News Archive
October 2002

Community Notices

Classes for Parents
The following classes for parents will start in Glenties Comprehensive School. Places are available on all the courses being offered. Other courses will be organised after Christmas.
Introduction to Junior Certificate Maths. This will be a six-week course, starting on Tuesday the 5th of November, from 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Introduction to Junior Certificate English.
This course starts on Thursday, November the 7th, from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., and is a six-week course.

Living with Teenagers.
This will be another six-week course, starting on Tuesday, November the 5th, from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

To register contact Anne Gallagher, Home School Community Liaison, at 075-51172.


Hallowe'en Drama
The Donegal Workshop Theatre will run a special Hallowe'en Drama Workshop for National School children, both members and visitors, on Friday the first of November from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Ardara Community Centre. All are welcome. Bring along your spooky masks, cloaks, and face-paints!


Mass and Healing Service in Rossnowlagh
This service will be held on Sunday the 3rd of November. A bus will leave Divers' at 1:30 p.m. that day. Please book your seat at Divers' newsagents.


Annual Service for the Dead
The annual service and prayers in Kiltighearna will be held next Sunday, the 3rd of November at 2:30 p.m., and in Kilcashel on the following Sunday, November the 10th, at 2:30 p.m.


Civil Defence
Leave your name at Divers' newsagents if you are interested in classes in Civil Defence. Classes will be held if enough interest is shown.


Downstrands Women's Group
A computer course comprised of digital photography and desk-top publihing will commence on the 7th of November from 7 - 9 p.m. in the Women's Resource Centre, Kilclooney (old school).Come along and learn to use a digital camera and increase your knowledge. This six-week course is open to men and women. Fees will cost € 30.

A course in soft furnishings ( curtains, cushions, pelmets, tie-backs etc.) will commence on Wednesday the 6th of November from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. There are some places available in this class, though the Monday evening class is fully booked. Fees will cost € 20.

Phone 075-45368 for details of both course, or to register, before Saturday the 2nd of November. Both course are supported by the Adult Education Service of the V.E.C., Donegal town, which is dedicated to providing low cost educational courses to the community.


Ardara Show A.G.M.
One of the most successful years on record, but with the prospect of a worrying time ahead. That was the the overall message from the October AGM of the Ardara Show Society, when members heard that there was a question mark hanging over the traditional 'home' of the show with the field currently on the open market.There was a detailed discussion as to whether there was a viable alternative within the parish, with Sandfield being suggested as one likely area, although the distance from the town and road access were seen as just two of many problems which would result from such a switch. The matter is to be monitored and a more detailed evaluation considered at the next committee meeting.

In his annual report the outgoing secretary, Niall Heena, said that following the threat of foot and mouth last year and the subsequent cancellation of the show, it had been feared that it might be difficult to gain the required level of sponsorship and advertising in 2002, although he had been heartened by the eventual response. The show office had been open for 10 days, and he thanked Karen Heena and Ciara Mooney for their work, and Teague and Eileen Breslin for the use of the office. The wet weather leading up to show day had made the outcome of the event appear doubtful, but with stone laid by Pat Gavigan for entrance roadways, and a change in weather conditions, the event was particularly successful. He said a decision to allow only essential traffic on to the showfield was taken. The show committee was very pleased, the secretary said, to have Mary Coughlan T.D., Minister for Family and Social Affairs, to open the event. Also present was Mr Paddy Joe Foy, Chairman of the Irish Shows Association.

In his annual report the outgoing show chairman, Mr Joe Gallagher, thanked everyone involved in the running of the Ardara Show, and the huge crowd which attended. While the weather was responsible for a downturn in flower and vegetable classes, all entries in the marquee and showfield were of a particularly high standard. Treasurer John Couzens said that the large crowd had resulted in one of the highest gate receipts on record with a good profit being recorded. However, he urged that a financial sub-committee should be established to look at new ways of raising funds.

