The Leader / 2 May Edition

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JJ GALLAGHER MEMORIAL: A GREAT SUCCESS

Last weekend was witness to a heartening display of community spirit and togetherness in and around Letterkenny as the memory of JJ Gallagher was commemorated with a flurry of fundraisers and a massive outpouring of public support.

By Jonathan Foley

Throughout the town, songs were sung, memories were shared and races were run as people joined together in a bid to raise much needed funds in

support of Pieta House and it’s been estimated that €15,000 (and still counting) has been raised so far.

On Sunday last, Voodoo Venue played host to a special live country music event that showcased the talents of Letterkenny’s own Martin Orr, Pat Gallagher of Goats Don’t Shave as well as Alec and Cilla Black amongst a whole host of other great musicians. Throughout the course of the day, the event was superbly well attended as family members, friends and country music enthusiasts danced and sang the evening away.

There was wonderful support from businesses which was evidenced by how so many of them graciously donated so many wonderful prizes that were raffled

Did you hear the one about...

King Bee and honorary Garda Jack Beattie keeping Ireland’s top comedian Conal Gallen amused before the show on BUMBLEANCE Charity Night at the Mt. Errigal Hotel on Thursday last. More photos on page 12

off; much to the sheer joy of those lucky enough to get their hands on them.

Earlier in the day, a five-kilometre Family Fun Run/Walk was staged with over 400 persons taking part after the registration process had taken place at Diver’s Hyundai Garage. People gathered, and it provided ample opportunity for folks to mingle and have a catch-up on a day which thankfully - despite a few scares early on - had seen the rain stay away.

Speaking about how the weekend went to the Leader was JJ’s younger sister, Cathy McGuigan: “It’s great to have raised so much over the weekend and, best of all, we know that we’re still counting beyond the fifteen-thousand mark. The money raised for Pieta House is a true testament to the great reputation that JJ has and for how well he is still fondly remembered. So many people volunteered their time, their efforts, their money and we just want to give a huge thanks for that,” told Cathy.

It wasn’t just the Sunday that made it great, it was the weekend as a whole. Proceedings had gotten underway a few days earlier. On the Thursday night, a Memorial Mass at Saint Eunan’s Cathedral saw Father Philip Kemmy give a wonderful service that was said to be very personal to the memory of JJ. Sinead Black provided the music that night where she was helped by JJ’s nine-year old niece, Bethany McGuigan who sang the psalm. JJ’s nephew and nieces all took part in the mass and those in the congregation had come from beyond all corners of the town as well as some coming the likes of Clare, Mayo and even Scotland.

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Page 2

the Leader || 02 May 2018

theLeader

JIMMY (96) CLEANS UP!

Your Locally Owned Fortnightly Free Newspaper

He was out helping in the community clean-up in the Rathdonnell/Trentagh areas at the weekend and did more than his bit. And consequently there’s a thumbs-up for 96 year old, Jimmy Bradley, for his efforts.

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Advertising Sales Manager Paddy Kelly

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Yes, that’s 96 years old - or should that be young - and putting those who didn’t turn up to shame!

Big tribute planned for Eunan ‘Busty’ Blake The Letterkenny Community Heritage Group will pay tribute to the late Eunan ‘Busty’ Blake at an event on the 18th May.

Eunan Blake, who died last year, was one of the greatest sporting talents ever to come out of Donegal and but for his deep attachment to his hometown he would almost certainly have played for one of the many English and Scottish clubs that were keen to sign him.

As it was he had an illustrious career playing for Sligo Rovers, Derry City and Finn Harps over a 19-year period from 1955 until 1974. Following that he went into management becoming the assistant manager of Athlone Town and then in

1977 the manager of his former club, Finn Harps.

The event will take place in the Station House Hotel in Letterkenny at 7.30pm on Friday the 18th May and amongst those taking part will be former Derry City Player, Eddie Mahon, former Finn Harps, player Jim Sheridan and the former captain of Manchester City, Johnny ‘Jobby’ Crossan.

The Letterkenny Community Heritage Group hope as many people as possible will attend this tribute to one of Letterkenny’s finest sporting sons. Music will be provided by Barney McDaid and refreshments will be served. This event forms part of the 2018 Letterkenny Heritage Weekend, which will also include a talk on the 1918 strike at St Conal’s Hospital and an evening remembering Letterkenny and its railways.

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Inside theLeader this week...

Meet The Townie

JJ’s Weekend!

Polka Dot Raine!

In Sport

From Letterkenny to Boston USA..Mary Manfield

Letterkenny pulls together to remember JJ in aid of Pieta House

Introducing fashion & lifestyle blogger, Vikki Raine

Letterkenny Gaels...

The growth and rise of girls football

Neil Murray

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See Pages 36 & 37

See Pages 54

See Page 80

Page 4 the Leader || 02 May 2018

the Leader || April 2017 Page 3

Voices of Letterkenny

Local Opinion Matters

With Donegal Airport recently being voted the most beautiful runway in the world (in a poll by PrivateFly), we hit the streets to find out where in Donegal some of the locals most like to visit:

Paul Maguire, Letterkenny

Elizabeth O’Donnell, Letterkenny

Anastacia Roche, Letterkenny

Charley McGarvey, Letterkenny

My favourite place to visit has to be Portsalon. I Sliabh League. To see the sun over Sliabh League I just love Fanad Head. I have lovely memories of haven’t been there for about three months now but Ballymastocker Bay in Portsalon. One of the most and Donegal Bay is amazing. Looking out knowing visiting there with my mother & I think it is one of I’m looking forward to going back soon now that beautiful beaches in the world. We are lucky to the next destination is America, just beautiful. the most beautiful places in Donegal. have it on our doorstep. the summer (is hopefully) arriving.

