There was a slight increase in the inflation rate last month but it is still in negative territory, according to one measure.

Lower fuel costs continue to be the main factor in keeping down inflation.

The annual rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Prices Index for March increased slightly, and now stands at -0.6 per cent, up from -0.7 per cent in February.

The annual rate as measured by the Retail Prices Index has also shown a small increase, and now stands at 3.4 per cent, up from 3.3 per cent.

Excluding housing costs, the annual rate of inflation shown by the RPI increased to 4 per cent in March, up from 3.9 per cent the previous month.

A 23-year-old man from Union Mills has been convicted of causing serious bodily harm by driving without due care or consideration.

Alexander Atherton, of Main Road, admitted hitting a motorcyclist while driving at Derbyhaven on August 14 causing the rider two broken shoulders, two broken arms, a fractured pelvis and a knee injury.

The court heard that, at 1.15pm, Atherton was driving his Fiat Punto on Derbyhaven Road, going to Castletown.

Nigel Wright was riding his motorbike in the other direction at the same time with both men said to be travelling at around 30mph.

Both men appeared to be turning off into the car park.

Atherton was said to have driven directly in front of the path of the bike, causing Mr Wright to ‘fly into the air’.

An expert report said that the bike would have been in Atherton’s view for between 8.75 and 19.39 seconds.

It was also said that Mr Wright would have to undergo a knee replacement operation and would not regain full use of his left leg for nine to 12 months.

Atherton attended police headquarters voluntarily and admitted causing the collision, but said that he had not seen the bike.

Atherton entered a basis of plea, which was accepted by the court, in which he said that he had approached the car park slowing to less than 30mph, to turn right into it.

He said that he had changed gear from second to first and indicated to turn, but while turning he said he was struck by the motorbike.

Atherton added in the plea: ‘I looked but I didn’t see the bike. I can’t explain why I didn’t see him. I accept responsibility.’

Defending Atherton in court, advocate Dawn Jones said: ‘It was a classic case of “look and didn’t see”.

‘Mr Atherton accepts he should have seen the bike.

‘The general consensus is that the both vehicles were travelling at modest speeds.’

Mrs Jones asked for an adjournment to allow time for a social enquiry report to be prepared before sentencing takes place.

A conviction was recorded and the case was adjourned until May 10 at 10am.

Bail continues with a recognisance of £500 and conditions that Atherton live at his home address, attend probation meetings and not leave the island without prior permission.

A historic wall at Castletown quay removed as part of the Costa Coffee development will be reinstated, promises Manx National Heritage (MNH).

The removal of the wall – believed to date from the late 1700s or early 1800s – has caused some consternation.

At last week’s commissioners’ meeting Peter Hill-Heaton said: ‘A couple of people have had a go at me [about the wall]. The wall has been there for over 100 years. I explained there was damp in the wall. The wall came down to floor level, you can sit there and watch the view.’

Kevin Weir added: ‘MNH own it, they are not going to let anything untoward happen there.’

One anonymous caller contacted Isle of Man Newspapers complaining about removal of the wall and upset about the dangerous state of the road in the area, where there is scaffolding.

However the heritage group said its removal is temporary and to ensure public safety the quayside lane will be closed to the public until work is finished.

MNH said: ‘Work is taking place at the former Castletown Benefits Office, also known as the Castlegate Building. The project includes sensitive redevelopment of the site to include a new Costa Coffee facility in Castletown.

‘MNH is currently carrying out works to repair the structure of the building. Following completion of this work, interior fitting-out of the new café facility will commence.

‘As part of the initial site investigation works, MNH had identified some void areas beneath the building and we are now working to stabilise and consolidate the ground conditions.

‘In accordance with the planning consent, a section of the wall fronting the harbour has been temporarily removed. This wall, including the original facing stone, will be reinstated as part of the development.

‘During this stage of the project, in the interests of public safety, it has been agreed with the Department of Infrastructure that a temporary closure of the quayside lane will be put in place.

‘This walkway will be reopened as soon as it is safe to allow public access. 
MNH apologises for any temporary inconvenience.’

After the Easter break, and before the next round of league fixtures, there’s opportunity to draw up four cup finals from the eight teams still involved.

In the Bridgewaters Men’s Cup, it looks like plain sailing for defending champions Bacchas A as they have been drawn to play their own second team.

Having put 16 goals past them in the league without reply, there should be only one winner from the inter-club derby.

They will have to wait for their opponents however, with the first teams of Valkyrs and Vikings meeting in the second semi-final next Wednesday night (April 7), in what promises to be a much tighter affair.

Both sides looked off-form in their previous league games but a cup final place should be ample incentive to get them back to their best.

There’s a couple of mouthwatering ties in the Bridgewaters Women’s Cup this Saturday, with Imogen Manning’s Valkyrs hosting Vikings at QEII as Bacchas take on Harlequins.

