 Scéal Dún-na-nGall ar an Idirlíon / County Donegal on the Net News Vol.9 No.2 February, 2008 Holiday In Donegal! |
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Senator McHugh Calls for Railway for North West Fine Gael Donegal North East Deputy Joe McHugh has said he is ‘sick and tired’ of Fianna Fail’s attitude to infrastructure in the North-West and has set up an online petition to back his campaign for a railway in Donegal. The petition is available at Donegal Matters with a facility to leave comments. “I call on the people of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and Derry to get behind the campaign to improve the state of the infrastructure system. I am calling on people to show this Government that the people of the North-West want a proper transport system. We want a fair return on our taxes and it’s time we reminded those in Dublin that we pay the same taxes as them.” said Senator McHugh. “This railway line would give a huge boost to the tourism industry. Fáilte Ireland are working very closely with their Northern counterparts at the moment but we need a proper infrastructure link if we are to progress as a region." Coirmcheoil Scór na nÓg Beidh Coirmcheoil Scór na nÓg CLG Ghaoth Dobhair do dhaoine óga ó 15 bliain go 13bliain d'aois ar siúl Dé Máirt an 11ú Márta ar 7.30i.n. Is taispeántas a bhéas anseo agus ní comórtas é. Beidh cuidiú agus treoir le fáil maidir le (dánta, scéalta agus amhráin) sa Chrannóg, Doirí Beaga, Déardaoin an 7ú Feabhra ón 5.00 go 6.00i.n. agus gach Déardaoin go ceann míosa. Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ach glaoch ar 074 9532208.  Recreational Diving, Dive Training and Angling throughout the year in Donegal Lisbon Treaty The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said that the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty will be held before the summer. Mr Ahern has said that a date hasn't been set for the vote as the Government is considering holding a children's rights referendum on the same day as the Lisbon Treaty. Aran Protests Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) staged a protest to 'Ban Fur Farming in Ireland' at the offices of Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan on January 30th. Two of Ireland’s six fur farms are in Donegal, the Minister’s constituency. Fur farming is now illegal in Northern Ireland, UK and Austria on animal welfare grounds. The Animal Rights Action Network is launching a 'Ban Fur Farming in Ireland' campaign in February which will consist of peaceful activities. For more information see Animal Rights Action Network website ARAN. Chernobyl Children Any family willing to give two weeks holidays to two children from Chernobyl in the month of July should contact Máire at 074-95-31055 (during working hours only) or Bernie at 074 9531292. Tara Update The Tara landscape is one of Ireland's and Europe's most precious historical archaeological sites which is currently in the process of being destroyed to facilitate the construction of a motorway. The European Commission has warned the Irish government that its plans to build the M3 four-lane motorway through the archaeologically rich Tara-Skryne valley are illegal within European law. The commission is taking proceedings against the Irish government. The landscape of Tara was this year placed on the World Monuments Fund of most endangered sites. A peaceful demonstration took place in the Tara/ Skryne Valley on February 3rd to illustrate the size of the Lismullen henge by using hundreds of crosses to symbolise the rebels who were hung near Soldier's Hill, Tara in 1798. A proposed solution to the M3 Motorway and the preservation of the Tara /Skryne Valley was put before the government earlier this year, suggesting that the Tara area be made into a World Heriitage Park. A National Survey has been conducted by Red C research to ascertain what percentage of the Irish population would like to see this Heritage Park plan put into action. RedC Research conducted 2 surveys one in 2005 and one last month. Both surveys show only a small minority of Irish Adults want the M3 current format, while the majority say the format is wrong, wanting a World Heritage Park instead. Park planners envisage a reconstruction of Lismullin Henge. a stone walled labyrinth, memorial areas for trees and shrubs, heritage trails, extensive indigenous herb gardens and mixed broadleaf indigenous forestry plantations. Plans including transport alternatives are before the Cabinet. Sacred Ireland are applying to Meath County Council and the Government for change of use from 'Road Take' to 'World Heritage Park' for State owned property in the Tara Valley. Results of the survey are available on the Sacred Ireland website.  The Donegal Woman by John Throne A 'Must Read' for everyone with an interest in Donegal Turf-Cutting DVD Launched 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 the sale of the DVD 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. Long Waitings Lists at Letterkenny General Hospital Hospitals in the West have the longest waiting times in the country with patients at Mayo General Hospital waiting up to eight years for an appointment to see a consultant while Outpatients at Letterkenny General Hospital are waiting for up to three years to see a consultant. More than 139,000 people were on hospital waiting lists at 24 hospitals in 2007. Muintearas Thír Chonaill Cuireadh tús le Cúrsa Garchabhair in Ionad Traenála Mhuintearas, Páirc Ghnó Ghaoth Dobhair Dé Céadaoin an 13ú. Mairfidh an cúrsa seo ar feadh seacht seachtain. Beidh Bun Chúrsa Ríomhaireachta do pháistí ag toiseacht Dé Satharn 23ú . Beidh an cúrsa (6 seachtain) ar siúl ón10.00 go 11.30a.m. Beidh Meán Chúrsa Ríomhaireachta do Pháistí (6 seachtain) ag toiseacht Dé Satharn 23ú. An cúrsa seo ar siúl ón 1.00 go 2.30p.m. Tá tuilleadh eolais le fáil ón oifig ag 95-32578. Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Dobhar Ranganna Fídeoga do pháistí – Clárú Dé luain 18ú ag 5.00i.n. Cispheil- Dé Luain 5-6i.n. , Fit Kidz- Déardaoin 5.30 – 6.30i.n. Comhrá Gaeilge – Dé Céadaoin ón 1 go 3 i.n. Cúrsaí: Fraincis – Déardaoin ón 7 go 9p.m. Ranganna Damhsa (set, sean nós, 2 hand) Dé Luain 7.15 -9.15p.m. Cúrsa Assertiveness – Dé Sathairn 23ú Feabhra agus 1ú Márta. Tá na cúrsaí seo a reáchtáil faoi scáth Coiste Gairmoideachais Dhún na nGall. Má tá suim agat a bheith páirteach i gceann ar bith de na cúrsaí seo leanas, fual agus bróidnéireact, Reflexology for Carers, nó Spáinnis, cuir scairt ar Mháire ag 074 9532949. Cúrsa ECDL agus Equalskills (bunchúrsa le creidiúint) ag toiseacht gan mhoill, tacaíocht airgid le fáil ó Údarás na Gaeltachta do na rannpháirtithe. Tá tuilleadh eolais ar na himeachtaí seo ar fáil ó Mhaire ag 074 9532949, nó cuir ríomh phost ar Ionadnp@eircom.net. DonegalCounty.com Radio DonegalCounty.com & Dún na nGall.com is online for eleven years, making it the longest established website about Donegal. The site 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@Dún na nGall.com.  Find your home in Donegal |
 Donegal Dusk February 2008 © Flight of The Earls in Switzerland The Donegal County Museum’s travelling exhibition ‘From Leaders to Exiles – The Flight of The Earls', is due to go on display in Museum Kleines Klingental, Basel, Switzerland from the 27th of February to the 9th of March and onto the James Joyce Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland from March 10th to 18th as part of the Irish Embassy's Flight of the Earls commemorations in Switzerand. His Excellency, James A. Sharkey, Ambassador of Ireland, formally launched The Earls in Switzerland website commemorating the Earls journey through Switzerland in 1608 on February 7th 2008. The Ambassador has organised a number of events throughout Switzerland, including a day long commemoration on March 17th, St Patrick's Day, at Andermatt where Mass will be celebrated in the beautiful baroque church of St. Peter and Paul at 11.30am. Acclaimed traditional Irish singer, Padraigin Ni Uallachain, will perform songs from the early 17th century. At 12.30 pm a special memorial will be ceremonially unveiled by Nobel Peace Laureate John Hume and H.E. James A. Sharkey, Ambassador of Ireland. This will take place at the medieval church (Alte Kirche) in Andermatt dedicated to the early Irish Saint Columbanus whose disciple founded the nearby abbey of Disentis. Later in the evening in Altdorf the theatre group Ouroboros will perform Brian Friel’s Masterpiece 'Making History' which centres on the personalities and historical events surrounding the Flight of the Earls. The Donegal County Museum’s exhibition will also go on display in Milan and Rome in April, in the Ranfurly House in Dungannon Co. Tyrone from 28th March to end of May 2008. It will then travel to Enniskillen Castle from June to September and the Ulster American Folk Park from October to December 2008. For further information email Donegal County Museum. The Mikado @ An Grianán Theatre 'THE Mikado' opening night fundraiser for St. Bernadette's Special School will be held on Tuesday, February 19, at An Grianán Theatre with a wine and cheese reception at 7 pm, show beginning at 8 pm. Your support would be very much appreciated. Contact An Grianan on 9120777. Tickets €20 euro.  The Index of the Best Websites on Irish Stuff - 11 Years Online! St Patrick Day The Community Youth Band Letterkenny is seeking people interested in taking part in St. Patrick's Day Parade as majorettes. Training provided from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesdays at Conwal Hall, Cathedral Square, Letterkenny. Ages 8 upwards. Pom Poms, batons and uniform supplied. Further information from Pauline on 0749126899. Borderlines Currently on display in the Donegal County Museum is a new exhibition - Borderlines. This is a cross border touring photographic exhibition, archive and hardback publication. This significant collection of recordings and photographs gives voice to people with experience of life along the border. The project includes contributions from Fermanagh, Tyrone, Cavan, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo, Donegal, Derry/Londonderry, Armagh, Down and Louth. The researchers recruited to carry out the interviews were local to the border and from diverse backgrounds. The resulting archive goes beyond differences and stereotypes. Each interview is unique: some are very personal, others less so. Some took place over several days in the privacy of the kitchen or living room, one in a hotel room in Bosnia. It includes ‘everyday’ events like getting children to school through roadblocks, telling ‘lies’ about your job to protect your life, or having to leave your land. ‘Borderlines’ is part of a wider project examining how we should remember the events connected with the conflict on the island of Ireland. It is a Gallery of Photography project organised in collaboration with Dara Training and Consultancy. Speaking about the exhibition, Caroline Carr of The Donegal County Museum