CLONMANY AND BALLYLIFFEN EDITORIAL

The parish of Clonmany, in the north east of the peninsula, includes the two villages, Clonmany (known as The Cross to locals), and Ballyliffen. It is a treasure trove of outstanding beauty, historic landmarks, first class facilities and fascinating folklore. It was once described as the ‘most Irish parish’ and it does epitomise the Irish culture and landscape.

Clonmany has been translated as both “The Meadow of St Maine” and “The Meadow of the Monks”. Although the village itself is the youngest in Inishowen, the Clonmany area is steeped in history, with dolmens, forts and standing stones dotting the landscape. There was a monastery set up in Columban times over 1500 years ago. The site is the three cornered piece of ground between the road and the Dresden laneway. The monastery lands extended from the school heights to the sea. There were two white, pillared stones marking the entrance to the monastery lands (known locally as Adam and Eve). One can still be seen in the school playground and the other was on the opposite side of the road where W. Acheson’s house stands.

Doagh Famine Village
One of the most visited tourist attractions locally is the Doagh famine Village. Pat Doherty, left school at 13 to work in the building trade. When he was travelling around other parts of the country, he noticed that there seemed to be more tourists visiting other areas. After a while, he got fed up with all the driving he was doing and wanted to work nearer home. He combined his interest in heritage with his old family home and set up the Doagh Famine Island Visitor Centre. Since it has started Pat has been adding new attractions every year, and his interest in the local heritage along with what is happening globally is reflected in his exhibits and displays. He is a natural story-teller and the tours are fascinating. His innovative idea of Santa’s lap-land brings tourists to the area in a quieter tourist season and families travel from all over for this magical and festive experience.

Glenevin Waterfall
The spectacular Glenevin waterfall, 2 kilometres from Clonmany is part of a beautiful valley walk that is a credit to local community groups. The walk is well designed and sign posted with picnic areas and footbridges, which lead the adventurer to the wedge shaped waterfall. Fresh mountain water cascades over black rock from an astounding height of thirty feet. The basin below is called Pohl-an-eas (meaning ferment pool) from the foam, which lies on the surface of the pool.

Festivals
The Clonmany festival is a popular annual event in the village calendar, and has been running over forty years. The festival committee work hard putting on a varied programme of music, workshops, sporting events and fun sessions. The McGlinchey Summer School was set up in 1998 to explore the history and traditions of Inishowen and the North West.

Charles McGlinchey
Charles McGlinchey was a weaver and tailor by trade. He was born in Meentiagh Glen in 1861 and lived most of his long life in his native place. He lived through a time of great social change and observed life in his local environment with a keen eye. He was a natural story-teller and a great wit. In his late eighties, Charles McGlinchey and Patrick Kavanagh, a local schoolmaster of Gaddyduff national school struck up an intimate friendship and Kavanagh patiently transcribed McGlincheys’ stories by longhand. The stories document local life including the famin, poteen, poets, publicans and pilgrimages. They were then edited by Brian Friel into a book, “The Last of the Name”.



McNeill’s Roods
After the Battle of the Boyne, Col. Mc Neill, a Scotch planter, lived at Binion and kept a band of Herdsmen or Yowmen to keep the people down. Any girl he fancied, his herdsmen brought her to Binion and there was great ill feeling over all the girls he wronged. Many people cursed him and vowed vengeance. Any girl who had a baby of his got a rood of land as maintenance. There are many of McNeills "roods" about the parish. One of them is the piece of ground where "Ballyliffin Hotel" is built.

On one occasion he went to the fair of Pollan (June 1709) and tried to seize a girl but she escaped. His way home was over Annaugh Hill, and at a place called "Gallach", some Ardagh men attacked him, and felled him with a stone, and he died from the wounds inflicted. The night after he died, a sidewall in Binion House fell and people said it was the Devil carrying him off. His grave is at the corner of the old Churchyard facing Binion.

Famine Story
During the famine, the English people offered soup and bread to the people of Clonmany on conditions that they would go two Sundays to the Protestant church. The poor people would not turn against their god and preferred to die of starvation rather than part with their faith handed down to them by St. Patrick. One poor woman with fourteen of a family that lived in Straid yielded and agreed to go to the Protestant Church. The second Sunday she went when service was over the minister called her up in front of the pulpit.

She went up and according to the rules of the protestant church it was necessary to cover her with a black cloak in order to make her a perfect Protestant. The woman refused to put on the cloak. The minister asked her why then did she come to church. She replied, “I only came until the new potatoes come.”

The next Sunday the soldiers drove the people of Straid and Gaddyduff and the surrounding townlands into the Protestant Church by force. The minister approached them with a long dish having on it small pieces of common white bread which he called Holy Communion. One big fellow shouted in Irish “Don’t take it from him.” With that the big fellow caught a loaf of bread that was on the dish and struck the minister on the head. An uproar got up. The Minister was tossed and the dish was trampled on. After a furious fight the poor fellows were driven back to their cells badly wounded. But it had the effect that the English soldiers never attempted to convert the people of Clonmany again by force.

Holy Wells
There were different holy wells around the Clonmany area with different folklore attached to them. Colmcille blessed one in Binnion and in Pollan and they were both reputed to heal all kinds of diseases and ills. There is also one at the top of Sliabh Seact. The legend was if any-one muddied the water, a mist would come down, and the traveller would go astray until the mist cleared. The story goes that one unlucky man, muddied and was lost. His people went to look for him in the morning and found him dead in the heather.

