 Scéal Dún-na-nGall ar an Idirlíon Vol.10 No.10 October, 2009 Holiday In Donegal! |
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Donegal Votes No to the Lisbon Treaty A majority of the Donegal electorate voted No to the Lisbon Treaty, the only county to do so this time around. Perhaps it was the fact that Donegal lost its fishing industry following our membership of the European Union that the people voted overwhelmingly to reject the Lisbon Treaty? Perhaps Donegal voted No because the county lost ten thousand jobs in the last ten years, seemingly forgotten by the Celtic Tiger? Whatever the reasons, the Donegal electorate obviously do not believe the Government's assurances on the Lisbon Treaty. Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty welcomed the victory of the No campaign in Donegal, describing the results in the County's two constituencies as 'remarkable' in the context of a 2 to 1 victory for the Yes side across the state. Senator Doherty said: 'This campaign was a David and Goliath contest. The entire weight of the political, business and media establishment was pitted against the people. The Yes side spent unprecedented amounts of money in creating a climate of fear. They preyed on people’s concerns about their jobs and the future of the economy — problems which this government created. The rejection of the Lisbon Treaty by the people of Donegal is a clear sign that even with a Donegal based Tánaiste and in an unprecedented climate of fear, the people of Donegal were determined to register their opposition to the direction the political establishment in Ireland and Europe are taking us'. Rumour has it that the people of Donegal are calling for another Lisbon Treaty referendum because they don't like the way the rest of the country has voted. That would be democratic, wouldn't it? For a minority to reject the will of the majority and to make them vote again? Best out of three perhaps? Rathmullan House Wins another Award Rathmullan House took the top honour at the Good Food Ireland Awards, held recently. The Four Star Country House was nominated for 'best next generation' and 'best sustainable produce' but actually won the overall award. Good Food Ireland is an organisation of representatives from the food and hospitality industry who are committed to using local Irish food. More than 300 representatives from the food and tourism sectors, including chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, farmers, fishermen and other food producers from around the country attended the awards. Rathmullan House was cited for its 'commitment to local food and epitomising principles of Good Food Ireland.'  Recreational Diving, Dive Training and Angling throughout the year in Donegal Glenties Fiddlers' Festival The Glenties Fiddlers' Festival will take place from October 9th to 10th. This unique festival attracts the most talented traditional fiddlers of the Donegal style for one amazing weekend of ceol agus craic. Donegal fiddlers who will be present at this year's event include Vincent, Jimmy and Peter Campbell, Dermot McLaughlin, Mairead Ní Maonaigh and Martin McGinley, all leading exponents of the Donegal fiddling style. The Festival will take place in the Highlands Hotel, Glenties. For more information see Fiddlers' Festival. Peadar O'Donnell Weekend The Peadar O Donnell (1893-1987) Weekend is an annual event held in Dungloe during October to celebrate the life, times and politics of Peadar O'Donnell. This is the tenth year that the Peadar O'Donnell Weekend has been celebrated and this year's gathering takes place from Friday October 16th to Sunday 18th October. The Weekend is a mixture of the historical and the contemporary with political talks, music, drama and an excursion. This year’s excursion will be a walk at Glenveagh Castle which Peadar refused to burn during the War of Independence, saying that one day it might prove useful to the Irish people. The castle is now the centrepiece of Glenveagh National Park. On Saturday October 17th there will be a screening of a Film on Peadar O'Donnell's life - 'Peadairín na Stoirme', introduced by the film's director Paddy Hayes. Admission Free at 6.00pm. This will be followed by a Talk by Francis Devine on 100 years of the SIPTU union in Donegal at 7.30pm and Music in Teach Owenie Bans by the Meenacross Ceoltas band at 10.00pm. On Sunday October 18th there will be a Debate at 12.30 pm on 'The Future of the Left in Ireland' with various speakers. Admission Free. This will be followed by a Talk by Patrick Boner on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Co-Operative movement in Donegal by Paddy the Cope Gallagher (1873-1966). Most of the events will be held in the Ionad Teampall Chroine. 