 Scéal Dún-na-nGall ar an Idirlíon Vol.10 No.6 June, 2009 Holiday In Donegal! |
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Election Blue Sky Public disquiet about the Government's mismanagement of the country's finances, rising unemployment and fiscal corruption, will bring the voters out in force on June 5th for the European and Local Council elections. Commentators are expecting a major re-alignment of the political make-up on Donegal County Council. Fianna Fáil currently has the majority of 16 seats out of 29 on the Council but the talk in the hills would suggest that the party's support is set to deminish. Locally the party is splitting at the seams with seceders standing as Independents in the various electoral areas. Fine Gael currently has 6 councillors and is hoping to become the largest party but Sinn Féin and the Independent candidates could hold the veto in the Council following the election. The European election is an altogether different kettle of fish but could still yeild an interesting result. For election results as they come in see Elections Ireland. Home Help Hours Cut in Donegal Donegal Sinn Féin Senator, Pearse Doherty, has lambasted Fianna Fáil Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill for his decision to defend his Government's cuts to home help services in the county. The public row between the Senators erupted after Pearse Doherty said in the Seanad that nearly 30,000 home help hours are to be cut in the county over the course of a year. Senator Doherty said: 'Senator Ó Domhnaill’s decision to back Harney and Cowen over hundreds of elderly Donegal people, who have had their home help supports cut or are faced with threatened cuts, is shameful.' The Senator continued: 'The reality of the situation is that Home Help services are been cut across the county and any politician with their finger on the pulse of their communities should know this. When I raised this matter with the Minister in the Seanad I was informed that the Health Service Executive currently budgets for 52,000 hours of home help in the County per month but carers are delivering 54,246 in order to meet demand. I have since received confirmation that over the rest of the year that these hours will be cut down to 52,000 per month.' 'Families across Donegal are rightly concerned as the see hours reduced for the fathers or mothers, neighbours or close friends. They are angry that after all that our elderly gave to our country that they are been treated like this in their latter years'. Senator Doherty has also been vocal in calling for the immediate nationalisation of banks that are in need of Government aid as part of a short to medium term response to the banking crisis. He said the proposal for a National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) is unworkable. Feast of Colmcille On Tuesday the 9th of June the Feast of Colmcille will be celebrated at Glenveagh National Park with a walk and talk on St. Colmcille starting at 11.30am - Meet at the Glendowan Chapel (approx 2 hours). Bring a packed lunch or avail of tea and scones at The Colmcille Heritage Centre (€4 pp). The Talk by Sean O'Gaothin is entitled 'Colmcille from a natural history perspective' and will take place in Glenveagh Castle Drawing Room at 3.00pm. On Saturday June 13th there will be a second Guided Nature Walk from 2pm - 4pm leaving from the Glenveagh Visitors' Centre. There will also be a 'Teddy Bears' Picnic' for children from 12 - 3pm (Please Book in advance). On Sunday June 14th there will be a Ranger Led Walk at 11am with a chance to explore some of the mountains in and around the park. Duration approx 4-5 hours leaving the Visitors' Centre at 11am. Booking is essential. Please Book in advance for all events!! Telephone Bookings at 074-91-37090 ext.3609 or email Glenveagh National Park.  Recreational Diving, Dive Training and Angling throughout the year in Donegal Cello Meeting Ireland Between the 19th and 21st of June, 2009, the Donegal Chamber Music Society with support from Co. Donegal VEC Music Education Partnership and the Regional Cultural Centre, will present the first ’Cello Meeting Ireland’. The weekend, based at the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny, will feature master classes in Cello and Chamber Music, given by the internationally renowned cellist and teacher Mihai Dancila. ‘Cello Meeting Ireland’ will give participants the opportunity to have one-on-one tuition and to attend a variety of musical events happening over the weekend. The master classes will be complemented by concerts given by participants and by a final concert given by Mihai Dancila with the Donegal Chamber Orchestra