Valkyrs are undefeated in their last four, and have picked up some great momentum, but Vikings should prove too tough a nut to crack, Kim Carney’s team beating the westerners in their last 14 meetings.

Bacchas versus Harlequins is another tantalising affair. A month ago Emma Leeming’s Whites were flying high before three straight defeats curtailed their league title hopes.

Quins by contrast, have been in wonderful form recently, winning their previous six and only conceding one goal in the process.

Bacchas will start as favourites against Division One Quins, but expect this to be closer than it may seem on paper.

Bridgewaters Men’s Plate next, and again two teams meeting who are a division apart, but in this case the team in the lower league may go into it as marginal favourites.

Neil Shimmin’s Valkyrs B have made a mockery of the league system this season, sweeping all aside in Division Two.

They face a Bacchas Colts side on promising form themselves after winning their last two and this one is too close to call, but the Westerners may just fancy an upset.

Vikings B should back up their league form with a win against a Ramsey B side who are struggling in the division. Both games between the two have been 5-0 victories to the Blacks, who should comfortably book their places in the final.

Finally to the Bridgewaters Women’s Plate and two very contrasting semi-finals.

Bacchas C face the daunting task of taking on a Vikings B side on great form in theleague above having lost ony one game. Joeanna Roney’s side know it would be a huge upset to steal this one, but they will certainly put on a determined display.

Only one league place separates the other two semi finalists, as Ramsey B face Saracens A.

Ruth Watterson’s Southerners have put slightly patchy league form to one side in this competition, though Ramsey should shade this one.

Dave Clark-Wilson

Plans for a major redevelopment of lower Douglas have suffered yet another blow.

In a case of history repeating itself, the Department of Infrastructure has announced it will re-advertise for fresh expressions of interest to develop the Lord Street and Parade Street sites.

Parade Street and the former Lord Street bus station were to form a key part of the Douglas Masterplan, a bold vision to create a ‘world class’ capital.

An all-weather Winter Gardens, multiplex cinema, multi-storey car park and bus interchange were proposed for this area, potentially designated The Fort and the Maritime Gateway. It was billed as a major new development that would boost construction, create jobs and bring wide benefits to the community and economy.

The DoI successfully advertised the sites last year and a preferred bidder was selected on the basis of the bid submitted. But in a statement, the department said the chosen developer had sought to make changes to its original bid.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘It is incredibly disappointing and frustrating that after many months of detailed negotiations we have no option other than to reject the revised bid because the developer’s approach is inconsistent with the procurement process.

‘The only way to be certain that the sites achieve the best possible value for the taxpayer is to start the process again.’

The development opportunity will be re-advertised in April.

The old bus station was demolished at the end of 2001 and the site turned into a car park.

In February 2013, the plug was pulled on a 4-star quayside hotel development earmarked for here after the developer failed to submit a planning application in time.

Tynwald approved the Masterplan framework in February last year and expressions of interest from potential developers were sought.

Other proposals included a new Civic Square, construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the river at the Nunnery and possible replacement of the 1960s Sea Terminal with a purpose-built port and cruise line terminal.

The next instalment in the Songs From The Sofa series takes place at Amber in Douglas this Saturday night.

It sees solo singer/songwriters Hamish Faragher and Matt Kelly join In The Blood and Postcode in stripped down versions of their usual full band selves.

Hamish is a relatively new name on the local music scene. Having played guitar since the age of nine, Hamish picks his current influences as Ed Sheeran and Jake Bugg.

Hamish also recently supported Davy Knowles for three shows in the island late last year which garnered some very favourable reviews.

Since then, having ventured out further afield to play several pub gigs around the island, Hamish is one to watch.

Joining Hamish is Matt Kelly.

Matt is known via local bands King Chiaullee, Strengyn, Hoodoo Nation and The Ballaghs and his style and influences rooted mainly toward more Celtic leanings.

He started writing and performing his own songs just over a year ago though and will be showcasing these new pieces on the night.

Complementing the bill is In The Blood, a band that has started to make waves on the local live scene recently.

The band was formed last year by guitarists James Craig and Mark Lawrence. Joining them soon after were Andy James on drums, Dave Brew on vocals and Jamie Christian on bass.

The band cite their influences as anywhere from progressive rock to country blues with a smattering of rock.

Finally, completing the line-up are Manx music scene veterans Postcode. Having formed in 2005, the band has released numerous albums and EPs via the Small Bear Records.

The band comprises Marie Reynolds, guitarists Mikie Daugherty and Kieran Ball, Steve Halsall on bass and Jonny Peacock on drums.

Elsewhere this weekend, you’ll find the unrelenting live schedule of indie, 80s and classic rock covers band Switch continue its journey with a return to Jaks Bar in Douglas.

