Nicky Kealy in the Final of Glor Tire...

So, a friend of a friend, Nicky Kealy, is in the final of Glor Tire (TG4, Wednesday nights at 10:30pm)!
I couldn't be happier for him. I have heard him throughout the show whenever I had the chance, and he is just a fantastic singer.

Nicky Kealy poster - Glór Tíre

As it says on the Glór Tíre website:

The popular country ‘n western talent show returns for another 15 week series, featuring nine of Ireland’s best performers as they each mentor a new contestant in a quest to win the Glór Tíre title.  Each contestant will perform a duet and solo with their mentor within their concert programme and will also perform with the house band during the introduction, recap and elimination programmes.

There is one voting day left. Today. So, what do you have to do?
Text 'Glor 7' to (ROI) 53307, or (NI/UK) 81108
That is all you have to do!

If you need more proof that he's fantastic, listen to this Raglan Road, unplugged. Enjoy!

Help Charities for Christmas 2011 xxx

I know a lot of us are struggling with money and finding work, but taking time out to help charities and even give as little as 99c for a charity single makes a whole lot of difference to the volunteers and people/animals that benefit from your generosity, and makes you feel good inside too.

A Christmas Tree in middle of snow and star covered light

Have a look at the charities I have given a little to this Christmas:

• I sent a few euro to Cancer Care West ( http://www.cancercarewest.ie/ ) and to the Galway Simon Community ( http://www.galwaysimon.ie ). Both sites take Laser Debit cards as well as Credit cards, so I didn't have a problem with that.

• Niamh is raising money for Outreach Moldova, which helps with the orphanage out there for disabled women and girls. She has organised a "12 Swims for Christmas", which she encourages others to join her in swims, and to donate as little or as much as you can for this brilliant charity ♥ More info at  http://www.outreachmoldova.org and Donations to http://www.mycharity.ie/event/niamh_ni_argains/

• 100-140 Irish Twitter people got together and recorded "Wintersong", to raise money in aid of the Neonatal Unit at the National Maternity Hospital in Holles St., Dublin. @BrendaDrumm started this idea. The single is available on iTunes for 99c. http://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/winter-song-single/id485227782 

• Foireann iomlán Ros na Rún tagtha le chéile lena gcéad shingil charthanachta Nollag "Cuireadh Do Mhuire" a thaifead don charthanachta ainm2hithe, MADRA! *** The entire cast of Ros na Rún come together to record their first Christmas charity single "Cuireadh Do Mhuire"  in aid of animal charity MADRA! .. Ceannaigh an singil, 99c. Déan é anois! :D ♥ ♥ ♥ Buy the single for 99c. Do it now! http://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/cuireadh-do-mhuire-single/id485788038

• Storyfold brought out their single "Another Year" to raise money for St. Vincent de Paul. A lovely song, costs 99c. http://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/another-year/id483061075?i=483061076

• Ryan Sheridan is raising money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Buy this lovely song "Walking in the Air" from his EP on iTunes for 99C ♥ ♥ ♥ http://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/walking-in-the-air-ep/id477272660

I'll post up more if I remember. A brilliant site you should sign up to is http://www.mycharity.ie/ where you have a wide choice of charities to help fundraising and donate as little or as much as you can to them. Check it out!

Hugs, M x

*EDIT POST: 11/12/11 18:30
Please donate to the GalwaySPCA ( http://www.galway-spca.com/home.htm ) if you can.
Their Heathlawn Animal Sanctuary was broken into last night. 5 dogs were stolen, and these were animals that had recently had surgery and were needing medical attention. The Sanctuary was also ransacked, they took anything they could, with windows broken into. The GalwaySPCA need all the help we can give right now, coming up so close to Christmas.
This is really upsetting news. These animals had already endured so much, and then this had to happen. There are photos of the dogs on this website, so if you hear or see anything suspicious.

Don't ignore any signs or gut feelings you have if you see an animal that is neglected or tied up all day by their owner. Don't leave them there to suffer any longer.

** EDIT POST: 20/12/11 20:00
I raised over €100 for Arthritis Ireland this year ( http://www.arthritisireland.ie/ )
More information on this at Arthritis Ireland's Get Your Joints in Motion 2011

Glitter and all that sparkles...

Happy December!

Working on essays for college, but I need a break. It's taking forever to finish these essays.

No pressents have been bought yet. A week ago, I used Tesco.ie for a huge Christmas food shop to bring home. Picked up some Selection Boxes, a Selection of Crackers for yummy cheese, a box of Black Magic for Mum, Advent Calenders for my sisters and best friend, some Pringles boxes and a huge Quality Street tin! All essentials for the festive season. I bought myself a Peppa Pig Advent Calender!! Awww, I love Peppa Pig, she's cool1 :D

Of course, every year, I miss the decorating of the Christmas tree, but sure college takes over when you're always half organised. Or feeling ill. Either or.


Am amazed by the amount of people doing things for charity.
*We had Movember, but I knew no-one taking part in that to give money to. *My friend Niamh is raising money for Outreach Moldova, which helps with the orphanage out there for disabled women and girls. She has organised a "12 Swims for Christmas" which she encourages other people to join her in swims, and to donate as little or as much as you can for this brilliant charity! More info at her charity page !http://www.mycharity.ie/event/niamh_ni_argains/ and at http://www.outreachmoldova.org/
*#twitterxmassingle 100-140 Tweeps recorded "Wintersong" to raise money in aid of the Neonatal Unit at the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin. @BrendaDrumm started this idea, and now its 6/1 for Xmas No1! This is amazing stuff, that so many people could get together via Twitter and get this single organised for a deserving cause. Woo hoo! Go the power of good!!

So, there is a sparkle in the air. I don't have time to take the Christmas Market of Galway and the lovely decorations, but I can read it around the Facebook and Twitter feeds, and it does make me smile.

Love,

M x