said: "This is a very special project exploring the difficult and sensitive history of the border area. The research has been carefully and sensitively handled, and the resulting archive, exhibition and book give a powerful insight into people’s different perspectives. It will be obvious to anyone who visits this exhibition that many individuals have spoken out for the first time about their lives and experiences". The exhibition runs until April. Admission is free. Opening hours: 10am – 4.30pm, Mon – Fri, 12.30- 1pm Lunch, 1 – 4.30pm Sat. For further information email Donegal County Museum. Glencolmcille A new hill walking centre has opened in Glencolmcille. Check out Ionad Siul. The annual "Ceol sa Ghleann", Glencolmcille Traditional Arts Festival, will take place from Sunday 23rd - Saturday 29th of March 2008. This year's programme is crammed with concerts and recitals, Donegal fiddle, accordion, song and dance workshops, Ceili and sessions. As usual "Ceol sa Ghleann" brings together some of Ireland's finest musicians, singers and storytellers. Among the highlights this year are a masterclass with fiddler James Byrne and box player Tom Byrne. They will be joined for a session by visiting singers and dancers from Armagh and Conamara including Maire Ni Choilm, Patricia Flynn and Brian Cunningham and many more. In addition the festival committee is especially pleased to welcome two traditional musicians from Norway and Sweden to Donegal for the first time, fiddle player Mattias Helje from Lima and box player Per Johan Moslet from Selbu. For bookings and more details email: Ceol sa Ghleann  Click Pride.ie for Vintage Style Gaelic Football & Hurling T-Shirts Delivered World Wide Donegal Senator calls for Roads funding Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has called on the National Roads Authority to ensure that the full allocation of €38 million euro for roads projects within County Donegal be granted to Donegal County Council when the NRA is deciding their allocation during February. "It is essential that Donegal County Council receives the full amount of funding that they have sought this year from the National Roads Authority. It cannot be overstated the importance of developing our infrastructure within County Donegal and the access to and from this county. There is no doubt that Donegal and the greater northwest are at a distinct disadvantage from the rest of the country because of our poor transport infrastructure. Senator Doherty appealed to the National Roads Authority to take on board the specific unique economic situation that persists in Donegal and to fully grant to Donegal County Council the €38 million euro required to deliver on the essential road projects that are in hand at this point. This funding requested would include money for the Ballybofey/ Stranorlar Bypass, the roads from the Manor to Lifford, Lifford to Stranorlar, from Mountcharles to Killybegs and €10 million euro for much needed work on the N56. No Nukes in the North West Plans to build a nuclear power station at Coolkeeragh in Co. Derry have raised fears among environmentalists on both sides of the border. A businessman, Robert Andrews, is proposing to build a €1.4 billion nuclear power plant on the site of the ESB / NI Power electricity generating plant outside Derry City. Ireland has no nuclear power plants at present and there was widespread opposition following proposals to build a nuclear plant at Carnsore Point thirty years ago. Any new proposal is likely to meet opposition from environmentalists and anti-nuclear protestors throughout Ireland and Europe. St Mary's School, Stranorlar celebrates its 50th Anniversary Plans for the 50th anniversary celebrations at St Mary's School, Stranorlar are now underway. Deputy Principal Mrs Helen Martin and her staff are gathering memorabilia for the occasion and photographs and all sorts of stories and items from past years have come in to the school from past pupils for show during the celebrations. The 50th anniversary of the school's foundation is actually on February 17th but the school is going to celebrate in June so as not to disrupt the school year and to allow for past pupils to travel from abroad. from Tuesday 3rd of June- June 6th culminating in a formal function in Jackson's Hotel on Friday June 6th. An exhibition of photographs and memorabilia will be held in the school on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of June. A commemoration booklet compiled by Mrs Martin and school staff will also be available. Teachers, staff and pupils at St. Mary's School Stranorlar are doing great work for the protection of the environment and are going forward for their 3rd International Green Flag in 2008. At present the team are busy updating their recycling, composting, litter control, energy saving and water conservation plans and targets. This is all in preparation for their assessment for their 3rd green flag in a few months time. They also have their annual Winter Wild Bird Feeding rota up and running. " The Variety Basket", Ballybofey, have sponsored wild birdseed, for which the school are very grateful. Their garden at the rear of the school is a pleasure to behold. The whole school has once again been involved in a clothes recycling day, which earned much needed funds for the school. The Green Team, have the Environment and Scoil Mhuire's future very much at heart and are to be congratulated on their ongoing efforts. |
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