The band, made up by Neil Curphey on vocals, Colin Davidson and Matt Quine on guitars, Mal Atkinson on bass and Jonny Peacock on drums play a set that swings from the likes of The Killers, Doves, The Stone Roses, Ash, Feeder, The Kaiser Chiefs, Pulp and Blur at one end via Blondie and The Buzzcocks to INXS, Duran Duran, The Jam and The Sex Pistols at the other.

Finally this week, we have covers band 995 will be performing tonight (Friday) at Bar Logo in Ramsey.

The band has been out there and making themselves known to the Manx gig goers for a little while now.

Formed by Matt Todd on keys and vocals, Maric Thorpe on guitar and vocals and Gerard Hall on bass, they completed their line-up by bringing in Ian Manton on vocals and Danny Mills on drums both plucked from fellow local circuit veterans Catch 22. The band drop a variety of pieces into their set list ranging from One Republic via Jimi Hendrix to Kings of Leon and Stereophonics.

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Steve Leach brings the latest rumblings, murmurings, news and views on forthcoming events in and around the island’s music scene. Help support the scene by emailing leachsteve@hotmail.com

Ramsey and Vagabonds’ B teams meet this Saturday in the Manx Plate’s conclusion in what could be a second-team rehearsal for the cup final.

Ramsey are already through in that competition and are waiting for the other semi-final between Douglas and Vagabonds to see who they face.

No such drama in the Plate, however, with both sides through to what will be the first domestic final of the season at Ballafletcher.

The two sides have met just once so far this season.

The clubs agreed to play a ‘double header’ to assist with the fixture backlog and Ramsey won that one 25-18.

Vagas’ Paul Howard will be keen to avenge that result, but in recent weeks he has struggled to get a side out due to an assortment of injuries at Ballafletcher.

He does have a group of trusty lieutenants with Johnny Beckley and Bryan Kennaugh bringing a wealth of know how to the side just when they need it.

Ramsey B have made an impressive start to 2016.

They are unbeaten in all competitions and skipper James Wren is loving every minute of it.

He has a mix of new players and old. Juan Callister and Spud Watterson are two of the new boys and look like they’ve been playing for years.

The older guard of Darren Ideson and Tommy Callister are still there to steady the ship.

This looks like an intriguing final between two very evenly matched teams, with perhaps Vagas on their own turf just doing enough to snatch it.

Fixtures: Saturday April 2

South Lancs/Cheshire Division One

Liverpool St Helens v Douglas

@ Liverpool St Helens

Cheshire (South)

Oswestry v Ramsey @ Oswestry ko 2pm

Marple v Vagabonds @ Marple

Shimmin Wilson Manx Plate Final ko 2.15pm

Vagabonds B v Ramsey B @ Ballafletcher

Shimmin Wilson Manx Trophy

Douglas B v PDMS Southern Nomads

@ Port-e-Chee ko 2.15pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Bowl

Western Vikings v Emerging Nomads

@ QEII School ko 2.15pm

Noa Nomads v Castletown @ KWC ko 2.15pm

A Fun Day will take place at Glen Wyllin on Sunday from 12 noon until 4pm.

The event was originally scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) but bad weather is forecast and organisers have decided to move it to Sunday.

There will be bouncy castles, face-painting and nail art. These will all be free activities.

Also there will be hot food, drinks and snacks available to purchase.

The campsite is no longer being run by the commissioners.

As we previously reported, a team of business partners have signed a 21-year lease to run the campsite.

James Hooper, Leanne Gilman, Tracey Dentith and Michael Dentith have been awarded the contract to run the site by its owner, the Department of Environment,

FoodandAgriculture (DEFA).

For bookings and enquiries regarding the campsite email glenwyllincampsite@outlook.com

The Canada Life Premier League’s top two both scored resounding 5-0 wins on Thursday evening.

Leaders St George’s triumphed 5-0 at St Mary’s thanks to strikes from James McStay, Ciaran McNulty, Sean Quaye and two own goals.

In the other match at Marown, FA Cup winners Peel continuted their good week with Ash Webster, Daniel Bell, Lee Gale, Josh Kelly and Marc Kelly on the scoresheet.

The result leaves Peel nine points behind Geordies, but with three games in hand. Marown remain in the bottom two with only three league games left to play.

Results: Thursday, March 31

Marown 0-5 Peel

St Mary’s 0-5 St George’s

Manx Telecom has reported an increase of more than a quarter in underlying profits in its full year results.

And chief executive Gary Lamb has told the Manx Independent the company is fully committed to ploughing a further £10 million into its network and operations this year.

The company is listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange.

Manx Telecom reported its 2015 financial results yesterday (Wednesday).

Speaking from London Mr Lamb said: ‘We are a proud Manx business, and an ambassador for the Isle of Man in the UK and beyond.

‘Our ability to succeed is directly linked to the island itself, and we fully recognise the role and responsibility we have in attracting business here. [in the island].’

Underlying profit before and after tax increased by 27.9 per cent to £16.6million from £12.9million the year before.

Revenues were up 0.4 per cent to £79.6 million from £79.3 million in 2014.

