IN 1998 the Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to three American scientists, for their discovery of how the endothelium converts the semi-essential amino acid L-Arginine into Nitric Oxide. Referred to by many as “The Miracle Molecule”, Nitric Oxide is a signalling molecule, that is to say, the Nitric Oxide causes specific functions to occur in the bloodstream. For over 100 years nitro-glycerin has been used for temporary relief of chest pain or angina. Why it worked was a mystery until until three scientists, Robert F. Furchgott, PhD, Louis J Ignarro, PhD, and Ferid Murad, MD, PhD received the 1998 Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine for their discoveries concerning “nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system.” The mystery was a simple molecule-nitric oxide.
It is simple yet so effective that it is now referred to as “The Miracle Molecule.” Nitric oxide, NO, is a gas that was considered a pollutant. It is now understood that this short-lived gas is vital for cardiovascular health. It is produced by the single cell thick inner lining of your arteries called the endothelium. The complicated process involves the and has been shown to be crucial in circulatory health. The discovery by Dr. Salvador Moncada that endothelium derived nitric oxide is made from the amino acid L-arginine tied it all together. This began a massive amount of research on nitric oxide and L-arginine that is now approaching 200,000 published medical studies. Studies have shown NO has a positive effect on blood pressure, blood flow, and improves the flexibility of the blood vessels. When the endothelium is healthy, it produces enough NO, however aging, illness, genetics, and a lack of physical activity significantly lowers the production of NO. Supplementing with L-Arginine greatly improves the blood vessels and cardiovascular health. Three functions or benefits of Nitric Oxide to your vascular health are…
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2. Nitric Oxide keeps blood platelet cells from sticking together to naturally lower your risk for strokes and heart attacks.
3. At high enough levels the Nitric Oxide will initiate a reparative mechanism to help heal the damage done to the endothelium to help maintain it’s the ability to properly produce Nitric Oxide. The reparative process also helps prevent plaque formations and calcification, which accounts for approx. 74% of all Cardiovascular Disease. Stress, high blood pressure, high sugar levels, LDL or bad cholesterol, and nicotine all directly damage the endothelium. This damage significantly decreases Nitric Oxide production, whilst increasing the risk for strokes and heart attacks, as well as other cardiovascular health concerns. Unless you are actively nourishing the endothelium to enhance its ability to properly produce Nitric Oxide, this damage will continue to occur. ProArgi-9+ has been infused with more vitamins and minerals, making your dose of ProArgi-9+ that much more effective in your pursuit for optimal health. New Formula enhancements include: – Added red wine extract – Added folic acid – Added Vitamin K – Increased Vitamin B12 – Increased Vitamin B6 – Changed sweetener to Stevia
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The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo is one of three applications that has been included in a new World Heritage Tentative List for Ireland.
Sligo’s selection – just three of six Irish sites shortlisted made the list – the Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, Martin Lydon, described the news as a “momentous day” for Sligo.
Sligo County Council in partnership with Sligo Neolithic Landscapes Group have welcomed the announcement by Ministers O’Brien and Noonan that The Passage Tomb Landscapes of County Sligo have been added to Ireland’s Tentative List of World Heritage Properties.
The passage tomb landscape of Sligo represents the most westerly and one of the most dramatic expressions of a remarkable flourishing of the construction of ritual monuments across Europe between five and six millennia ago. The interconnectivity of stone monuments and varied local topographies – typically involving upland cairns and megalithic tombs with high intervisibility across striking landscapes – is a potent expression of a long disappeared cultural milieu, which fostered an intense and enduring dialogue between architecture and landscape that remains unmatched in world terms.
Chief Executive of Sligo County Council Martin Lydon said: “This is a momentous day for our county, particularly for the people who are passionate about the preservation and promotion of Sligo’s unique heritage.
“Following today’s announcement, we will engage with key agencies and other stakeholders, as there is a considerable body of work required for the next stage of the process. I am confident that we will be successful in this endeavour and we will realise the full potential of this historic development.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD, paid tribute to all applicants and to the National Monuments Service and the experts who have assisted them over the last year.
“This has been an exhaustive process over many months of evaluation that UNESCO ambition demands. I commend all applicants for that ambition. To the three applicants, which have met the necessary criteria, know we will support you as best we can to match the local drive for full World Heritage nomination in the years ahead. It will be a challenging road, but one you have shown you are willing to travel and we will journey it with you.”