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Page 4 2 Page

theLeader Leader||||02 March 2017 the May 2018

Home Town Musings

by Paddy Walsh

FR. P.J. – A MAN TRULY ON A MISSION Elsewhere in this column, there’s a mention of two heroes of the community, rightly recognised for their services.

So what can we say about Fr. P.J. McGlinchey, originally from this parish but a long-time resident on Cheju Island on the southern tip of Korea?

There has been much written and much recorded about the remarkable achievements of the man they called the ‘Big Priest’. I couldn’t possibly do justice to those achievements – of how he arrived on an island that was barren and buried in abject poverty and somehow inspired an economic revolution that transformed a community into self-sufficiency, building in the process a hospital and hospice, churches and educational facilities, and many other key structures.

Everything from transport, including air and ground, and infrastructure was raised to new levels (indeed from non-existence).

He revolutionised farming, including the pig industry – one of the local headlines marking his death was the headline: ‘Passing of the Man Who

The late Fr. P.J. McGlinchey.

Loved Pigs.’

Sally Blake visited him on a couple of occasions and noted that one of the water reservoirs he was responsible for building was the size of Croke Park.

I met my old friend, Paddy McGlinchey, nephew

Honours even for Gerry and Hugh

More than fitting that the Mayor’s Awards presentation should be hosted in the Public Services Centre on Monday week last. For few people can have offered more service to the public than the respective recipients of Jimmy Kavanagh’s awards – Dr Gerry Lane and Hugh McBride.

Two of the real heroes of our local health services, the term ‘lifesaving work” was used on the occasion and it undoubtedly applies to both of their careers.

“There are so many people out

there who would stand here and give testimony to the lifesaving work that he performs daily,” Mayor Kavanagh said of Dr. Lane and his involvement in the Emergency Department of Letterkenny University Hospital.

And among those people was Jimmy’s own brother-in-law.

On Hugh McBride, attached to the psychiatric services, Jimmy said he had been instrumental in building an addiction service in Donegal practically from the ground up that had become the envy of the country.

No space here to record the many tributes and testimonies to the two men but it was an evening rich in honour and humour. “I told the good doctor that I would try to keep our people on the right road if he would keep them on the right Lane,” quipped Hugh.

And it was notable that both men deflected the credits away from themselves and instead acknowledged the work of all those involved in their particular departments.

Public service indeed.

Another week, another Main Street business goes to the wall

Yet another Main Street business locks up for the final time and who knows where it’s going to end.

Dying on its feet is a phrase regularly used by locals to describe Letterkenny’s central thoroughfare and the closure of the XPress Stop shop and café close to the former Courthouse represents yet another life sentence for local enterprise.

Indeed, the relocation of the courthouse served as a key factor in the decision to close its doors as business suffered and rental costs spiralled.

Proprietors Stephen and Margaret Shiels opened the business three and a half years ago and in that time secured a loyal customer base, both for the shop and the eatery attached.

There was the guarantee of good homely food – and thanks to Brendan the cook for all his efforts too in this respect – and a location where you could arrive in for a cup of coffee and never got the impression that the owners wanted you to vacate as soon as you finished.

The banter was always lively and many a local, national and international issue was resolved there.

Or at least would have been had the Councils or the Governments of the day taken note!

Another significant attraction for many was the collection of black and white images that

dominated two walls of the café featuring old Letterkenny and beyond. And every day you went in, you found something new in the collage of nostalgia and faces and places that decorated the premises.

And now this short-lived outlet itself becomes a part of a Letterkenny that once was.

Not quite a long history but long enough to leave its mark. Stephen is, meanwhile, continuing his butchery trade on the Pearse Road and no doubt other doors will open for Margaret and indeed for Brendan.

Good luck to them and thanks for the food, the fun, and the friendly nature of it all.

of Fr. P.J., for a coffee last week, and he, and indeed the entire family, are understandably proud of all that his uncle achieved.

Three of Fr. P.J.’s nieces, Anne, Lisa and Afric, were in Cheju in the past few weeks as illness began to take its toll and while they had returned before he slipped away, his nephew, Ray, was present for the wake and funeral.

Wake? Hardly sufficient description for the five-day lying in State that the Korean authorities bestowed on the Letterkenny cleric – there are Presidents who don’t receive such honours.

And had it not been for the little matter of those key talks between North and South Korea, the President of the latter would have been in attendance at the funeral.

But for all his contributions as a missionary priest, home was never far from Fr. P.J.’s thoughts. A keen and accomplished Gaelic footballer in his youth – much better than any of his siblings, Paddy insists, though there’s probably an argument raging in the great beyond on this particular claim! - the Raphoe born priest had always indicated that if Donegal ever got to an All-Ireland Final he would

be anxious to get there.

And consequently, his brothers, Bernard and Danny – also, sadly, both taken from us (indeed the Columban Missionary was the last of his siblings) – organised for him to return in 1992 for that memorable Final against Dublin at Croke Park (apparently the size of a water reservoir on Cheju!). And there’s a famous picture of the beaming priest alongside the Sam Maguire trophy.

And beaming is what P.J. also did well.

Not the only trip home he made during all his years in Korea. In 2001 he was back for his Golden Jubilee mass in St. Eunan’s Cathedral and I recall a huge attendance at that and at the reception afterwards in the Mount Errigal Hotel.

And other occasions, too, Paddy revealing that on one of those P.J. taught the well known Pattersons group, neighbours of the McGlincheys, a Korean song.

