people locally have received letters telling them they have won large amounts of money in foreign lottos and asking the ‘winner’ to forward money to have the cheque forwarded.

Under no circumstances should you send money or give your bank account details to anybody in scams like this.  If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is a scam.  The fraudsters tell you not to say anything to anybody to protect your winnings – this is just so that you are not advised properly.

Watchout – nobody gives away money for nothing.

Sligo International Choral Festival takes place from Wednesday 15^th to Sunday 19^th October. Over 40 choirs from Europe will participate in the festival. Tickets are available from Liber Bookshop, O’Connell St, Sligo on 071 9142219.

Community Foundation  Small Grants Scheme  is currently available . This grant would apply to not-for-profit and voluntary groups working in communities. The closing date is 31 October 2008. Full details are available from Sligo Arts Service, Market Yard  071 911 1982

Business Start Up-FÁS CE Scheme specially Designed for the Un-Employed: 

Co Sligo LEADER Partnership are now  recruiting for a FÁS Community Employment scheme - Business Start Up, which will commence in January 2009. 

This scheme will run for six months and is specially designed for those who are long term un-employed and have a Self-Employment Business Idea. 

Are you unemployed?  Have you a Self-Employment Business Idea?  Are you eligible for a FÁS Community Employment Scheme?

Interviews will take place in early December 2008.

On completion of this scheme you may be eligible to progress onto the ‘Back to Work Enterprise Allowance’, which offers a further 4 years financial support.

Brochure & Application Form available from:  071  91 20636       

National Grant for Sport & Physical Activity for Older People

The Go for Life National programme are pleased to announce that €350,000 has been allocated under the eighth National Grant Scheme for Sport and Physical activity for Older people.  The grants range from €500 to €3,000 and are typically used by groups to purchase equipment so that members may explore a new sporting activity. The closing date for application is 22^nd October full particulars are available from Sligo Arts Service, Market Yard 071 911 1982.

Youth Video Clip National Competition – There is €10,000 to be won as Credit Unions and SpunOut.ie launch all-Ireland Video Clip Competition. The video clip competition entitled “What I love about my place”. The entrants must record a 60 second video on what makes their place special. The closing date for submission is 31^st October 2008. Full details and regulations are available from Sligo Arts Service, Market Yard 071 911 1982

Antoinette Roddy and Eileen Ginty of Aclare are busy fundraising for the Oncology unit of Sligo General Hospital and they are taking part in the New York City Marathon on November 2^nd.

As part of the fundraising they are having a social in the Lough Talt Inn on this Friday Night October 17^th starting 9.30pm.

Part of the social is Beard, Body and leg waxing and shaving, organised by the Deehan Clan, Jimmy Deehan is growing his beard for decades but it is to be shaved off for this fundraiser.  Some people think he was born with his beard, but this is not true and there will be a competition to guess how long he has it growing.

Music and craic will also be provided so come along for a great nights fun this Friday night October 17^th.

Ireland's first ever National Sandwich Day, sponsored by Pat the Baker, is on Friday 14th November. All proceeds go to Self Help Africa which helps farmers in rural Africa to become self sufficient. You are asked to participate and help make this a fundraising success by making and selling sandwiches for friends and work colleagues on the day. To get involved call Fergal Gallagher on 0868607140 or visit www.sandwichday.ie

Tubbercurry and district Active Retirement association resumed activities on Tuesday, 23rd September, with a programme planning and social evening.  Included in their programme for the coming weeks are a Bingo session, Card game, Table Quiz, Outing, Work meeting plus yoga session and a talk on Natural Remedies and Healthy Foods.  Bowling will continue in Teach Laighne at 11 am and 2.15 pm on Mondays and the Book Club will meet on October 29th,.  Book to be reviewed will be 'Angels in my Hair' by Lorna Byrne.  New members are welcome.

St. Vincent De Paul advises that they have a house to let at Ozanam Cresent to a suitable tenant.  It is usually to a senior citizen that would meet the criteria, but not essential. For further information please contact 087 6737144.

Women’s Art Corner -Due to the success of our Hairs Creations course with Nike Ogun we are commencing a second course in November called Christmas Creations make your own gifts, cards and decorations.  Course will be on a Tuesday’s 7.30pm – 9.30pm.  If interested please contact the Resource Centre on 9186926.

Morning Arts and Crafts -Anyone interested in participating in a morning arts and crafts class we intend to hold classes on a Thursday Mornings 10.30am – 12.30pm in the coming weeks if interested please contact the Resource Centre on 9186926.

