News Archive
June 2001

Ardara Playgroup
Registration of children wishing to attend Ardara Playgroup as from September will take place in the Community Centre on Thursday, 28th June from 10:00am until mid-day.

House of Prayer, Achill
Bus to the House of Prayer, Achill on Sunday 8th July, leaving Divers at 8:45am. Please book at Divers.

Summer Clean-Up
The dates agreed for the clean up around Ardara are 28th, 29th and 30th June. If you have a wreck of an old vehicle and you would like it removed, contact Stephen McCahill at 075-41347.

It is hoped to have skips at the following locations on Saturday, 30th June:
The Community Centre; Drimaghy; Loughros Point; Meentinadea; Easaranka.

If you would like to help out with litter collection, come along to the Community Centre on Saturday, 30th June at 11:00am. Gloves and refuse sacks will be provided.

If you require gloves and refuse sacks before then or you require a skip for your area contact Donal Haughey at 075-41518.

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School Medical Officers
At the Ardara Parish Council meeting of June 13, it was reported that of 12 posts for medical services to schools in the North West, only one post is held. This means that at present there are 11 vacancies for school medical officers, of which one is for the assistant chief medical officer. An acting medical officer, based in Letterkenny, is doing her best but obviously she cannot do the work of twelve people. In the domain of dental services, there is at present no orthodontist, and only one dental practitioner, who, though he is due to retire, says he will continue to fill the post until the staffing situation improves. Rates of pay in the public sector do not compare favourably with the remuneration of private health work and this makes it difficult to recruit required staff. However, it is school children with specific health problems, whose parents may not be able to meet the costs of private health services, who are bearing the brunt of this problem.
The Parish Council is sending a letter of complaint that this situation continues to exist and requesting sustained effort on the part of the North Western Health Board to resolve the difficulty. Members of the public could also make their views known in a similar manner if they wish to do so.

County Council Summer Clean-Up
The County Council are offering great help to groups or individuals who wish to take a hand in cleaning up some part of their immediate environment this summer. The Ardara Parish Council is going to co-ordinate efforts in this parish, and hopes to set a county record in the amount of rubbish gathered! If you and your friends would like a skip on location to aid you in the clean-up of a local road, beach, or scenic place, then contact Donal at 075-41518. He can also make plastic bags and gloves available to you from Donegal County Council. If you have a car wreck, or even two, you'd like to have taken away, then contact Stephen at 075-41347. As long as the car is reasonably accessible from the road, this is your chance to have it transported to the County landfill site free of charge. Large domestic items may also be similarly disposed of, if you contact Stephen. More power to your elbow.

Library
The County Manager has acknowledged local efforts to put a library service into place in Ardara. At this stage donations of suitable books are still needed. Some have already been handed in to the Credit Union Office but many more are required to fill the shelves of our future library. Have your children long out-grown those favourite story-books of their past? Other children could enjoy the same stories. If there are good books in your house which you haven't touched for years and probably won't read again, then what are you keeping them for? They're only taking up space - give them to the library. The Credit Union Office is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 10a.m.-1 p.m., and from 2-5 p.m.

Report from Councillor Terence Slowey
Holohan Leisure have presented a report of the Feasibility Study on the Kilclooney Pool, to the Donegal County Council. Generally, it was a positive report. They had calculated the catchment area of clients as being within a 15-20 minute drive. However, a 30 minute travelling distance would probably be more realistic. Calculations were based on a probable 150-160 thousand visitors to the pool per year. Two options for the dimensions of the pool exist : a 20 metre or a 25 metre long pool, A 25 metre pool would cost around £3.8 million pounds to construct, a 20 metre pool would cost less. 90 per cent of the funding would be provided by the Dept of Tourism, and it was recommended to apply to organisations such as Interreg or Peace and Reconciliation for the remaining 10 per cent. If the pool is built, a more structured management team and an up-grading of the existing fitness centre would be necessary, advised the report.
The houses on Herrons field would be completed soon. Twenty more houses, to be constructed on Malloy's field, were out to tender. Young people and others in the community would do well to think ahead, and to put their names down on the Council Housing list immediately, if they thought it necessary. This would give an accurate picture to the Council of housing needs in the Ardara area.
There are plans for more town renewal in Ardara, scheduled for 2002. It will be of importance to allow for the future sewage mains when laying any new pavements etc.
As regards the N56, Cller Slowey observed that the Ardara-Glenties stretch was in need of re-surfacing since the laying of fibre-optic cable. This stretch of road plus the Glenties to Fintown stretch was to be re-done, though the time-space for the work was designated to be 2000-2010.
Walking signs in the area would probably be uncovered about the 22nd of June when F.M.D. regulations were relaxed.