A new committee was elected as follows : chairperson, Marie Mooney; vice-chairperson, Cllr. Terence Slowey; joint-secretaries, Siobhan Heena and Aoife Mooney; assistant secretary, Niall Heena; treasurer, John Couzens; assistant treasurer, Mary Couzens; PRO, Donal Haughey.


Community Centre Meeting
A meeting willbe held in the Ardara Community Centre at 9 p.m. on Monday the 4th of November. All groups who use the Community Centre are requested to send one or two representatives of their group to the meeting. All are welcome.


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Community Notices

The Late Peggy McGill.
The death of Peggy McGill, nee Byrne, occurred at Good Hope Hospital, Birmingham, recently. Aged eighty-two years, she was born in St John's Point, Dunkineely. On her marriage to Barney McGill of Aighe ( better-known as 'the shoemaker'), she moved to Ardara where she lived all her life. She went to live with her daughter, Suzie Whitehead, in England only three years ago, and enjoyed returning to spend her summers in Ardara. During the past summer, she became ill whilst staying in Ardara and was moved to Good Hope Hospital, where she later died. Her death was learned with deep regret in the area, where she was much loved by everyone. She was the last surviving family-member of her generation. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Holy Family, Ardara, and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. She is survived by her sons, Jimmy, Alaska, Frank, Birmingham, John B., Belfast, her daughters, Suzie Whitehead, Birmingham, Bridie Jung, Arizona, her daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.


Sandfield Pitch and Putt.
A competition started on the 19th of October and will run until the 10th of November. There are many prizes to be won by both male and female competitors, over and under sixteen years of age.For further information call 075-41344, or call at the course office. All are welcome to join in.


'Dancing at Lughanasa'
Brian Friel's play, 'Dancing at Lughanasa', is being staged in An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny, from Thursday the 24th of October at 8 p.m., and will continue nightly until Saturday the 2nd of November, there being no show on Sunday. For details call 074-20777.


Computer Course
Would you like to do a computer course? The Kilclooney Dolmen Centre is recruiting for its next computer course, due to start late October, or early November. The course includes local history research and video training. A training allowance is paid. For further information, call 075-45966, or 075-45010, or call at the Dolmen Centre, Kilclooney.


Pioneers Association
The Pioneers' Total Abstinence Association are holding their annual supper-dance in the Central Bar, Ardara, on Wednesday October the 30th. Music will be by the Country Traditions and there will be dancing from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. Supper will be served from 9 - 10 p.m. Admission will be € 5. and all are very welcome.


Classes in Civil Defence
Anyone interested in a course on Civil Defence is asked to leave their name at the Ardara Post Office. Winter classes will proceed if thee are sufficient numbers of interested people.


The Paddy McGill Memorial Lecture
The title of the Paddy McGill Memorial Lecture, on the 25th of October at 8:00 p.m., will be 'The Great Famine in Ardara - 1841-1851.' It will be held in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel. The speaker will be Professor Brendan MacSuibhne, a native of Beagh, and presently lecturing in the University of Notre Dame, Indiana.


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Community Notices

Opportunities for Farm Families
The first of a series of TEAGASC meetings on 'Opportunities for Farm Families' was held in the Dolmen Centre, Kilclooney, on Wednesday the 9th of October.The speakers from TEAGASC, who addressed the meeting, were Jimmy Scott and Christy McCafferty. They outlined the programme they were offering, which will include all aspects of the opportunities and weaknesses entailed in farming at the present time. Some of the items which will be discussed include : changes in farm enterprises, systems of production, technical farm efficiency, financial management, off-farm employment, supplementary farm enterprises, forestry, REPS, farm retirement schemes, etc. Certain household viability concerns will also be discussed : current farm income, lack of labour, debt, capacity of the farm to give an adequate living in the future, standards of living, etc.

The meetings will take place in the Dolmen Centre each Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. Speaking at the next meeting on the 16th of October will be Nancy Moore, on 'Inheiritance and Succession' and the 'Early Retirement Scheme'. Gavan Connolly will speak on LEADER Grants and Farm Assist. Anyone involved in farming is invited to the meetings.