Cllr. Michael Clarke, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council said they were “fortunate in Sligo to have an outstanding passage tomb landscape and there is a duty of care on us all to value and care for this unique heritage. I commend everyone involved in the application process, Sligo County Council and Sligo Neolithic Landscapes Group, which has resulted in the Ministers’ announcement today.”
While the announcement is very much welcomed in Sligo, it is one step in a long process and this was stressed by Cllr Donal Gilroy
“Today’s announcement is a small but very important step in Sligo’s World Heritage Journey. To be clear, this is not a World Heritage Site announcement for Sligo. Sligo’s addition to Ireland’s Tentative List simply means that Sligo, with the support of the Minister and his Department can now move forward to prepare a nomination bid for World Heritage Site status for The Passage Tomb Landscapes of County Sligo.
“Once placed on Ireland’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites, there is considerable work and time involved in the preparation of nomination documentation, which would include a management plan and a public consultation process.
“This will take anything from 3-5 years and will require a strong and agreed vision for the proposed World Heritage Site, ongoing dialogue, strong partnerships and meaningful consultation with State Agencies, key stakeholders, landowners and local communities.”
He added: “Inclusion on Ireland’s Tentative List is recognition that these sites have outstanding universal value and are of global importance.”
Dr Robert Hensey, Chairperson of the Sligo Neolithic Landscape group, has said Sligo Neolithic Landscapes is delighted with today’s announcement by Minister O’Brien that The Passage Tomb Landscape of Co. Sligo has been included in Ireland’s Tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
“The progress achieved thus far would not have been possible without wide and positive local support over the last number of years, for which we are most grateful.
“We look forward to playing a role in the work that lies ahead –including active engagement and consultation with local communities– to achieve full UNESCO WHS status for our treasured passage tombs and their landscape,” he said.
For more on this story see next week’s Sligo Weekender.
The Best of the Sligo Weekender: Volume Two is out now
The Best of the Sligo Weekender: Volume Two is a another great compilation of some of the fantastic writing that has featured in Sligo’s local newspaper in recent years
The book, priced €20, is available in the Sligo Weekender‘s office on High Street, over the phone by calling 071 9174900, or online below. The first 2,000 orders from our website or office will receive Volume One free of charge.
Postage to Ireland or Britain is €9.90.
A donation from the sales of this book will be made to the Sligo Branch of the Irish Kidney Association.
Sligo Credit Union helping members to upgrade to a warmer, greener home
Sligo Credit Union, in partnership with Energia and House 2 Home, is delighted to announce the launch of CU Greener Homes, a one-stop-solution for all your home energy efficiency improvements. Whether you are considering a new boiler, solar panels or a deep retrofit, CU Greener Homes is here to help you create a warmer, greener home.
Using the energy efficiency calculator on cugreenerhomes.ie, members can view all the energy efficiency improvements available to them, they can calculate the cost of proposed home energy upgrades, the grant support available to them, finance options from Sligo Credit Union and the positive impact of the work on the energy efficiency of your home. It really is a one-stop-solution for all your home energy efficiency improvements.
Grants and supports of up to 40% are available for eligible work as part of this scheme. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provide grants of up to 35% depending on the age of the home and the type of energy efficiency improvements carried out. In addition, as part of this initiative, Energia will provide additional support of up to 5% (subject to terms, conditions and eligibility criteria). The grant process will be fully managed for you by the CU Greener Home team.
To help members fund the remaining costs, Sligo Credit Union is offering competitive loan interest rates, starting at 4.9% APR on work which has the biggest overall impact on the home’s energy rating, achieving a Building Energy Rating (BER) of A3 or better. For other retrofit work which results in the home achieving a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or better will attract a loan interest rate of 5.96% APR. Lastly, improvements achieving an energy rating of lower than B2 will attract a loan interest rate of 7.98% APR.
Start the journey to improve the comfort of your home, from the comfort of your home. Visit www.cugreenerhomes.ie and get a quick quote today. For further information, contact our Member Service team on +35371 9317500 or email info@sligocu.ie.
Loans are subject to approval. Terms, conditions & eligibility criteria apply. Sligo Credit Union Ltd is Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Get the Sligo Weekender on your smartphone or tablet anywhere in the world at any time by downloading the PressReader app from Google Play or Apple’s App Store. The Sligo Weekender is under ‘Ireland’ in the app.