Did You Know


It was off Dunaff Head that Wolfe Tone was captured in 1798 by the English and brought to Buncrana and on to Dublin, where he was sentenced to death.

The Urris area to the west of the village of Clonmany was the last bastion of the Irish language in Inishowen.

The monastery at Clonmany was home to the Miosach, a copper and silver shrine, which is now located in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.

The first Clonmany festival was to celebrate emigrants’. Much of the spirit was due to the generosity of people at home welcoming home the emigrants from England, Scotland and America.

Poteen was the main industry in the area in the 1800’s

It is said that there is a 'cave' in a field of Mr Bradleys at Cleagh and the fairies come out every night and sing there. If you go down into this cave you go through an underground passage from it to Crossconnell.

The first houses in Clonmany were built round a crossroads, hence the local name of “The Cross”.

The recently restored Market House was built to collect rents and used as a social and commercial centre. Grain, seeds, wool and kelp were bought and sold on the Tuesday and Friday markets up until the mid 60’s.

I CARROT BELIEVE IT

Whoever said that it hasn’t been a great year for growing vegetables didn’t talk to Colm Moyle and his grandchildren in Muff. Colm has been successfully growing vegetables for years and has recently passed the baton of giant carrot growing to a few of his 16 grandchildren who all love watering and tending the perfectly formed vegetables. So what is their secret? The children are eager to share their growing tips.

“We grow them in sections of plastic drainage pipes” explains one. “We put them in the ground and filled it with potting compost. We plant three seeds in each pipe and when the seeds sprout, only the strongest is left to grow.” Another thinks that the feeding is important. “We fed the carrots every week with an organic plant food,” he adds enthusiastically. The eldest has measured and weighed the root. “The largest one we grew weighs 2lb 12oz (1.25kg) and the top of it is 18 inches across.” He tells me. “When the long root was on it measured 3 feet,” he adds.

So would the children be eating the giant carrot? “Ugh no!” they all say, “It doesn’t look tasty at all”. Colm steps in. “I think we are going to be eating soup until the spring,” he says with a wry smile.

FUN CARROT FACTS

The average person will consume 10,866 carrots in a lifetime
Carrots were the first vegetable to be canned commercially.
You can get 2000 carrot seeds on a teaspoon.
Carrots were first grown as a medicine not a food.
If carrots were made into bio- fuel, it would take approximately 6000 of them to drive one mile.

EDITORIAL - INISH BEAUTY LASER CLINIC

“Being pampered isn’t just for the women, there is the Blue Room for the boys”.


Fancy being pampered?

Inish Beauty Laser Clinic is officially opening its doors tomorrow and everyone is welcome. Proprietor, Claire McElhinney has a unique choice of treatments from rejuvenating your skin to extending you eyelashes as well as massages and nail painting. Claire, from Culdaff, has spent the last 10 years in Dublin where she went to a private collage and trained as a Beauty Therapist getting a C.I.B.T.A.C & C.I.D.E.S.C.O Diploma.

Claire carried on her training. “After college I specialised in eyelash extensions and then worked as a full time Beauty Therapist in the Pretty Woman Beauty Salon and Laser Clinic in Dublin”.

“After all of the training and experience, I felt confident enough to return to Donegal and set up my own business, providing clients with the best and latest treatments and products in the beauty industry”. Claire continues.

Claire has the perfect setting for the business. “The new premises is behind Serenity Hair on Malin Street, and is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the busy street”. Claire tells us. “It has its own courtyard with seating area, and on sunny days you can sit outside and relax in between treatments”. Bliss…..


Claire specialises in:

IPL Laser treatment: for all that unwanted hair, Acne, Pigmentation, and Skin Rejuvenation.

Germaine De Capuccini specialised facials: that include our alternative to Botox and face-lifts.

Semi permanent eyelash extensions which last 4-6 weeks- a must have for that special occasional.

A luxury spa pedicure chair: where you can have a wonderful massage at the same time as getting your feet done.


Claire has created a relaxing and social beauty centre. With her eye for detail and knowledge of the latest methods in beauty care, Inish Beauty Laser Clinic has every treatment you will ever need under one roof. Keep an eye out for the special offers and beauty packages for formals, weddings and special occasions. For more information call Claire on 074 9373917

5 MINUTES WITH - AILEEN

Aileen lives in Magherinture, Buncrana with husband Frank and son Garbhan, who is a trainee electrician. She has been running her highly successful dog grooming company for 6 years after making the decision to leave work and follow her love of animals. Her hard work and determination has paid dividends as she is now fully qualified in the fine art of animal care. Aileen’s Dog Grooming is going leaps and bounds as people from all over the peninsula take their pets in for a shampoo, a brush, a haircut, or to get their nails clipped. If your dog needs some grooming, then you can contact Aileen on (074) 9363873

What music do you like?
I move around a lot in the daytime, so I tend to listen to the radio a lot. I enjoy Highland in the morning but tend to turn over to RTE 1in the afternoon and listen to the Joe Duffy show. It’s always good for uncovering controversies and scandals.

What would you never throw away?
I hoard clothes. I even have them from when I was in my 20’s. I keep thinking I will fit back into them one day.

What book are you reading?
I tend to read more books in winter. I have been three months trying to get through a book called “Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems” written by Cesar Millan, who is well known for his National Geographic channel called the Dog Whisperer. The book is a great training program for dog owners.