Sinn Fein
Ardara Sinn Féin are holding their AGM in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel on Sunday the 20th October at 4.30 p.m. New members are welcome.


Downstrands Women's Group
Places are available in a soft furnishings (curtains, pelmets, tie-backs etc.) class on Wednesday mornings from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. in the Downstrands Women's Centre. Contact Sally at 075-45368 for further information.


Friends of Letterkenny Hospital
The church gate collection in Ardara amounted to 624 euro and 50 cent. The organization would like to thank all those who helped with the collection and everyone who contributed so generously.


Information Day
An information day on services for persons with a physical disability, visual or hearing impairment will be held in the Millpark Hotel, Donegal town, on Thursday the 24th of October from 2-8p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.


F.A.S. Scheme
General workers are required for a F.A.S. community employment scheme in the Narin/Portnoo area, which includes the Dolmen Centre. Applications should be made to the Dolmen Centre at 075-45010 or to F.A.S. at 075-31211.


Dearcadh
The latest date for submissions to this years Dearcadh is Saturday the 19th of October.


Swimming Cancelled
There will be no swimming for the local group in the Mill Park Hotel this week. Any inconvenience is regretted. Details are available from 075-41496.


Ardara Show Society A.G.M.
The Annual General Meeting of the Ardara Show Society takes place next Friday, the 18th of October, at 9:00 p.m. in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel. With matters of importance to be discussed, it is vital that all those interested in the future of the Show should be there.


Community Centre
An important meeting regarding the future of the Community Centre will be held on Monday the 21st of October at 8:30 p.m. At least one representative from all the groups who use the Centre, is urged to attend.


Irish Classes
Parish Council Irish classes for beginners commenced on Monday the 14th of October, from 7:30 - 9 p.m., in the Community Centre. The fee is € 5. per night and the classes are being led by Finbar Boyle. For further information, contact 075-41518.


County Council Briefing Report to Parish Council
At the October meeting in the Community Centre on October the 9th, Francis Coyle and Karen McCormack from the Community and Enterprise Department of Donegal County Council presented a report on County Council projects within the parish. Landowners are still responsible for maintenance of hedges and verges on public roads bordering their land. Road lining and cats' eyes will complete the improvements on the Nick Road, Doohill requires a second coat of tarmac, lining, and cats' eyes, improvements to the Kilraine section are well underway. There will be a submission to the 2003 EU Co-financed scheme for further works on the Ardaghey road. Counciller Slowey said that funding for the re-surfacing of 1.5 km at Carrickacleave was available, but that Castledoherty, Monargan, and Cronkeerin would be on next years list. Some Council support would probably be available for the lining and lighting of the car park at the Church of the Holy Family, since it was used by the public.

The anticipated programme for the Ardara Sewage Scheme is as follows : approval of the foreshore licence is expected in November 2002, tendering of the Civil Contract in January 2003, proceeding to the tender of the Mechanical and Electrical contract when it has been approved by the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The sewage scheme is the key to further development of the town.The up-grading of the Ardara Water Supply is expected to be completed early next year. The Millennium sculpture, accepted by the County Council as an excellent one, poses a problem in that there is no provision for a water supply to the proposed location of the sculpture.

The housing on Herrons Field is now complete, and, pending a flood survey of the river, the remaining land will be used for a car park, a community playgroup, a playground, serviced retail sites, and a river walk. It is crucial to find out the effects on the town of any works on the river, which would minimise the effects of flooding. An application has been made on behalf of the Ardara Parish Council to the International Fund for Ireland for the river walk and footbridge elements of the development.