Derelict Buildings
The old buildings on Ardara Diamond and a few in the main thoroughfare came under discussion at the recent parish council meeting. Some of them have loose slates which are dangerous. The secretary of the Parish Council is writing a letter to the County Council to request an inspection of the state of the buildings and some decisions regarding them.

More news from the Parish Council
Plans for the development of Herrons field are decided but funding for the development is not fully in place yet. An historic kiln near Ardara is in dis-repair. It was decided to ask FAS if there is a possibility that they could do some maintenance work on it. The chairman thanked Margaret and Tommy Porter for the tidying-up and re-planting of the flower beds on the Diamond, which are looking very pretty. He also thanked the Sergeant and the Gardai for their help on the day of the Marching Band Competition. He noted the undesirability of stag-parties in the town and the irresponsible, if not dangerous, behaviour, which frequently follows them. There was a request for the appointment of a youth officer in our area and Cllr Slowey said he would take this up at County Council level. The County landfill site will receive large domestic items free of charge for the months of June, July, and August. The Parish Council's next meeting will be in September after the summer.

Fishing News
Almost half of the draft net fishing season is over. With only six boats operating from Loughros Pt, reports are that less than 100 fish have been caught so far. Prices fell with grills (salmon under 8 lb in weight) selling at £1.40 - £2.0 per pound. and salmon at £2.50 per pound. The fishermen hope to see better prices and better catches in the second half of the season.

Uni-Slim
A Uni-Slim group is meeting at Downstrands Women's Resource Centre (the old school), at 8 p.m. on Mondays. For further information, contact Mary at 075-41334.

Iniskeel History
A talk on the history of Iniskeel Island will be given on the island next Saturday June the 23rd at 1 p.m. by Dr Lochlann McGill. Everyone is welcome to attend. Participants will assemble at the Narin beach car-park at 12:30 p.m.

Playgroup Registration
Registration of children wishing to attend Ardara Playgroup as from September , will take place in the Community Centre on Thursday, June the 28th, from 10 a.m. until midday.

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ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS

The Co. Donegal U-14 girls team emerged as champions in the U-14 Cumann Peil Gael na mBan all Ireland blitz held in Mullingar on Saturday the 16th. They defeated Fermanagh in the final. The following Ardara girls were playing; Sharon Kilbane, Ciara Mooney, Catriona Mc Hugh, Emer O' Donnell and Stephanie Bennett.Heartious congratulations to the entire team and their dedicated manager Kenny Griffin. The girls would also like to thank their parents for transporting them to training in Ballybofey each Sunday. 

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Accord
"Accord" is the Diocesan Agency for Marriage and the Family, and at the moment they are looking for group workers for the continuation of their Pre Marriage Course Service in the Diocese.
If you would like to help in this most important work for the support of young people getting married, and you want to get more information, there is an Information Night in the Mill Park Hotel, Donegal Town, on Tuesday, 26th June, 8:00pm - 9:00pm.

Bazaar
Fr. Daly in Kilclooney is having a Bazaar in aid of parish funds today in the Dolmen Centre. Proceedings begin at 3:00pm sharp and your support will be greatly appreciated.

Tourist Information Desk
The Tourist Information Desk is now open in the Heritage Centre. Any businesses or B&B's who would like to leave information on their business can do so with Christine or Lorraine in the Heritage Centre.

Thanks
The family of Kirsty Baskin Molloy express their appreciation of the help of neighbours and the Gardai in the search for Kirsty when she went missing on Wednesday. Thankfully she was found safe and well. Everyone's help was deeply appreciated.

Show Meeting
There will be a Show Meeting on Monday night, 18th June 2001, at 9:00pm in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel.

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Ardara sewage scheme to start in 2002

MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher has this week been informed that work on the long awaited Ardara sewage scheme will start in 2002.

Mr. Gallagher was told site investigation work will commence shortly along the lines of the proposed sewer and at the site of the sewerage treatment works. According to Mr. Eunan Kelly of Sanitary Services, contract documents have already been forwarded to the Department of the Environment and Local Government for a foreshore licence application has also been submitted to the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources in respect of the proposed outfall 'The scheme will go to tender as soon as the contract documents are approved," he said Mr. Kelly concluded by saying it was anticipated that the scheme will go to construction in 2002.