7th Samhain International Poetry Festival The 7th Samhain International Poetry Festival & Poetry competition takes place in Maggie Dan's in Gortahork in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht from the 15th-19th October, 2009. On Friday October 16th, Tommy Francis will recite and introduce a night of poetry entitled ‘Our speckled state’ with poets Aidan Hayes of the Bedlam Writers Group, and Renowned Donegal gaelic poets Colette Ni Ghallchoir and Cathal O’Searcaigh who will recite in English. See Samhain Poetry for details of more festival events. The closing date for the Smurfit Poetry competition is Monday October 31st, 2009. Information on the poetry competition from info@samhainpoetry.com. Film Premiere in Inishowen New Zealand film director Kathleen Gallagher premiered her latest film Earth Whisperers Papatuanuku at the Carndonagh Service Centre on October 1st. Shot on location across New Zealand, the film highlights New Zealanders who live an environmentally sustainable life. Prior to the screening the director said 'These ‘stars’ have saved heritage seeds, regenerated forests, harvested and protected wild herbs, left the car forever to ride a bicycle, and saved huge swathes of old forest. While produced in New Zealand, the message of this film applies just as much to Ireland'. Tax on Second Homes There has been a poor response to the new Government levy on second homes in County Donegal, largely because those who own second homes in the county are unaware of the new tax. The Government believes it will raise €40 million from the tax but only €5 million has been collected to date. The deadline for the 'holiday home' tax of €200 per annum comes into effect on October 31st with additional fees being levied on those who fail to pay the tax before that date. As yet only 10% of holiday home owners have paid the new tax. It is estimated that around €4 million in revenue will be generated for Donegal County Council through the tax. If payment is not received by October 31st, 2009, a €20 late payment fee will apply in respect of each month during which the charges remain unpaid. For information see the Non Principal Private Residence website. Tragic death of Greencastle Golf Club President The tragic death took place on the Algarve of Paul Houston, President of the Greencastle Golf Club and well known local businessman, on September 6th, the victim of a fatal assault. Over a thousand mourners attended his funeral at St. Mary’s Church, Ballybrack, Greencastle with past and current officials of Greencastle Golf Club forming a guard of honour. As well as being a well known figure in local golfing circles Paul Houston was the owner manager of Houston Shoes in Derry. Paul was a very popular person who always brought a smile to all whom he met. Among the mourners were Auxiliary Bishop of Derry, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Lagan, Noble Laureate John Hume and representatives from numerous golf clubs throughout the North West. Paul Houston is survived by his wife Celine, daughter Amy, granddaughter Molly, sons Christopher, David and Tom, his mother Mavis, sister Jennifer and brothers Kevin and Terry. Rest in Peace Paul - you will be sadly missed. Foyle Ferry Reprieve The Foyle Ferry was to cease operations on October 1st but the owners have decided to continue operations for a further three months in the hope of securing government funding. The ferry service had been funded by government subsidy for the last seven years but this funding ran out on September 30th. Owner Jim McClenaghan agreed to keep the ferry running at a last-minute meeting of councillors from Limavady and Donegal. Mr McClenaghan said the councils must now find new and permanent funding. Limavady Borough Council has already pledged £100,000 to keep the ferry operational, but the money will not be available until April, 2010.  