The County Council's proposal to construct 20 houses on Molloy's field is in planning. The Council's Housing team, the N.W.H.B., and the St Vincent de Paul design consultants are working on an integrated development for Molloy's Field, incorporating the following : social housing, Sheltered Housing (St V. de Paul ), a Health Centre, and pedestrian access to Main St. The difficulties of the different levels in the field, and also the introduction of different requirements of the Dept of the Environment concerning social housing had delayed developments in this field, but planning for the Health Centre and Sheltered Housing has been applied for.

Ardara is one of the fourteen second-tier towns identified in the County Donegal Development Plan, and as such is eligible for funding under the Urban and Village Renewal Programme. Herrons Field, the Sewage Scheme, and the re-planting of trees on the Diamond are envisaged as priorities under this scheme. Under the Town Renewal Scheme, 27 of the 30 sites for which incentives were sought, received designation. The deadline for completion of applications is December 2003. Preliminary certification is not a guarantee that final certification will be granted.

The self-help and voluntary effort evidenced by the Tidy towns movement in Ardara, was important to drawing down funding from the County Council in support of the Tidy Town Committee. Under the Derelict Sites Act, the County Council can ask for action where a building is a health or a safety hazard.
Ardara may be accepted as a pilot project in a County Council research project on providing a library service to smaller communities.


Parish Council Meeting
The treasurer reported a balance of €4744.79. The Community Centre roof is in need of repair, and there are no funds to pay for this necessary work. A meeting with representatives from all groups using the Centre was proposed for October the 21st to address this problem, and it is hoped that additional support from the community will improve the situation. There will be a renewal at the next Parish Council meeting of the sub-committees working under the umbrella of the Parish Council. These committees are : Tidy Towns, Walking Festival, Library, Employment, and Millennium Committees. Jack Maguire, chairman of the Tidy Towns Committee, wished to thank the out-going Parish Council committee, the florists in the town, the Ulsterbank, the Management Committee of the Monargan Group Water Scheme, Paddy Joe Breslin, Adrian Concarr, Owen Byrne, who provided the materials and expertise necessary to the metal support structure on the bridge. He also wished to thank those who had subscribed to the church gate collection. He felt that the efforts of many in the town had been let down by the indifference of a few people. Kenneth Boyle made the point that many new houses had exits onto public roads, without the proper drainage gulleys to ensure that floodwaters did not flow onto the road. Francis Coyle stated that County Council money was soon to be made available for an enforcement officer in the planning department, which would help to rectify this situation. Counciller Slowey outlined the benefits of improved surfacing of L.I.S. roads, where there were at least two farmhouses on the road. Applications for re-surfacing of these roads should be in as soon as possible. Apply to Counciller Slowey for advice, and application forms. The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday the 11th of November.


Dolmen Centre Fashion Show
The Dolmen Centre is hosting its third annual fashion show on Thursday the 24th of October. Don't miss an opportunity to view the latest fashions from Magee of Donegal, The Cope, Dungloe, The Closet, Letterkenny, Tots 'n Tassels, Donegal, Source, Donegal, and Kieran Gallagher's 'A' Sports, Narin. Contact the Centre at 075-45010 for tickets.


Badminton
Badminton has resumed at the Dolmen Centre for all ages : Seniors - Mondays 8 p.m.; National school children - Tuesdays 7 - 8 p.m.; Senors - Thursdays 9 p.m.; second level students - Fridays 7 - 9 p.m.


Drumboghill Lunula
On display at the Dolmen Centre is a replica of the 'Lunula' found at Drumboghill. It is one of the best of its kind ever found and is a very significant archaeological treasure. Call and see what your ancestors were capable of making!


Lough Hill Hospice Coffee Morning
Bríd O'Donnell would like to thank all those who joined her for a coffee morning in aid of the Donegal Hospice. The amount raised was € 291.


Boys' Name Quiz
Laura Cunningham has announced the winners in the Boys' Name Quiz she organised to help Ardara St Connall's Church repair funds. First prize of € 20. was awarded to George Donnelly, Ramelton, second prize of € 10 to Jean Thomas, Donegal town, and third prize of € 5. to K. Gallagher, Glenties.


