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I met Mark and his amazing dippers for the first time this Monday in Doorly Park. On this episode he shares with us where he got the idea for the fundraiser and why he is passionate about the work the Northwest Stop provide for the community. This is a charity who provide FREE COUNSELLING with QUALIFIED COUNSELLORS to those who are suffering from their mental health. If you or someone you know needs their services then contact 086 7772009. Here is some more about Mark and some of his story of life in Sligo.Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?: Yes, born in Sligo and reared in Strandhill. What do you love about living in Sligo?: The people, the mountains, Lakes, Sea and overall beauty of it. The fact that if you stand in the middle of main street in the town you are no more than 10 -12 minutes from a Beach, Mountain, Lake , Forrest etc. Very few counties in Ireland can say that. If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: It would be great to see all the vacant properties being utilised better, businesses, housing etc. What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?: In the future I look forward to getting more events of the ground which bring people/ communities together. I really enjoy coming up with ideas for challenges and then seeing them come to fruition through the efforts of everyone working together. There is a massive sense of camaraderie when a group are working towards a collective goal. The more extreme or different the goal is, the better the craic, banter and fun it is. It is a powerful way for people to raise funds for charity.Professionally I am currently working with TUSLA with children in care and I am enjoying this role . What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: The walk up Knocknarea (up the steps). The Killaspugbrone loop. There are some lovely beaches and swimmers /dippers are spoiled for choice.The Gleniff Horse Shoe. So many cafés and restaurants I love. First of all Blend in O Connell Street, it's only opened 6 weeks but the owner used to have the Gallery Cafe. Top class coffee and sandwiches. Then the cottage cafe in Rosses point (beautiful pancakes bacon and syrup) Tempo cafe in Ballisodare, Nook in collooney, and also Osta in Sligo Town. The Venue in Strandhill do lovely food as do Langs in Grange. How can people find you online? and if you would like to make a special offer to our listeners that would be great - just an idea. Thank you :) : A Dip A Day In December on Instagram and Facebook. Also Mark Elliott on Facebook too.

Gavin Meenan - The Modern Warrior Program joined us this week sharing some of his life story with us about why he moved to Sligo, working as a PT and how that has evolved over the years and much more. Here is a bit of background the Gavin shared with us before the show too . . .  Please share your bio and any information about your business:  I'm 37 years of age, self employed since 2012, after I was made redundant from a job.I started a personal training business, which has evolved into online coaching and personal development work with men. I have 2 kids and strive to maintain a healthy work/life balance Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?:  From Donegal originally. Moved here for a job with Elverys Sports in 2009. What do you love about living in Sligo?:  The landscape, the people and the good coffee. I'm in the sea most mornings, so it's important to me to live near the coast. If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?:  A central park, with facilities for kids and families. What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?:  I've just launched my second book The Art of Self Acceptance, and I'm looking forward to some workshops and seminars from this in 2022, as well as writing my 3rd book. I will continue to do my best to create a positive impact in people's lives. What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.:  ROM Gym.Rover Coffee LabHooked and Flipside RestaurantDoorly Park and Rosses Point How can people find you online? and if you would like to make a special offer to our listeners that would be great - just an idea. Thank you :) :  Instagram @gavinmeenanWebsite www.gavinmeenan.com

Our guest this week is Cassie McVeigh from Vitality Clinic - general practitioner with an interest in menopause management.We talk about her starting out in dentistry then moving to GP and why she specialises in helping women through menopause. Why she moved to Sligo, her love of the sea plus much more. #sligolife  Heres some more information about Cassie she shared. I work with women providing individualised menopause and lifestyle advise with the aim to make the menopausal transition easier and to promote health and wellness into mid-life and beyond. Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?: No I’m from Fermanagh but we often visited Sligo as kids. My husband is from Dublin but a keen surfer since he was a teenager so we loved here so he can be near the waves and still have plenty of time for family. What do you love about living in Sligo?: The sea, the scenery, the outdoor lifestyle, the cafes and the people. If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: A 25m pool to Strandhill. What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?:  Getting a better work life balance to spend more quality time with my husband and kids but also to provide a good level of service to my patients. Finding the time to swim more and maybe try to get a dip in the sea every month of the year. What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.:  Hazelwood, the cafe culture - the list is endless, Cosgroves deli and dipping at Rosses point pool. vitalityclinic.ie Questionare to discover if you have menopause symptoms https://megsmenopause.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Greene-Menopause-Index-2.pdf