Pack your togs and sunscreen and spend a day at one of Sligo’s wonderful Atlantic beaches. Alan Finn looks at 10 of the best
Sligo is synonymous with a number of things. The landscape has been a source of inspiration for many poets and artists, from the rolling fields to the mountains conquering the skyline.
It is the local beaches, however, which seem to take pride of place when it comes to defining what Sligo is all about – after all, the county itself is named after seashells.
With some good weather still to roll around while many of you still enjoy your summer breaks, the possibility of visiting the beach is still very much on many minds.
If you are considering where to relax and catch some sunshine the next time it decides to break out, be sure to consult our helpful guide below of 10 beaches dotted around the county.
Strandhill beach.
STRANDHILL
This is the scenic focal point of the local village which bears the same name.
Accessible by steps or ramp, visitors can enjoy a comfortable walk along the sandy shore during the day with Sligo’s two iconic mountains, Benbulben and Knocknarea, visible at either end while unrivalled views of the dunes and the village itself can also be taken in.
For those interested in something a little more demanding, a longer coastal walk exists with the destinations being Culleenamore beach and the ancient site of Killaspugbrone.
Strandhill is also a surfing hot spot, being highly regarded by enthusiasts as Ireland’s and indeed even one of Europe’s best surfing locations.
If surfing or a walk along the coast isn’t your thing, majestic views can still be enjoyed while sitting down to a meal in Shells cáfe, outside The Strand Bar or cooling down with an ice-cream from Mammy Johnson’s while the mesmerising sunset is also not to be missed on the right evening.
While there is plenty of fun to be had on Strandhill beach, visitors are also warned that swimming is strictly prohibited due to the strong rip current.
The second beach at Rosses Point.
ROSSES POINT
This area has not just one but three beaches to enjoy.
The first beach, the one we all know and recognise from people flocking to it during a heat wave, is the safest and smallest beach with a shoreline of just 400m. It is easily accessible by steps or ramp and is patrolled by a lifeguard during bathing season.
Parking is available nearby, but can also be reached on foot with a beautiful coastal walk connecting the beach and the village. The path can be found right outside the RNLI Sligo Lifeboat Station.
The second beach is accessible by ramp from the main car park. It is arguably the most scenic of the three with plenty to see such as Benbulben mountain, Sligo Bay, Blackrock Lighthouse and Strandhill coast. Knocknarea could also be visible if conditions suit.
The third beach is the most secluded of the three. This beach is ideal for those who want to enjoy a quiet stroll away from the crowds, but visitors must note that it can only be explored on foot as bikes, quads and cars are all prohibited from driving on the dunes as it is a protected area of natural beauty.
The third beach can only be accessed via the second beach or the nearby Lower Rosses road. Magnificent views of Sligo Bay and Oyster Island can be enjoyed on your way to the coastal walk.
If you fancy stopping and admiring those sights before or after visiting the beaches, all the pubs and restaurants dotted along the promenade offer sensational views.
Lissadell beach.
LISSADELL
A hidden gem of north Sligo. This beach is secluded and somewhat off the beaten track, but is absolutely worth seeking out.
It can found by travelling through Drumcliffe and taking a left turn for Carney. Soon after Carney a left turn heads down to the beach – which isn’t signposted.
When you arrive you will be greeted by a wonderful view of Drumcliffe Bay and the mountain ranges of Sligo.
The beach provides a leisurely walk for all. And for those looking for something a little more exhilarating, it is also a popular spot for kite surfing.
There is ample parking at the beach just off the road.
The beach at Aughris.
AUGHRIS
This Templeboy location is one half of a terrific 4km coastal walk in west Sligo. This beach is proof that Sligo’s iconic mountains can be seen from just about any shore in the county and complement their stature, both physical and legendary.
The beach offers a tranquil experience of watching the Atlantic waves and which can be enjoyed from the rocks or the magnificent Beach Bar.
This beach can accessed just outside the front entrance of the bar where visitors can find ample parking as well as a camp site should you plan an overnight or weekend stay. To find the entrance, simply drive along the N59 as far as Templeboy and look for signs leading to the Beach Bar.
Dunmoran Strand.
DUNMORAN
Dunmoran Strand is the other half of the aforementioned 4km walk. This beach is equally easy to traverse and offers beautiful views from the sheltered shore and the high dunes.