Mobile revenues increased 9.3 per cent boosted by 4G adoption and mobile data revenues.

There was said to be a strong growth in data centre revenues, up by 20.3 per cent, driven by one-off equipment sales.

MT reported a final dividend of 6.9 pence a share (2014: 6.6pence) taking the total to 10.4 pence for the full year (2014: 9.9 pence) in line with the ‘company’s progressive dividend policy’.

Gary Lamb, chief executive officer said: ‘I am pleased to report a solid performance for the full year which was in line with the Board’s expectations.’

Mr Lamb said: ‘Looking ahead, we remain confident in the outlook for the group, reflected in our commitment to maintain our progressive dividend policy.

‘We have developed a highly attractive market proposition, and I was delighted to renew our long term relationship with the government of the Isle of Man. We continue to generate strong cash flow, which enables us to create value for shareholders, while continuing to invest in our infrastructure projects at an average of £10 million per year over the last three years.’

Mr Lamb stressed another important figure was the £25.4 million cash generated from operations.

There was also the underlying EBITDA [earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation]. This was put at £27.7 million in 2015, a two per cent increase on the previous year’s figure of £27.1 million.

Mr Lamb said every pound the company invests in the business is also a pound invested in the island and its future.

‘We will continue to invest in this future to ensure that businesses here [Isle of Man] continue to have access to the best technology.’

The report shows that Manx Telecom invested £10.1 million in 4G mobile, broadband and ongoing network enhancements in 2015. The company is said to support more than 4,000 business customers and continued investment in infrastructure is said to have played a major role in establishing andsustaining the island’s reputation as a world class business centre.

Mr Lamb, who was appointed as chief executive officer last July, described the year’s results as ‘a solid performance for the full year which was in line with the Board’s expectations.

‘The highly cash generative core business of fixed line and mobile services continues to perform strongly, with revenue growth driven by good take up of our high speed broadband products and an increase in the number of mobile customers returning to Manx Telecom following our investment in 4G.’

Expansion of data centres continued with completion of phase two of the Greenhill Data Centre in place from October 2015.

Craft days for all ages return to the Beach Buddies Visitor Centre at Niarbyl next week.

A series of events will be held where everyone goes home with an item made from materials such as shells, sea glass and driftwood.

Booking is essential as the maximum number taking part in any one session is limited to eight, so that each person can receive individual attention.

It’s not just for children, adults can make something special too, and perhaps a creation which may be a bit more challenging.

Sessions will be held on the following days:

Monday, April 4: 10am to midday and 1pm to 3pm.

Tuesday, April 5: 10am to midday and 1pm to 3pm.

Thursday, April 7: 10am to midday and 1pm to 3pm.

Saturday, April 9: 10am to midday and 1pm to 3pm.

Extra days amay be added, depending on demand.

Email beachbuddiesisleofman@gmail.com or phone/text 496560.

Meanwhile, Beach Buddies will be returning to Ballaugh beach this weekend with a volunteer team session on Sunday morning, from 10.30am.

A session was held there some weeks ago, but another large amount of rubbish has gathered in recent times, meaning another session is required to one of the island’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.

All equipment is provided by Beach Buddies, including gloves, litterpickers and bin bags and items collected are removed afterwards by the charity, recycling around 60 per cent of all rubbish, such as tin cans, plastic, metal and glass.

All ages are welcome, and particularly families - even if you’ve not taken part before.

Organisers Bill Dale says it’s informal, relaxed and good fun and you meet lots of like-minded people. Well behaved dogs are also very welcome.

The Craig Heartstrong Hospital Cup fires into life on Sunday teatime with the competition’s preliminary round.

The draw has conspired to produce 10 intriguing ties not least at Andreas where Ayre United will host northern rivals RYCOB.

Youthie are bottom of the Canada Life Premier League standings and will welcome the distraction of the end-of-season knockout competition.

In the pair’s sole league meeting this season the Tangerines triumphed 3-0 and will go into this match as slight favourites.

However, Youthie are due a result and may just get it at the weekend.

The round’s other all-top-flight affair sees FA Cup winners Peel take on Laxey at Douglas Road. With the westerners still on a high after Easter Monday’s dramatic success, expect them to keep their Grand Slam bid alive by landing a place in the first round proper.

There’s sure to be a smattering of Division Two sides in the next stage with several all second-tier encounters.

The southern derby between Castletown and Colby is the pick of four ties that also include Braddan v D and D, Michael v Royal and Foxdale v Marown.

Onchan will face the expected backlash of beaten FA Cup finalists St George’s in one of four second tier versus Premier League match-ups.

DHSOB will be favourites to advance past Malew at Clagh Vane, while there’s a derby of sorts as St Mary’s play Division Two Pulrose.

Pully could pull off a shock if the Saints aren’t at the races from the off.

In-form St John’s face Governor’s Athletic in the remaining tie of the round.

