 Scéal Dún-na-nGall ar an Idirlíon Vol.10 No.4 April, 2009 Holiday In Donegal! |
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Boy Racers Terrorise Donegal Communities Garda Robert McCallion died following an accident involving a stolen car in Letterkenny on March 25th. The 29 year old from Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo was buried after a State funeral on Easter Monday in his native town. At the time of the accident three Gardaí were responding to a report of a stolen car when Garda McCallion received head and arm injuries as he got out of the Gardai patrol car. He survived for two weeks in hospital in Dublin. Two young men have been detained under the Criminal Justice Act. There is growing anger among residents in Donegal about 'boy racers'. In recent weeks young men in customized cars have also caused considerable damage to the walls of local graveyards at Kilpheak and Templedouglas during night racing escapades. The graveyard at Templedouglas is believed to be one of the earliest ecclesiastical sites in the country, and the place where Colmcille was baptised over 1600 years ago. Feile Ealaion Traidisiunta Ghleanncholmcille Feile Ealaion Traidisiunta Ghleanncholmcille will take place from April 12th – April 18th, 2009. This year's Festival commemorates its late founder, the legendary Donegal fiddler James Byrne from Meenacross, who died suddenly last November. A host of the finest traditional musicians will gather this Easter Week in Glencolmcille in tribute to James Byrne. The line-up includes Tommy Peoples, Zoe Conway, Derek McGinley, John McIntyre, the Byrne Family, Mick Brown, Derek McGinley, Danny Meehan, Liz Doherty, Maire Ni Choilm and many more. James passed away suddenly and unexpected in the early morning hours of Saturday, 8th November. James was waked in our home in Meenacross. During the wake, strong winds caused a power failure and James left this world the way he entered it – by the soft twilight of candles and oil lamps. James dedicated his life to playing the tunes and telling the stories of the older generation, including his father John and the many great musicians from Meenacross and beyond. His legacy lives on in our daughters Merle, Aisling and Seana, and the many other young players he taught over the years. James helped to set up the Glencolmcille Traditional Music Festival held every year during the Easter Holidays, as well as the Annual Fiddle Summer School. Both events will be renamed in his honour and continue to be held every year. For this year’s festival Mick Brown of Cartlann Cheoil Thir Chonaill has prepared an Audio-Visual Presentation on James’s life and music. For more information email Ceol sa Ghleann or see Ceol sa Ghleann website.  Recreational Diving, Dive Training and Angling throughout the year in Donegal Culacrick Cousins? Is there a cousins reunion planned for Culacrick? I have been informed that there is a website related to this event and I have searched the net for a link to this page but I have been unsuccessful. If you know of anyone who has some information on this event or if anyone can supply me with the correct website address it would be greatly appreciated. DonegalCounty.com News 100 This is the 100th Donegal on the Net News published by DonegalCounty.com & Dún na nGall.com. It is now online for eleven years, making it the longest established website about Donegal and one of the oldest 'blogs' in Ireland. This website receives over a million hits a year. You can hear the Donegal news from Patricia Sharkey, editor of this website, live in Pennslyvannia on 'Echoes of Erin' radio show on Sundays from 1.00-2.00pm and online at Echoes of Erin. Listeners in Brisbane, Australia can catch Sharkey's 'View from the Hills' on Saturdays between 12.30 and 1.30pm on Caomhín O'Seoige's Irish show on 4EB 98.1 FM. If you are in Sydney you can listen to Sydney Irish Radio on 107.3FM on Sundays from 7.30 to 9.00am local time (see Sydney Irish Radio). If you would like to advertise your product or service to a worldwide audience of people with an interest in Donegal email info@Dun na nGall.com.  Find your Holiday Accommodation in Donegal Polish Ambassador Welcomed in Buncrana Inishowen was praised for its 'hospitality' and its acceptance of the local Polish community as 'neighbours' by the Ambassador of Poland to Ireland, His Excellency, Dr Tadeusz Szumowski, when he visited Buncrana for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Dr Szumowski said the large number of Polish people who live in Inishowen have been made very welcome in the Peninsula. 