The Irish sang When Johnny Comes Marching Home...*

Thu, May 09, 2013

Stephen Speilberg’s magnificent film Lincoln made it clear that the Northern States of America, the Union, had justice and right on its side, when it came to deal with the cotton-based slave states of the south. Washington had objected to their attempt to enlarge its slave industry further west. Southern states were enraged at this interference. In an appalling miscalculation some states began to leave to Union, set up their own Confederacy (eventually including 11 states), and prepared to fight for its freedom to choose its own destiny.

It’s that time of year

Thu, May 09, 2013

Every summer our country embarks on a season of celebrations. Yes, it’s that time of year — wedding season. I have already been to one, with three more to go, and with one being black tie, I have an added level of complexity. Trying to make the most of one outfit is doable but difficult, and none of us wish to spend our annual clothing budget on one piece. There are always some clever ways to reinvent existing dresses, but sometimes we just long for something new. Weddings are always a very glam affair, and a great excuse to get all dolled up. With a huge range of formal wear available on the high street, and the ever popular dress hire concept appearing all over the country, there is no need to worry, there are plenty of options.

L’Osteria Da Roberta makes a welcome return to Salthill

Thu, May 09, 2013

L’Osteria Da Roberta Restaurant has reopened due to popular demand. This restaurant is situated in the heart of Salthill, just a short walk from the Promenade and next door to its sister restaurant Da Roberta Pizzeria.

Cooking the books at Kai

Thu, May 09, 2013

The last outpost of civilisation before you reach Salthill, when Kai opened, it opened with a bang and very quickly achieved a cult following. It suffered not a jot from teething problems, it was a fully formed concept practically from the word go. Kai was unpretentious and fun with flower and seed strewn salads piled on boards, big Ortiz tuna tins filled with bread, and the sun spilling through the skylight even on the dullest of days illuminating the lunchtime altar of cakes. Everyone's favourite Kiwi chef Jess Murphy brings her own brand of kitchen voodoo and you know you are a regular when you grow to understand husband and partner-in-crime David Murphy's accent at front of house.

Aside from the best brunch in town every Sunday, it is always well worth the extra trek and the couple of extra euro for the short, seasonal, lunch menu. Six or seven options that always showcase the best the west coast has to offer, from potted crab to gurnard fish finger sandwiches on Kai’s own foccacia, I have yet to be disappointed. Dinner is an equally short and ever changing menu with about five 'beginnings', 'middles', and 'ends'.

Organic Gardener reaps awards

Thu, May 09, 2013

The Organic Gardener recently won two prestigious awards at events held in Galway. The company won an award in the Best of Galway Awards in the home and garden section. Meanwhile Fergus Whitney, director of the business, won a Junior Chamber award for moral and environmental leadership.

Sixty per cent off selected ranges at Acme Blinds in Westside

Thu, May 09, 2013

Acme Blinds is currently offering 60 per cent off selected ranges.

Make the most of your attic with Galway Carpenters

Thu, May 09, 2013

Galway Carpenters has been providing safe and easy access to attics for a number of years and now the company has combined an all inclusive package to kit out your entire attic at a very affordable price.

Rest easy with Better Bedding

Thu, May 09, 2013

It seems that the perfect bedfellows are reputation, great service, and quality products, as Better Bedding celebrates more than 20 years of ensuring that the people of Galway have a decent night’s sleep.

Get your home and wardrobe ready for summer with O’Connor Dry Cleaners

Thu, May 09, 2013

It is time to dust off the cobwebs and spring clean for a fresh start. Let O’Connor Dry Cleaners make it easy for you by bringing in your curtains, duvets, and blankets and allowing the staff to work their magic on them, getting them back to you as good as new.

Galway Contact serves to provide elderly

Thu, May 09, 2013

Galway Contact is a voluntary organisation that assists older people who may feel lonely and isolated. Its volunteers extend their courteousy, a friendly face, and a supportive voice to the older people in Galway. Every visit is different and organised on a one-to-one basis. Galway Contact is very aware of the need for confidentiality and sensitivity. All of the volunteers are Garda vetted before they start their visit.

Lose two stone with food exercsie and metabolism correction

Thu, May 09, 2013

Banish those harrowing diet days with the System 10 solution. The System 10 plan includes an analysis of your metabolism, and a dietician designed highly balanced food plan consisting of natural foods. Clients are issued an exercise plan - walk, jog, bike, or gym plan - as awell as nutritional supplement recommendations to rapidly repair their system. The System 10 weight loss programme also includes private weigh-ins, motivational tips, and expert support.

Six weeks to svelte at the Kingfisher

Thu, May 09, 2013

There is no escaping the reality of it any longer- the swimsuit season is upon us and the challenge now posing itself to the public is can you tone up in six weeks? Is it possible to lose those pounds that have slowly crept on over the winter months? At the Kingfisher, that answer is always yes.

Galway Bealtaine Festival

Thu, May 09, 2013

The Active in Age Oranmore group have been running the four-day Bealtaine Festival, celebrating creativity of Oranmore’s older residents, from May 7 - May 10.

BPro Cardio Pulse uses wave analysis to examine heart function

Thu, May 09, 2013

Cardio Pulse wave analysis is the latest technology in non-invasive vascular and cardiac screening. Typically your blood pressure is taken by a blood pressure cuff on the arm and measures a single beat of your heart on the brachial artery at a single moment in time.

The perfect pout

Thu, May 09, 2013

No 7’s high shine lip crayons provide glossy lip colours in crayon form which is really easy to wear. They are available in a selection of summer glide-on colours for sheer or full coverage for great looking lips. Thanks to this innovative design there is no need to sharpen the crayon, just twist the bottom cap when more colour is needed.

Fade dark spots

Thu, May 09, 2013

A dark spot corrector from No 7 cosmetics claims to fade age spots in just four weeks. Age spots are a form of hyper-pigmentation or brown discolouration of the skin caused by the increased production of continued presence of melanin. Many factors contribute to hyper-pigmentation including hormonal changes or the most common, long term sun exposure.

Scentsational

Thu, May 09, 2013

Agent Provocateur’s new fragrance is described as “bold and seductive” by its makers. Petale Noir is a deep floral scent with a hint of oriental mystique.

Budget-friendly body lotions

Thu, May 09, 2013

Are you keen to look your best on the beach this summer? If so, check out Aldi’s Lacura Body Moisturiser (€1.79, 500ml) which promises to leave your skin noticeably softer and smooth.

Hair Flair

Thu, May 09, 2013

Don’t shun the sun this summer is the message from Redken whose new Colour Extend Sun range promises to protect summer locks.

Saving face

Thu, May 09, 2013

Fancy a treatment which promises to help rejuvenate and tighten your skin during your lunch break? The Beauty Rooms at Barry’s Hair Studio in Shop Street is now offering the internationally renowned, NU Skin Galvanic Spa™ Facial Gels.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.