News archive for December 2000

24th December	GAA Dinner Dance The Dinner Dance takes place in the Blue Haven, Kilcar on Thursday night next, 28th December, beginning at 8:30pm sharp. Tickets are on sale in Diver's shop. No seats will be reserved. Transport from the Diamond at 7pm. The Senior Team is asked to assemble in the Community Centre at 6:30pm. Flotto The Flotto team for this weekend is Hugh G.Gavigan, Patsy Boyle, Mark Cassidy, Liam Shovlin, Michael Breslin.


21st December	Death The death took place last week of Bernie O'Kenney, Bristol and formally of Loughros Point. Sympathy is extended to his sisters Kathleen and Bridie, Ballykildukk, Eileen (Inver) brother Brendan (Killybegs) and all his nieces and nephews.


20th December	The famous old Pub changed Hands. F. X. Cannons Corner House owned by the Sharpe Family has changed hands recently. The Parish of Ardara and musicians the world over will be glad to welcome Peter Oliver back to the Pub Business and we wish himself, his brother Eamon McNelis and Stephen McCahill every good luck in their new venture. St.Mary's N.S. The web site for St.Mary's National School has recently been updated with lots of new pictures and information. Visit web site


17th December	History Of The Diocese Of Raphoe Copies of The History Of The Diocese Of Raphoe are still available. You might think of a copy as a reminder of home for some of your emigrant family members. The book is available at Bosco McGill's, Main Street and at the Parochial House. St.Vincent's De Paul The annual St.Vincent's De Paul collection this year amounted to £522 and the members of the Ardara Conference thank those who contributed last Sunday and who give generously during the year and wish all a peaceful and a care free Christmas. If you are in need, they are there to help, if they can. Killybegs Day Hospital Any person over 65 years of age, who wishes to attend the new Day Hospital in Killybegs is asked to contact Nurse Boyle at 41141 or Killybegs Nursing Unit at 073-32044. Flotto This week's sellers are John McConnell, Larry Gallagher, Paddy Breslin and John A.McHugh. GAA Dinner Dance Tickets are now on sale in Diver's shop. Dinner will be served at 8:30pm sharp. No seats reserved. Transport leaves the Diamond at 7:00pm sharp.


14th December		New Book by Seamus Hayden
	Seamus Hayden is well known throughout County Donegal. He has lived and worked here for many years, first with GT Carpets in Gweedore and for the past twenty years with Swan Net Ltd. in Killybegs. But his roots are in Greystones, Co Wicklow, where he lived as a child. He was known to his family and childhood friends as "Jago", and it is as Jago Hayden that he now fascinates us with tales of his youth in a book called "Hiar All Curling Gold". The boy he was, and the man he later became, are both evident as he unerringly recalls time, place and especially the people of the North Wicklow town. The memories he recalls for us are pin-sharp. As a child of two and a half, he recalls his father going to war. Later in the 'fifties, an ultimately unsustained tax demand forced the sale of his mother's business and the family moved to England. Already on the threshold of manhood, he chose to stay in Ireland. But the experiance scarred him and the wound still lies open today as the older Jago longs to return to the Wicklow he loves so much. Wooden benches laid along a concrete shelter in the playground were the "pax" he and other children jumped on to escape their pursuers when they played tip and tig at school. The Greystones he brings to life in "Hair All Curling Gold" has the same air about it - a place where the world cannot touch him or his. That place of the two Sugarloafs, Coolegad Hill and the Hill of the Downs. To the young Jago and the people he recalls, those hills formed "the back wall of the world" and the gleaming Irish Sea in front was "their morning window". Wesley Burrows, the creator of "Glenroe", says in a forword to "Hair All Curling Gold" that he was a late arrival to that stretch of coast between Windgates and Leamore Strand. Generously comparing "Hair All Curling Gold" with his own work, Burrows writes: "The people I brought there, Miley and Biddy, Dinny and Teasy, Mary and Dick, never really existed. But there can be no quarrel about Jago Hayden's people ... because they really lived". The reader may not know Jago HAyden's friends, but they will see through them the memories of their own childhood as, in a sense, he remembers for all of us. For Jago Hayden, life has been a journey; a search for companionship; a quest for a soulmate with hair all curling gold. Wesley Burrows likens him to Ulysses and senses the "the real voyage of hope, the real adventures, were on his journey home". Has he reached that home yet? Did he find his "Hair All Curling Gold"? You must read his book to find out.