'Last year we estimated that there was about 250,000 Polish in Ireland, now the statistics tell us there is around 200,000. There are new people coming in but there seem to be more leaving. But, that is not because there is nothing to do, it is because they have reached their target with money, employment and schooling and are bringing all their experiences back to Poland. But there is nothing wrong, we are all living in Europe and are part of the EU family.' Ambassador Szumowski was speaking after a civic reception held in his honour by the Buncrana Town Council.  Donegal's Daniel O'Donnell Britain and Ireland’s most popular easy listening entertainer Daniel O'Donnell Daniel O'Donnell's first tryst with success came in 1986 with the release of his album 'I Need You'. Since then, Daniel has enjoyed regular success in the singles as well as the album charts with hits like 'Follow Your Dream' and 'A Date With Daniel'. 'Give A Little Love', his most successful single climbed to the Number 7 position. He has scored some 19 singles and 17 album UK pop chart successes, with album sales having crossed the five million mark. Daniel O'Donnell is Britain and Ireland’s most popular easy listening entertainer. He not only continues to entertain fans at sell-out shows, but re-writes UK chart history along the way. Since the turn of this century he has had eight UK Top Ten albums, five UK No.1. DVD’s, created a completely new spectacular rock 'n' roll show that toured the UK and Ireland, established himself as a major star in America, successfully toured Australia and New Zealand and been placed in the UK Top 50 artists of the decade in a national TV music documentary. Daniel’s shows are renowned for their sheer professionalism and entertainment value. Few artists, if any, give more to their fans in a live concert situation than Daniel O’Donnell. For information on Daniel's current Tour dates see Daniel O'Donnell's website. Cup O' Tae Festival, Ardara The now annual Festival commences on Friday 1st May, 2009 with Registration for the School of Music with classes in Fidil, Feadóg Mór, Giotáir, Feadóg Stáin, Bosca Ceoil, Piáno agus Amhránaíocht. The Fees are Adults €60 and Children €30 with family rates available. Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Students are catered for. This year's school honours the late James Byrne and is organised in conjunction with his family and friends. This is a most special event as James Byrne, one of Donegal's greatest is celebrated. James Byrne was a key factor in the success of the “Cup of Tae” Festival since its inception. Teachers and Guests at the weekend music school, include: Tara Connaghan, Teresa Kavanagh, Trudy O Donnell, Veronica Keyes, Jenna Reed, Ian Smith, Donna Harkin, Shane Bracken, Deirdre Bonner, The Campbells, The O’Rourkes, Trevor Hunter, Edel McLaughlin, Tom Byrne, Michael Carey, Michael Gallanagh, Martin Tourish, Mattie McGranaghan and Edel McLaughlin. There is free traditional music in all Pubs every night and famous local musicians will visit each Venue to allow visitors to hear indigenous music performed. On Sunday May 3rd, Ulster Scots Dancers and Musicians will give a special display of Ulster/Scottish Dance and Music and there will be a Recital by all the students and teachers. The Finale Concert will take place in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel at 8.30 p.m. This year Matt McGranaghan will call on his many friends to partake in this wonderful Concert. A must for lovers of great music. Come early. The Concert will also feature an array of young talent from the Community. A special feature this year will be the performance of the top visiting musicians and teachers from the Schools of Music. The Festival takes it name the "Cup of Tae" from the name of an Irish Reel and honours the renowned Player, John "the tae" Gallagher, (generations of his family before him made 'taes' on Fair Days and other days of local importance) hence the name of the Festival. 'The Black Stranger' On Wednesday 15th April the celebrated Lifford Players will present 'The Black Stranger' by Gerard Healy in the Dolmen Centre, Kilclooney at 8.30 pm. First performed in 1945, the play is set during the Great Famine and follows the story of the Corcoran family during a time of trouble and hardship when communities and families were torn apart as a result of the disaster that was the famine. The cast includes Ronnie White, Leo McBride, Michael Kelly, Patrick McBrearty, Frank McGillion, Lisa Callaghan and John O'Doherty. The play is produced by Anne Kelly. Established more that fifty years ago, the Lifford Players are regulars on the All Ireland Drama circuit, winning the final on several occasions. This production moves to An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny on Friday, the 17th of April and Saturday, the 18th of April, 2009 when the play begins at 8.00pm. On the Border DoubleBand Films are currently producing a