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Seafood Festival Grows in Popularity

An incredible two tons of seafood are given away free in the five pubs of the area during the festival. Accomodation in Narin and Portnoo is fully booked, well in advance of the festival dates. Many people book for the following year when attending the festival. Visitors who haven't reserved have frequently to be directed to Ardara and Glenties for accomodation.

Pat Slowey Memorial Shield

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The Late Peg Gallagher
The death of Peg Gallagher took place on May the 10th in Killybegs Community Hospital after an illness of six months, which she had borne with great dignity and courage. She had lived most of her life in Front St, Ardara, but had worked in the Killybegs E.S.B. office ,so was well-known in that community also.Her customers were fond of her. She was a conscientious person and a good neighbour. She is survived by her brother, Frank Gallagher, Portnoo Rd, Ardara, and her sister-in-law, Dot, a nephew and three nieces, her aunt, Kate Magill (England ), and two aunts-in- law, Nan Sweeney, Ardara, and Bridie Sweeney, Letterkenny.

Acting for Screen/Camera
An intensive 'Professional Acting for Screen/Camera' course will be held in Dungloe on 26,27,28th of June from 7:0 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For further information contact 074-26994.

Ardara Women's Group
At the recent A.G.M. the out-going chairperson, Breda Boyle was thanked for her leadership of the group in the last two years. Emily Whelan was elected as the 'new' chairperson, Louise O'Brien as secretary, and Kathleen Bennett as treasurer. The group will be in recession during the summer, but the committee will be engaged in sourcing funding in order to offer some productive courses during the autumn and winter months. It is hoped that there will be some new and younger faces at meetings when they re-commence in the autumn.

Scallywags Fun Club for Children
If you enjoy action stories, drama, face-painting, arts and crafts then visit the Dolmen Centre, Kilclooney, every Saturday in July between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission costs £3. per child, but there is a family concession. For more information, contact Mary at 075- 45010.

Show Meeting
Though this years show has been cancelled, it is planned to hold a horticultural and craft exhibition and to provide some entertainment/fun the same evening in replacement of the usual show events. A meeting to advance the planning will take place on Monday June the 18th at 9 p.m. in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel. Everyone is welcome but the attendance of business people would be especially welcomed.

The Late William McGroarty
The death has occurred in a London hospital of William McGroarty, Hillhead, Ardara, after a short illness. Sympathy is extended to his family. He is survived by his wife, Nora, his sons, Paul and John, his grandsons, Jake and Adam, his daughter-in-law, Shirley, his brother John, Thower, his sisters, Joan Cunningham, Narin, Sheila Cunningham, Killybegs, Kathleen Carr and Nellie McGill ( London), Maureen Tobin, ( U.S.A.) and his many nieces and nephews.

Wedding
Congratulations to Claire Reynolds, Meenagrillagh, Ardara, and Paul O'Donnell, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, whose marriage took place in the Church of the Holy Family recently.The ceremony was performed by the Rev Fr C. Sweeney, M.S.C., an uncle of the bride. The bride who was given away by her father, Jim, was attended by her sisters, Pauline and Marilyn, and a friend, Paula Newman. The bestman was Barry O'Donnell, brother of the groom, and the groom's friends, Kevin Herron and Wayne Williams were the groomsmen. Kelly Tourish and Nicole Carr were the flower-girls ; Conor Tourish was the pageboy. The children are nieces and a nephew of the groom. The reception was held in the Blue Haven,Kilcar, and the honeymoon was spent on a Mediterranean cruise.

Swimming Club Report
West Coast Cormorants swimming club held their end of year swimming gala in Ballyshannon pool on Wednesday 27th May. This marked the end of another very successful year with two eight-week teaching sessions in Letterkenny while the teenagers availed of water safety in Ballyshannon earlier in the year. The gala was a great occasion combining closely fought races and fun events as well. Alyce Mc Grath was a clear winner in girls over 12, while Suzanne Mulhern got second place in her race. Also competing were Bridget Whittington, Dylan Kelly-Gatto, Charlotte Kennedy, Amy Gallagher, Abigail and Mary-Beth Herron and Karen O’ Donnell. The swimmer of the year cup was handed over from Daniel Shovlin to Laura Gallagher, Glenties. Laura has been a dedicated swimmer for some time now and we hope she continues to enjoy swimming for many years. We say goodbye and thank you to Anne Hayden and Sean Mc Kenna who have been teaching swimming to young people for many years. Good to see the young people themselves starting on the road to becoming teachers; this year we welcome Eleanor Cape and Kieran Gallagher. We have seen much hard work on behalf of the committee, swimming teachers and weekly helpers, not forgetting the many parents and young people who helped at the gala. Thanks to all.