This weeks guest is Melanie White from Rebelle Surf.We had a very real conversation about life in Sligo in the times of current regulations and why there is not enough calm discussion from both sides.Here is some more about Melanie she shared with us too . . .   I own Rebelle Surf, a surf and adventure school/company. It's more than just a surf school though. It's a space to return to joy, strength, Connection with our life force and the life force in nature. Incredibly simple but incredibly powerful. Most people are living from a very complicated and burdened identity and I don't believe that's who we are in essence. Immersing ourselves in a fun, pure, unpredictable environment is exactly what most of us need!When done consciously with self reflection and recognition it's a powerhouse of potential. Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?: No I'm from county down originally. I left there over 20years ago for the love of surfing and the Atlantic. What do you love about living in Sligo?: The outdoor wild spaces If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: I'd provide more facilities that support local adventure businesses and those who love to adventure. Simple things like running water, cold showers, toilets. What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?: I don't actually live that way. I find when I'm looking forward I'm never satisfied. I tend to look at the present and play with it in its fullness. What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: HazelwoodBridgefoot restaurantHatch 22 How can people find you online? and if you would like to make a special offer to our listeners that would be great - just an idea. Thank you :) : Instagram Rebelle SurfFacebook Rebelle SurfRebellesurf.com website  https://mycompass.ie/ 

Brian Scanlon  has worked as the caretaker of Sligo Cemetery for a number of years. He has an incredible knowledge of local history. For those who frequent the cemetery, Brian is known for his compassion & kindness and for going above and beyond to help people struggling to deal with the death of a loved one. He also has a terrific sense of humour. I remember reading an article (posted below) in The Sligo Weekender in February about how more people had died from suicide in Sligo than Covid. I reached out to Brian and went to visit him at the Cemetery and recorded our interview in person.Virtual Tour of Sligo Cemetery We mentioned some groups if you or one of your loved ones need support https://www.havinalaugh.com/ https://www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie/ https://www.samaritans.org/?nation=ireland Article in The Sligo Weekender At Sligo Cemetery, Brian sees aftermath of tragedy. He does all he can to help Brian Scanlon has been the caretaker of Sligo Cemetery for years. He talks about the worrying increase in heartbreaking cases of suicide in the past year – and how he can see hope for the future Brian says he has seen an increase in suicides since Covid struck nearly a year ago. Speaking to the Sligo Weekender this week, Brian said: “We have seen a massive increase in suicides in the last year. To my knowledge we have had four Covid deaths and have had 16 suicides in the same period.” Brian told me that he is speaking out because he sees the devastation that a family suffers after a suicide. He said: “I see people who are great parents who would always have looked after their health – be it out jogging or just minding themselves and their diets. “But once suicide hits, you meet the same people and they are a shadow of their former selves. They are like completely different people. “I know one man all my life and he didn’t agree with taking medication. He was very health-conscious and wouldn’t even take a Disprin for a headache. Now he has to take sleeping tablets to even get three or four hours’ sleep at night. His life has been turned upside down after the suicide of a loved one.” Every case is different. Over a number of years, Brian has seen several scenarios in the aftermath of suicide. He said: “Sometimes the bereaved are surrounded by people for two or three weeks and then they are on their own. “With that deep, raw grief, some people are so shocked and angry it affects their personality and they fall out with their spouses, partners or other family members, with whom they had previously had great relationships. “As time passes and the grief abates a little they are often shocked at how they behaved in the initial aftermath, and they feel remorseful and have to deal with so much regret as well.” Brian says that is heartbreaking to watch. There is a wisdom about Brian Scanlon. You are struck by how easy it is to confide in him. There is a deep kindness to him – he really comes across as non-judgmental. For those reasons, it is of no surprise to hear that on top of his role as caretaker many people pour out their hearts and souls to him in the portacabin which serves as his office. He has shared many cups of tea with people who have no one to turn to and who are ravaged by grief and regret. He said: “Often at the burial of a suicide victim I wouldn’t know the family at all initially. But in the following few months I often get to know them very well as they seek solace at the grave of their loved one.” The rest of the transcript of Brian's interview will be on https://www.sligo.life/