Last Friday morning, the 10 o’clock mass was concelebrated in his honour in St Eunan’s Cathedral just hours after his funeral mass in Cheju – a fitting tribute and one that will surely be followed up with others as Do

The legend that was Liam As I write this piece, I’m listening to a C.D. A treat for the ears and the mind, this particular album.

Hadn’t listened to it for a while but rummaged through the collection to retrieve it and give it another listen.

Entirely instrumental, it lets the music do the talking and what music. And what talking.

And the reason I had plucked it out from the box in the spare room is that it is the self-composed work of a musical genius who sadly passed away last week.

I met Liam Deery on a couple of occasions over the years and only got to see and hear him perform even less than that.

But his remarkable album ‘Thirteen Moons’, recorded at the Valley Music Studio in his native Ballybofey, in September 2009, provides a distinct reminder of what he could do with a guitar.

A couple of years back, he helped provide a haunting soundtrack on the D.V.D. ‘Glass Mountain – ‘The Story of Muckish Sand’, asked to do so because of his unique ability and no doubt called upon by other

producers seeking musical accompaniment.

He cited a whole load of influences from Jimi Hendrix to Rory Gallagher, but I would suggest his own influence would, and will, prove an inspiration for many a musician.

As a music buff, you spend a lifetime listening to the greats of the various genres and buying their albums or downloading their works. And the music world and the critics hail them as legends.

The last track on ‘Thirteen Moons’ is, in fact, entitled ‘Legend’ and I would have no hesitation in putting Liam Deery in this bracket. A musician that would equal and surpass most of those who have earned worldwide fame through their craft and few, if any of them, as modest as the Ballybofey man. This column’s sympathy to Liam’s family, friends and fans.

And if you think I’m exaggerating about his musical prowess, listen to his output online or try and get your hands on a copy of ‘Thirteen Moons’.

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theLeader Leader||||02 19May July2018 2017 the

- MEET A TOWNIE -

FROM LETTERKENNY TO BOSTON (VIA BALLINA) – MARY’S MEANDERINGS It’s over sixty years since Mary Mansfield took up residence in the United States but Boston hasn’t managed to burgle her distinct Letterkenny accent. And indeed her affection for the town she grew up in and its people.

She is back in her native locality on an extended stay with her sister, Brigid, and her husband, Hugh Kelly, in their home at Beechwood.

It has presented her with the time to visit family and old friends and to attend her nephew, Kieran’s, All-Ireland Drama Final destined play, ‘Beneath an Irish Sky’, which was staged again recently in the An Grianan Theatre. “Very, very good, I’m proud of him,” she declares.

Born to John and Cassie McDaid in Glenswilly, she was reared in Lower Main Street and, along with siblings and friends, rarely ventured beyond that part of town, she recalls.

“There were five of us in the family including Curley who died fifty years ago this year. Then there is Barney and Brigid, and Anna who lives in Scotland.

“Patsy Doherty grew up with us as a brother and was very much part of our family. He went off to England and married Nellie Gillen from Manorcunningham before returning to live in Glencar.” Patsy passed away in February 2010.

Not quite true that the young McDaids didn’t spend time outside the surrounds of the Lower Main Street for there was, of course, school to attend. And that brought the infant Mary to the girls primary establishment where she reflects on the teaching staff of the time including Peg O’Donnell, Mother Angelica, Mother Celine, and Mother Pulcheria.

“I liked school and when I finished there I went to the Tech at Lower Ard O’Donnell.”

And subsequently left at the age of sixteen to pursue, temporarily at least, a career in the hotel industry.

She worked initially in the Imperial Hotel in Ballina, County Mayo which was run by an uncle of Mary’s father, Joseph McMonagle, originally from Drumbollogue, Conwal. Subsequently she took up a post in the nearby Moy Hotel under the guidance of Joseph’s daughter, Megan.

“She was teaching me a little bit of everything about the trade. I’d be cleaning out the toilets one day and working as manageress the next.”

Not too many local links for her in Ballina though she did once spot an Oatfield delivery van close to the hotel. “Only I couldn’t see who was driving it. I remember Michael Mellett booked in one night and he was telling me it wasn’t that long before that he had met Brigid at the Gaeltacht!.”

A solid learning experience the hotel industry proved and one that kept Mary there for two years before an invitation in the post opened up totally new horizons.

“I got a letter from my aunt, Margaret, in Boston, inviting me to go out there to work.”

The young Mary didn’t take too much persuading – farewell Ballina, hello Boston!

Mary Mansfield just home from Boston pictured at her old house - 86 Lower Main Street, Letterkenny

She arrived in Massachusetts in 1957 and took up a job as housekeeper and ultimately worked in that capacity for the same family for ten years.

But in between was a return journey to her home town of Letterkenny in 1959 where she spent six months. Doing what? “Dancing and sleeping!,” she laughs.

And again she didn’t have to venture beyond Lower Main Street to fulfil both passions. “The Devlin Hall was just across the street from us – very convenient and somewhere I would have spent every waking moment if I had the chance.

“Joe McAuley taught me to tango on the pavement,” her mind dances back in time.

The neighbouring families were the McAuleys and the Kellys and friendships were born and bred.

And Mary remembers those childhood pursuits that formed so much of those by gone days. “We played marbles and used to play tag around the Devlin Hall.

“And we’d watch the ladies of the town going into the Devlin for the supper dances in their long dresses.”

To dance they required the perfect surface and thanks to Mary and her friends they got it. “Denis McGlynn was the caretaker and he’d pull us around on sacks on the floor to help polish it.

“A lot of my life was spent around the Devlin Hall. Mind you, if you were spotted leaving it with somebody, Ma McDaid generally got to hear of it!.”