What was your favourite childhood game?
Rounders. I used to play a lot in Marian Park in Buncrana. The green had four concrete squares set in the ground, which made ideal bases for the game.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I was at the cinema about six months ago and for the life of me I can’t remember what I went to see. It obviously wasn’t very good…

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I usually read from the back. I start off at the classified pet section to see what dogs are for sale.

What is your idea of a good night out?
Going for a nice meal and a drink with friends. I love trying new places, the last one was Primavera, the new Italian restaurant in Buncrana.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
Desperate Housewives and Prison Break. There will be a new series of Desperate Housewives out in the winter. It’s so easy to get hooked in.

How do you relax?
I go swimming every morning and enjoy walking the dogs. I have three, Harvey, a Golden Retriever and Gizmo and Chloe who are Lhasa apso’s. I also exercise my horse Merlin whenever I get a free minute.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be a vet. I loved animals. I remember keeping stray dogs and cats in a makeshift “house” made in a neighbours plot of land, unbeknown to my mother. I would get up early and take the stray cats for a walk in my coat hood.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Back to Kenya. I went on safari there a few years ago and went to the National Parks to see the big cats. I would like to see the gorillas in Uganda too.

Your idea of heaven?
Lying on a beach.

Have you ever been asked to groom something unusual?
I got a phone call form a man who wanted me to groom his miniature horse once. I am still not sure if it was a hoax or not… he never rang back.

Favourite animals?
My ultimate favourite has to be dogs, then horses, then cats.

What couldn’t you live without?
My dogs. They give me so much pleasure, especially Chloe (pictured) she is the Queen of the household.

Biggest fear?
Spiders. When I was young a friend and I were in a shed and one crawled up my friends leg. She screamed and flicked it off and I still don’t know where it landed. I had the biggest panic attack….

Biggest thrills?
I love seeing the transformation of a dog before and after grooming. Especially untidy dogs like Rough Collies. They love it too and often do a dance afterwards. Getting the horse onto the beach is another great thrill.

What is your idea of a good night in?
A good film a bottle of wine, with a pizza. It’s a luxury I save for the weekend.

Do you have a hobby?
My job is my hobby and I love what I do. But to get away from everything, I go horse riding.

Biggest disappointment?
I used to ask Santa for a pony every year and was always disappointed to see he hadn’t put one underneath the stairs for me.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The Wild West in America, just for the horse riding.

World’s most useful invention?
The mobile phone. I would still prefer to live without it but they become so much a part of life.

What do you have for breakfast?
Grapefruit, cereal and fruit.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
It was a big step for me to leave work and follow my interest in dog grooming. A few friends told me to go for it…..

Personal philosophy?
Follow your heart.

InishOH! - WATER - EDITORIAL

Magreth McGill is a passionate woman with strong ideals and purpose. I am talking to her about her new business venture with her partners Sharon McGilloway and Robbie Henry. Microwater Ltd is the only Irish provider of alkaline, ionised water -inishOH!

“I want to change people’s water drinking habits” she tells me. “This water tastes better, is better for you and it is local. Never mind being an armchair journalist –get a bottle and see what you think,” she challenges.

The Taste Test
Now I do like my water. I rarely go to the pub as all I ever drink is water, I don’t even have tea or coffee, preferring to drink hot water. It is not something I think about, it is something I do. I nip into Fullerton’s in Buncrana, one of the local suppliers around Inishowen. There are three sizes of bottles and they are slightly more expensive then the other bottled waters. I pick up a bottle and take it to the check-out. “Do many people buy this?” I ask the woman serving me. “Yes, it seems to be going well.” She smiles back.

Back home, I call Julie and we sit down to try it out. I pour two glasses, we pick them up, look at each other and drink in unison. It tastes lighter somehow. “What do you think?” I ask Julie. “It is soft,” she says. “It just slips down the throat,” I comment. We taste it again. Then Julie goes to the tap and pours two glasses of water. There is a definite difference. The taste of the inishOH! is definitely better and it sounds strange, but it is easier to drink.

Health Benefits
Magreth is telling me about a testimonial she got last night from a customer who lives locally and had been suffering with irritable bowel syndrome. This woman tried the water and for the first couple of weeks she felt a bit irritable as the toxins from her bowels were released. Then, after a fortnight, she started to feel much better than she had for years, the symptoms had cleared up and people commented on how well she looked. “This happens because inishOH! is alkanised. ”Magreth explains. “inishOH! can help balance excessive acidity which weakens all our body systems”

Water Cooler Service
Microwater Ltd provide a local water cooler service to businesses and Magreth is keen to promote the benefits of using a local provider. She is passionate about keeping the business local, processing locally, employing locally, supplying locally and providing support to local charities. With all the talk these days about our carbon footprint, it does make sense for local businesses that provide a water cooler service to their employees and customers to look for local suppliers. It also makes business sense to provide water that has health benefits to staff and customers. The water coolers can be rented or purchased from inishOH! and an inclusive price includes delivery, installation, maintenance and cleaning.

Local Charities
Five cents from every bottle of inishOH! purchased goes to local charities. “We like to target charities like the kidney foundation or a children’s charity or with a sport emphasis” Magreth explains. “Charity begins at home, so we want to keep the money in the local community.”