Aoife Kane is our guest on this weeks show - she  leads retreats here in Sligo in Coolaney, facilitates women's circles, yoga classes and offers 121 healing sessions through shamanism, life coaching and reiki in Strandhill. Here is some more information about Aoife  . .  . Email: sisterhood@yoursovereignself.ie Your Sovereign Self Sisterhood - Creator  In 2005 Aoife’s journey took her to Asia and Australia and it was there she connected deeply to herself and found a want to share yoga with others. Since then Aoife has trained with Ana Forrest – Forrest Yoga Tradition, Baron Baptiste – Power Vinyasa Yoga and Shiva Rea – Prana Flow Yoga and Mel McLaughlin of The Yin Space. In 2011 Aoife left her corporate life behind to work with lululemon athletica and in 2013 Aoife trained as a life coach with The Animas Institute, attended a retreat on Touch for Healing with Judith Ashton and in 2015 began training in Shamanism with Eliza White Buffalo and has recently qualified as a shamanic practitioner with Shamanism Ireland. She also has been working with Medicine Woman, Trish Cameron since 2018 and training as a women's circle facilitator. In 2020 during the pandemic, Aoife created Your Sovereign Self as a way of women being able to connect with each other and also to reconnect within and rediscover what they love in life and how to incorporate this into every day.  I moved to Sligo in 2018. My grandfather is from Keash and during a training in the UK I had a lightbulb moment. I had hoped to move west and Sligo came to me as a place to consider during a meditation. The stars seem to align and within 2 months I had left Dublin and moved over to Strandhill. I love living here, a place where my ancestors came from and a place that feels more and more like home every day. I love the elements and how easy it is to connect with them here. The ocean and the community of swimmers, who have become lifelong friends, the beautiful mountain of Knocknarea and how Queen Maeve always seems to have a word or two of inspiration to share as I walk it. I love the vibrant arts scene and and also I love living in a place that is food heaven... there is so much Sligo has to offer and it's been a surprising and enriching move here for me. It would be great to see more diversity in terms of the wellness scene. There is much on offer and yet a large wellness space with a thriving community would be a beautiful addition to Sligo.I am most excited about growing the women's circles and beginning to offer them in person when the time is right. The retreats and showcasing Sligo as a place to rest back to is also high on the list of priorities and I am just beginning my training as a Cranio Sacral Therapist so I am looking forward to being able to offer this as part of my work in the future.Personally, I hope to continue to swim everyday in the ocean, appreciate all that Sligo and Mother Earth has to offer here and simply be present to the beauty life can be if we allow ourselves to receive.What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.:  Knocknarea Mountain / Gleniff Horseshoe & Devils Chimney for walks Rosses Point for ocean swims Aughris beach for surfs when the winds work Shells Cafe & Sweat Beat for delicious food Sligo Wellness Shop for all our well-being needs You can find me online as www.aoifekane.com or or yoursovereignself.ieInstagram - aoifekanemysticismSpecial Offer - offering listeners a 13% discount on an online drop-in yoga class or a 121 session with me just mention Sligo Life

This weeks guest is Clea van der Grijn shared her incredible story of how she moved to Sligo, becoming an artist, film maker and her journey in the last few years finding new ways to manage her mental health.  Here is some more about Clea, Film makerArtistGardenerMakerMotherFood fanaticTravellerLone body International award winning film maker and visual artist . JUMP recently acquired from Museum of Modern Art as part of their permanent collection . House designer ( home featured in many international and national magazines ) My film JUMP and painting JUMP were recently purchased by Irish Museum of Modern Art ( IMMA ) as part of their permanent collection . Advocate for Mental Health .Everything I do is connected . Came to Sligo around 2006 What do you love about living in Sligo?:  Space . Sea . Air . Peace . Land and seascapes . Creative energy. If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?:  Funding for the arts . Sligo is full of creatives unable to support themselves through their work . What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?:  Having completed FLUX . I am hoping it too will win international festivals so I can travel the world and attend screenings . Keep painting . Spending more and more time with my family . I making a feature film with Sligo creatives in Sligo . Getting funding to make this happen . What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.:  Exploring all the incredible beautiful walks. The forests . The seaside . How can people find you online?www.cleavandergrijn.com@cleaelisa Instagram

Through my friend Tracy I found out about a telecommunications structure that had been rejected for erection in Drumcliff two years ago but now was up again.  Development consisting of the erection of a new 35m pine tree multi-user telecommunications support structure carrying 9 No. antennas and associated remote radio units, 6 No. communication dishes, 1 No. lighting finial and 9 No. outdoor cabinets all enclosed within a security compound by a 2.4m high palisade fence with a 4m access gate, site access and site works. The development will provide voice and mobile broadband services in the area. The proposed pictures of what it would look like are very vague and not giving us a proper idea of what they would really look like on the landscape. The forest is planned to be cut down in the next couple of years so it will really be on it’s own. You can object by downloading the following letter and amending it for yourself. We have to have our objections in by the 19th of August 2021 Full details are here . . .  Sligo County Council information Planning file number 21/279 Drumcliff Mast proposal Phone Mast Objection 2 Drumcliff Mast Objection letter proposal CIGNAL INFRASTRUCTURE LTD You can download the objection letter sample and it has to be lodged quoting planning reference 21/279 with Sligo Council Planning Office, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo - with a €20.00 fee - before 19th August 2021.