There’s a busy weekend of football in store with both the Junior and Hospital Cup preliminary rounds taking place.

Friday, April 1

Paddy Power Master FA Cup

8.40pmUnion Mills v Colby @ Bowl

--------------

Saturday, April 2

Ascot Hotel Junior Cup Prelim Rd

2.30pm DHSOB v Laxey

2.30pm Michael v RYCOB

2.30pm Marown v Corinthians

2.30pm Douglas Royal v St John’s

2.30pm Ramsey v Malew

2.30pm Peel v Union Mills

2.30pm Foxdale v Douglas Athletic

2.30pm Governor’s Ath v Colby

2.30pm Pulrose v Braddan

2.30pm Rushen v St Mary’s

Canada Life Combination One

2.30pm Ayre v St George’s

JCK Combination Two

2.30pm Gymns v Castletown

--------------

Sunday, April 3

Paddy Power Masters FA Cup

2.10pm Michael v C’thians at Bowl

3.40pm RYCOB v Peel at Bowl

Regency Travel Women’s FA Cup Semi-finals

1pm Peel v Douglas Athletic

Douglas Royal P-P Corinthians

Canada Life Premier League

2.30pm Corinthians v Rushen

Craig Heartstrong Hospital Cup

4.30pm Michael v Douglas Royal

4.30pm Braddan v D’glas & District

4.30pm Govs Ath v St J’s @ St John’s

4.30pm Malew v DHSOB

4.30pm St Mary’s vPulrose

4.30pm Ayre v RYCOB

4.30pm Peel v Laxey

4.30pm O’han v St George’s @ TBC

4.30pm Foxdale v Marown

4.30pm Castletown v Colby

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Tuesday, April 5

Canada Life Combination One

6pm Marown v St Mary’s

6pm Corinthians v Ramsey

6pm DHSOB v Rushen

6pm Laxey v Union Mills

6pm Peel v St John’s

6pm St George’s v RYCOB

JCK Combination Two

6pm Foxdale v Gymns

6pm Malew v Douglas and District

6pm Castletown v Colby

6pm Braddan v Michael

6pm Douglas Royal v Douglas Athletic

6pm Onchan v Pulrose

--------------

Wednesday, April 6

Canada Life Premier League

6pm St George’s v RYCOB

6pm Peel v Ayre Utd

6pm Corinthians v Ramsey

6pm Union Mills v Rushen Utd

6pm St Mary’s v St John’s

6pm Laxey v DHSOB

JCK Division Two

6pm Foxdale v Douglas Royal

6pm Pulrose Utd v Michael Utd

6pm Colby v Onchan

6pm Malew v Castletown

6pm Gymns v Douglas Athletic

6pm Braddan v Douglas and District

Kieran Tierney made an impressive debut for Scotland’s senior side against Denmark on Tuesday evening.

The Isle of Man-born 18-year-old full-back was named in manager Gordon Strachan’s squad to face Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday as his remarkable rise through the footballing ranks continues at pace.

The Celtic defender has only played a handful of games for the Scottish under-18 and u19 teams, meaning he skipped the u21s and jumped straight into the seniors which is something of a rarity in professional international football.

After the squad announcement, Tierney spoke to www.celticfc.net: ‘I’m surprised. I didn’t expect it but I’m very grateful for Gordon giving me the call-up. He’s put a great amount of trust in me to put an 18-year-old in the national squad so I just hope to repay him if he plays me.

‘The old saying is if you’re good enough you’re old enough so hopefully I can prove that. I might go away and not play but the fact that the manager has recognised me is great.

‘From under-14 all the way up I was never selected for Scotland then I got a few friendlies for u19s and played in Euro qualifiers.

‘At the same time I’ve been playing first-team football for Celtic at the top of the table and played in Europe in massive games. It’s crazy when you’re 18 and to be included in the first team is brilliant.’

Good debut

Tierney made an impressive debut for Scotland’s senior side against Denmark on Tuesday evening.

The Manx-born Celtic full-back played the opening 45 minutes of the friendly encounter at Hampden Park, earning rave reviews from players and media alike.

Speaking to the Glasgow Evening Times, Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon said: ‘I thought he was very solid. He had a hand in the goal and had a great clearance in the first half when the guy was straight through. ‘That was vitally important to the win, if we lose a goal there it could have been a long night for us. Kieran was a really important player at both ends of the pitch, but he’s been fantastic all season.

‘He continues to surprise, he is so calm and takes everything in his stride. Nothing seems to phase him at all. Whether it is coming in to the first team at Celtic at 17 and playing the same way he did right through his youth career, or doing it for Scotland.

‘He’s come up against really good players and he’s handled that, along with everything else that has been thrown at him. It’s great credit to him.’

Celtic team-mate Erik Sviatchenko who lined up for the Danes told the Scottish Sun: ‘I saw his first half from the bench and lots of my Denmark team-mates said, “This guy is really good”.