	Ardara lights up for Christmas
	The town of Ardara took on the Yuletide appearance on Sunday evening, when a beautiful display of Christmas lights was switched on at 5:00pm. The lights which criss-cross the street stretch from West End to Hillhead, with a lovely arrangement at the Diamond. There will be a Church Gate collection at all Masses this weekend to help defray the costs involved.	Members of the Ardara GAA double winning team and other members of the Ardara community
		Children who performed Christmas Carols at the switching on of lights


	110km walk from Ardara to Pettigo
	Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr.James McDaid this week opened the recently completed 110km walk through south west Donegal, the "Bluestack Way". Speaking at the launch on Sunday in the Highlands Hotel, Glenties, Minister McDaid urged local people to use the walk, which he calles "a new piece of tourism infrastructure".
	Also speaking at the launch, Mr Donal Haughey of the Donegal Local Development Company, said he was privileged to have assisted in the funding for the walk and that he hoped the mountains which had nurtured so many Donegal People over the years would continue to bring dividends to the county. Route The first leg is around Lough Eske where you walk out from Donegal town and do a circuit of Lough Eske and return to Donegal Town for your accommodation. The next leg at the moment is across to Glenties where the next accommodation block is. However there is a new hostel being built in the Drimarone area to be known as the Bluestack Centre which will be a 30 bed hostel and accommodate walkers once they come that far. They can then come to Glenties and over to Ardara. There is an existing route from Donegal Town to Pettigo and the Bluestack Way Development Committe are hoping to do more work on it in the coming months.

	Training Forum for Lord Mayors and Council Chairpeople.
	Donegal County Council Chair & Vice Chair, Clrs. Charlie Bennett and Sean Maloney have taken part in a unique training forum for Lord Mayors and Council Chairpeople from all over Ireland. Organised by the General Council of County Councils, the course was attended by Chairs and Mayors from all counties who took part in a lively discussion on hot issues such as directly elected mayors, strategic policy committees, councillor training and media relations.

	Congratulations Congratulations to Neil Gallagher, eldest son of Neily & Patricia Gallagher, Glengesh who graduated from UCG with a BSc Degree in Science. Neil received his earlier education in Crannogbu N.S. and St.Columba's Comprehensive School, Glenties. Thanks The organisers of the Card Game in Teague's Bar in aid of Our Lady's Hospital thank all who supported them. £900 was raised. Tommy and Eileen Maloney would like to thank the Executive Committee of the Ardara Show for the beautiful presentations they received at the function in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel. Credit Union The new Ardara Credit Union office will open on Mondays & Thursdays, at the former Bridge Bar, from 100:00am - 1:00pm & 2:00pm - 5:00pm. New members welcome. Rainbow' Programme At present, a Rainbows' Programme is being planned in the Glenties/Ardara area, to start mid January. This programme is designed to provide support and healing for children and young adults, who are grieving through loss and/or separation. The Rainbows' leadership team consists of caring adults who will work with the participants in small groupings over a fourteen week period. Since each small group will have no more than 5 participants the maximum intake will be 20 in all. Names will be taken on a first come, first served basis. If you, or a member of your family, wishes to be part of the programme being offered at present, don't hesitate to ring Anne 074-33046, Teresa 075-51310 or Helen 075-51125 for further details.

	EMPLOYMENT 14th December 2000	Primary Teacher Required Junior Classes Crannog Buí National School (2 Teacher) Applications with curriculum vitae to Rev. Chairperson of the Board of Management, Parochial House, Ardara, Co Donegal Before 1st January 2001


10th December	School Secretary Applications are invited for a school secretary for the schools of the Parish. Applications must have computer/book-keeping skills. Applications in writing, with CV please, to the Parochial House, Ardara, before 20th December 2000. Thanks The organisers of the Card Game in Teague's Bar in aid of Our Lady's Hospital thank all who supported. £900 was raised. 90 Second Quiz Show on TG4 Auditions in the Seaview Hotel, Bunbeg on Wednesday 13th December, between 6 and 10pm. Contestants must be over 18 years of age. Table Quiz Table quiz in Barrett's Tavern today, 10th December, in aid of Finn Harps Supporters Club. All welcome. Flotto Team This week's Flotto selling team are, Eamonn McNelis, Brian McGill (Cashel), Mathew Whyte, Siobhan Heena, Derek Boyle, Donna Heena and Martin McMahon. Credit Union The new Ardara Credit Union office will open on Monday 11th December at the former Bridge Bar. New members welcome. Hours of Business: Monday: 10:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:00pm Thursday: 10:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:00pm Children's Disco Afternoon Disco today, 10th December, in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel form 3pm - 5pm. Dancing, face painting, Santa etc. Cost £3 per child. Switching on of Lights and Carol Singing on the Diamond after disco. Parish Council Monthly meeting of the Ardara Parish Council on Wednesday 13th December at 8:30pm in the Community Centre. All welcome. Please note change of time.