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Care of the Aged
Monthly meeting of the Care of the Aged at Homeward Bound on Thursday 14th June at 8:00pm

Doon Well
Trip to Doon Well on Tuesday 12th June. Bus will leave the Church car park at 10:30am sharp.

Centenary Mass
A special Centenary Mass will be celebrated in St.Eunan's Cathedral, Letterkenny next Sunday 17th June at 4:00pm. If you would like to officially represent the Parish of Ardara at the Mass, please give in your name to Canon Laverty early in the week. Six places are reserved for representatives of the Parish and places will be drawn by lot from the names that are in by Thursday night.

Ardara / Narin Community Games
All medal winners from the athletic and field events held on Monday 4th June are through to regional Finals an Donegal Town on Wednesday 13th June. Bus leaving from Divers at 5:00pm.

List of winners

Ardara Parish Council
Monthly meeting in the Community Centre on Wednesday 13th June at 9:00pm sharp. Items for discussion include Summer Clean Up Campaign. Donegal County Council will provide gloves and refuse sacks free of charge; skips to groups on request; provide assistance from the Mobile Litter Unit; provide grant assistance to groups for litter control and grass cutting on approach roads to the town; accept large houshould items, i.e. furniture, fridges etc at Council landfill sites free of charge during June, July and August.

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Multicultural summer at Ard Bia

Ard Bia at the heritage centre in Ardara have a very colourful summer lined up with a host of cultural events to suit all tastes.

June and July will be dominated by the film club who are hosting Indian and Danish film seasons. The "simple suppers" will be starting soon awl people are encouraged to book and to bring a bottle of wine.

During July and August the simple suppers on Saturday will have a distinctly Italian feel with "Franco", fresh from the Italian south, coming to the town to spice up the cuisine.

For all aspiring writers out there, Ard Bia are also hosting a writers workshop every Tuesday night through the summer The workshop will be hosted by acclaimed novelist Siofra O'Donavan, author of the Irish polish novel "Malinski".

Last weekend Ard Bia hosted the launch of a new fashion label "Selma". Described as an array of young clothes inspired by Japanese and Indian fashion and perfect for partying in, the line is sure to be popular.

After recovering from the Selma launch Aid Bin will be hosting an exhibition by Dublin based artist Brendan Early. Entitled 'Dolmen Project" the series looks at the rapid development experienced over recent years in Ireland.

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TERENCE SLOWEY
Ardara's new councillor

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Celebration Dance

The Nesbitt Arms Hotel, Ardara was the venue last Sunday night for a very successful celebration dance to mark Terence Slowey's co-option to Donegal County Council.

There was a large attendance at the function and tributes were paid to the late Councillor Charlie Bennett by Deputy Dinny McGinley, TD and Councillor Padraig Doherty. Deputy McGinley spoke about Terence's co-option and said that he had all the qualities to make an excellent councillor. He said his maiden speech in the Council Chamber on the previous Monday was considered by many of those present to be a contribution of high quality. CoIr. Doherty welcomed Terence to the Council and said he felt he would make an excellent councillor.

Terence said: "This is a night for looking back but also for looking forward, but not a night for long speeches. Looking back we had Councillor Charlie Bennett as our representative on Donegal County Council for the past four years.. His death has left a void in all our hearts.

"My last memory of Charlie was his attendance at the February meeting of the Parish Council. When he had completed his report for the meeting he stood up and with that legendary smile and little wave he said to
us,' I will not be available for the March meeting as I will be leading the St. Patrick's Day Parade down 5th Avenue, New York as Donegal's First Citizen'. He carried out his duties in an exemplary way. He was respected by all his colleagues in Donegal County Council because of his dedication and hard work.