Max is the Chairperson of Sligo Pride Festival 2021OutWest Sligo CoordinatorBoard member of Ireland Pride NetworkFacilitator of Trans NorthwestFormer chair of IT Sligos LGBT+ societyCurrent day job: BEx intern with Abbott Diagnostics, Finisklin Here is some more information Max sent us before the show.  My name is Maxton (Max) Ó Floinn, I'm 22 years old, my pronouns are he/they and I am a transgender man.I have completed my level 7 course in Biomedical Science in IT Sligo, I'm currently on a 15 month internship with Abbott Diagnostics and I plan to go back to college in September 2022.I have a habit of getting involved in things like Sligo Pride which is taking place this August from the 2nd-8th. This current version of Sligo Pride is only in it's second/third year after debuting in August 2019 with a lot of help from Dublin Pride and the Outing Festival. Previous to that there was SAGA Pride in 2016 and Pride Northwest several years before, so Sligo Pride is still quite young. Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?: I grew up in County Leitrim, so not a million miles away. I moved to Sligo for my 3rd level education with IT Sligo What do you love about living in Sligo?:  I love being able to walk to the shops! Something that wasn't really an option in rural Leitrim. I've very recently got my first car so I can just drive out to Strandhill for a walk, or Rosses point to watch the sunset or go out any other amazing walks If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?:  I think the first obvious answer to that is a LGBTQ+ bar.There's also a lot of run down looking buildings that would be great to see done up into more housing or new businesses. An idea suggested by a friend of mine would be for the old Savoy Cinema to be done up and converted into something like a bowling alley and/or games arcade What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?: I I suppose I'm looking forward to figuring out what I'd like to do with my life, I have the next 2 years of my life planned with my internship and then going back to college.In my personal life I'm looking forward to eventually living with my girlfriend of 5 years as we're long distance between Sligo and Galway just with college and work. Can't wait to adopt several dogs as well. What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.:  Penny cafe is fab, they've only just reopened. They have Elderflower Fizzies which seemed very popular at the OutWest Sligo meet up on the 19th of June. Blind Tiger hot chocolate is probably the best in town but the Rover Lab white chocolate mocha is phenomenal.I love Doorley park and watching the sunset at Rosses PointCheck out https://sligopride.com/ for updates on all the upcoming events and how to get involved.

Jane and her husband Myles came to Strandhill for a surf holiday and then ended up returning to not only build successful businesses, they fostered a community. Here is some more about Jane that she shared before the show . . . Please share your bio and any information about your business: We came to Sligo 11 years ago in the hope of creating a cafe and a life. Little did we know then just how attached to Sligo we would become.We opened Shells Cafe after working in lots of beach side restaurants and had a strong vision for what we wanted to create, Within a few years we opened the Little Shop - packed with the most beautiful gifts & art pieces as well as a fully stocked bakery & pantry and awesome t/a coffee.We have created 3 cookbooks - based on our love for food & life here in Strandhill. Co Sligo.2 years ago we spread our wings & opened a new space in Finisklin - a creative space for food, take away & chats. Located in the heart of Sligo, we provide a strong visual break for all the local workers- a bright, airy space to come & break the day with serious bakes, strong coffee & lots of fresh local food. What do you love about living in Sligo?: Where to start the local landscape is incredible - if you love the outdoors, you will never be bored here. The opportunity to surf daily and such a selection of surf spots. the ease of life- no traffic, no stress and of course great owner run businesses for all your needs. If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: A better road to Dublin - make us more accessible for city crowds to enjoy Sligo What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?: Growing- creating new products & occasions for both businesses. Stepping back & having more time to enjoy this area with my family What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: Must climb knockanrae.Must visit Shells & get to know some localsShoot the crows & Hardgadons for Guinesss & traditionWalk the Cullenmore peninsula How can people find you online? 15% off our online shopcode: ilovesligowww.shellscafe.comwww.bakerboys.com