7th December		Over the Limit? Garda Chief Superintentent Nacie Rice explains the workings of a breathaliser to Donegal County Council Chairman Charlie Bennett at the launch of this years road safety campaign at Letterkenny Garda Station on Tuesday afternoon.

	Ardara Show presents long service awards
	Ten stalwarts of the Ardara Show, who, between them have given a combined total of 400 years service to the major Co.Donegal agricultural show, received special long service awards during a ceremony at the Nesbitt Arms Hotel, on Saturday eveming.
	The show has a long history, having been held in three different centuries, and in his opening remarks, the chairman, Mr Joseph Gallagher, told the 150 people present: "This is a record few similar events of its kind can match, and one of which we should be justly proud." The award recipients had, he said been supporters, exhibitors, helpers and office holders, over a great many years, and most had also been present at emergency meetings called during years in which the prospects for the Ardara Show were uncertain. Mr Gallagher went on to pay tribute to the large number of companies and individuals, both from Ardara and throughout Co Donegal, who supported the show each year by sponsorship and by advertising in the catalogue. The awards of engraved fruit bowls for the ladies and decanters for the gentlemen, were presented by show's president, the Rev. Fr. A.Laverty. The significant contribution made by each recipient was outlined by Seamus Gallagher, the show's Chief Marquee Steward, who recalled when each first became associated with the event - in many cases as far back as the late 1940's - and their subsequent service. Those receiving the awards were: Packie J.McNelis, Hughie Gavigan, Hilda Hanlon, Danny Haughey, John F.Gallagher, Nan McGill, Tommy Boyle (received by his son, Thomas), Tommy and Eileen Maloney, and the Breslin family. Mr. Seamus Gallagher, after outlining the service of each recipient, was then surprised by a further award of an engraved clock marking his own long association with the Ardara Show.

	Glenties school Debs Ball

	A group of students picturd at the recent St.Columba's Comprehensive School Debs Ball, held in the Central Hotel, Donegal town.