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Community Notices

Ardara Show Facing a Challenging Year
Despite this years show being the most successful for a number of years, the next twelve months could prove particularly challenging for this top Donegal Livestock and Craft event. While fine weather for Show Day on Saturday the 10th of August ensured that there was a record attendance, people attending the Show's A.G.M. will hear that a big question mark hangs over the future of its traditional show-field 'home' on the outskirts of the town.

The field has been on the market for several months and although it is understood that it has not yet been sold, the eventual outcome could cause upheaval for an event which has taken place in the same location for numerous years. In additi0on the out-going committee feel that additional personnel must become involved to inject new ideas and to progress the show forwards. Therefore all those interested in the future of the show are asked to attend the A.G.M., which takes place at the Nesbitt Arms Hotel on Friday the 18th of October at 9 p.m.


Ardara Parish Council
The monthly meeting of the Parish Council will be held in the Community Centre on Wednesday the 9th of October at 9 p.m. sharp. Francis Coyle and Karen McCormick from the Community and Enterprise Department of the Donegal County Council will be in attendance. All are welcome.


Swimming Classes
Swimming classes for children which were due to start last week, will now begin on Monday the 14th of October. For details ring 075-41296.


Breaking the Cycle
Oral Irish classes for children (8-12 years) will start in the Methodist Hall from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday evenings.


Irish Classes for Adults
Irish language classes for adults only, are taking place in Meentinadea School on Monday evenings from 8-10 p.m.


Bowling Club
Bowls resumes on Sunday the 6th of October in the Community Centre at 8:30 p.m. New mwmbers are welcome.


Supper Dance
You are reminded that tickets for the Glenties Church of Ireland annual supper dance may be purchased at Margaret Porter's flower-shop. The supper and dance will be in the Highland Hotel on the 18th of October.


Inflatable Fun at the Community Centre
Grianan Leisure Ltd are endeavouring to provide quality entertainment for children aged between two and fourteen. This company has invested heavily in high quality inflatables such as bouncing castles, obstacle courses, fun runs, and bouncy boxing. So this Sunday on the 13th of October, this great show will be at the Community Centre from 12 mid-day until 6 p.m. Come along for the craic and support this alternative to Sunday afternoon television, for the kids.


The Late Margaret Gallagher
The community extends its sympathy to John Francis Gallagher, whose sister, the late Margaret Gallagher of Glenties, was recently buried in Glenties parish.


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Community Notices

Irish Classes
The Parish Council are now in a position to hold an Irish Class one evening a week for 10 weeks, subject to a minimum of 15 people. For further details call (075) 41518 evenings after 7pm.


The West Coast Cormorants Swimming Club
Swimming commences for the Letterkenny swimming sessions on 7th October 2002 for children 7 years plus.
Application forms are available in the Present Day stationery shop.They must be returned by Thursday 3rd October to the same shop.Any parents of a child attending the swimming sessions will be most welcome to the next meeting of the swimming club to find out more about how the club is run. The next meeting will take place in the Highlands Hotel, Glenties on Thursday the 3rd of October at 8 p.m.


Ardara Community Library
Fom October the 5th , opening times for the library will be from 7 - 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The library is a busy place with increasing numbers of borrowers and books, and it is a joy to see young people helping in the library and making good use of it as readers. If you have some free time and would like to help in the library once, or possibly twice, a month, then contact Mary at 075-41741.


Ladies G.A.A
The Ardara Ladies' Club organised a bus to Croke Park last Sunday to support the Donegal team in the All-Ireland Final. Though the final result was a little disappointing for the Donegal supporters, everyone enjoyed the day out. Shauna Sweeney represented Ardara in the Donegal U12's team, which played against the Galway U 12's, in the mini-game at half time. Shauna, who played in goal, was happy to be a member of the winning team.