"I have been involved with the Parish Council since returning to Ardara, I am also a Director of Killybegs Credit Union and was very much involved in getting the Ardara office up and running. I am also Secretary of St. Columba's Comprehensive Parents Association, and am a founder member of the Ardara Walking Festival. So you can see that I have been involved in the area over the last number of years.

"I now have a new challenge and one that I am looking forward to. There are a number of things to be done both here and in other parts of the Glenties Electoral District. I am a Councillor for Ardara, Glenties, Downstrands, The Glen of Glenties, Fintown, Lettermacaward, down to Burtonport and beyond. I work hard to get things done.

"I have many areas of interest - roads, housing, water supplies and waste treatment. It is not a night to be getting into great detail on these but I intend making contributions in each of these at Council meetings. I am essentially a full time County Councillor so please do not hesitate to come and talk to me. I want to make it clear to everyone here tonight that I am a Councillor for everybody. My door is open to everyone."

The evening was enjoyed by all, ably assisted by the talented Aidan Rooney, who provided the music.

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The May meeting of the Ardara Parish Council took place in the community centre on 9th May. Seventeen people attended. In matters arising a question was asked of the chairman as to where he saw details of the Ardara Heath Centre at the bottom of the list. The chairman referred to discussions with the project manager in 1998.

The chairman also gave an update on the current situation regarding the proposed library and the ongoing work being done by Mary Nichols. The FIS workers are at the moment preparing shelving. A computer link with schools in the area is envisaged. The chairman hopes that our new councillor elect will pursue the matter further with Donegal County Council.

The chairman also reported on the visit of the roads engineer B. McFadden to Ardara.

FIS WORKERS
The FIS workers are presently doing excellent work at Kilternan Graveyard and on the Magumna Road. Fáilte signs are available this year for the entrance roads to Ardara and should be in place very shortly. Signs currently on the Diamond are to be moved to the Heritage Centre. It is also proposed to use the summer students as information personnel at the Heritage Centre during the summer.

LITTER
Litter is still a major problem in the area. The chairman suggested that for the next two months each and every ore of us should attempt to keep our own areas clean and tidy. Litter is a problem at the car park at the Owenea River. There is a problem with the labels for the different service providers for refuse collection and this is part of the problem. A similar problem is happening at the car park in Kilclooney.

TOILETS CLOSED
A question was asked as to why the toilets at Narin Beach were closed on a particular day when the area was packed with visitors.

FLOWERBEDS
A question was also asked as to when the flowerbeds on the diamond would be replanted with bedding plants. A question was also raised in relation to skips for the summer.
At this point in the meeting with the arrival of Terence Slowey (councillor elect) the
Chairman congratulated him on his success and to the Fine Gael party for securing his nomination. The chairman went on to wish Terence every success and all those present warmly applauded his comments.

MILLENNIUM COMMITTEE
John Couzens reported for the Millennium Committee and informed the meeting that Stephen Given would complete the drawings required for the sculpture after his exams.

DRAMA GROUP
The chairman hoped that after the recent success of the Mr & Mrs Competition and the drama and comedy provided it would now be possible to form a drama group. Beth Herron volunteered to be the co-ordinator with the help of Jack Maguire, Tommy and Margaret Porter.

HEALTH
A discussion took place on health related issues including cancer and cancer related illness in the area. Concern was raised at the length of time it takes through the school system from identification of dental or eye problems to receive an appointment. Several speakers said it takes three years to receive an eye appointment. Concern was also raised that at the moment there was no orthodontist for this area.

TRAFFIC
The traffic situation at the Diamond and Wood Road was discussed with the suggestions that cones should be in place on the Wood Road especially at busy weekends.

UNDERAGE DRINKING
The chairman reported on a recent discussion at a GAA meeting regarding underage drinking. At the moment this is a problem with serious concern for the area. Young people are obtaining drink at home and parents need to be vigilant. Drink is also obtained by over 18's for consumption by younger people. The Garda Siochanna are to be commended for their efforts in dealing with the problem. Various speakers said that at the end of the day it was up to parents to be sure they knew where their children were and what they were doing.
On a positive side there are groups working in the parish with young people including the GAA and FOROIGE and hopefully the library will be another asset for the community. It was also pointed out that young people need other outlets for example coffee houses where they can hang out.

SHOW
John Couzens reported that the annual show has been cancelled for 2001. It may be possible to hold a horticultural event and arts and crafts. A decision on the matter will be taken soon.