‘It’s good for Celtic and it’s good for Scotland as well that we have this young lad coming through and playing so well.

‘He has taken to it like he is 30 years old. It’s unbelievable.’

Football fairytale

Tierney’s story has so far been nothing short of a football fairytale.

Born in Douglas, he lived in the island for the first 10 months of his life while his older sister Natalie went to St Mary’s Primary School, before moving to Wishaw in North Lanarkshire, Scotland.

The youngster played for the local Netherton team until, at the age of seven, he joined Celtic’s youth set-up where he steadily progressed through the ranks.

Speaking to the Isle of Man Examiner recently, Tierney said: ‘I went into the under-nines team but I was actually under eight at the time so I was training with older players for a year. Then you train all the way up with the under-10s, u12s, u13s etc but when you get to the u15s and u16s they take you to school.

‘The 15 and 16 years olds get their own school - it was a normal school which was near to the training ground which was easier for us all.

‘Obviously after that you have to work hard and then at the end of school you get told if you’re getting a full-time contract or not. I got a full-time contract, and I’ve signed another two since then.

‘On a typical day I’d need to get up at about 6am then train from 7.30-9am before school. After school then you’d play 5-7pm each day and you had the gym in there as well - that’s the dedication you need at one of the biggest clubs in the country. All the other clubs would train for a few hours at night a couple of times a week whereas we trained twice a day everyday.’

Playing either in defence of attack, the left-footed flyer soon gained quite a reputation within the Hoops’ development squad and was rewarded with a place in the first-team squad for their pre-season trip to Finland in 2014, culminating in the talented teen making his debut in a friendly against Tottenham Hotspur.

Although the Bhoys suffered a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Spurs, the scoreline was the last thing on his mind. ‘The result was obviously a bad one but we had a lot of young players out there whereas they had a full team.

‘I had just turned 17 and I was playing against the likes Emmanuel Adebayor so it was crazy. We could’ve been up 6-1 or down 6-1, the fact was I was going on for the Celtic first team.

‘I get a lot of support in the island and there are quite a lot of Celtic fans over here too.

‘I know quite a few people through social media who have played for the Isle of Man so it’s good to speak with them.’

The 18-year-old Bhoys full-back is now enjoying a breakthrough season for the Glasgow giants, making the left-back position his own after displacing Honduran international Emilio Izaguirre.

‘Over the course of the season the manager obviously thinks I’ve been training well so he’s given me my chance in Europe. I’ve played in big games, Fenerbahce home and away as well as Ajax so it’s all been unreal.

‘Emilio has been great, he’s a great guy and he just goes about his business as usual. I’m sure his time will come again as he’s been a great servant to the club.’

Tierney’s performances for the Scottish Premier League champions have certainly not gone unnoticed, with UEFA naming him as one of Europe’s most promising young players to watch.

‘It’s obviously good to hear things like that but I try not to think about things like that. You don’t want to let that go to your head - you just acknowledge it and take it on board as a positive.

‘Training with the first team every single day improves you in every aspect. At the start of the season at the end of the games I would tire out - obviously the step up from under-20 games to first team is hard.

‘However, I’ve now played 90 minutes in the majority of the last nine games so that’s an achievement for me.’

So what does the future hold for the youngster? Would he be tempted to move to a different league?

‘Never say never but I’ve been a Celtic fan all my life and I’ve been there 11 years already so I see no reason to leave.’

In terms of Manx football, Tierney spoke about the possibility of playing for Ellan Vannin: ‘I was close to playing for them last year but then I broke my leg. You never know, anything can happen. Maybe one day.’

The rising Celtic star also had a few words of encouragement for any local players hoping to make it professionally: ‘Obviously it’s a bit harder to get picked up over here in the island by a team across, but all you can do is work hard and never give up. It’s just hard work, that’s all it is.’

Dave Norton

Online gamblers are accusing the owners of a series of gaming websites based in the Isle of Man of closing their accounts and withholding funds.

It’s being reported that 138.com, 12Bet, Fun88.co.uk and TLCbet have sent emails to thousands of customers suggesting they have abused the sites’ promotions systems in relation to deals offered during the Cheltenham Festival.

One affected customer contacted the iomtoday newsroom this afternoon to highlight the issue.

The news is widespread on Twitter and the UK’s Mirror website has ran a story on the situation this afternoon, including details of a punter who is being denied access to £2,600 from accounts with all four companies.

TLCbet, fun88 and 12bet are all listed on the Isle of Man Government website as ‘current licence holders of the Gambling Supervision Commission’ with online licensee TGP Limited.

A reporter has called TGP Europe Limited, which is based in Athol House, Douglas, for comment but no one was available. We are awaiting their response.

Xela Limited is listed as the license holder for 138.com. We have attempted to contact chief executive officer Garth Kimber, a former head of egaming with the Manx government, but were unable to get through.