This week on the podcast we chat to Ciaran who is a Self- employed, Actor, Wedding Celebrant & Trainer of Celebrants for weddings and funerals, naming ceremonies, Lecturer in Sligo IT, Drama Adjudicator & Hen party entertainer. Here is some more information that Ciaran shared with us . . .  An excellent communicator with a proven track record for delivering high quality theatre both as a performer and a director.A natural facilitator and educator with a passion for sharing theatrical knowledge.Possesses an in-depth practical understanding of working within the challenges of a demanding artistic environment.Key Roles and AchievementsLecturer in Sligo Institute of Technology 2015 - Present• I deliver the Physical Theatre module as part of the Performing Arts BA in 2nd year.I have facilitated Acting classes for 1st , 2nd and 3rd year students on the Performing Arts BA• I deliver the modules Modernism in Drama, Literature and Facilitation and Drama to Performing Arts students.• I direct and produce the public showcase for the New Writing module.MA in Drama and Performance, University College Dublin 2014-2015• Completed an MA. which required for graduation a devised Solo Performance and presentation of a Thesis.• This undertaking demanded excellent time management skills and an ability to think and act strategically also developing my computer literacy and written communication skills.• Advanced my understanding of the importance of the Arts, in particular theatre, to the cultural fabric of a community both locally and nationally.Professional Actor 1991 – present• In 2019, I developed and produced a solo theatrical performance piece “Is Mise le Meas” about the writer Flann O’Brien• I have trained extensively in Corporeal Mime, Viewpoints and Suzuki, all disciplines rooted in sound physical technique, which have been developed to provide the actor with the skills to realise their potential and best artistic expression within a theatrical production.• My vocal training has been developed over the last 30 years under the influence of numerous coaches and teachers but most specifically with the Roy Hart Theatre of Voice, France.• As part of an ensemble since 1991, I have been engaged in all aspects of Theatre Production, prop making, costume sourcing and design, set design and construction, lighting design, Production management on National and International Touring schedules.(For full listings of Theatre, Film and Radio performance credits please see addendum.)Theatre Director 1998 - present• In 2016 I established a Youth Theatre group in Tubbercurry. This project required a scheduled number of theatre workshops culminating in a devised performance to mark the opening of The Western Drama Festival.• I have directed a number of productions for Blue Raincoat Theatre company.• I have been Assistant Director to Kellie Hughes, Director Ad Astra Programme University College Dublin, The War Project with the Ad Astra scholars and UCD choral scholars, and Shakespeare’s Women presented by the Drama Studies students.• I was the Assistant Director and Production Manager for Terrible Tales of Tubber which was performed by Tubbercurry Youth Drama Group in 2011.• As Director of Footsteps Theatre Group, I directed and produced a number of shows that were presented as part of Cairde Arts Festival.Training and Facilitation Ongoing• I was the lead driver on a unique project to deliver drama workshops to a group of young adults from Sligo Down Syndrome, this collective became The Footsteps Drama group. Weekly drama workshops were held and the company presented a number of public performances as part of the stated goals of the project.• In 2017, at the request of the Summerhill College English Dept., I created and produced a performance designed to provide students with practi

This week on the podcast is yoga teacher Cathi Murphy Here is some more information about her . . . Are you from Sligo? Yes, born here in 1973 but left in 1990 to go to college in NUIG and in 1997 moved to US, first to NYC and then in 2002 moved to San Francisco California until 2016. What do you love about living in Sligo?: Landscape, mountains, river, lake, ocean, woods--what's not to love!!I love being able to get close to nature quickly and easilyI love being ack closer to family If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: a little beer and wine bar that offered only a few choices but all seriously good and some cheese and olives! There was a spot like that down the road from my apartment in SF and I miss it soooooo much!And I would love to see more live music EARLIER! I'm a boring old yogi now, so can't go out to the pub at 10/11 to hear all the great music that happens later on in the evening! California folks go to bed early and get up early, so lots of good entertainment in early evening. Miss that! What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?:  getting back to live teaching following COVID19 pandemicI'm delighted we have the online option and we've all benefitted from it in many ways (i'be been able to study with fabulous international teachers that I couldn't have traveled to) but NOTHING compares to LIVE! What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.:  Favorite RestuarantsMontmarte for special occasionsBridgefoot House only went once but loved it and was dying to go back but just didn't happenHargadons (my hubby loves it and I love him ;)Can't beat Rugantino'sLove sitting at the counter in Fabbriccas for apps and drinks!Bit's and Bobs around town!Bread from Le FournilCoffee from Milligram (decaf for me these days, but their decaf is great!)Avocado Toast with Hummus from Sweet BeatVeggie Burrito from TucosVeggie Burger and Onion RIngs from Flipside (best Veggie Burger EVER!!!)Love wandering around Libre, Kate's Kitchen and Cat and the MoonHazlewood (an outdoor cathedral)Dooney Rock (total fairyland)Knocknarea (never get tired of it)The View from the Green Road (when I'm having a rough day and my mind is tight, I head up there and just sit and look out at the lake!) Some links that Cathi shared with us . . . https://youtu.be/W0TrLqDKVvA (Mindful Yoga & Meditation course promo) https://youtu.be/wzMJzgY2rDA (Alignment Flow Yoga course promo) www.anoisyoga.com wwwyogahomesligo.com