four-part bilingual documentary series for BBC NI & TG4 entitled Scéal na Teorann (The Story of the Border). The company are currently looking for contributors for this series from both sides of the Border. They would like to hear from both Irish speakers and non- Irish speakers who live in the border regions and who have interesting stories about life on the border over the past eighty years. This series explores the history of the border and the remarkable story of how it came about. It will reveal the impact of the border on the social, cultural, economic and artistic lives of those who have lived along it for the past eighty-five years. Historians and commentators will provide the narrative while local people and local voices will deliver the living experience of life on the Border. From the establishment of the Boundary Commission to the present day, each episode will tell the history of the border in a compelling fashion, drawing on archive sources and re-enactments. Delivering a careful balance between historical accounts and present–day human stories, Scéal na Teorann will get into the minds of the Boundary Commissioners and walk in the shoes of border dwellers. For more information email Double Band Films. The County Fleadh The County Fleadh with be held in Ardara from 15th to 17th May with Sets & Ceilis at the Nesbitt Arms and Music by the Emerald Ceili Band. The competitions will take place on Saturday, the 16th of May with a Sean-Nos evening concert. On Sunday, the 17th of May there will be a Marching Band Competition at the New Car Park. All entries must be submitted before April 30th to be included in the journal entries. Contact Pat McGill on 074 9537949 / 087 6900714. |
 Alternatives to Pylons, Donegal An Bord Pleanála have held a Public Oral Hearing into ESB Networks and Eirgrid’s Planning Application for an 110kv power line through 102 kilometres of the Donegal Gaeltacht. Local objectors, including Alternatives to Pylons, the Gweebarra Conservation Group and Coiste Timpeallachta Ghaoth Dobhair, criticized the short notice given by An Bord Pleanála and the fact that the Hearing was held in Letterkenny, an hour’s drive from the majority of the objector’s homes along the proposed power line route. The Hearing lasted five days, at great inconvenience to local people who have to take time off work to attend and who have to pay for experts in electricity generation and transmission, health, ecology and the environment to argue their case whereas ESB and Eirgrid have teams of legal experts whose full-time job it is to argue these points. A spokesperson for Alternatives to Pylons said: ‘This was the second time in a decade that the ESB have applied for planning permission for this over ground power line and the second time an Oral Hearing was held. Once again, the hard pressed communities in the Donegal Gaeltacht are being pressurized to accept an antiquated and dangerous electricity power line on 20+ metre (60ft) poles and pylons when sustainable alternatives, like ducting the line adjacent to existing main roads, would create employment and maintain the environment. ‘It is a disgrace that the people of Donegal have to fund raise to stop a semi-state company like the ESB, who made profits after tax of €432 million in 2007, from destroying our environment and endangering our health. It is a ‘David and Goliath’ scenario but the Philistines were defeated on that occasion just as the ESB were defeated by people power in Donegal in the year 2000!’ Objectors believe ESB Networks and Eirgrid’s proposals are to facilitate wind farm developers, in which case the ‘polluter pays’ principle should be implemented and the developers should pay to put the line underground. The proposed route goes through some of the wildest, unspoilt areas of the County from Binbane to Glenties and onto Gweedore via the Gweebarra River Valley and Loughanure and from Glenties to Letterkenny via Kingarrow and Meenaroy, including Natura 2000 sites and Special Areas of Conservation protected under EU law. The health dangers of living near power lines are now well established. Studies in the UK, Germany and in the US have show that incidents of childhood leukemia and adult cancers are increased for people living near power lines. For instance childhood leukemia increases 69% near power lines. The questions of land and property devaluation, environmental pollution and the effect of power lines on human and animal health were all discussed at the Oral Hearing. One interesting fact to emerge during the Hearing was that the Freshwater Pearl Mussel population in the Clady river in Gweedore contains 200,000 mussels, more than the entire Freshwater Pearl Mussel population of Continental Europe. The mussels are also in the Owenea River