and weekend participants. Participants in the master classes are divided into two categories 'Active' and 'Observer'. The number of participants is at the discretion of the teacher and, if necessary, a selection will be made (based on first-come-first-served basis). Those who are not accepted as active participants can attend as observers. Feis Carn Domhnaigh The feis will take place this year on the 19th, 20th and 21st of June. The competitions are as follows: Gaeilge: 19th June; Instrumental 20th; Speech and Drama 20th & 21st; Vocal 20th & 21st and Traditional on the 21st. Volunteer help is needed in the running of this weekend and anyone who is able to lend a few hours of their time please call 087 2987370.  Find your Holiday Accommodation in Donegal Charges against Tara protesters dismissed in Court On May 11th eleven defendants charged with public order offences while protesting the building of the M3 motorway through the Gabhra Valley, Meath, appeared before Trim District court. Three more defendants had their cases heard in their absence. Seven of the defendants had been arrested on 18th July, 2007 while protesting at Blundelstown at the Hill of Tara. Others were arrested on 14th September, 2007 and 26th July, 2007 and 13th March, 2007. The presiding judge, John Coughlan, dismissed all the charges in 11 cases, charges were dropped in two further cases and one case of alleged assault was dismissed on merit. Video taken by the construction company was shown in evidence in two of the cases and details on 'Operation Bedrock', a security operation by the Gardaí on the route of the M3, were also given in court. Information was also given on the Judicial Review taken by Michael Finucane on behalf of some defendants in an effort to gain access to all documents relating to 'Operation Bedrock'. Most of the cases arose from incidents on 18th July at Soldier’s Hill, Co Meath. Those arrested on the day claimed to have ‘lawful excuse’ in preventing the works. Judge John Coughlan, when dismissing charges asked the arresting Gardai if they had asked the protesters if they believed they had lawful excuse to be in the vicinity? The Gardaí admitted that they had failed to do so. The protesters maintained that the works had been declared illegal by the European Parliament because of Ireland`s failure to comply with EU directives on Environmental Impact Assessments. The failure of the Irish Govt. to comply could cost the taxpayer an estimated €50 million. Earlier this year a Judicial Review Case was taken to the High Court by Michael Finucane Solicitors and, in a significant victory, details of a security Garda procedure, called Operation Bedrock, was finally disclosed. This was accompanied by a lot of video footage of the protesters on 18th July taken by the construction company. Both Gardaí and a senior member of Siac/ Ferrovial proved to be less than reliable witnesses in Court and after what is described as ‘startling video evidence’ was shown, cases against two of the protesters were withdrawn by the State. One of the arresting officers claimed to know nothing of Operation Bedrock and a number of details were revealed in court: the protesters were not to be arrested unless they became extremely violent, the protesters were to be negotiated from the sites. This constitutes yet another scandal in the M3 saga. In June, 2008 a leading Archaeologist who was involved in surveying the M3 for the National Roads Authority claimed that her findings were altered before being presented to Ministers in order to support the Motorway. Miss Ronayne, who was an excavation director for ACS on the project in Co. Meath, claims she was told to ‘change interpretations’ so as to ‘lessen to potential of numbers of sites’. However, these claims were hotly contested by the NRA. In all, approximately 40 sites were destroyed in the Gabhra Valley alone to make way for the controversial motorway. The campaigners say that they are determined to carry on. Dr Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin, the first person arrested at Soldier’s Hill said: ‘We are all greatly relieved to have these cases dismissed but the 22-months delay was a disgrace. The battle for Tara symbolises the age of Celtic Tiger Ireland and the battle between making money and priceless heritage’. However the persistent delay of the EU in hearing this case is a scandal because it is now too late to save Lismullen. 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 |