The Late Benny Boyle
The death occurred after a short illness of Benny Boyle, Tullycleave, Ardara, in Letterkenny General Hospital on the 20th of September, 2002. Benny was aged forty-eight years and was the third son of Maggie and Barney Boyle, with whom he lived in Tullycleave. He was a very friendly man and loved meeting people. A large number of people attended his wake in the family home, including Benny's friends from St Agnes Resource Centre for People with Special Needs, Donegal, and Cillaoibhinn, Killymard, and the Ardara Resource Centre in the Wood Rd. The funeral took place at the Church of the Holy Family and the Very Rev Canon Austin Laverty officiated. Benny will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his parents, Barney and Maggie Boyle, Tullycleave, his sister, Mary Catterson, Castlefinn, his brothers, Ian, London, Martin, Dublin, Patrick, Tullycleave, and Gerard, Tullycleave, his brother-in-law, Fergal Catterson, his sisters-in-law, Roseleen, Jean, Marian and Anne, his uncle, Thomas Boyd, Lackaduff, his aunts Lizzie McNelis, Carrick, and Bella Patterson, Strabane, and his many nieces and nephews, and other members of his extended family circle.


The Late Mary Boyle
The death occurred suddenly of Mary Boyle (nee Watters), on the 17th of September at her home in the Narin Rd, Glenties, at the age of eighty-nine years. The funeral took place at St Connell's Church, Glenties on Thursday the 19th of September, with Fr Nigel O'Gallchóir and Fr Maurice McGill officiating. Mary was born and raised in Meentinadea, the eldest of thirteen children, of whom only two are still living - Teresa Breslin, Ardconnell, Ardara, and Bridget McGroarty, Birmingham. Mary moved to Glenties on her marriage to Charlie Boyle. She lived and worked for her family, being very fond of her grandchildren and maternal and protective of everyone she met. She missed her husband greatly since his recent death.
She was pre-deceased by her husband, Charlie Boyle, in December 2001, and by her son, Neil, in January 1984, and by her grand-daughter, Doireann, in December, 1994. She is survived by her daughters, Helena Dooley, Glenties, Rose Boyle, Burtonport, Mary Mac Carthaigh, Portnoo, Bernie McGill, Aighe, Ardara, her sons, James, Glenties, and Charlie, Dublin, her sons- and daughters-in-law, twenty-seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.


Ante-Natal Classes
Ante-natal classes are commencing on the 7th of October at 7 p.m. in the Glenties Day Centre, Dr McCloskey Crescent. No appointments are necessary, and enquiries may be addressed to Michelle Cunningham, Public Health Nurse at 075-51329.


X-Ray Fundraising
A fundraising barn dance will be held for the Killybegs Hospital X-ray unit, in the Central Hotel, Donegal town on the 7th of October. Music will be by the 'Country Traditions' and dancing will be from 10:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. Admission costs € 5.


Piped TV Subscribers
The annual fee of € 25. is now due. The arrangements for payment are as usual.


Mass and Healing Service in Rossnowlagh
A bus will leave Divers at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday the 6th of October for the Mass and Healing Service in Rossnowlagh.


Children with Learning Difficulties
A talk on neuro-development therapy and sound therapy, relating to children with learning difficulties, will take place on Saturday the 5th of Octiober at 2 p.m. in the Mt Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny. All are welcome.


Children's Swimming in Donegal
Swimming sessions for children resume in Donegal town on Monday the 7th of October. Phone 075-41296 or 087 2452979 for further information.


Supper Dance
The Glenties Church of Ireland are holding a supper dance in the Highland Hotel on the 18th of October. Tickets cost € 12 and are available from Ella Long at Margaret Porter's flower shop in Ardara as from Monday October the 7th, or you may pay at the door on the 18th. The Glenties C. of I. parishioners have an enviable reputation for the standard at which they cater for their supper dances, so don't miss out on a wonderful meal and evening.


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Ardara Senior Citizens Speak with
Minister for Social Welfare
By Susan Boyd

Bridget Shovlin & Minister Coughlan