South West Community Partnership
Tony Breslin reported that the South West Community Partnership, funded by the Dept of Social Community and Family Affairs had opened their new offices at the Carpet Factory in Killybegs. The partnership covers the area from Inver to Glencolumbcille to Portnoo. The chairman commended the committee members Tony Breslin and Mary Breslin for their work on the project.

SWIMMING POOL
The feasibility study for the swimming pool at the Dohnen Centre is under way.


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Who Is It and What Is She Doing?
By Susan Boyd

There was a variety of reactions to the woman sitting blindfolded at a table and chair on the Ardara Diamond on Saturday, June the 2nd. Passers-by were understandably a bit non-plussed as to what this was all about. For most of us, street events have been limited to the annual St Patrick's Day parade and the regular sight of the fruit and vegetable stall, occasionally a clothes stall. So why was this woman sitting on a chair on the Diamond wearing a blindfold, braving a cold wind into the bargain.

It was, as it is called by those who know, a performing art event. Performing art was defined for me by Melissa McDonnell, the blindfolded lady, as happening when "somebody has an idea and goes into a public place, putting their idea into practice". So it is very much like art in that the artist starts with an idea or perception which is individual and unique, s/he puts this idea into visual form and the observers may make what they like of the presentation.

Here are some of the observations made by people who were on the Diamond last Saturday, concerning the presence of a blindfolded woman sitting at a table and chair with a visitor's book, speaking only occasionally and quietly.
"I've no idea at all about her."
"Who is she? What is she doing?"
"She has her eyes covered. She doesn't want to be known."
"It's a change for a woman if she isn't speaking. I never knew a woman who didn't speak."
" She's looking for attention maybe."
"She said she's thinking. She won't say what she's thinking of."
"Je ne sais pas moi. (Me, I don't know)."
"A mon avis, elle prend racine. (In my opinion, she's taking root)."
"She's taking a quiet time out to meditate."
"Strange."
"Is this a survey to see how people react to someone sitting blindfolded.?"
"It's probably a sponsorship thing."
"If I was getting paid, I'd do that too."
"She's probably collecting for charity."
"It's research into how people feel when they are blindfolded or blind."

Melissa said she thought the origin of her idea had sprung from a sketch she had once seen of a blindfolded man on the point of falling over. So now folks, that's the closest she's going to come to explaining what it was about. Like acting Shakespeare, we are free to interpret how it seems best to us.

As a point of interest, it was the 10-15 age group, who showed the liveliest curiosity. There was an ever-changing knot of them about Melissa. They wanted to know who she was, why she was there, where she came from, did she want a sweet - it was still wrapped, how old was she, was she cold, and WHY was she wearing that blind-fold?

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Calling All Writers
"Awaking the Muse." Do you want to write your story? A writing group is starting on Tuesday evening on June the 5th in Ard Bia cafe, Ardara. There will be weekly meetings all summer and everyone is welcome. The group will be facilitated by the Dublin writer, Siofra O'Donovin.

Job Club
This is an initiative of Donegal Local Development Ltd and FAS. It is starting on Tuesday June the 19th in the Tourism College, Shore Rd, Killybegs and will continue until July the 12th, every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Membership of the Job Club is voluntary, free, and completely confidential.
Training will be given in targeting and sourcing jobs, C.V.'s and letter-writing, interview preparation and techniques, career and job planning, basic computer skills and internet access. A small allowance of £3. per day is to help compensate for out-of-pocket expenses, and further contributions may be allowed where it is apropriate. To register or to obtain further information, telephone Eleanor/Lareina at the Job Club 072-58959, or Rosemary at 073-41226.

I.C.A.
The annual dinner dance is being held in the Blue Haven, on Thursday the 7th of June. A bus will be leaving the Diamond at 8:0 p.m.

Acting for Screen/Camera
An intensive 'Professional Acting for Screen/Camera' course will be held in Dungloe on 26,27,28th of June from 7:0 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For further information contact 074-26994.

Table Quiz
The final table quiz of the series will take place on Friday the 8th of June at 10:30 p.m. at the Nesbitt Arms Hotel. The winning team will receive the 'Pat Slowey Memorial Shield' and plaques. All are welcome.

Community Games
Art and model-making will take place in the Community Centre on Saturday the 9th of June at 2:00 p.m.

Senior Citizens
If you are interested in the outing to Doon Well on June the 12th, contact Breda at 075-41246.