	Late Mrs. N. Molloy A dark cloud shadowed over the parish of Ardara on Tuesday 20th November as news of the sudden death of parishioner Nora Molloy (nee McNelis) filtered through from America. Nora, aged 71 years was born in Brackey in 1929 and lived there until her marriage to the late Bill Molloy, formally of Leamagowra in 1951 and in May 1954 they emigrated to the USA. Every year she made her faithful trip home to her native Ardara. In the 1950's and 60's her home was a stepping stone for many Irish people emigrating to the USA. Nora was involved very much in the work of the Irish Community Centres in the Bronx. Her remains reposed in the Riverdale and Houston Funeral Home and on Saturday removal took place to the nearby St.Margaret's Church, Riverdale, where Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev.Monsignor Farrley. In his homily he described Nora's sudden passing as a great shock to her family and the many friends that had come in contact with her and with whom her kindness and consideration had brushed off and therefore it was both right and fitting that such a lady should be laid to rest the day after Thanksgiving in America. Burial took place in St.Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, where her late husband Bill was laid to rest 31 years ago. Nora is survived by her two sons Patrick and Bill, daughter Mary and by her brothers Andrew and Packie of Brackey. She had been predeceased by her sister, Bridget and brother Corrmey. Variety Concert A variety concert will be held in the Dolmen Centre, Kilclooney on Friday 8th December at 8pm. There will be a wide variety of performers to suit all tastes in music and dance. Admission is £5 payable on the night. Please come early to ensure a seat. Presentation Time On Sunday, 3rd December, Tommy Maloney travelled to Claremorris to receive two special awards. The occasion was his retirement from the Board of Directors of the Irish Shows Association Ltd., a position he has held for the past eighteen years. The National Chairman of the I.S.A., Mr Liam Meade travelled from Limerick for the occasion and the Regional Chairman, Paddy Joe Foy called on him to make a presentation on behalf of the Western Region. Mr Meade paid tribute to Tommy for the enormous amount of work he had put into the association. He said Tommy would be sadly missed but he would continue to call on Tommy's expertise. Mr Meade also made Tommy a presentation from the National Association. Replying, Tommy thanked the National and Regional chairmen and his fellow directors for the beautiful presentation and their kind words. He said he enjoyed his eighteen years as a National Director and hoped that his contribution went a little way towards the continuing success of the association. Council Meeting The monthly meeting of the Parish Council takes place on Wednesday 13th December in the Community Centre at 8:30pm. Please note change of time from 9pm to 8:30pm. It is important that townland representatives attend this important meeting. Invitation The Ardara Artists' Resource Centre invites you to attend a reception on Saturday 9th December to mark the opening of 'InTandem III', an exhibition of tapestry works and paintings. The 'In Tandem III' exhibition continues the innovative and exciting art program devised by the Ardara Artists Resource Centre for the Autumn/Winter and features the work of three distinct but brilliant artists. Margaret Cunningham is a Tapestry Artist from Glencolmcille, Emma Louise Johnston is a Limerick based artist and Dr.Derek Hill, late of the Glebe Gallery Churchill is an internationally renowned painter. The exhibition will be officially opened by Mr Mike J.Fox on Saturday 9th December between 8:30 - 10pm. In keeping with the Christmas season, mulled wine, mince pies and other festive treats will be served. We look forward to seeing you there. Arts and Crafts Fair A Christmas arts and crafts fair will be held in the Heritage Centre from 10th December to 16th December featuring the work of the centres, artists and craft people. Those whose work will be on display are Ruth Kavanagh, who is now recognised as one of Ireland's leading jewellery and silver artists. Lawrence Heron, noted for his bog oak sculptures and who recently appeared on RTE's "Nationwide" and Colm Sweeney whose speciality is handwoven art work. Amongst other local artists whose work will be on display include Ardara's well known artist, Stephen Bennett and potter Kathleen Gallagher who both featured recently on the BBC TV programme 'Awash with Colour'. The fair will be officially opened on Sunday 10th December at 5pm by Colr. Charlie Bennett, chairman Donegal County Council. Craft Workshop On the weekend 25th and 26th November, the Heritage Centre and the Ardara Woman's Group hosted a special workshop of all the old home industries of the parish. Eighteen ladies whose ages range from 75 to 87 years gave displays of carding, spinning, knitting, embroidery, crochet. On hand to give information on the weaving in the locality were John Molloy, Jack Maguire and Colm Sweeney. According to the co-organiser, Breda Boyle, it was a very interesting two days and was now hoping that the Woman's Group would get people interested in keeping all these crafts alive for which the parish of Ardara was internationally famous. Anniversary On this day 44 years ago, Mr and Mrs Fleury first came to Ardara.


6th December	Heritage Centre Craft Fair There will be a Christmas Craft Fair at the Heritage Centre. It opens on Sunday 10th December at 4pm. The crafts will remain on display for the next month on Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm. Admission is free. For any information contact Ruth Kavanagh or Colm Sweeney at the Heritage Centre. Phone 075-41704 or 087-2690571.


3rd December	Fast for Concern The annual fast for Concern, organised by Ardara Community Playgroup, will take place on Friday 8th December. Bazaar Ardara Foroige are holding a Bazaar on Saturday 9th December at 8pm in the Community Centre. There will be Fancy Dress for the children, (entry fee £1). Lots of games and activities. Everyone welcome. Knock Night Vigil Bus to Knock on Thursday 7th December, leaving Diver's at 7:30pm. Book at Diver's or phone 41689. ICA The monthly meeting of the ICA will take place in the Community Centre on Wednesday 6th December. The topic will be Christmas Cake Decoration and Flower Arranging. Donegal Spina Bifida Association The Donegal Spina Bifida Association wishes to thank all who supported their recent collection. Totals: Ardara £450; Kilclooney £134. St.Vincent De Paul The annual St.Vincent De Paul collection takes place on Saturday and Sunday 9th and 10th December. Your support is very much appreciated and greatly needed especially at this time of the year.

	News Archive December 2000