“A lot of my life was spent around the Devlin Hall. Mind you, if you were spotted leaving it with somebody, Ma McDaid generally got to hear of it!”

Mary Mansfield

There were ventures, too, out to the nearby O’Donnell Park – though she doesn’t recall too many, if any, visits to the equally close Oldtown. “As I say we didn’t stray too far from Lower Main Street.”

And from close pals such as Margaret Larkin and Connie O’Hara who shared those halcyon days.

Days remembered at each of the Letterkenny Reunion events attended by Mary. “I’ve been at all of them and will be at this year’s too.

“I remember at the second Reunion I was chatting to Marian McManus and we were talking about the girls in our class and trying to remember them all.

And this woman who was near us said to us: ‘You’se are naming all my classmates! And it turned out it was Phyliss McHugh from the Oldtown.

“That’s the kind of thing that happens at the Reunion.

It’s one of the best things that ever happened in the town and I hope it keeps going on,” Mary declares.

And Boston? After her six month stint at home in the late fifties, she returned there and to her old job.

“Back doing general housework and thoroughly enjoying it.” And returning home at various times including for the wedding of brother, Barney, in the seventies.

Wedding bells had also chimed for Mary McDaid some years before. It was on a blind date that she met her future spouse, Edward Mansfield, an American who was working with an oil company when they first got together but then took up a job as sacristan in the local St. Clement’s Church.

“We went to a drive-in movie on that first date.

‘Sylvia’ the film was called. And that was the start of it.

“Eddie ended up loving Irish music and he was a good dancer.” Sadly, he passed away in 1999.

The couple had five children, Edward, Katherine, John, Brian and Paul, all of them living and working in or around Boston.

“I taught the boys to waltz around the kitchen,” their mother recollects. The Devlin Hall it wasn’t, of course, but nevertheless they managed to step it out among the dishes and décor.

At the wedding of one of her offspring, Mary had a dance with him, prompting the new bride to remark: “Your mother dances better than she walks!.”

At this point in the interview, Mary’s sister, Brigid enters to suggest that her sibling talks equally well!

And who can argue…?

She’ll return to Boston following her lengthy break in August after the Letterkenny Reunion. “There’s a Donegal club there but it almost could be called the Inishowen Club.”

But local faces are around including Jim Gallagher from the Back Road and the McDevitts from Glenswilly.

Over the years, Mary’s home in Boston was viewed as a “half-way” house – a temporary dwelling for those who had travelled from Donegal to seek out a new life in the States. And its accommodating hostess invariably offered them the warmest of welcomes.

And she is still blessed with a welcoming personality.

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the Leader || 02 May 2018

Rechargeable Hearing Aids N

owadays we are used to recharging our important gadgets. I’m sure you remember, or may have owned a digital camera that ran on small batteries. They would run out at the most awkward moments. Then they came along with rechargeable batteries. Just plug them in when you were not using them, and allow them to charge.

Well, hearing aid manufacturers were late to the party! Some of the reasons were simple.

The power supply in a hearing aid needs to occupy a very small space, because everyone likes small hearing instruments.

They need to be quick to recharge and safe to be allowed recharge on their own.

For years, the arrival of rechargeable hearing aid batteries were promised, delivered and failed miserably. The batteries didn’t have a long enough life, or the recharging didn’t last a full day. Either way, they were a major disappointment.

Well now, with technology being what it is, we have the new Lithium-ion, rechargeable hearing aids from Phonak. These instruments with their inbuilt, sealed, rechargeable units, allow a full 24hours use from only 3 hours charge time.

Sounds too good to be true?

I thought that also! A study was carried out in both France and the USA with over 700 hearing instruments. The people involved in this study were dealt with in over 45 hearing

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they knew when their hearing instruments were fully charged. And remember, the travel charger doesn’t need to be plugged in to charge the hearing instruments.

Take a Look and hear The Difference If you’d like to get to know more about this new technology, or maybe you are just fed up looking for new hearing aid batteries and find them too small and fiddley to change, give Ursula a call, on 074 9113296 and ask her to make an appointment to see if you would benefit from the New Phonak Audeo Lithium-ion technology.

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Usage times varied from 5 hours per day up to 18 hours per day. They also said that recharging was so simple and the travel charger was pocket sized for those that travelled around a lot. All of this is in conjunction with the crisp, clear Phonak sound.

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Page 8

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Accidents / Personal Injury?

Be Informed.

Get Advice.

Congress Resource Centre to host Mrs Brown’s Look-a-Like competition!

It’s all round to the Congress Resource Centre in Letterkenny on Wednesday next for a unique fund-raising effort on behalf of the Donegal Hospice.

By Paddy Walsh

• Road Traffic Accident • Passenger Injury • Motorcycle Accident • Pedestrian Injury • Slip Fall Accident • Accidents at Work •

McGinley & Co.

The brainchild of Catriona Rodgers from Dungloe, the ‘Mrs Brown’s Look-A-Like competition’ promises to provide a few hours of fun and games.

And the entertainment value will soar with music and madness the order of the day.

Catriona’s mother, Mary, had been diagnosed with leukaemia in April last year and spent time in the Oncology Department at Letterkenny University Hospital and at St Luke’s Hospital in Dublin.

“She didn’t give up the fight to live – she was stubborn like that. A real trooper to the end,” says Catriona.

And the end came in the Donegal Hospice in November. “It was such a calm and peaceful environment and the staff there were so good and so compassionate.

“And I always thought I wanted to do something for them and help support the Hospice.”

It was a belief, in truth, she had held since her uncle, Paddy McGee, had passed away in the care of the Hospice in 2002.