 The Day grew Fuller and Fuller by Ann Quinn oil on board, 54 x 73.5cm Exhibitions of Local Interest There is an exhibition of work by James Fitzgerald (1899 to 1971) entitled 'The Aranmore Drawings' running at the Regional Culture Centre until June 20th. James Fitzgerald was born to an Irish family in Milton, Massachusetts in 1899. He studied at the Massachusetts School of Art from 1919 to 1923, and at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts School from 1923 to 1924. Between 1923 and 1928, he sailed on fishing ships and freighters, eventually settling in Monterey, California, where he established a studio and became associated with a group including John Cage, Martha Graham, E. F. Ricketts, and John Steinbeck. From 1936 to 1942, Fitzgerald taught painting in California and in 1944 moved to Monhegan, Maine, which he had first visited in 1923. From 1944 to 1971, he worked primarily at Monhegan making annual trips to Mt. Katahdin. During the last six years of his life (1965-71), James Fitzgerald made five extended trips to Donegal, where he produced a large and integrated body of work dealing with themes of Irish life and the aesthetic and moral concerns of the artist. This material (never exhibited before) creates a monumental summation of Fitzgerald’s art. Fitzgerald died suddenly on the island of Árainn Mhór, Co. Donegal, in 1971, and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. Donegal painter Ann Quinn is joint winner of the Hennessy Craig Scholarship at the Royal Hibernian Academy Annual Exhibition, Dublin with her painting 'The Day grew Fuller and Fuller'. The exhibition opens Monday 25th May and continues until 25th July - see Royal Hibernian Academy and Ann Quinn's Website. Chaos & Conspiracy A new book by Gerald Cunningham on the 'Barron' segment of the Morris Tribunal into ' complaints concerning some Gardai of the Donegal Division' has been published by Gill & MacMillan entitled 'Chaos & Conspiracy'. The book makes harrowing reading as it follows the events which occurred during the the police investigation into the hit and run accident which killed Richie Barron in Raphoe in 1996. The book is based on the findings of Justice Frederick Morris who chaired the Morris Tribunal and the author attended over 600 days of evidence.  The Index of the Best Websites on Irish Stuff Online since 1997! Donegal County Museum Two exhibitions are currently on display in the Donegal County Museum, Letterkenny. 'Island Life' is an exhibition of photographs on loan from the National Library of Ireland which features images of daily life on the islands around the coast of Donegal from the late nineteenth century onwards. It also includes images of Lough Derg. The photos come from the Lawrence, Eason, Casement, Diggin and Morgan collections and from the Tómas Ó Muircheartaigh Collection and the Colman Doyle Collection. Also on display is’ The Dance of the Fishing Boats’ an exhibition on Arranmore Island, which offers a glimpse of life on the island. Objects on display include a RNLI Full Standard Sea Crew uniform, lobster pots, and a dolly called Crona, which was knitted over 20 years ago by the best knitter on the island. Admission is free and all are welcome. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10.00am to 4.30pm, Saturday 1.00- 4.30pm. For further information contact the Museum at T. 074 9124613. During the month of June, Donegal County Museum is also hosting an exhibition entitled 'Museums Matter: Accessing Ireland’s Heritage'. The exhibition reveals the value and the variety of museum collections across the island of Ireland and shows the wealth of enjoyment and inspiration that museums have to offer to people of all ages. Images from collections across Ireland – including folk life, archaeology, costume, natural history, transport, marine life, science and technology, fine art and the decorative arts. An illustrated booklet, activity sheets, an a/v presentation and handling collections accompany the exhibition. The activity sheets can be viewed at Irish Museums. School tours and groups are welcome - please book in advance. Admission is free. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10.00am to 4.30pm, Saturday 1.00- 4.30pm. For further information contact the Museum on 074 9124613 or email Donegal County Museum.  