Body’s Choice
As I re-read the article, I feel a little thirsty. Both glasses of water are sitting beside the computer. Without even noticing or thinking about it, I watch my hand deliberately choose the inishOH! glass. My body knows what is good for it!

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 30

The Empty Boat

If a man is crossing a river

And an empty boat collides with his own skiff,

Even though he be a bad-tempered man

He will not become very angry.

But if he sees a man in the boat,

He will shout at him to steer clear.

If the shout is not heard, he will shout again,

And yet again, and begin cursing.

And all because there is somebody in the boat.

Yet if the boat were empty,

He would not be shouting, and not angry.

 

If you can empty your own boat

Crossing the river of the world,

No-one will oppose you,

No-one will seek to harm you.

 

Chuang-tzu

WORLD HEART DAY 2008

“It’s never too early, or never too late to start looking after your heart” Shahryar Sheikh, President of the World Heart Foundation.

The Irish Heart Foundation recommends that: “children and young people should aim to participate in activity of at least moderate intensity for one hour every day”

Be a role model. Children learn by watching what their parents do. Show your child that you enjoy and value activity by taking part yourself - even simple things like walking short journeys instead of using the car can have a big influence.


WORLD HEART DAY 2008



KNOW YOUR RISK
World Heart Day is the most successful international campaign against heart disease and stroke. The World Heart Federation, based in Geneva, Switzerland, created the annual campaign in the year 2000 to increase public awareness of the growing threat of heart disease and stroke. This year the World Heart Day is on Sunday the 28th of September and their message is: “Know Your Risk!" The aim is to let the public find out what they can do to reduce their risk to the disease.


POSITIVE MESSAGE
Heart disease and stroke is the world’s largest killer, claiming 17.5 million lives a year. The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable and that simple, affordable steps can be taken to reduce the major risk factors.

The message of World Heart Day is a positive one and emphasizes the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle to leading a better, longer life.

LOOK AFTER YOUR HEART

Healthy eating
The key to healthy eating is to eat a wide variety of foods. Using the Food Pyramid as a guide will help make sure you get all the vitamins, minerals and goodness you need.

Get active
Regular physical activity is one of the main factors that reduces your risk of heart attack, along with not smoking and having a healthy level of blood pressure and cholesterol. Being active is the one factor that you can influence and change yourself without medication or treatment, and usually with very little cost. All it takes is about 30 minutes of aerobic activity most days, such as brisk walking, swimming or dancing. You can include household tasks such as cleaning the house and gardening.

Stopping smoking
You know the dangers and can feel it destroying your health.

Weight loss and heart disease

Being overweight means that your heart has to work harder to pump blood around your body. This extra pressure can cause wear and tear on your heart and blood-vessel system. Many people who are overweight for a long time develop high blood pressure or diabetes.

High blood pressure

A person with high blood pressure feels well, looks well and rarely has any symptoms. However, high blood pressure makes the heart and arteries work harder, causing damage over the years.
Watching your cholesterol level Having high cholesterol levels in your blood is one of the risk factors, which increases your chances of getting heart disease. One of the best ways to prevent heart disease is to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level.

Stress and the heart

If you feel stressed, your blood will produce more hormones. Although they are useful in small amounts, too many of these hormones, continuously and over time, can damage your arteries and may lead to high blood pressure.

Only you can change the way you react to stress.

DID YOU KNOW?

Approximately 10,000 people die each year from cardiovascular disease. The largest number of these deaths are caused by heart attack (5,000).

There are over 4,000 chemicals in a cigarette. Once you stop smoking your health improves immediately and you begin to reduce your risk of heart disease.

A recent Irish survey showed that: 34% of men and women had high blood pressure but were not on medication to control it. 18% were on medication but their blood pressure was still high. Only 40% of Irish men and women over the age of 45 had normal blood pressure levels.

By 2025 it is estimated that 1.5 billion people, that’s one in three people around the world could have high blood pressure if preventative steps are not taken soon.

High blood pressure rarely causes any outward symptoms.

You can get your blood pressure checked at your local medical centre.

5 MINUTES WITH - KATHRYN O'CALLAGHAN

Originally from Dublin, Kathryn O’Callaghan has been living on the outskirts of Carndonagh for three years with Seamus (her partner) and her two children. Kathryn got involved with the Inishowen Gospel Choir and it’s sister group, the Specular Choir when it began and their popularity has grown to such an extent that most of her time is spent managing the group. Their highlights this year include a recent appearance at the green Futures Field at Glastonbury and critically acclaimed performances with Duke Special and Foy Vance. They have also travelled to France, Poland and England and just returned from a spot in the Spiegel Tent in Dublin at the Fringe Festival. Kathryn loves delving into the wonderful world of wacky choirs and is looking forward to their next performance in McGrory’s in Culdaff on the 2nd of October. Billed as A Concert For India it also has performances from the Henry Girls and Spirit of Jazz.

BBC Northern Ireland will be at McGrory’s to film the choir for a programme called “Festival Nights” which will be shown on the 20th October. This is to highlight the Queen’s Festival in Belfast on the 25th October, where they will be performing at a concert called Urban Hymns with an array of special guests.


What music do you like?
All sorts, from blues to jazz, trad to classical, the list is endless.

What would you never throw away?
My children – I’m far too attached to them.

What book are you reading?
I don’t have much time for reading anything other than children’s books. My time is taken up with the family and choir. If I do get a minute, it’s usually to flick through a Homes and Garden magazine.