The Index of the Best Websites on Irish Stuff Online since 1997! Oireachtas 2009 The Oireachtas Festival will take place in Letterkenny from October 28th to November 1st. The Irish language cultural festival is expected to attract over 15,000 people. The five day event consists of a major conference, AGMs of various Irish organisations, traditional dances, sets, singing and Sean-Nós competitions, concerts, ceilís, various exhibitions, book & CD launches. The festival is offering all shops, eateries and licensed premises an opportunity to become a Friend of the Festival for €100 per business and thus promote the Irish langauge and their business. ‘Cruinniú’ nó ‘tionól’ de chuid lucht rialaithe na hÉireann an chiall a bhí leis an bhfocal `oireachtas` sa 7ú haois. Go dtí an lá atá inniu ann leanann Oireachtas na Geailge de thraidisiún uasal sin, an tionóil agus na díospóireachta, a bhunaigh ár sinsir na céadta bliain ó shin, ag cur fáilte roimh óg agus aosta, scríbhneoir, file, amhránaí, damhsóir, ealaíontóir, scéalaí, aisteoir, aithriseoir, cumadaóir ceoil agus amhrán, ceoltóir agus pobal na Gaeilge, in Éirinn agus thar lear. Invasive Species Warnings People in the North West are being warned to be on the alert for invasive non-native plant and animal species in the local environment. The majority of invasive species are negatively impacting on our native species. They can transform our local habitats and threaten whole ecosystems, causing serious problems to the environment and economy. Two common invasive plant species found locally are the Japanese knotweed and Himlayan Balsam. These are common along roadsides and riverbanks where they spread quickly and reduce the diversity of other plant life. Anyone seeking advice to control these species is advised to read Invasive Species Ireland.  3 Bedroom, 2 Reception Rooms & Sea Views at Ballyhiernan, Fanad Buy Your Home in Donegal at Tírconaill Property.com DonegalCounty.com News This is the 106th Donegal on the Net Newsletter. The Newsletter is now online for eleven years and is one of the most popular County 'blogs' in Ireland with over a million hits a year. If you would like to advertise here email Donegal County.com. You can hear the Donegal news live in Pennslyvannia on Echoes of Erin radio show on Sundays from 1.00-2.30pm EST. Listeners in Brisbane, Australia can catch the Donegal on the Net News on Saturdays between 12.30 and 1.30pm on Caomhín O'Seoige's Irish show on 4EB 98.1 FM. In Sydney you can listen to Sydney Irish Radio on 107.3FM on Sundays from 7.30am to 9.00am local time. |
 North West Surf Club Surf's Up The North West Surf Club are holding their annual Competition on the 3rd and 4th of October at Culdaff on the Inishowen peninsula. The division will be Open and Beach Entries will be taken between 8am and 9:30am Only with the first heats going in at 10am. The cost of Entry is €10 and all entrants must be ISA or NWSC members for insurance purposes. Club membership will be available on the day and is the same price as last year €25 Senior €20 Junior (under18). Da Capo Concert Series The Da Capo Concert Series is a local community group, committed to promoting high quality music in Inishowen. The first concert, at the Colgan Hall, Carndonagh is on Saturday October 24th at 7.30pm and features the renowned WhistleBlast Quartet. The WhistleBlast Quartet programmes are designed to be inclusive and include popular classics as well as music from movies and TV. The concert programme will include 'The Nutcracker Suite' by Tchaikovsky (narrated), 'Gabriel’s Oboe' by Morricone and much more! The quartet is made up of Kenneth Edge on Saxophones and clarinet, Mary Curran on French Horn, Andrew Synnott on Piano and Lauretta Eustace on Oboe. The Fidelio Trio will perform a concert at the Greenbank Hall on Monday October 26th at 8.00pm. They will perform pieces by Schumann, Schoenberg and McLachlan. The trio features Darragh Morgan on violin, Robin Michael on cello and Mary Dullea on piano. This concert will feature a brand new work by Inishowen-based composer John McLachlan, Natural Order, his second piano trio. McLachlan is an established composer who has had performances in 16 countries worldwide. The Schoenberg and the McLachlan will be introduced with five-minute talks. Tickets cost €20 for a Family Ticket; €12 for Adults and €8 Concessions. Please Telephone 087 2259858 / 9383734 for bookings. Údarás Board Expenses come under Scrutiny Following the publication of the expenses claimed by Donegal politicians (see Donegal on the Net News 105) comes the publication of the expenses claimed by the five Donegal Board members of Údarás na Gaeltachta who have claimed more than €500,000 euro in four years. Members of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta receive an annual fee of €14,000 while the Chairman gets an annual fee of €24,000. This is in addition to their travel expenses. The Údarás Chair, Liam Ó Cuinneagáin, also Director of Oideas Gael, has claimed over €155,000 in fees and expenses since 2005. Fianna Fáil Councillor David Alcorn received almost €120,000 over the past four years, including expenses of €61,000. This is in addition to his County Council wages and expenses and his state pension from his previous employment in Donegal County Council. Fianna Fail Senator Brian O'Domhnaill received €115,000 including expenses of €56,000 while Independent Councillor Pádraig O'Dochartaigh got €105,000 including €55,000 expenses and Sinn Fein's Gráinne Mhic Géidigh received €88,000, including €30,220 in expenses. Ms Mhic Géidigh said 'It's not morally right that Board members are doing two or three jobs while there are more than 20,000 people unemployed in Donegal at present'.  