“So when mum passed last year, I said I would definitely do something this time.”

To date that has included organising an Easter hamper draw and a book sale at the Resource Centre. There was also a recent quiz night at the Arena 7.

“We made €1,300 between the draw and the book sale and another €711 from the table quiz.”

Best of the ‘Brownies’

Mrs Brown’s Look-a-Like competition should add considerably to the fund-raising effort. Members of the public are invited to come along to the Centre on the day dressed in the regalia of one of the popular television comedy’s characters and there’ll be an adjudication to decide the best of the Brownies!

Not the only entertainment lined up – the likes of Fergus Cleary and Freddie McGettigan will be along to provide some fun and music in conjunction with other local entertainers.

Can you pull off the ‘Mrs Browne’ look for a good cause?

A specially erected marquee will add to the occasion and there’ll be tea, coffee and refreshments on offer.

The fund-raising effort will include a bucket collection on Letterkenny Main Street to help swell the takings on the day. There’ll also be a selection of spot prizes and a raffle, while the organisers are in addition, looking for books and bric-a-brac to sell during the event.

Acknowledges Catriona: “I want to thank all who are helping to organise the event and Centre coordinator, Marie Slevin, for her great support.

“And I also want to thank the Donegal Hospice for looking after my mum. They take care of all of the family unit and not just the patients and do an incredible job.”

Adds Marie: “It was Catriona’s idea from the start and she has done great work in organising this fund-raiser and we hope for the support of the community to help make the day.

“We’re specifically looking for men to come along dressed up as Mrs Brown! Don’t be shy and just ask yourself, how far will you go for the Donegal Hospice?.”

Hopefully as far as the Congress Resource Centre on Wednesday 9th May for the look-a-like competition and cuppa tae morning.

It runs from 10.a.m. to 2.p.m. and a ‘fecking’ great four hours is promised…!

SUPPORT

Donegal Hospice donegal hospice

SOLICITORS email: mcginleysollk@eircom.net

FREEPHONE: 1890 908 913 *In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.

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NEW MEMBERS WELCOME We would like to thank all past and present members for their valued support and we invite new members to join.

The contribution per person is €20 monthly (€240 annually). Contributions to be made either by standing order, cheque or by cash payable at the hospice office.

Draw will be held on the third Friday of each month.

Registration forms are available to download at www.donegalhospice.ie If you have any queries or require any information regarding the 500+ Club please contact Isobell on 074 91 25656.

Page 4 the Leader || 02 May 2018

the Leader || 31 May 2017 Page 9

“Let’s Meet For Coffee” Event Bringing Business And Community Groups Together Local businesswoman, Evelyn Mc Glynn from Evelyn Mc Marketing, celebrated five years in business in a novel way recently when she invited members from the voluntary, community and business sectors for a “Let’s Meet For Coffee” event in the CoLab innovation centre, located on the campus of LYIT, to raise money for North West Simon Community.

Within the voluntary and community groups are people working in the business of Not For Profit sector and, as Evelyn was part of that world for many years before setting up her own business, she knows the value of networking and connecting with all members of the community.

Evelyn says, “I feel that there is a great value in bringing everyone together, and that the voluntary and community sector sometimes just need a helping hand or supports to progress in worthwhile community projects, and that’s where the business sector and events like this fit in.”

Evelyn also told us that “It’s of great value to the business community as they can use this giving of time, or resources, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility plan in their business”.

The “Let’s Meet For Coffee” event certainly ticked all the boxes as community groups engaged with business clients in the CoLab and the North West Simon Community charity benefited from €600, generously donated by those who attended. Colette Ferguson, Development Officer for North West Simon Community, thanked all those who attended and reminded people that homelessness is not just

an issue for ‘somewhere else’, ‘a city’ or ‘someone else’, it is part of all our communities - no matter where we are in the country.

As Communications and Marketing Officer of The Donegal Women in Business Network, the Donegal Women in Business community were also there to support the event, as were many members from other Donegal networking groups and business sectors.

The energy and connectivity in the room was contagious, and Yes Chef Catering, local outside caterers, sponsored the goodies on the day making sure that everyone was well fed!

Patsy Donaghy, Manager at CoLab, was delighted with the turnout for the event and Evelyn’s vision Bernie Wilson (NW Simon ), Simon Stevenson (NW Simon ) Evelyn Mc Glynn (Evelyn Mc Marketing) Colette for connecting business and community together Ferguson (NW Simon ) Patsy Donaghy (Colab Manager) Photo credit to Kevin McFadden and Stephen Toye on the morning. Toni Forrester from Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce also who welcomed many more “Let’s Meet For Coffee” events in the county.

If you are interested in talking to Evelyn about connecting business, community and charity groups together, working on shared projects and ideas, you can contact her on 087 2246989, or through social media and www.evelynmcmarketing.com.

Evelyn Mc Glynn (Evelyn Mc Marketing), Simon Stevenson (NW Simon Community), Colette Ferguson (NW Simon Community) and Toni Forrester (Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce).

Michael McGettigan & Andy Doherty (Yes Chef Catering) Evelyn Mc Glynn (Evelyn Mc Marketing) Colette Ferguson (NW Simon ) Patsy Donaghy (Colab Manager)

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the Leader || 16 August 2017

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the Leader || 02 May 2018

Shandon Hotel & Spa Rose Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin has been officially chosen as our Donegal Rose of 2018 Fourteen talented and enthusiastic young Donegal beauties took part in the Donegal Rose selection event on Saturday, 21st April at the Central Hotel Donegal Town. After a night of stories, music and entertainment Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin the Shandon Hotel & Spa rose emerged as the winning Rose.