                P Parent & Toddler Group - Would you like to meet other parents and toddlers, the Family Resource Centre Parent and Toddler group meet every Wednesday 2pm - 3.30pm at the Community Creche on the Mountain Road.  For more information call                  Mary on  9186926.

             T   The Al anon family support group meet on a Thursday evening at 9pm in Tubbercurry FRC.

                AAll Ears -are you  suffering from anxiety, loneliness, panic attacks, depression,stuck in a rut or any other mental health problems. All  Ears Mental Health Support Group can help.  Meetings take place in Tubbercurry FRC on a Wednesday evening.                 For more details contact the centre on 9186926.

               A Carer Support Group meet in the Centre on the third Monday of each month. The next meeting is on Monday 20^th October at 11am. For more information on the group contact Mary on 071 9186926.

                PParenting Alone

               Tubbercurry Family Resource Centre is establishing a parents support group for people parenting alone.  The aim of the group is for parents to establish links and get to know people in the area, have time out for themselves, relax and have a chat.  If                you are interested in this group or would like more information please feel free to call into the office or contact Mary in the Resource Centre on 9186926

               T The Family Resource Centre intend to run  a morning arts and crafts class on Thursday Mornings 10.30am – 12.30pm in the coming weeks.  A basic DIY   course will commence in November for more information contact the Resource Centre.

 TTat C    Tai Chi Classes start in Tubbercurry, at St.Brigid's Hall on Thur mornings from 10am - 12.00 noon, every week. There is a free introductory class on Thur 16th OCT at 10.00am. All are welcome to come along and try out Tai Chi. For further details contact Kath on 071 9181491
T              Tang Soo Do  Korean Martial Arts Classes continue for all ages in St. Brigid's Hall every Thurs evening at 5.30 - 6.30pm. Further details from Master Titus 6th Dan on 071 9118712 or 086 1271039  

                                                                                            MAX MARK                                MARK AWARDED 2008
Overall Development Approach                                       50                                                         28
The Built Environment                                                       50                                                         29
Landscaping                                                                       50                                                         31
Wildlife & Natural Amenities                                             50                                                        14
Litter Control                                                                        50                                                        30
Waste Minimisation                                                           20                                                           9
Tidiness                                                                               30                                                        12
Residential Areas                                                              40                                                         24
Roads, Streets, & Back Areas                                         50                                                         23
General Impression                                                          10                                                            7