What was your favourite childhood game?
Repeating every word my friends would say until it drove them demented – I found this fiendishly funny.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
Kung Fu Panda with my two young boys. I found it surprisingly funny. Anything that manages to make a snake doing kung fu look cool is quite an achievement!

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I usually start at the beginning, unless something earth shattering has occurred, most of my reading time is generally spent on the arts and culture section.

What is your idea of a good night out?
Going to see a good gig with friends. I enjoy any live performance. The last one I saw was La Clique Circus, which is like an old Burlesque show from the 1930’s. It has wonderfully endearing characters like the Norwegian Rubber Man, who passes his body through two stringless badminton rackets and an act called the Naked Man and Woman, who just wandered around the audience.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I have a couple. As a child I was helping to groom a horse, when my older cousins pulled a prank on me. I was a bit naïve and they sent me up to the neighbour’s house to ask them if I could borrow a jar of elbow grease! The latest was when we did a gig at Glastonbury near a Permaculture café. We thought it would be a good idea to do an impromptu session among the trees near the Permaculture café but due to space restrictions ended up performing in a bush, literally! It was probably the worst and funniest gig we’ve done to date! Thankfully, we had a few proper gigs over there as well to make up for it!

Have you a favourite TV programme?
Not really, I don’t tend to watch a lot of television. If I look at a screen it’s usually for e-mails.

How do you relax?
Listening to music and gardening. I have just planted a mixed hedge, which should give us a bit of shelter from the North winds when it grows.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
First, to become a vet, then an artist, then a rocket scientist…I’m still dreaming.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Cuba for the history, music and culture – although I’ve heard the food’s a bit dodge so may have to bring a few packed lunches with me.

Your idea of heaven?
Being stuck in a lift with Johnny Depp.

Your idea of hell?
Being stuck in a lift with elevator music playing.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Nina Simone so she could hopefully teach me how to sing the Blues in 10 easy steps. The Biologist, Richard Dawkins for a good debate, Jonathan Ross so there’d be no gaps in the conversation and Darina Allen so she could cook the dinner.

Favourite animal?
Anything belonging to the cat family (as long as those over 10lbs are sedated)

What couldn't you live without?
My gorgeous family…and my toothbrush (the former relies on the latter!).

Biggest fear?
Not achieving to the best of my ability.

Biggest thrill?
Ahem…lots, but none suitable to print.

The world's most irritating invention?
Foam containers for hot drinks – a menace to the planet, which also require people to risk life and limb opening them.

What is your idea of a good night in?
Having the famous people mentioned above around for dinner.

Do you have a hobby?
Mmm, it’s called my life.

Biggest disappointment?
Finding out the Big Fella didn’t exist when I asked for a horse for Christmas.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The period of creation, so I could tell my four year old how it all happened, and generally any period excluding the eighties – I’d rather not have been exposed to such fashion faux pas.

World's most useful invention?
Men and dishwashers in equal measures, they’re both useful and inextricably linked.

What do you have for breakfast?
When I’m feeling healthy – fresh fruit, when I’m not – lots of tea and toast with blackberry jam.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
“Always try your best”/”Don’t forget to feed the cat”

Personal philosophy?
Try not to get misquoted by the media.

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 29

Living Wide Open:
Landscapes of the Mind

I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear
of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible,
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance,
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom,
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.

By Dawna Markova

EDITORIAL - EURO

Making the Most of Your Euro

With the challenging times posed by the current economic climate, it makes sense to ensure that you are getting value for your money, in both investing and spending what you have wisely. It can pay to sit down and take a look at what you are earning and spending and what your saving needs are, e.g. if you have two children who are hoping to go to college. It can seem that we are too busy or we don’t have the skills to plan our finances effectively, so it might be useful to call on the professionals.

Savings
Some €39bn of savers’ money is earning an average interest rate of just 1.48pc, which represents about half of the money households have on deposit. This is at a time when many banks are offering in excess of 5pc, even for demand deposit accounts.

Switch your mortgage
Your mortgage is probably your biggest monthly expense, yet many people are not aware whether they are getting value for money. If your mortgage is based on a standard variable rate you are probably paying much more than you could do. Lenders have been increasing rates on standard variables in excess of the European Central Bank (ECB) Rate. Switching your mortgage could have you thousands over the life of your mortgage.

Pension
At this time of year, you will hear many people extol the virtues of pensions, the main reason for their popularity is tax relief on contributions. You should also focus on the purpose of a pension, to replace your earned income on retirement, the tax relief is an added benefit. Choose a provider who you can rely on and who offers a wide range of investment options that suit your needs .

Claim your entitlements
Make sure there is no unclaimed money from the tax office, you could be entitled to a rebate on any money spent on medical or dental bills, bin charges, trade union subscriptions, employment and rental allowances, donations etc.
Ensure you are getting your full entitlement to mortgage interest tax relief. A married, first-time buyer couple can get €4,000 a year from the State in tax relief on their mortgage. For those couples with older mortgages, relief of up to €1,200 a year is possible. Getting expert advice is the key.

Professional Financial Services
Professional Financial Services in Buncrana offers a unique opportunity to review your existing financial status. They will assist you in finding the best provider for savings, mortgage and pension, and help you claim tax relief and other entitlements. They have a qualified accountant available to assess the information and access to 19 lenders on the market including all the major banks. They offer a friendly, confidential service and advice delivered in plain English.