This is also a highly popular location within surfing circles for the incredible waves it receives.
The entrance to this beach can be found by travelling along the N59 and taking a right turn in Skreen where Dunmoran Strand should be well signposted.
A car park is available for visitors, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer.
ENNISCRONE
The beach in Enniscrone boasts one of the longest stretches of sand in the county at 5km. It is a very popular area for a variety of activities including swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and surfing lessons.
This beach boasts beautiful, natural scenary such as the undisturbed view of Kilalla Bay as well as the unique man-made structure of the 19th century bath house.
There are also handy amenities just outside the beach for food, accommodation and a playground.
The beach is also renowned as one of Sligo’s safest beaches and part of it is patrolled by a lifeguard during the summer.
The car park can be found by turning right at Tracey’s Cáfe upon entering the village.
Carty’s Strand on Coney Island.
CONEY ISLAND
Head for Carty’s Strand, the beach on Coney Island, if you want some peace. First, check the tide times by texting CONEY to 51155 – you don’t want to get caught by the tide while driving over to or back from the island. The beach is on the opposite side of the island to where you arrive by car.
Reaching the island can also be done so by boat. Upon leaving the pier, take a right turn and walk by the bungalows and water mill and before long the beach will be visible.
It is a special, tranquil place which delivers a level of undisturbed peace that can’t be found on any mainland beach.
Mullaghmore’s beach.
MULLAGHMORE
Mullaghmore has a beautiful, family friendly beach, with fantastic views of Donegal to the north and, of course, Ben Bulben to the south.
The beach has lifeguards from June to September. It’s also wheelchair accessible.
The village is nearby, with public toilets and great places to eat, and the majestic Classiebawn Castle just a couple of minutes away, adding to the incredible vista.
The beach is easily accessed from the R279, just before entering the village of Mullaghmore, which itself provides plenty of parking and a wonderful pier walk.
Streedagh.
STREEDAGH
This north Sligo gem is a beach of significance in more ways than one.
Streedagh is yet another popular surfing location thanks to the nature of the reef breaks, which often create ideal conditions, as well as always being the great destination for a leisurely walk.
This beach is also the site of three Spanish Armada shipwrecks. The ships were broken up on the beach during a storm in 1588 while trying to make it back to Spain. The locals welcomed the stricken Spanish sailors by attacking them and stealing their possessions.
Keep an eye out for interesting rocks at Streedagh – the area is known for its large number of fossils.
To find the beach, simply take the N15 to Grange and keep an eye out for the signpost for the L3203 to Streedagh and keep following the signposts. There’s a car park at the entrance, but be careful – it can flood at high tide.
CULLEENAMORE
This idyllic beach is located outside Strandhill.
A tranquil area, Culleenamore is very much unlike its neighbouring beach as it is known for being quieter and always quite calm as a result of the ocean never swelling around it.
This beach was once the location of horse racing due to the winding shoreline, and the hills overlooking it provided a natural stand for spectators.
Though this spectacle no longer takes place, it does remain a favourite location for dog walkers, and if you are particularly lucky you will see a large colony of seals relaxing during a particularly low tide.
To find the beach, drive out of the the village on the R292 towards Balli-
sodare. After leaving the village and as you descend down a small hill, keep an eye open for your first right hand turn, which will lead to the car park at the beach.
Since this article was published, Kuldea has become ufurnish.
Sligo native Deirdre McGettrick has been carving out a special place for herself in the business world of London for the past eight years, and recently launched her own company, Kuldea. Danny Keown spoke to Deirdre about Kuldea, which is the UK’s first online marketplace dedicated solely to home furniture and furnishings.
VOTES: Sligo's local elections will be held on May 24.
Sligo County Council have issued the following statement in relation to allegations of electoral fraud:
“Sligo County Council has carried out an examination of all of the applications submitted for inclusion in the Postal Voters’ list for persons with a physical illness or disability. The documentation presented in respect of each person included is in accordance with requirements of the relevant legislation (Electoral Act 1992 as amended by the Electoral (Amendment) Act 1996).
At the time of application for inclusion in the Postal Voters list all applicants are required to declare that they are unable to go in person to vote at a polling station by reason of a physical disability, and that they are ordinarily resident at the address given. Also, all applications included the required Medical Certificate signed and stamped by a registered Medical Practitioner certifying that the applicant has a stated physical illness or a physical disability and is unable to go in person to a polling station to vote.