On this weeks show we spend some time getting to know Louise Kennedy.  Her short stories have won prizes and been widely published. In both 2019 and 2020 she was short-listed for the Sunday Times Audible Award, the world's richest prize for a single short story, and the An Post Irish Short Story of the Year. She has written for the Guardian, Irish Times, BBC Radio4 and RTE Radio 1. Bloomsbury will publish her debut collection of short stories, 'The End of the World is a Cul de Sac' in April. Here is more about Louise . . . In the last four years I've earned both an MA and a PhD from Queens University Belfast, where I am currently holder of the inaugural Ciaran Carson 'Writing and the City' fellowship.  I grew up in Holywood, Co Down, during the Troubles. My family left when I was twelve. After years of living in various places - London, Co Clare, Beirut, Dublin - I came to Sligo in 1999. I planned to stay for a year or so, but met a nice fella in a pub and am still here. What do you love about living in Sligo?:  I like that living in town, one is only a ten minute drive from beaches, lakes and mountains. That I could (just about!) afford to buy a house. If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?:  The town is well-served by restaurants etc, but my daughter tells me there is poor choice in clothes shopping. With regard to the arts, there is a vibrant scene, with The Word at Sligo Library, Blue Raincoat, The Model, Hawkswell, etc. Cairde and Tread Softly are brilliant festivals that could hold their own with any in the country or beyond. What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?:  The publication of my first book in April. And then I'll be working on final drafts of my first novel for most of the summer. What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.:  Breakfast in Baker Boys. Lunch in Sweetbeat. Bread and cakes from Lyons. Dinner in Knox. Take-out from Miso. Bar food in Hargadon's. PInts in Shoot the Crows or Connolly's. Kate's Kitchen for everything.Walking in Hazelwood or along the shore at Slish Wood. Or out from the town by Doorley Park: how many towns have a walk like that so close to it's centre? Standing on Hyde Bridge when the Garavogue River is in full, terrifying flow.Browsing in Liber Bookshop. How can people find you online? : Twitter @KennedyLoulou

I grew up in Sligo and went to college in Galway studying science and went on to do PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry. I then got a very interesting job in a small Irish owned pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Ballymote called TopChem where I worked as development chemist, then senior chemist then New Projects Manager and was with the company while they grew from 6ppl in 2007 to over 30ppl in 2013 and they’ve grown considerably since. I really loved my time here and really found valuable all that I learned about organisational design, creating systems of operation, people and project management. Anois YogaLouise, Cathi and I have connected many times over the years on various charity projects and community events. That connection deepened further while completing Subtle Body Anatomy training together in 2019/20. It was due to the individual and collective yoga-healing we experienced on our training journey that we felt compelled in the Summer of 2020 to come together and create an authentic and supportive online yoga community.'Our Community needs Yoga NOW more than ever.  Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?: Born and Bred Sligo What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: I’m a big Fan of the Sweet Beat and I’m not Vegan, I just love the nourishing wholesomeness of the food and its so damn tasty. I order Sweet Beat Lunches for participants on all my adventure Yoga excursions.For evening dining 100% favourite place in the world to eat is Stoked, Strandhill.In the past 2 years I have fallen head over heels in love with Benwiskin, often over looked brother to Benbulben. How can people find you online? and if you would like to make a special offer to our listeners that would be great - just an idea. Thank you :) : A number of ways to find me onlineIf looking for Online Yoga www.anoisyoga.comIf looking for Outdoor Yoga www.yourwellbeingwarrior.comIf looking to find out more about the charity and the types of activities recommended for positive mental health visit www.havinalaugh.comTwo OffersOnline yoga 1 Month Pass : All you can eat live and on-demand yoga. Access all live classes, no pre-booking required, once you’re in you’re in. All recordings of recent live classes, catch the one you missed or repeat the one you like.Outdoor Yoga Outdoor Yoga Pass: Use for either 3 Beach Yoga sessions or one Hike-to-Yoga Excursion.