Niamh had the support of all her family and friends from Tory Island as she gave an impressive interview and performance for judges Rory O’Donnell, Emma Boylan and Zoe McGettigan.

In her interview with MC Lee Gooch, Niamh talked about her love of island life and her community. She is a proud member of Mná Thoraí – a group of women who are campaigning and fighting to save the Ferry Service. When asked by Lee Gooch how Carolynne Harrison the Shandon’s General Manager was to work for, her response was very endearing confirming that Team Shandon not only smile in front of the customer, but they also smile behind the scenes because Carolynne knows how to motivate her team and she is a very fair boss which is why it is a great place to work.

The Galway student of Irish, Psychology and Performing Arts said she aspires

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin the Shandon Hotel & Spa winning Rose.

to pursue a career in Law or Teaching, due to her motivation for change and love of helping others. Niamh also works part-time in Penneys Galway in addition to her seasonal job the Shandon Hotel & Spa. Niamh, who comes from a long line of talented Sean Nos singers, performed a beautiful rendition of Caledonia.

The proud Gaeilgeoir said being Donegal’s

The Doorway Project Education Centre FREE (2 hour) CPR COURSES certified by the IRISH HEART FOUNDATION will be taking place in The Doorway Project tomorrow Thursday 3rd May from 4pm – 6pm and 6.30pm – 8.30pm.

A limited number of places are available in each course. To book a place on one of these courses contact Sorca: Tel/Text 0867831376 or email: info@thedoorwayproject.ie.

The Doorway Project Community Childcare Centre The Doorway Project Pre-School & After-School Enrolment Day for September 2018, will be taking place on Friday 4th May from 9.45am – 1pm and 6pm – 7pm at The Doorway Project Building, No.6 Meadowbank, Long Lane, Letterkenny. We have a limited number of places available. We offer free / subsidised (ECCE, CCS, CCSP) places for those who qualify as well as affordable places for those who do not. For further information contact Sorca at 0867831376 or email: childcare@ thedoorwayproject.ie

The Doorway Project Summer Camp 2018 Bookings are now being taken for our Summer Camp 2018 which will be taking from early July until the end of August. For further information contact Sorca at 0867831376 or email: childcare@ thedoorwayproject.ie A limited number of places are available so early booking is advised.

representative for the year would open up a world of opportunities: She said: “It would mean everything to me because of this need that I have to help people. If I had the public platform of being Donegal Rose I think it would help me so much more. It would be a great achievement for me and it would make me so proud to fill Amy’s shoes.”

2017 Donegal Rose Amy Callaghan beamed with pride as she handed over the sash to Niamh on her victory.

Niamh said she felt amazing and gave a special shout out to her family: “My father and my mother are the two hardest working people that I know,” she said.

Niamh will go on to represent the county at the Kerry festival in August, while we’re sure to see much more of the motivated young Donegal woman as she champions her home county throughout the year.

Carolynne Harrison General Manager of the Shandon said she and her team are absolutely thrilled and not one bit surprised that Niamh was chosen to represent Donegal. Carolynne confirmed herself and her team all remark how lovely Niamh is to work with and how caring she is to all the hotel’s guests. She also confirmed that she has heard Niamh sing many times during her breakfast shift and she is always supporting and encouraging her team mates 2018 Donegal Rose Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin with Carolynne Harrison General Manager Shandon Hotel & Spa. with her positivity, confidence and drive.

ENTERTAINMENT

theLeader **** READER COMPETITION ****

WINNERS 2 Tickets Each for Oprey Le Daniel in the Millennium Forum, Derry which runs from 13-19th May 2018

Ivan Brown, Letterkenny Siobhan Quinn, Lifford Bernadette McKeague, Ramelton

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Guided Bat Walk, Town Park, Letterkenny Find out all about bats at the guided nature walk on Tuesday, May 8th. You are welcome to meet in the Vestry at St. Conal’s at 8 p.m. for a talk on bats. Following this you can then go for a twilight walk in the Bernard McGlinchey Town Park and the grounds of St. Conal’s. Sonic Bat Detectors will be used to identify different species of bats as they hunt on the wing. Bats are the world’s only flying mammals, fascinating creatures. Contrary to popular belief they are not blind, however they avoid predators by hunting during darkness using high pitched sounds. And no, they are not hairy nor are they rodents.

The guide will be Aengus Kennedy of Nature Northwest, a frequent guest on Highland Radio and an expert nature guide.

This event is organised by the Donegal Association of An Taisce.

Everyone welcome. Suitable for all age groups. It is free and there is no need to book.

Mary Diamond, Letterkenny Phyllis Langan, Clady, Co. Tyrone The Leader, Barrack, Newmills, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal F92 A0V6 Email: info@theleader.ie Call Lorraine for info on how to claim your tickets: t.

Page 67

085 737 2111

Aengus Kennedy Bat Walk.

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the Leader || 02 May 2018

Ramona

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Page Page12 4

the Leader || 02 May 2018 the Leader || 16 August 2017

Bumbelance Charity Night Proves a Tremendous Success!

Local Events with

theLeader

Kalize Mc Guigan, Queen Bee at the BUMBLEance Charity Night.

Alec Black, winner of the first prize, pictured with his wife Anne.

King Bee Jack Beattie sharing a joke with Ireland’s top comedian Conal Gallen

Compere for the BUMBLEance grand charity draw night, the irrepressible John Logue.

Tony and Mary Heffernan, co-founders of Saoirse Foundation [BUMBLEance], Co. Kerry, pictured surveying the prizes for the grand charity draw with organiser Eamonn Davis.