in the south of the County and the proposed power line would cross both these rivers. Objectors believe silt from the construction phase could get into these rivers and destroy the spawning beds of the mussels which live for over 200 years. The Planning Board will make its decision before June, 2009. Teachers Protest at INTO Conference Primary school teachers voiced their objections to the recent budget education cuts and public service pension levies when Education Minister, Batt O'Keefe, attended their annual conference in Letterkenny. Delegates waved placards while 20 other delegates walked out as the Minister prepared to give his address. Donegal native and General Secretary of the INTO, John Carr, said the Minister defended the budget rather than addressing the needs of primary school children. More Job Losses in Gweedore The loss of more than half the jobs in Largo Foods’ Gweedore plant has underlined the urgent need to upgrade transport links in the county, according to Fine Gael TD, Dinny McGinley. He was speaking after Largo announced that 170 of its 252 workforce are to loose their jobs in Gweedore as the company switches production to its plant in Ashbourne, Co. Meath. Sinn Féin Candidate, John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh, said the news was as a further blow for the Gaeltacht. Largo foods have been one of the longest and largest employers on the Derrybeg industrial estate. Regional chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Grainne mhic Geadaigh, said that it is clear from a recent meeting that the only way to save these 170 jobs is through Government intervention. Fianna Fáil TD, Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher, described the news as a devastating blow for west Donegal, and said it would be very difficult to find replacement jobs in the short-term. Raymond Coyle, the company’s founder, told workers that the economic downturn, global competition and the weakness of sterling led to the job losses, which will take place by the end of August. He said the company faced severe competition from multinationals that do not have Ireland’s high costs. Sinn Féin Councillor, Marie Therese Gallagher, has condemned the lack of investment in Donegal during the so called Celtic Tiger. Cllr Gallagher said a new study from the Central Statistics Office paints a graphic picture of how different counties have fared in recent years and experts have warned that the gap will widen in the recession. The CSO data shows that nationwide the average disposable income stood at €20,678 per person in 2006. Dubliners had an average disposable income of €23,226, but this was down at just €17,252 in Donegal. The border and western counties have the lowest household incomes of any region. All indications are that the struggling border and western regions are being hit with the most severe income squeeze at present, said Cllr Gallagher. The CSO report also gave figures for regional GDP which found that the Dublin region had the highest in the country at 40% per cent above the national average, while regions such as Donegal were the lowest at 67% per cent of the average.  The Index of the Best Websites on Irish Stuff Online since 1997! Scéal na Teorann Is sraith thábhachtach agus tráthúil í Scéal na Teorann a chuirfidh go mór lenár dtuiscint ar an teorainn. Déanfaidh an tsraith seo iniúchadh ar stair na teorann agus ar na cúinsí casta óna d’eascair sí. Anuas ar sin, léireoidh Scéal na Teorann tionchar na críochdheighilte ar chúrsaí shóisialta, chultúrtha, eacnamaíochta agus ealaíona sna ceantair cois teorainn le ochtó-cúig bliain anuas. Déanfaidh stairithe agus tráchtairí insint ar an scéal, agus tabharfaidh guthanna na ngnáthdhaoine áitiúla léargas daonna dúinn ar an saol fan teorainn. Ó bhunú Coimisiún na dTeorann go dtí an lá inniu, i ngach clár inseofar stair na teorann ar bhealach suimiúil agus tarraingteach. Úsáidfear foinsí cartlainne agus athchruthaithe drámaíochta chun tuairisc chuimsitheach a sholáthar le meascán d‘ábhar staire agus scéalta comhaimseartha na ndaoine. Tabharfaidh Scéal na Teorann léargas beo dúinn ar mheoin na gCoimisinéirí Teorann agus beidh deis ag an lucht féachana siúl i mbróga na ndaoine áitiúla. Tabharfaidh Scéal na Teorann deis don lucht féachana níos mó a fhoghlaim futhu fhéin agus faoina stair agus tabharfar míniú ar na himpleachtaí forleathan a bhain le chinnidh na gCoimisinéirí Teorann. Déanfaidh Scéal na Teorann athbhreithniú tráthúil ar cheist na críochdheighilte ag an am chinniúnach seo sa chaidreamh idir Thuaidh agus Theas. Tá an tsraith seo á léiriú do BBC TÉ agus TG4, le maoiniú ón gCiste Craoltóireachta Gaeilge agus ó Choimisiúin Craolacháin na hÉireann. Faoi tuilleadh eolas r-phóist Double Band Films. Shell to Sea On