The Donegal Woman by John Throne A 'Must Read' for everyone with an interest in Donegal and it's History Guth Gafa Festival The Guth Gafa International Documentary Film Festival will run in Gort an Choirce, in the Donegal Gaeltacht, from June 12th - 14th, with a varied programme of screenings, including 25 international and Irish made documentaries. This year’s Guth Gafa Festival will be placing emphasis on children’s human rights, the Irish language, and South African, German and Swiss films. Actor Stephen Rea will be a special guest in attendance for the screening of ‘An Paiste Beo Bocht / Child of The Dead End’ directed by Desmond Bell. This docu-drama tells the story of the Glenties navvy poet, novelist, dramatist and screenwriter Patrick MacGill played by Stephen Rea. The film was shot in Ireland, Scotland and England. Two directorial debut films, ‘Identities’, directed by Vittoria Colonna, and ‘Today is Better Than Two Tomorrows’, directed by Anna Rodgers, will also screen. ‘Identities’ explores the multicultural transgender community in Ireland, while ‘Today is Better than Two Tomorrows’ follows the lives of two young village boys in Laos as they try to find their pathway into adulthood. Environmental issues and conservation are broached in John Webster’s ‘Recipes for Disaster’ (Finland) where the director persuades his wife and two young children to go on a year long ‘oil diet’ to reduce their carbon footprint, and the award-winning ‘Saving Luna’ (Canada) about a killer whale, isolated from his pod, who forms friendships with the local and indigenous people who live on a fjord in British Columbia. For more details on our special offers and weekend packages email Guth Gafa or call (+353) 74 9180730. Inishowen Carnival Group at the Earagail Arts Festival The Inishowen Carnival Group will lead the Earagail Arts Festival parade in Letterkenny on Sunday, July 12th. The Festival celebrates 21 years this year and will feature a number of Inishowen acts, including the Henry Girls and Inishowen Gospel Choir. The festival’s artistic director Paul Brown said the parade will be a visual and musical extravaganza for the whole family, and will be followed by a huge 'Village Fete' in the Town Park. The Earagail Arts Festival will also feature performers from across Donegal and one of the biggest names in Irish rock music The Stunning, who performed at the very first festival in 1989. Other programme highlights include theatre, music and dancing in City Theatre’s acclaimed 'Dancing At The Ballroom of Romance', the national sell-out stage play Tom Crean’s 'Antarctic Explorer', New Orleans jazz with The Hot 8 Brass Band, Drive-In Movies and Scottish singer songwriter Eric Bogle, on his last ever European tour. The programme offers an exciting mix of indoor and outdoor family events, music, theatre, art and workshops in 36 different venues across the county, including the islands of Tory and Arranmore. Details and tickets on +353 74 9120777. Féile Soilsí Thoraí Dé hAoine 17ú go Dé Domhnaigh 19ú, Oileáin Thoraigh Seo deis iontach blaiseadh a fháil ar shaol Oileán Thoraí agus an cultúr láidir atá acu mar oileánaigh. Ar na himeachtaí a bheas ar siúl i mbliana cuirfear os bhur gcomhair, le linn Soilsí Thoraí, an banna clúiteach ceol tíre de chuid Dhún na nGall mar atá ‘The Clubmen’, Fanzini Brothers, Kila, Lillis O’Laoire, John Carlos Perea & Ronan O’Snodaigh. Beidh an dara rása curach Thoraí ar siúl tráthnóna Dé Domhnaigh chomh maith leis an Lá Spóirt bhliantúil agus an cluiche idir-oileáin sacair. Oíche Dhomhnaigh beidh amhránaithe ó 8-80 bliain d’aois ag glacadh páirt sa choirmcheoil Oileáin a gcuirfidh Lilis Ó Laoire i láthair. Agus ar ndóighe leanfaidh an céilí ina dhiaidh ar aghaidh go maidin. Le liosta iomlán na n-imeachtaí, eolas fá thicéid, fá lóistín , fá bádaí srl amharc ar suíomh oifigiúil fhéile Ealaíne an Earagail. Is féidir ticéid a cheannach roimh ré ag Club Sóisialta Thoraí agus ag An Gailearaí, An Fál carrach, +353 (0)74 9165594. Inishowen Gardening Club The 2009 Inishowen Gardening Club Trip will visit two gardens in Mountcharles and one garden in Bruckless, also stopping at a Garden Centre in Donegal Town, and having a meal on the way home, on Saturday 13th June. The trip will be leaving from Carndonagh at 9.30am. A booking deposit of €10 euro is required. Members and non-members welcome. Please phone Maurice on 086 072 4422 to book (as soon as possible). DonegalCounty.com News 102 This is the 102nd Donegal on the Net Newsletter, now online for eleven years and the longest established online news 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 and on Echoes of Erin radio show on Sundays from 1.00-2.30pm EST. 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 to a worldwide audience email info@Dun na nGall.com. Shell to Sea Update Direct Action against Shell's recent and ongoing works, including their plans to bring back the Solitarte Pipelaying ship in mid-June, is ongoing in Mayo. The Shell to Sea group are inviting people to go to Mayo and stay at the camp any time to see for themselves the events there. Bring a good tent if you have one, wellies and waterproofs, torch and penknife. |
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