Donegal County Mayor Gerry Mc Monagle enjoying Cllr. Gerry Mc Monagle, Donegal County Mayor, [left] and Eamonn Davis, the ‘craic’ from Conal Gallen. organiser, pictured with Conal Gallen and King and Queen Bee’s Jack Beattie and Kalize Mc Guigan.

Photos by Stevie Toye Logopix Eamonn Davis and Conal Gallen admiring Donegal’s latest BUMBLETTE outside the Mt. Errigal Hotel on the night.

Paul Crumlish, manager, Manus Kelly Rallye Team, finds it hard to contain his laughter during the show.

Tony Heffernan, Mary Heffernan and Eamonn Davis.

Manus Kelly, Donegal International Rally champion 2016/17, pictured with Josephine Crumlish at the Bumbleance charity night.

Conal Gallen taking a selie with Kalize Mc Guigan and Jack Beattie.

Eamonn Davis and Conal Gallen.

Tony Heffernan, [left] Conal Gallen, Mary Heffernan and Eamonn Davis admiring the BUMBLEance.

the Leader || 02 May 2018

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the Leader || 02 May 2018

Red Carpet Trash ‘n’ Fashion partner with Donegal County Council to Support charity and rethink waste Plans for Trash ‘n’ Fashion 2018 are well under way and this year the event has been brought to a new level with the sponsorship and support of Donegal County Council.

The recognition and awareness that this will give the event works both ways as Suzanne Bogan (Donegal County Council) recently told us: “ Our aim and mission within our remit in Donegal County Council is about rethinking waste, we are delighted to partner with Trash ‘n’ Fashion, a community not for profit event that encourages creativity through fashion and design, while saving the environment through recycling the products used.”

Karen Murphy Trash ‘n’ Fashion, Alfie Greene, Greenes Shoes and Evelyn Mc Glynn, Trash ‘n’ Fashion at launch.

sorship from Donegal County Council and local business.

The “Trash ‘n’ Fashion mobile” Ford Kuga, has been visible all around the county thanks to the sponsorship of Hegartys Letterkenny while Greenes Shoes an annual supporter of this event for many years have contributed prizes for the winning students’ goody bags.

This year also Sandra McGettigan , AIB - LYIT Campus Manager #AIBbackingstudents has come on board to support this great initiative.

Karen is joined by local marketing and event management company Evelyn Mc Marketing, to deliver this Fundraising event that will not only raise funds for an local charities, dazzle those in attendance with alternative creative fashion and content but will be an opportunity for the Karen Murphy (Trash ‘n’ Fashion) Laura McGonigle (AIB) Andrew Hegarty (Hegartys Letterkenny) Suzanne Bogan students attending to join together for the (Donegal County Council) Alfie Greene (Greenes Shoes) Sandra McGettigan (AIB) Evelyn Mc Glynn (Trash ‘n’ Fashion) last great night out before school breaks up Students from throughout Donegal will showcase and The organisers of the event, Karen Gallinagh Murphy for summer. compete with their unique creative designs on the from Karen Murphy Speech Drama and Commu- Trash ‘n’ Fashion tickets will be on sale Trash ‘N’ Fashion catwalk in Mount Errigal Hotel nications and Evelyn Mc Glynn from Evelyn Mc from reception in The Mount Errigal Hotel on May 17th, with an explosion of fashion design to Marketing are currently working on the content of the and Donegal Youth Services offices priced entertain all ages, while supporting two local charities. night, with surprise guests and entertainers included €10.

Follow Trash ‘n’ Fashion on their in the line-up.

There was a call out on social media for charities Facebook, and social media accounts. to benefit from the money raised by the event and Platform for youth Donegal Youth Services and Donegal Rape Crisis The event has gone from strength to strength over For further details or to support Trash Centre were chosen with the overall money raised the years and offers a platform for young secondary N Fashion in any way contact Karen on being split between them. students to design and create wearable art from every karengallinagh@gmail.com 086-6043040 or phone Evelyn 087 -2246989.

Two fantastic organizations that support communi- day “trash”. ties in empowering and drawing attention to issues Karen the original founder of Trash ‘n’ Fashion Trash ‘N’ Fashion 2018 grand finale is in our society. Offering support and raising up those applauds the commitment of the team that helps THE place to be on Thursday May 17th in produce this event and the huge support and spon- the Mount Errigal Hotel! More news soon! involved to say “We are there for you”.

‘RELAY FOR LIFE’ FINAL PREPARATIONS

Teams and commitee members at the Relay for Life Team Captains meeting in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Monday night last as the final preparations are put in place for this years Donegal Relay for Life on the 2nd and 3rd of June at the LYIT in Letterkenny. Photo Clive Wasson.

Leader Notices SOCIAL DANCE

A social dance will be held tomorrow, Thursday 3rd May, in Inver Community Centre, from 9.30pm - 11.30pm. Light refreshments served.

Music by Shane Shovlin. Admission: €7.

All welcome.

COFFEE MORNING

Annie and Nell Carr, Hawthorn Heights are travelling to Thailand to volunteer for 2 weeks in the centre called The Garden of Eden. This is a centre for victims of HIV/Aids. They are holding a coffee morning in the Constance Centre (Back Gate of Loreto Convent) this Saturday 5th May from 10am - 2pm. All welcome.

SCOIL CHOLMCILLE COFFEE MORNING

Scoil Cholmcille will be hosting their annual Coffee Morning Fundraiser this Friday 4th May from 10 am - 2 pm. Everyone is very welcome.

H.S.E RETIRED GROUP & FRIENDS SUMMER OUTING

The above group are having their Summer Outing to Westport Court Hotel, Mayo, from Tuesday 5th June to Friday 8th June. To book, please contact Charlie at 074 9126696 or Kathleen at 074 9121551 or Breed at 074 9122605.