Thursday 9th April , Minister Eamon Ryan signed the consents for offshore pipeline work at Glengad. In theory, this means that work on the on-land section of the 'off-shore' pipeline can begin at any time. In the last few days, large numbers of security personnel have moved onto land at Glengad with at least 40 having been counted. While there is no absolute certainty, the security presence and the crossing of the final bureaucratic hurdle suggest that it is becoming increasingly likely that Shell are about to start work. If you are going to visit the Solidarity Camp please get in touch first to find out the latest news. See Shell to Sea. Fundraising Cycle The Ardara Group of Parishes (Church of Ireland) under the leadership of Rev. John Deane is organizing a Charities Cycling Tour on 6th of June from Glencolumcille to Lettermacaward. The organizers of the Cycling Tour are inviting everybody to take part. Each of the five Parishes is funding certain Charity projects. The Leitir Parish will share the raised money with the St. Bridget Hall, Leitir. The cyclists can go for the complete tour from Glencolumcille via Ardara, Glenties, Portnoo to Leitir, or just join in for the 'Golden Mile' from Portnoo to Lettermacaward. Sponsor cards are available. The Cycling Tour is not a race so that there will be no strict time limit. Start in Glencolumcille at 9.30am. Start in Portnoo for the 'Golden Mile' at 4.30 pm. Drinks and light refreshments will be served at every stop during the tour. If you are willing to cycle please contact Angela on 074 95 44341, or Jackie on 0861500622. The final get-together for all cyclists, helpers, sponsors and supporters will take place in Elliott's Lounge from around 6pm with buffet, music and a special raffle.  The Donegal Woman by John Throne A 'Must Read' for everyone with an interest in Donegal and it's History Turf-Cutting DVD for Charity A Carndonagh charity DVD showing traditional turf-cutting skills in the hills of Inishowen has sold out twice and is now into its third edition with all the proceeds from sales going to the Alzheimer's Unit in Carndonagh Hospital. Members of the McFarland family - Larry, Gerry, Niall and Leo - joined forces with Joseph McElhinney and Harry McDaid to produce this authentic record of an ancient craft for future generations. The film follows the entire process of preparing turf, from 'paring', which is removing the sod above the bank, to cutting, footing and bringing the turf back to keep the home fires burning during the long winter months. Those who've braved the bog in fine weather and foul over the years will no doubt appreciate this tribute to the hard work of our ancestors and generations past. The DVD shows exactly, in every detail, how turf was cut in 1964, from the bikes the men rode out to the bog, to their peaked caps and wellington boots to the old kettle used to make tea on a turf fire in the bog. If you would like to purchase the DVD call Larry McFarland on (00353) 086 894 8241 or email The McFarlands. The DVD costs €12 euro plus €5 postage (Ireland and Europe) or $20 (including postage) to the United States.  Click Pride.ie for Vintage Style Gaelic Football & Hurling T-Shirts Delivered World Wide Dungloe Events The AGM of Forbairt Na Rosann will take place in Ionad Teampall Chróine on Tuesday 28th April at 8.00pm. All Welcome. The Charity Shop needs Volunteers. If you have a couple of hours to spare please telephone 074 95 61686/ 074 95 61687. Bealtaine Festival As part of the 12th annual Bealtaine Festival, celebrating creativity in older age, the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny has joined forces with the Donegal News to present Bealtaine Voices, a special weekly feature running throughout the month of May. This new project will present recipes and remedies, anecdotes, images, interviews, reviews and previews of Bealtaine events, appealing to a wide audience but focusing on an older age group. Charity Swim Local long distance swimmer, Anne Marie Ward, will swim from Killahooey Beach in Dunfanaghy to Portnablagh Pier on Saturday, April 18th to raise funds for a much needed Childcare Facility for the Dunfanaghy area. Ann Marie is currently training in the cold waters three or four mornings per week in advance of the swim. She will begin her swim at 12.30pm from Killahooey Beach and is expected in Portnablagh around 2pm. A full programme of events is planned to make the day a family fun day as well as to raise funds. From 11am Canoe Rides are available at Killyhooey Beach organised by Jaws Watersports. From 1.30pm a programme is in place at Portnablagh, which includes Kite Making/Kite Flying Competition, Drowning the Welly, Face Painting Barbque and much more. |
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