Looking for Bargains
Discount shops like Borderland in Muff are at the cutting edge of money thriftiness as they stock good quality, brand name clothing that is well below the manufacturers retail prices. European supermarkets are also increasing in popularity as we tighten our belts and look for cheaper alternatives to our weekly products.

Another way to save is to only buy what you really need? Before you go shopping, make a list of necessities and stick to it.



Did You Know?

When you buy that bargain, endorphins are released which can become addictive.

If you are in debt, don’t ignore it. MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) will help you take control of your finances.

5 MINUTES WITH - TONY KEARNEY

Tony Kearney left Christchurch in New Zealand to travel the world and settled in London where he practiced law for 25 years. He moved from the hustle and bustle of city life two and a half years ago to settle in Malin, and now couldn't imagine living anywhere else. As well as being a consultant, trainer, facilitator, farmer and mediator, he also runs workshops, seminars and lectures on matters of personal, planetary and global change. He has just published his first book called Who Owns The Future?

Who Owns The Future has a fresh approach to many current issues and explores humanity's questions about topics including the environment, religion, gender relationships, politics, poverty and population. It asks how the human race can address the challenges facing it both now and into the future.

Tony is busy giving talks around the peninsula and further afield to promote the book and if you would like a preview, or to buy a copy then check out his website: http://www.whoownsthefuture.com/

What music do you like?

It depends what mood I am in. I like everything from Beethoven to Led Zeppelin. Amy McDonald, the singer songwriter from Scotland is very good. I also enjoy traditional and world music particularly the Gypsy Kings and a bit of Samba.

What would you never throw away?

I don't believe in throwing anything away if possible. Always recycle!

What book are you reading?

I have a couple of books on the go. The Origin of Wealth by Eric Beinhocker and The Growth Illusion by Richard Douthwaite. They both highlight the imbalance of economic growth

What was your favourite childhood game?

Treasure hunts. I enjoyed following a set of clues, it gave me a sense of discovery and adventure… I am still doing them in my adult life though possibly on a bigger scale!

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?

I went to see WALL.E. It is set in the distant future about a waste collecting robot. It's very well done and without preaching, examines what the world could look like if it was turned into a rubbish tip.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?

World events, cartoons or anything in- between. Like listening to music, it depends what mood I am in. I tend to open it at random and see what catches my attention.

What is your idea of a good night out?

Connecting with people who care and listening to their hopes and visions of the future. I am busy promoting the book at the moment and as I am doing talks around the county, it is a great opportunity to meet lots of people.

When are you most embarrassed?

When I realise that I have been insensitive to others. Sometimes I can get caught up with my own enthusiasm and not see other people's needs.

Have you a favourite TV programme?

I enjoy inspiring documentaries that give an insight into our reality and future possibilities. I love David Attenborough's passion as well.

How do you relax?

By doing what I love to do. I do facilitation and conflict resolution work and also tend to a lot of trees that we have planted on the farm. I find weeding around them particularly relaxing.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?

I didn't want one!…. I wanted to be free and live in a caravan. When I chose my career path I went for law, which seemed the least bad option at the time!

Where would you like to go for your holidays?

Although I love being at home in Malin, I do enjoy travelling. I get inspiration from different places and really enjoy meeting different people from different cultures and finding out what makes them tick.

What people would you invite around for dinner and why?

There are a lot of unsung heroes throughout history that are champions of what is right and natural and get no credit. I would invite them. The table will need to be massive to accommodate everyone…. the wood will need to come from a managed forest; mine should be ready in 50 years!

Favourite animal?

The otter. I love those guys! Remember Mij from Ring of Bright Water?

What couldn't you live without?

Hope.

Biggest fear?

Being governed by fear.

Biggest thrill?

Change. Personal growth leads to planetary growth and makes a positive difference.

The world's most irritating invention?

The clock. It highlights how our lives are conditioned by time. It's so linear. It would be great to live our lives without it and ignore the "Time is Money" attitude.

What is your idea of a good night in?

Reading and conversation.

Do you have a hobby?

I like to keep fit and also enjoy swimming and then there are the trees to look after.

Biggest disappointment?

I use my energy to focus on the positive. You can't change what you have done but you can change what you haven't done or what you will do….

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?

I am passionate about history but my time to learn is in the here and now.

World's most useful invention?

Human Beings. It is amazing what we are capable of. To use an analogy, we are designed like a surgeon's knife and yet we often use ourselves like a sledgehammer!

What do you have for breakfast?

An orange, a coffee and a cereal energy bar type thingy.

What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?

Best: You become what you think about.

Worst: What's the point or why bother?…. That question can be so demoralising.

Personal philosophy?

You have one life and one opportunity. Why not be all you can be? Don't settle for anything less.

PRESS RELEASE

Who Owns the Future?

New Book Provides Compass for Humanity’s Journey into an Unknown Future

Freedom is the key to a better future I believe. We have the freedom of choice about which future we want. Let us use that choice wisely. The future demands nothing less.
– Tony Kearney, from Who Owns The Future?

“With the world being inundated with facts and statistics about everything from global warming and climate change to GM food to energy and resource crises to poverty and alienation it is easy to be swamped and overcome by the seeming uncertainty and apparent impossibility of it all,” writes Tony Kearney as he points the way forward in Who Owns The Future? (published by AuthorHouse).