It is an offence to knowingly give false information on application, and all applicants are made aware of this at the time of application.
The Council is aware that a formal complaint has been made to the Gardai in relation to a number of those on the postal voters list. We will assist the Gardai with any enquiries, and will furnish any material documents in our possession to them.
In relation the suggestion that the Election be delayed, the Council has sought legal advice in this regard. Polling day for the Local Elections has been fixed by Ministerial Order for Friday 24th May 2019, and Notice of Election has been published by Sligo County Council. There is no provision in law to defer or delay an election, other than in the case of the death of a candidate before the commencement of the Poll. There is legal provision to question the outcome of a Local Election by way of a petition in the Circuit Court within 28 days of the declaration of the result.”
GUARD OF HONOUR: Local Cllrs and TD's formed a guard of honour as the removal of Cllr Margaret Gormley to Cloonameehan Cemetery.
Funeral held for Sligo councillor
THE funeral of Independent Cllr Margaret Gormley, who passed away on Friday last, was held in Bunninadden today, Monday.
Cllr Gormley’s funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners, from the local community and throughout the county, as well as her colleagues on Sligo County Council and other public representatives.
A guard of honour was also formed by elected politicians.
The funeral mass was held in the Church of the Sacred Heart with burial afterwards in Cloonameehan cemetery.
In a political career which spanned four decades, Cllr Gormley was first co-opted to Sligo County Council in 1980 following the death of her father Willie.
In 2004, a highlight for her career was when she was made Cathaoirleach of the council.
Since 1985, she has been re-elected in each local election and regularly topped the poll.
Tributes poured in for Cllr Gormley with Cathaoirleach Martin Baker describing her as “a great champion for the underdog”.
He said: “It was with a heavy heart that I heard the news of Margaret’s passing. Margaret was one of the most committed and hard working people I knew, she represented the people of South Sligo with great distinction. She had vast experience which shone through in the Council Chamber, and when she spoke, we listened. She was a great champion for the under-dog or people struggling in any way. One of her many interests was in Gaelic Football, she was one of the first in the county to promote ladies football, and she supported it with great passion and enthusiasm. We won’t see the like of her again.”
A student from The Mercy College during today's climate change demonstration. Photo by Oliwia Zejdler
Local students joined many others around the world today in holding a demonstration to highlight the need to do something about climate change.
The streets of Sligo saw a massive turnout from many secondary school students who were also joined by staff of their respective schools and other activists.
Several schools gathered today in Sligo as part of a worldwide student protest. Photo by Oliwia Zejdler
The march began at Summerhill College and made it’s way to town hall where students from three schools, Eimear Kearins (Ursuline College), Cliona Jordan (Mercy College) and Conor Curley (Summerhill College) addressed their fellow students about the urgent need for change.
See next week’s edition of the Sligo Weekender for full coverage on the demonstration – in shops Thursday, March 20.
THE Daughters of Wisdom have today announced that they will sell Cregg House and its surrounding lands.
The property is currently leased until 2020 to the HSE, who provide services to persons with an intellectual disability.
This arrangement will be unaffected by the sale. The HSE’s programme to relocate residents from Cregg House is well advanced.
The Cregg House Estate spans approximately 62 acres and houses several structures including the facilities main complex, residential chalets, hydro pool, gym, and chapel.
An important part of the legacy of the Daughters of Wisdom is ‘St Cecilia’s School’ which is a centre of excellence in educating people with intellectual disabilities, will not form part of the sale.
The school was established in 1965 and the Daughters of Wisdom are committed to securing the school at this location into the future.
Representatives of the Daughters of Wisdom have over the last number of days been meeting the HSE and other key stakeholders to discuss their plans with them.
Sr Maureen Seddon DW Delegation Leader of the Daughters of Wisdom said:
“We are very proud of all that we accomplished at Cregg House in our ministry and work with persons with an intellectual disability since we first came to Sligo in 1955 at the request of the then Minister for Health. We want to thank all the service users, their families, staff, volunteers and the local and wider communities who have been so involved and supportive over the years. There is a special place in our hearts for Cregg House and our relationship with the people of Sligo and the northwest, so our decision is one that has not been easy. We were always made to feel part of the community and for that we will be eternally grateful.”
Formal plans for the sale will be announced in the coming weeks.