Most of my work is aimed at helping people have a better relationship with thoughts and emotions.  Working with people one to one but also working with groups & business.  Most people are caught up in focussing on what we need to do to feel better rather than prioritising how we want to feel.   It's not about me saying 'do this to feel' this because that's not realistic.  It's about pointing in a direction or asking questions so that whoever I'm working with can become aware of their own experience.  It's all about self awareness and exploration of that.  Recognising that part of us which is already at peace & all that springs from being in that space. So here's a few resources to help with that exploration: So first of all heres a guided meditation I've recorded which you may want to have a go at (it's one you can't get wrong, just follow me) there's also a chance for you to ask any questions you have. www.johngcoaching.com/sligo-life Books John recommends  All can be ordered through Liber Bookshop Sligo A New Earth - Eckhart Tolle Shift Into Freedom - Loch Kelly Liberation Is - Salvadore Poe Being Aware Of Being Aware - Ruper Spira Beyond Mindfulness - Stephan Bodian If you are curious about the types of companies or events I work with heres a client list http://www.johngcoaching.com/businessclients What do you love about living in Sligo?: I love the laid back nature of the place. I enjoy the outdoors so to have so many trails & walks and fields & beaches to run on is amazing. I love the community buzz of Strandhill. I also enjoy the peace and quiet. If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: I would love for there to be a good quality small sized venue that could bring some alternative music to the area. When living in Dublin I was spoiled for choice with gigs where as here although theres an amazing wealth of talent it all seems to be folk and rock. Trickys used to be a great place for alternative gigs, since thats gone theres nothing really the hits the spot. What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: Well I turned plant based 14months ago so favourite places to eat would be Stoked (defo my fav),Sweetbeat, Gallery Cafe & Miso. Im kinda lazy so only really go to the pubs within 100m of the house so thats The Dunes & The Venue (a special mention to the Swagman & Connollys if I get brave and venture out).

From January 8th 2021 Clodagh Higgins from Sligo Life will be the new owner of Sligo Hub and take it onwards with a new vision for 2021 and beyond. Sligo Hub was started in April 2018 by two local ladies; Val Robus and Kate McCarthy. The idea behind the website was to promote Sligo to not just tourists but also to locals. It quickly became a community where people could come to if they needed information. This was very evident during the Covid pandemic when people were looking for details of places that were open, amongst other things. In recent months Val and Kate partnered with Clodagh who hosts the Sligo Life podcast. This was a natural progression and the team had one clear goal to spread the word of Sligo in a positive light.  Val explains: ‘Sligo Hub was very much a labour of love for myself and Kate. Our professional lives have got very busy in recent months and we no longer have the time we’d like to dedicate to the project. Clodagh will be the driving force and bring the energy that’s needed to progress the website & social media platforms . She has over 12 years of experience in the Digital Sales & Marketing Industry and is passionate about connecting Sligo Businesses to each other, to the people in the community so they can grow together. We’d like to thank all those who supported the Hub over the years and we wish Clodagh every success for the future.’ Over the coming days, Clodagh will share more information about how to connect in the Sligo Hub Community and how to stay up to date with events and activities in Sligo through the Sligo Hub Friends Newsletter.  You can contact her directly on hello@sligohub.com 

I had a lovely chat with Fergal talking about his previous life as a Professional Poker Player, how he came up with the idea for StoryTracks and lots of other topics Here is more information about Fergal the CEO/StoryTracks Please share your bio and any information about your business: StoryTracks provides an engaging Travel Tech platform for Tourism and Corporate clients to create their own bespoke audio-guides and tell their unique stories to the world. A dynamic, scalable platform which brings local stories to life exactly where they took place.Treasure Hunts now on StoryTracks-real world rewards for discovering destinations!Completed Phase two of New Frontiers, Enterprise Ireland's Entrepreneur Development Programme.Winner of Best Pitch Award at Ryan Academy DCU Ustart Accelerator Programme 2017Bank of Ireland Startlab participant 2018Google Adopt a Start up participant 2019Silicon Republic "Start-up of the Week"Best Travel Tech Start up in Connacht/Ulster @ 2018 National Start Up Awards.Nominated for Best Entrepreneurial Tourism Innovation at Irish Tourism Industry Awards 2019.Winner Top 10 E.U Startup @ Startup Lighthouse Awards 2019.Featured in Top 100 Irish Startups- Sunday Business Post/Enterprise IrelandMember Oral History Network of Ireland Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?: Yes, well moved from Dublin @ 4 What do you love about living in Sligo?: People + place If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: more live Venues, less traffic-more communal spaces. What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?: Growing the business + helping my wee girl grow What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: Lough Gill/Horseshoe... How can people find you online?  www.storytracks.com- do a treasure hunt and win free ice cream/coffee/beer!