Ardara Women's Group
At the recent A.G.M. the out-going chairperson, Breda Boyle was thanked for her leadership of the group in the last two years. Emily Whelan was elected as the 'new' chairperson, Louise O'Brien as secretary, and Kathleen Bennett as treasurer. The group will be in recession during the summer, but the committee will be engaged in sourcing funding in order to offer some productive courses during the autumn and winter months. It is hoped that there will be some new and younger faces at meetings when they re-commence in the autumn.

St Therese
A large and enthusiastic crowd were on the streets for the occasion of the transport of St Therese's relics through the town on its way to Bruckless, on Sunday the 3rd of June. There were a great many small shrines erected outside homes and in shop windows in honour of St Therese, and a huge welcoming banner was suspended over the street outside the Church of the Holy Family, where the vehicle came to a brief stop before continuing on its way. Children who had made their First Communion that day, scattered rose petals at the Diamond as the vehicle approached that spot. Most people felt that this was a unique occasion and felt glad that they had had the opportunity to be there. Some people had travelled by bus from outlying areas and other towns, and it took some time for the traffic situation to get sorted out after the vehicle containing the relics had left the town.
Those who visited Bruckless later in the day in order to venerate the relics, praised the organisation which permitted in the region of one thousand people per hour to walk past the casket. The same efficiency regulated the parking area in Bruckless for the period in which St Therese's relics remained there.

Celebration Dance
The dance to welcome Terence Slowey's co-option to Donegal County Council, which took place on Sunday the 3rd of June in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel, was attended by a large crowd and was a successful evening. The music was provided by the talented Aidan Rooney. Tribute was paid to the late Councillor Bennett, and in his speech Councillor Slowey said that his door was open to everyone, that he was looking forward to the challenge of his new post, being especially interested in the areas of housing, roads, and waste disposal which would preserve the environment.

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Starts Tuesday 5th June

Runs throughout the summer every Tuesday at 7.30pm ‘Awaking the Muse’ -

Do you want to tell your story?
The workshop is facilitated by Dublin Writer Siofra O’ Donovan.

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ICA
The ICA Annual Dinner Dance is being held in the Blue Haven, on Thursday, 7th June. Bus leaving the Diamond at 8:00pm.

Celebration Dance
A celebration dance for our new County Councillor, Terence Slowey, will be held in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel, on Sunday, 3rd June. All are invited.

Professional Acting for Screen / Camera
An intensive 'Professional Acting for Screen / Camera' course will be held in Dungloe on 26/27/28th June from 7:00pm - 11:00pm. For further information - contact 074-26994.

Table Quiz
The Final Table Quiz of the season will take place on Friday, 8th June at 10:30pm in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel. The winning team will receive the 'Pat Slowey Memorial Sheild' and plaques. All welcome.

Fundraising Dance
A Fundraising Dance will be held in the Central Bar on Saturday 2nd June in aid of the Ardara / Narin Community Games.

Community Games
Ardara / Narin Community Games sports day will take place on Monday 4th June at 2:00pm in Pearse Memorial Park. Art & model making will take place in the Community Centre on Saturday 9th June at 2:00pm.

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Intensive week of yoga
in Ardara

Two international teachers of yoga will be teaching in Ardara during the week of 11-16th of June.

There will be morning and afternoon sessions in the Methodist Churh Hall where there is plenty of space and quietness. Taking part in an intensive week of yoga has benefits which one can experience more immediately, and allows a greater focus on the yoga disciplines. At a time when many people are looking for ways to feel better and to look after themselves, yoga is a pastime which increases energy and provides a greater sense of well-being. It is an enjoyable relaxation.

There are different types of yoga.

Hatha yoga is the general basis for all other branches of yoga. It is gentle and easy for people of all ages to practise.

Asthanga, or power yoga is immensely popular amongst people who are interested in improving their physical fitness, in generally toning-up and keeping in shape.

Pranayama, often practised in conjunction with yoga, is a dynamic way of breathing which is used to increase energy and for cleansing.
Though we know the benefits of breathing deeply, many of us forget to really fill our lungs even once in the day. Experiencing pranayama is particularly beneficial for energy and clarity of thought.

The morning sessions of asthanga, from 9a.m. till 10:30 am., will be taught by Richard Sphain. Richard trained with Patabbi Jois in Mysore, south India, twenty years ago and has been teaching yoga in India and Bali and many European countries ever since. He is based in France and likes to see each of his students make progress. The asthanga classes will be intensive and require a certain level of fitness.