The Isle of Man’s Gambling Supervision Commission issued a short statement at 5pm. It read: ‘I can confirm that the Gambling Supervision Commission is aware of the matter, however it is standard policy for the Gambling Supervision Commission not to comment on regulatory or compliance matters relating to its licensed operators.’

American jazz and swing trio The Hot Club of Cowtown, are bringing their unique blend of music to Peel’s Centenary Centre.

Featuring the fiddle and vocals of Elana James (who also toured with Bob Dylan for two years), guitar and vocals of Whit Smith and the amazing double bass and vocals of Jake Erwin, the band are all masters of their instruments.

The trio will be performing on Saturday as part of a 17-date tour of the British Isles to coincide with the release of their latest album.

Midnight On The Trail, their ninth studio album, was released last Saturday.

The band’s early history started in New York in 1994 when Elana – a one-time horse wrangler in Colorado, as well as a former student of classical music at the American Conservatory in Fontainebleau,France – placed an advert in the music section of the Village Voice looking to join a band.

The advert was answered by Whit – who was a regular at the prestigious Djangofest Northwest in Whidbey Island, Washington – and they initially formed a duo.

They moved to Austin, Texas, in 1998, where they were signed by American roots label HighTone Records and released their first album, Swingin’ Stampede.

The band’s line-up was solidified in 2001 with the arrival of bassist Jake.

Jake grew up hearing his parents play lots of folk music, especially acoustic blues, but as a teenager rebelled and turned sharply towards hard rock, which still informs his approach to hot jazz and Western swing.

Their releases include Rendezvous in Rhythm (2013) with its more European inspirations and a collection of Western swing standards made famous by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, What Makes Bob Holler (2010).

Along with the Hot Club’s dedicated cult following worldwide – they have toured for the US State Department as musical ambassadors to Azerbaijan, Armenia, the Republic of Georgia and the Sultanate of Oman.

Legend Bob Dylan, with whom the band toured, is a continuing inspiration both personally and professionally.

The Hot Club has opened several shows for Willie Nelson, toured with Nelson and Dylan during a summer-long stadium tour and opened seven nights of Roxy Music’s sold out For Your Pleasure UK stadium tour in 2011.

In the UK, the Hot Club of Cowtown has been featured at the Glastonbury Festival and has also been a returning guest on Later with Jools Holland, the Cambridge Folk Festival, the Radcliffe and Maconie Show and Bob Harris Country on BBC Radio 2.

They have won many awards including being winner of the 2015 Ameripolitan Awards for Western Swing Group of the Year.

Their latest album is a vintage mix of 12 Western swing songs and cowboy ballads hand-collected to reflect the spirit and joy of the American West. Utterly danceable, romantic and rustic, these songs truly represent the Cowtown of the Imagination, a source of inspiration for the band since it first began.

They have been written by the likes of Bob Wills, Johnny Mercer, Cindy Walker, Gene Autry.

A review in The Times said: ‘Unfussy and unpretentious, their blend of down-home melodies and exuberant improvisation harks back to a lost era of so-called western swing.

‘When they plunge into Orange Blossom Special your thoughts turn not so much to runaway trains as to a B-52 tearing up a runway.’

Meanwhile, The Guardian said they perform with ‘spirit, originality and skill that would surely have impressed Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt back in the 1930s’.

Saturday’s concert starts at 8pm. Tickets cost £20.

The online ticket allocation is sold out. Contact the Centenary Centre to see if any tickets are still available.

Mannin Quilters started in 1990 when eight members picked up their sewing needles together.

Some 26 years later, the group has grown to nearly 80 members of all ages – all women who enjoy sewing.

Mannin Quilters hold meetings twice a week,at Ballabeg Methodist Church hall on Tuesday evenings (from 7.15pm to 9pm) and then on Wednesday afternoons (from 1.30pm to 4pm) at St Columba’s Catholic Church Hall in Port Erin.

The social group is open to people of all abilities, both beginners and experienced sewers, and members can attend either or both meetings.

Mannin Quilters chairman Ruth Hall told Island Life: ‘Overall, we meet to have fun, learn from each other and enjoy company, cups of tea and great cakes!’

Mannin Quilters work on their own projects during the weekly meetings.

They also share ideas and patterns among friends and members offer demonstrations during the year that teach new techniques and projects.

Themed patterns are made available for members to then interpret in their own ways.

Every two years Mannin Quilters holds an exhibition over the May Day weekend.

And their next exhibition takes place this year from Friday, April 29 to Monday, May 2 at Ballabeg Methodist Church.

Refreshments, including a selection of home-made cakes, will be available to visitors throughout the weekend.

‘This is a wonderful showcase for the work of the members and well worth a visit,’ Ruth said.

The exhibition will include their ‘tombola quilts’, which members make to raise money for charity.

The group is always keen to get involved with good causes.

Since 2000, they have also been making incubator quilts for the Special Care Baby Unit at Noble’s Hospital.