Overall Development Approach:
Welcome to this year's comptition and thank you for the completed entry form, folder with additional documentation which were very useful on the day of adjuducatoin.  The drive and energy of your 20 members and the volunteers are certainly making a different for the better.  Well done also on the festivals and other activities you pack into each crowded year's work.  Please give thought to the creation of a 3 or 5 year programme.  Such a plan, devised in consulation with the wider community, will help you in selecting items for priorty action and enable you to identify those agencies who are best equipped to take the lead role in some projects.
The Built Environment:
In general, Church, Civic and Commerical buildings were well presented especially in Wolf Tone Square.  Parts of the Credit Union building seemed not to be in current use.  Supervalu looked well while a number of shops in this street would benefit from being painted before next year's competition.  Gallagher House Resource Centre looked fresh while the sign did need to be redone.  The new library is impressive while Connaght Gold stores were colourful and well presented.  The large scale St. Attracta's Community School was imposing while the Garda Station caught the eye.  Ard Aisling and High Field were well developed with good floral displays at their entrances.
Landscaping:
The grass planting positioned between the road and pedestrian pathways are most attractive quite apart from the enhanced safety aspect.  The use of large scale planters with a tree as a centre piece is applauded along the main roads and streets.  The landscaping if the Boyle approach road is well above par which the Kilcoyne GAA grounds are very well presented with good planting outside the front facing wall.  The Hanging baskets at Killahurk House caught the eye.
Wildlife & Natural Amenities:
Seek the services of a loval enthusiast, perhaps a member of Bird Watch Ireland for example, who would be willing to draft a suitable programme for you to then approch the school management.  The various elements of a successful prgramme typically include a survey of possible sites suitable as natural or bird habitats Cnoc-Na-Si might suggest itself in this context; perhaps also a base line audit or survey of existing birds - often done by school students in transition year - followed by the erection of information panels in suitable locations in inform the public and raise awareness.
Litter Control:
The success of your Litter Action Events was very obvious on the day of adjudication and is reflected in a mush better mark and preformance than last year.  In particular, the Main Street are was much improved.
Waste Minimisation:
The Holy Family National School are congratulated on securing Green Flag Status,  The bring centre was neat, suitable sighted and clearly in use.  Their location outside the lockable gates of the civil recycling centre is sensible.  The facility to recyce clothing is worthwhile but perhaps a more appropriate location might be suggested.  This category is very much about getting the communiyt to consider and implenment methods of reducing the generation of waste in all its forms in addition to being about recycling items where possible.  In effect, it seeks to implement a change of mindset in in both the community and personally to the issue.  Considerable guidance is readily available: read the booklet form the Race against Wast - especially page nine which offers may helpful guidelines on the process which best begins with an audit of waste, how it is generated both by individual household and community in general.  Help and advice is also available from Sligo County Council Environment Deptarment with whom you might consider staging a waste awareness workshop.  The Green Flag programme for Schools is also an excellent template to keep in mind.
Tidiness:
The large number os sings is bordering on teh excessive especially on approach roads (we counted 18 in one single location).  Some of the directional signs and especially the School Ahead warning sign need to be simply washed.  The large scale Basta Plant was neat and orderly as was Leonard Building Supplies but in the latter case refit the damaged wall which detracts from the good impression.  High overgrown grass at the entrance to The Nest in the centre of the town calls for early attention.  The committee's 300 letters to businesses is a major boost to awareness and clearly  had a good effect.
Residential Areas: 
Engaging with the Residents association in teh various estates help to expand the reach of the committee and is clearly working.  The houses on the Boyle Road were excellent, the Fairways, a new housing estate was well maintained with many excellent gardens.  The Rocklands featured good planting at the entrance and the communal grassed area has been well and suitably planted.  Coill Dara, a charming cul de sack was marred to a degree by the extent of grass and weeds between the road and pavement.  The White Thorne Place featured a fine stone entrance.  While Cnoc-na-Si is  maturing nicely with communal grassed are featuring appropriate planting.
Roads, Streets & Back Areas:
Signs are somewhat of a problem on many roads, too many of them in some places (Sligo Road), others being partly obscured by encroaching vegetation (Boyle Road) and some speed limit signs (Boyle Road) reversed by vandals.  The Twinning sign on the Boyle Road caught the eye.  The Tubbercurry Golf Club was inviting as was the club itself while on the Ballina Road the signs were fresh and clearly readable.  We admired the good grass plating behind the bollards on the N17.  Sligo Road had a number of rustly sign poles and some poles without any signs on them.  The well maintained walls on other approach roads were absence heere as some gaps have appreared in the fry fill stone walls.
General Impression:
A got it together centre with a clear view ahead.  Progressive and energetic the committee has secured the support and involvment of the wider community.  Do please complete a 5 year programme to guide your foward planning.  All involved with thus year's entry are applauded for their efforts and wished will in 2009.

A MONSTER FUNDRAISER

IN AID OF

CYSTIC FIBROSIS

BAR-B-QUE
"ROAST PIG ON A SPIT"

SAT 11TH OCTOBER 2008 @ 10PM

IN

CAWLEY'S, TUBBERCURRY
(ON THE TERRACE, WEATHER PERMITTING)

MUSIC BY: SHANE WALSH

ALL DONATIONS WELCOME ON THE NIGHT
DONATIONS CAN ALSO BE MADE TO AIB BANK A/C NO: 04697001 SORT CODE 93-72-74
TARGET €10,000

The Old Fair & Heritage Day will commence on 8th August to 13th August 2008 in Tubbercurry.  This year promises to be even better with activites, entertainment and music for all.

A taste of what's happening in Tubbercurry from 8th - 13th August

Saturday 9th August
Parade
Ballina Gospel Choir
Fireworks

Sunday 10th August
Fun Day
Band - La Bamba
Games

Monday 11th August
Pavement Art/Face Painting

Tuesday 12th August
Face painting for children

Wedneday 13th August
Old Fair & Heritage Day
With special Guest Robert Mizzell

It’s all systems go for the 22^nd South Sligo Summer School of traditional music, song and dance which will take place in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo from the 13^th – 19^th July.

The people of Tubbercurry look forward every year to the influx of people into their town and surrounding area for what is locally known as ‘Music Week’.  For those of you who haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit Tubbercurry during the South Sligo Summer School, it is one of those things you must do – it is a week like no other in so many ways – words are not enough to do justice to the direct experience – that inexpressible feeling of joy and togetherness when a simply great session happens and goes on into the early hours – or that moment of pure genius and inspiration when, at a recital or concert two or more musicians who may or may not have met before, click and play magical music together.  There is so much about the South Sligo Summer School that cannot be easily put into words but, so that you can have an idea of the planned activities for the week, here is a brief summary.