A scenic view at Doochary has been destroyed by quarrying sanctioned by Donegal County Council Apparition in Kerrytown It is claimed there has been an apparation of the Blessed Virgin in Kerrytown outside Dungloe. The location is the same as that of a reported apparation in 1939. Around 15 people reported seeing crosses flash in the sky for about 10 minutes at 8.00pm on September 13th. It's also reported that the face of the plaster statue at the sight became human, and turned to look at everyone gathered there. For more information see Kerrytown Apparitions. Stones in his Pockets Marie Jones' award winning drama 'Stones in his Pockets' will be performed by the Lane Production Company at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny from October 8th to 10th at 8.00pm. Admission €15. Charles Macklin Autumn School The 20th Charles Macklin Autumn School opens on Friday October 9th with a double celebration, namely 20 years of the Charles Macklin (1690-1797) school and a special 80th birthday tribute to Ireland's greatest living playwright, Brian Friel. Professor Anthony Roche of UCD will open the School and deliver the keynote lecture on Friel's drama on Sunday afternoon, October 11th. The Friel tribute opens on Friday night with a gala concert featuring music from Brian Friel's plays and will be headed by the Henry Girls. A limited number of tickets is available for this event so booking is advisable. With over two dozen events - walks, art exhibitions, lectures, storytelling, book exhibitions, a writers' workshop, a CD launch and a lunchtime performance, there is something for all. See Charles Macklin Autumn School. Emigration Once Again Fine Gael Deputy Dinny McGinley is alarmed at the rise in emigration from Donegal which is at its highest in a decade. Recent figures released from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has revealed that since 1995 more people left Ireland than moved here. The number of emigrants from Ireland in the year to April is estimated to have grown by over 40%, from 45,300 to 65,100. Deputy Dinny McGinley says that the figures have come as no surprise to him with more people contacting his office in search of Visas and work permits than there had been in ten years. 'The tide has been reversed and these figures are just another indication of the serious economic situation we find ourselves in. Many of those who are unemployed have no other recourse but to emigrate to seek work elsewhere', Deputy Dinny McGinley said. Famine Memorial Unveiled in Boston On September 13th a Celtic Cross was unveiled at Bunker Hill Catholic Cemetery, Charlestown, Boston to commemorate children who died during the Famine. The cermony was part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of St Francis de Sales Parish, an area of one square mile, wherein hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants lived in the 1840's. Over ten years the Charlestown Historical Society conducted interviews, collected photographs and stories and even sent a film crew to Ireland to shoot scenes associated with Charlestown namely in Inishowen, Derry and Belfast. The result was a one-hour documentary film, 'The Green Square Mile.... The Story of the Charlestown Irish' which the Charlestown Historical Society then sold to fund an Irish Famine Memorial at St Francis de Sales cemetery.  The Donegal Woman by John Throne A 'Must Read' for everyone with an interest in Donegal and it's History Balor Theatre, Ballybofey On October 14th the Galloglass Theatre Company will present 'Day Of Wine & Roses', a new stage version of J.P.Miller's classic 1950’s play, later filmed with Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick. Scripted by Owen McCafferty, the plot concerns Donal and Mona who leave Ireland for a new start in '60s London where they fall in love with life, each other, and booze. Soon their whirlwind of discovery spirals out of control as the bottle takes its grip. 'Day Of Wine & Roses' is directed by Conall Morrison. Adm. €15 Curtains Up 8.30pm. 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. |
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