In that time they have handed over hundreds of quilts.

For further information about Mannin Quilters and membership details contact Ruth Hall at ruthall55@hotmail.co.uk or visit their website manninquilters.org

Entries are now open for the 45th world tin bath championship, which takes place from 2.30pm on Saturday, July 9, in Castletown middle harbour.

Entries are available from Dave Collíster, 49 Malew Street, Castletown, phone 823996, 341852 or email daveandpat@manx.net; online at Castletown Heritage.im/heritage, search ‘2016 World Tin Bath’ or from any Castletown Ale Drinkers Society member.

Entry forms for the snake race are also available, but there is a limited number of entrants to the first 24.

For those who want to take part but find themselves tin bathless, organisers have some to borrow thanks to a donation from Pokerstars.

The afternoon will also feature attempts by intrepid birdmen and women at human-powered flight and stunt shows by CADS.

A pet owner whose dog savaged a walker told Douglas magistrates she no longer knew where the animal was.

Dachshund-Jack Russell cross breed Bessie-Boy lunged at a pedestrian on Victoria Road sinking his teeth into her calf, leaving her needing skin grafts and a stay in hospital.

But owner Pamela Alison Swarbrick-Burns, whose friend was exercising the dog at the time, told the court the animal had since been returned to the breeder whose address she did not know.

Prosecutor Michael Jelski said the victim and her husband were walking up Victoria Road on a Sunday afternoon last August when they caught up with Bessie Boy, who was being exercised along with another dog.

As they overtook, the dog savaged the victim, leaving her bleeding with a five centimetre wound in her leg. Mr Jelski said the surgeon was unable to close the wound and had to take a skin graft from the victim’s thigh.

‘My application is for a destruction order for the dog. It was an unprovoked incident and the impact on the victim was significant,’ he said.

Swarbrick-Burns, who is 63, and lives at Montreaux Court, Douglas, admitted being the animal’s keeper at the time of the injury.

Defending Swarbrick-Burns, Peter Russell said his client was no longer in possession of the dog.

‘It is a loving family dog. It had gone out with a friend who has now returned to Tasmania. It is a friendly dog and for reasons that cannot be properly ascertained it bit the lady, possibly because it was startled. That’s not a criticism and I am not suggesting the lady did anything wrong.

‘The injury was significant but it was a family dog and a one-off incident. We should not jump immediately to a destruction order on the basis of a one-off. Perhaps a control order would be appropriate.

‘Should you immediately conclude from a one-off incident that we are dealing with a dangerous dog?’

Mr Russell pointed out the incident dated back to August 9 last year and the summons was only issued on the very last possible day before it was time expired.

‘If the dog were dangerous, why wait so long? If the public needed to be protected, why wait so long?

‘A destruction order seems both unreasonable and disproportionate in the circumstances,’ he said.

Pressed for details about the dog’s whereabouts, Mr Russell said his client could provide a first name and a telephone number but was unable to supply any more information.

Asked to confirm his client had no more precise details of the breeder who supplied the dog and had since taken it back, Mr Russell said: ‘Those are my instructions.’

After a lengthy retirement to deliberate on the fate of Bessie Boy, magistrates’ chairman John Hellowell agreed to a reprieve.

‘I have heard everything that has been said and we are making an order that the dog be kept under proper control.

‘This was a serious injury but it would appear it was out of character therefore we are not making an order for it to be destroyed. We find it very difficult to believe you don’t know the whereabouts of the dog.’

The defendant is to pay £500 compensation to the victim, and £50 costs.

‘We hear you are selling personal items for money but we see no reason why you can’t sell some of those items to compensate a person badly bitten by your dog,’ Mr Hellowell told her.

The island’s fifth real ale festival, which kicks off in a week’s time on April 7, will feature more than 100 real ales, ciders and fruit wines.

This year’s event will have no fewer than four offerings from the newly-established Hooded Ram brewery, including the popular Mosaic.

Offerings will also come from all four corners of Britain, including the memorably named Alphabetti Forghetti, from Abbeydale Brewery in Sheffield.

The popular pale and golden ales are generally the first to sell out and so a good selection is included in this year’s menu, including Castle Rock pale ale and Thornbridge’s popular Jaipur, alongside a good array of bitters, stouts and milds. There will also be a wide selection of real ciders and fruit wines on offer and a tasty food offering.

Organisers say the bar has this year been relocated in the main Royal Hall in the Villa Marina which should avoid last year’s peak period congestion.

The Royal Hall is also the venue for various bands and live performers who will be playing every night, including the opening Thursday evening session, then the guest artistes will be Brown Sugar.

Friday will see performances from Donna Colligan and the Wanderers, followed by the Shedmen, 3 Million and Mae Challis. Saturday sees performances from James Gillespie, Nicki Naden, In the Blood, Pigs on the Wing and Little Bit o’ Rosie.