Hatha yoga and pranayama will be taught in the afternoon from 4:30 till 6:0 p.m. This will be a gentler class with a focus on intermediate asanas (positions), breathing and relaxation. Rajiv Kumar Bhoi will be travelling from India to teach this class. He studied in the Vedanta Academy, Shivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, India He is the resident yoga teacher at Yoga Niketan Ashram, which is a premier international institute of Asana Pranayama's teaching and meditation.

It is preferable to attend all classes for the full week to get the optimum benefit and progress, though attending individual classes is an option. It is hoped that this will be a week where participants will take care of themselves, being careful to choose good food and healthy life-style options. The cost of the full week's course will be £60. If one registers for either the morning sessions or the afternoon sessions only, the cost will be £34. An individual class will cost £6. There is a reduced rate for children : £40 for the whole week, £20 if attending only the morning sessions or only the afternoon sessions. Children are especially welcome in both classes as yoga promotes greater confidence and concentration, and improved posture and balance in children.

For furtiher information, telephone 087-236 8648 / 075-41704, or call at Ard Bia, the Heritage Centre, Ardara, Co, Donegal.

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New councillor to focus on housing

That was the message from Ardara's new councillor, Terence Slowey when he addressed members of the council at their meeting last Monday in Lifford.

Clr J.J. Reid proposed the new councillor while his nomination was seconded by Clr. Padraig O'Doherty and was generally welcomed by all shades of political opinion. County Manager, Michael McLoone also welcomed Clr. Slowey on behalf of the council staff.

In his maiden speech to the Council, Clr. Slowey paid a warm and heartfelt tribute to the man he was succeeding, the late Clr Charlie Bennett. He described him as a man who was proud to represent the county and its people and said he would be a hard act to follow.

Outlining his aims and objectives for the rest of his term the new councillor said his main interests would include housing, roads and the enviornment but hoped to make contributions in many other areas.

"Housing is an area in which I have a special interest having served as a member of the board of the National Building Agency for the past four years. Now that the resources are there, an integrated approach to housing is necessary. Housing developments incorporating Local Authority, affordable housing and private sites to be sold at cost price to young couples is the way forward.

Social Mix
THis will require more work from our housing section but this social mix has been showen elsewhere to work very well. We need to be careful about social housing. Voluntary housing agencies building blocks of apartments on the perimeter of small Donegal towns where the tenants cannot purchase them, is a recipe for future problems."

Clr Slowey said while there had been fine major developments in the area of roads, a balance must be maintained between the provision of this necessary infrastructure and ensuring a minimal impact on people and the enviornment.

"The major road of importance in Donegal is the N56 under control of the National Roads Authority. I don't think we can wait ten years to have it upgraded. I know the costs are high but there is as much money being spent on a few miles of motorway in Leinster as there is on all of the Donegal roads for a whole year.

"If the Taniste is serious about diversifying industry out to the peripheral areas then large injections of funds from the NRA are essential for the N56. The state of the N56 between Ardara and Glenties at Kilraine is hard to believe. As a boy I took turf off the bog with a donkey and cart and was on better roads."

He added if the president of an American electronics company considered citing a factory lets say in Glencolmcille and landed his executive jet at Carrickfin airport by the time he had got to his destination he would have so many lumps on the top of his head he would probably ask for a helicopter to bring him back to Carrickfin!

The new councillor then turned to his own area of expertise, the enviornment. He said over the 20 year period he had work in it many new necessary regulations had been put in place at EU and national level. He knew and admired the quality of people involved in these areas within the council and like roads, major funding was needed for the upgrading of the water and sewage facilities within the county.

"This Local Authority has done well over the past number of years in upgrading many water schemes around the county. There is much more to be done." he said.

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National Bridge Championship
On Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of May, the Irish Bridge Union Pairs Championship took place in Dublin. Ardara and its environs were well represented at this annual event. John Jo Doherty (Narin) and Denis Ellis (Glencolmcille) retained their All-Ireland Bridge title for the second consecutive year. P. J. McNelis (Loughros Pt) and Conal Gallagher (Sandfield) won the novice section and finished fourth in the intermediate section. P.J. and Conal started playing bridge only two years ago, though P.J. confesses to having always been interested in card games. Congratulations to all four of these excellent bridge players.

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