A fascinating and epic appraisal of humanity, the Earth, the universe, God and more, Who Owns The Future? merges themes of environmentalism, philosophy, science, psychology, language, sociology, metaphysics, religion, gender relationships, politics, poverty, and population in its search for ways to address the awesome challenges confronting us.

“The problems we face today are largely of our own making due to our short-sightedness, selfishness and over-inflated sense of self-importance,” Kearney writes. “As a result we are forever having to deal with the side effects of these selfish attitudes and as a result we never really address the truly important issues of our existence because all our time is spent troubleshooting the problems we have created for ourselves and for every other life form on this planet.”

Who Owns The Future? pulls no punches about the peril of our current situation, but essentially offers an optimistic and realistic view of the future based on the premise that the human race can successfully change and adapt its behaviour in order to survive and flourish. The question Kearney proposes is: Will the human race make those changes? Will you?

About the author: Tony Kearney was born in New Zealand, practised law in London for nearly 25 years, and now lives in Ireland. He has lectured on many diverse subjects, from personal, planetary and global change, to children’s education, to gender relations. Who Owns The Future? is his first book. More information is available at www.WhoOwnsTheFuture.com and www.authortree.com/WhoOwnsTheFuture.

5 MINUTES WITH - JOSEPH MURPHY

Fifteen year old Joseph Murphy lives in Moville and has just started 4th year at Moville Community College. He is a keen Scouter and recently took part in the Phoenix Challenge where he was hill walking in County Wicklow. He also waded through the mud at this years Jamboree celebrating 100 years of Scouting at Punchestown. He has two sisters, Karen and Heather.

What music do you like?
I like classic rock. Meatloaf’s Bat out of Hell is a classic, well the 6 minute version anyway. I also enjoy Bluegrass and went to the Omagh Bluegrass Festival this year.

What would you never throw away?
Old computer parts. I have a hiking rucksack full of old, out of date parts, which I will probably never use, but you never know….

What is your favourite book?
The Artemis Fowl books by Eoin Colfer are great. It’s a story about a twelve-year-old boy called Artemis Fowl, who is the most ingenious criminal mastermind in history.

What was your favourite childhood game?
Well, as I am still a child…. Judo. The fun part is to be also to throw people about with no hard feelings. I go to the Samurai class in the Community College in Moville. There is a quote from a book called the Pyjama Game, “Judo is a sport of balletic beauty and extraordinary violence” which just about sums it up.

What was the latest DVD you watched?
The Mighty Boosh series. It’s a great comedy series full of random stuff.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I used to go straight the Funday Times in the Sunday Times. They have stopped doing that now so I go to the In Gear section first, not because of the cars but to review all of the latest gadgets and read the articles about outdoor pursuits.

What is your idea of a good night out?
A good night in.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I haven’t had any yet…

Have you a favourite TV programme?
Again it has to be the Mighty Boosh. It’s on BBC three and unfortunately I can’t watch it through the iPlayer on the computer (you need a licence from the BBC). So I watch them on DVD. I do enjoy the naval criminal series NCIS as well.

How do you relax?
By working on the computer and meditating. I started meditating a year or two ago and all I need is about four minutes peace to charge me up again.

Have you been working over the summer holidays?
I have. I worked in the family building business. We have been building a house from scratch and also putting on a new roof on one of the coastguard houses in Greencastle. It’s interesting to see the irregular shaped slates and the hand forged nails (not forged as in counterfeit…) I spent a lot of time going up and down ladders.

What else did you do?
I went to Musicool in Derry. It was s singing and song writing course and we got to meet well-known people like Mickey Joe Hart and Francie Conway.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
New York again and the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland. It’s part of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and began in 1923 with Lord Robert Baden-Powell, who, after the first World Scout Jamboree, had a dream about a place where all Scouts from all over the world could meet.

Your idea of heaven?
To be happy and healthy.

Your idea of hell?
Going somewhere that has permanent internet access failure.

Favourite animal?
Pterodactyl. Unfortunately you don’t see them in pet shops…

What couldn’t you live without?
A computer…it contains my soul… Well not really, but it does give me access to friends all around the world who I can do online gaming with. I enjoy playing Runescape and I have just found another good one, called Pirates of the Caribbean

Where would you least like to live?
I wouldn’t like to live in a country where it was illegal to be a scout. There are still some.

Biggest thrills?
Opening up a box with a brand new computer in it. I also get a thrill from seeing a successful rocket launch.

The world’s most irritating invention?
The alarm clock.

What is your idea of a good night in?
A good night out….

Do you have a hobby?
Rocket building with Ash McFadden, down at the Maritime Museum in Greencastle.

Biggest disappointment?
I don’t have any, to quote from The Life of Brian..”Always look on the bright side of life”

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
All of it. I would need to be a Time Lord.

World’s most useful invention?
A hammer - to get rid of the Least Useful Inventions.

What do you have for breakfast?
A crunchy muesli with yoghurt. I might mix a few Co-Co Pops in with it too.

What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
I was rock climbing at about 50 metres and the instructor told me to put my foot on a ledge that gave way. Thankfully there was a safety rope. It’s the only time I have fallen because I didn’t listen to myself. The best advice is from the back of Ash McFadden’s safety jacket on rocket days…”If you see me running, try to keep up!”

Personal philosophy?
When things are at their worst they could be at their best….