This week’s guest has a great story of how she started her business.  www.sarahthecakelady.comShe owns a cake business specialising in bespoke wedding and occasion cakesand has recently launched my own online shop - the cake lady at home collection.  Here is a little more about Sarah . . .  Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?: Yes I am originally from Ballisodare and built our forever home on my husbands land in Lissadell What do you love about living in Sligo?: The lovely surroundingsWe are blessed to be beside the fab Lissadell If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: Abolish rates and reduce rents and see more small local businesses open up in empty units around Sligo What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?: Growing my online customer baseBeen able to employ someone full timeTaking a bit more time out for myself What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: Lots - Drumcliffe tea rooms , Davis, Laura’sLissadell, Raghly. Follow Sarah on Instagram @thecakeladysligo

It was my pleasure to interview Kieran on the show today, he shared some great stories of his childhood, how he got into music and what has kept him occupied in 2020. Here is some more information about him that he shared before the show . . .I'm Kieran and I play piano.Actually I do a bit more than just playing - I teach others how to play, and I write music, arrange it and host/produce shows.I'm probably best known for the Theme nights (adult and teenage) I have been running for the last 9 years - however I have also written, produced and released 4 albums and an EP in that time.I love playing with others of all musical shapes and sizes, and apart from notable exceptions, the less structure and the more possibility there is the better.I enjoy getting the best out of others musically, showing them how much fun it can be to connect with their musical peers and an audience.More recently I have started to really enjoy blogging - writing about music, performance, motivation and ethics.Finally, I really believe that it's not about how good you are, it's about how good it is for you.Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?: Born in Australia but moved here when I was 4.You can find more information about Kieran here . . . kieranquinn.blog. kieranquinn.ie

John shares his wonderful lockdown story of how his first book came to fruition plus his journey to writing and much more in our podcast this week. Here is some more information about John . . .  Author of a recently published book 'You, me and Destiny'However, we once had business in Sligo but we were involved in a couple of ventures in SligoMy wife and I owned and operated Crazy Janes restaurant in Rockwood Parade, where Grappa now operates. For a couple of years, we also rented The Riverbank restaurant on the Parade also. My wife was closely involved but my involvement was limited to keeping the books. After the restaurants, my wife Mary returned to teaching Home Economics. She teaches in Mercy College Sligo John is a former teacher at Summerhill College who retired in 2018. I taught English there and was a Year Head. I was involved in also involved in the production of the college newsletters and magazines. I edited the commemorative magazine marking the move to the new building in 2013. I was always writing sporadically for my own pleasure. During the early days of the Pandemic, my three daughters who had been abroad returned home and encouraged me to release one of my novels. After a bit of persuasion, I released 'You, me and Destiny' on Amazon and it is also available in Liber and Eason in Sligo. Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?:  From Dromahair just across the county border. When we married my wife and a partner were renting The Rooftop Restaurant in Wine St car park and I was teaching in Summerhill. Sligo was the obvious place to base ourselves What do you love about living in Sligo?:  What's not to like? I like the lifestyle that living in Sligo affords us. Being near the sea and the beaches is a huge plus. We are walkers so there is no shortage of lovely walks in the area. Sligo has such a rich culture and as regards retail, there is very little one cannot buy in Sligo.Our daughters and we have brought many friends home from abroad and they have always been highly impressed by the area. If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?:  I would bring a sustained period of prosperity. That is what Sligo really needs. The roads will be there, the new streetscapes will and many more developments in the planning. It just needs an uninterrupted period of economic growth in the region.Faster train service would help especially if the airport is not set to return. What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?:  We have always travelled abroad and I would dearly love the situation to improve.My daughters are into language big time and last year all three lived in France. One is currently on lock down in Paris and as was the case last year, we would be there for Halloween if we could travel.Last year we had two girls in Paris and one on Erasmus in Nice-one of my favourite destinations which has hit the news for tragic reasons.If given health we will be fine. As regards writing I intend to publish again in 2021 but I have not decided to go with one of those already written or maybe a different one. What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: Before the lockdown in March our usual walk was from the Airport in Strandhill, to Killaspugbrone and onto Dorren's Strand. Since then we have walked the circuit around our home- Woodville, Mitchell-Curley park, Strandhill Road and Barnasraghy. I occasionally use some of the marvellous Cleveragh tracks.We have been doing Saturday morning coffee in town since our girls were kids. Grappa is and was the favourite. We frequent all the nighttime restaurants and are delighted at the new ones appearing. Currently, I can be found on Instagram at j.fmcloughlin