Knock based author launches book

Fri, Feb 28, 2014

Local first time author Mikal O’Boyle has just launched her debut young-adult fiction novel Snake the Gypsy. O’Boyle, who is an American by birth but living in Knock with her Mayo husband, had her book launched recently by Minister for Arts and Culture, Jimmy Deenihan. Snake the Gypsy is narrated by an elderly woman, and is a recounting of her life as a young girl. It begins with a lonely gypsy girl who is ostracised by her own nation and is neglected by her unsympathetic mother. Times seem very hard for her as she struggles to find happiness in life until she finally befriends an extraordinary snake who follows her, protects her, and even dances with her during her rigorous training sessions. When the time comes for snake to enter into the Locé, the bi-annual gypsy festival, a horrible fate befalls the gypsy girl and her snake, deserting her in a place she is unfamiliar with, but she soon discovers that things have become even worse as she has stumbled into the midst of a war between two very unlikely beings. The book is available in hard copy on Amazon and on the Kindle.

Mayo General stubbing out smoking on grounds

Tue, Feb 25, 2014

Mayo General Hospital will be a completely smoke free zone from next Wednesday, March 5.

The hospital is introducing its new policy on National No Smoking Day, and banning smoking anywhere on its grounds, including entrances, doorways, walkways, internal roads, car parks and even in parked cars.

'Shocking' wait time for money advice

Tue, Feb 25, 2014

People struggling with debt are waiting over three months for an appointment at the MABS - Money Advice and Budgeting Service - Mayo South office, according to new figures.

Talent needed for open mic night

Tue, Feb 25, 2014

Jugglers, dancers, comedians, poets and players are being called to share their talents at an open mic night in The Creel, Westport, on Thursday (February 27) at 8pm.

Ten questions with.......

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

(1) Why are you running for election?
Because I have a lot of work to do to make Mayo an even better place. After years spent trying to figure the system out, I feel ready now to give back. Even if I don' t get elected I will always be glad I put myself forward.

Maternity report had to go public — Kilcoyne

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

The future of maternity services at Mayo General Hospital has been put firmly on the agenda around the county this week, following revelations from Independent councillor Michael Kilcoyne that a draft report proposed the closure of a number of maternity units in the region, including at Mayo General.

Argentine delegation for Foxford commemoration

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

Foxford will once again celebrate its Argentine connection when it commemorates the 157th anniversary of the death of its most famous son, Admiral William Brown.

Admiral’s Day on March 3 will be celebrated in the village with a piper led procession, which will include the Argentine Ambassador to Ireland, HE Silvia Maria Merega, the Second Secretary Rafael Galetto, from the Embassy of Argentina, Dublin, and representatives of the Irish Naval Service.

Over the ‘Moone’ in hit show

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

Two young Mayo actors are currently showcasing their talents on Sky One hit show Moone Boy. Ian O’Reilly from Moorehall, Ballyglass, and Siubhán Conlon from Carnacon who learned their trade at All Stars Academy of Performing Arts in the Ballyheane studio are rubbing shoulders with a number of stars on the hit TV show. Ian who stars as Padraig in the show, also appered on the Late Late Show last Friday night to talk about the new series. Siubhán plays Trudy in the show starring and created by Hollywood star and Roscommon native Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, Girls, The It Crowd).

Mayo employers make job pledges

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

A total of 91 employers from Mayo have pledged a job as part of a national campaign encouraging small and medium sized businesses to help the economy recover by hiring more staff.

Mayo based MEP shortlisted for Brussels award

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

Jim Higgins MEP has been shortlisted for the MEP of the Year Transport award 2014. Organised by the Brussels-based Parliament Magazine, winners are chosen exclusively by fellow MEPs who vote on a shortlist of nominees.

Castlebar team crowned Lego champs

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

A team of six students from St Gerald’s College in Castlebar have been crowned Ireland's Lego champions.

Pair found guilty in their absence

Fri, Feb 21, 2014

Judge Mary Devins found that the prosecution had proven the case against two men who were charged in their absence at Castlebar District Court this week arising from an incident at the funeral of an infant in Claremorris.

E-paper

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