ENERGY SAVING IN THE HOME- EDITORIAL

Since the year 2000, the price of home oil has risen 65%, gas has gone up 55% and electricity 44% with ESB announcing a further increase of up to 30% on today’s
Prices…. It’s time to save energy.

“Having an energy assessment for the home could save 20% on your energy needs with savings of up to 60%”.Jim Duffy National Energy Assessor.

You've planned everything from flooring and fireplaces to designer door handles in forensic detail. But have you thought about energy proofing your home?





INTRODUCTION
Awareness for energy conservation has increased dramatically over the last few months in Ireland. The main reason is because of the huge increases in fuel charges. Filling a tank with home heating oil or the car with petrol can be a shocking experience and the fewer times this happens the better. By following a few easy steps you can save a fortune in heating bills and do your bit for the planet.


HAVE YOUR HOME ENERGY RATED
A Building Energy Rating (BER) is a label similar to the efficiency rating given to white goods such as fridges, freezers, and washing machines. A BER indicates the energy rating of a property in the form of performance bands, 'A' being the most energy efficient to 'G' being the least energy efficient. National Energy Assessors, (NEA) such as Jim Duffy, are well qualified and accredited to provide quality assured Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificates.

Since the 1st of January 2007, all new homes for which planning permission has been applied for must have a BER. “The report is based on the holistic specification of the house,” says Jim. “The audit can help a customer even before the house is built. Small adjustments to the shape of the house in the design stage can also save a lot of energy”.

“The rating is just as important for old houses,” Jim continues. “Even if the house is 100 years old we will look at ways to improve energy efficiency at the lowest investment for the highest gain”. The Building Energy Rating Certificate report is particularly useful to those who have just bought an existing house, and plan to improve or remodel. “This report will outline to you how you can gain the full benefit of energy usage in your home and will suggest methods to improve efficiency such as increasing insulation and lagging pipes. It will help save you money from the moment you move in”. Jim concludes.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON HOUSEHOLD BILLS

Turn off everything not in use.
Activate sleep features
Regularly clean light fittings and lampshades.
Only put as much water in the kettle as you need (cover the element though.)
When cooking, turn down a boiling saucepan and put a lid on to reduce energy use and condensation.
Have a shower instead of a bath.
Set the hot water thermostat to 55 - 60 Degrees Celsius
Close your curtains at dusk making sure not to cover radiators.
Close all doors in unused rooms
Only use washing machines and dishwashers when full.
Wash clothes at as low a temperature as possible.
Use the economy buttons.
Defrost your refrigerator and freezer and don’t leave the doors open.


LOW COST WAYS OF SAVING ENERGY
Fix dripping hot water taps promptly.
Always keep your fridge fully stocked. An empty fridge costs more to run.
Fit Thermostatic controls on radiators. Set a lower temperature in rooms that are not being used.
Weather strip windows and doors.
Fit CFL light bulbs throughout your home.
Install modern vents in walls.
Have NEA provide you with an Energy Audit and start saving money straight away.



RECYCLE YOUR WASTE
Recycling in the home makes a big difference on the environment. When something is ready to be thrown out, stop and think if it can be recycled. Can the material be worked on, cleaned up or reprocessed in some way so that it can be used in some form again? Blue bins collections are now widely available around the peninsula, which save you time and money in fuel costs getting to the recycling centres. If you are doing some home improvements and producing a lot of waste then hiring a skip from Inishowen Recycling gives you the piece of mind to know that everything that can be recycled is pulled out and processed.



AIR PRESSURE TESTING
Air tightness testing for residential homes is a very effective way of increasing a buildings energy rating & reducing heat loss and overall running costs of existing buildings & new buildings prior to completion. All new single dwellings require an air pressure test. The aim of air tightness testing is to measure the flow of air within a building and identify areas that are experiencing heat loss. Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of a building. Improving air tightness in a dwelling can reduce air leakage. The aim of air tightness is to “build tight, ventilate right”. After the survey has been carried out a report is then compiled which will illustrate exactly were the air leakage is taking place and in addition the report will contain advice on how to best reduce this heat loss..


CHIMNEY BALLOONS
The best ideas are often the simplest ones, and this can truly be said about the Chimney Balloon. Chimney Balloons are simply put into place and inflated to form an airtight seal. This stops chimney draughts, reduce noise and heat loss. A room with a blocked chimney needs only half the heat compared with rooms with open ones, so it makes sense to fit this device in every chimney that is not in every day use.

Initially designed in 1990, it quickly became clear that the Chimney Balloon had many other benefits including reduces noise keeping back soot and stopping bird mess. The Chimney Balloon not only stops cold draughts coming down your chimney, but also stops the warm air in your room disappearing. It is designed to be used again and again, making it very cost effective at keeping the bills down and improving your living space.

DID YOU KNOW?
Driving an average of 1,000 miles a month produces about 120 tons of carbon dioxide a year.

The amount of wood and paper we throw away each year is enough to heat 50 million homes for 20 years.

A single polystyrene (Styrofoam) cup contains one billion billion molecules of CFCs--that's 1,000,000,000,000,000,000.

By turning down your central heating thermostat one degree, fuel consumption is cut by as much as 10%.

Insulating your attic reduces the amount of energy loss in most houses by up to 20%.

The use of recycled paper helps to protect wildlife habitats as natural woodlands can be preserved.

You can claim back the cost of blue bins on your tax credits.