Early booking is advisable as places are limited. €50 booking fee payable on booking. Full payment by 19th May.

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the Leader || 02 May 2018

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Page Page 16 4

The Church of Ireland in Letterkenny

According to census statistics, Catholicism is the predominant religion in the town of Letterkenny today.

However, given that the town has its origins in the Plantation of Ulster, it is no surprise to learn that many individuals and families of both the Church of Ireland and Presbyterian communities have left a rich imprint on the history of the town – not to mention, of course, Methodists, Baptists and many other religions that still practice their beliefs locally today.

As we saw last week, the church at Conwal has its origins in the 7th century under Fiachra, son of Ciarán, and by 1425, Nicholas Magmalgaussa was herenach of the Abbey, being succeeded by John McGillabride, Roger Macungail, Godfredus Macdalaidh and Eugenius O’Gallagher. At Leck, the original church remains are believed to date from 1336 (rebuilt in 1840) while a monastery at Aughananshin is thought to have existed from the 7th century as mensal lands of the Muintir Ceallach (or Kellys).

However, in the immediate aftermath of Plantation, the churches and lands of Leck, Aughananshin and Conwal and others were transferred to the ‘Established Church’. Religious territories were known as ‘glebe’ lands and their locations near the town are easily located today by their names such as Gartan Glebe, Dooen Glebe and Conwal Glebe.

Phelim O’Doghertie was installed as Rector of Conwal in 1609 and by 1615, Dougall Campbell (who ‘understandeth the Irish language and is able to preach herein’) had succeeded him as Rector. As the ancient site had been badly neglected over the

thethe Leader || 02 May 2018 Leader || April 2017

Conwal Parish Church.

By Kieran Kelly years, it was therefore decided that a new church was needed. One of the stipends of building a new town in the Plantation was to have its own church near to its inhabitants and as the abbey at Conwal was deemed too far away from the new town (while the abbeys of Leck and Aughananshin were in different parishes) work began on the construction of a new church near to the centre of the still young town, completed by 1636.

This church was constructed within a short walking distance of the Market Square at a junction of two streets – one from the town to the church called Church Street and one leading to the castle of the Marburys called Castle Street. The church was built using stone from the nearby quarry at Sentry Hill, and it was here that Lady Johanna Marbury and her husband Sir George were buried in 1638 and 1639 respectively.

Many renovations took place in the church itself over the years to the extent that unfortunately very little of the original building remains. Rev. William Spann (Rector 1715-1752) had the roof slated in 1733 and he donated a silver chalice and paten to the church in 1744, which the church still has in its possession. In 1776, it was almost entirely

demolished when the nave was extended, and a chancel was added under the auspices of Rev. John Whittingham (Rector 1753-1779) but the original tower was retained while the original date stone from 1636 can still be seen as part of the building.

Rev. Charles Boyton (Rector 1832-1836) oversaw a new spire being built in 1832 while Rev. Henry Kingsmill (Rector 1836-1876) added a south aisle and vestry room in 1865.

In 1809, Rev. Joseph Stopford was appointed Rector and it was under him that Glendooen Rectory was built as a residence in 1814. It was here in 1832 that his grandson, Stopford Brooke was born; he would later go on to translate the German carol “Stille Nacht” into English. Glendooen Rectory remained as the residence of the rectors until 1913 when Lancelot Eustace Smyth and his wife, Frances Elizabeth Rosalie Smyth, presented their private residence of Murrac A Boo to the parish in memory of her father Major Doyne - Archdeacon William Hardy Holmes was the first to occupy this new residence. Following the sale of Murrac A Boo to the Urban District Council in 1979, the rectory was located in Magherenan from 1980 until the present rectory on New Line Road was built in 1998 for

Letterkenny Historical Society Canon Stewart Wright.

The Irish Church Act of 1869 led to the disestablishment of the Church and the creation of the new ‘Church of Ireland’. This came into effect in 1871 and one year later, the parishes of Aughananshin and Leck were formally amalgamated, being further merged with the Parish of Conwal in 1900 creating the Conwal Union. By 1957, Gartan was added to this union while the churches at Leck and Aughaninshin were closed down with all Church of Ireland parishioners of Letterkenny attending service in Conwal Parish Church. For the record, the twentieth century rectors of Conwal Parish Church were: Richard Aemilius Baillie (18761902), Joseph Potter (1903-1904), William Fitzroy Garstin (1905-1915), William Hardy Holmes (1916-1918), Henry St. George McClenaghan (1919-1937), Leslie Robert Lawrenson (1938-46), Louis Warden Crooks (1946–80), Peter Graham Cartwright (1980-84), Peter Francis Barrett (198590), William Wright Morton (1991-1997), William Charles Stewart Wright (1998-2016) and David Houlton (2017-present).

J E W E L L E R S 20 Main Street, Letterkenny & Letterkenny Shopping Centre

Tel: 074 91 22120

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the Leader || 02 May 2018

“1 IN 5 BABIES ABORTED IN UK”

DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN ON IRISH SOIL !

“PROTECT THE 8th” VOTE NO ON MAY 25th www.donegalprolife.com SOURCE: Statisitcs From British Department Of Health Wesbite (This advert was paid for by donations from Donegal citizens)

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the theLeader Leader||||02 10May May2018 2017

THERE’S ONLY ONE ‘F’ in FOLEY: THE SIMPSONS: THE RISE AND FALL OF AMERICA’S FIRST FAMILY I know it might seem a tad naff for a grown man in his mid-thirties to be discussing a cartoon show, but gosh darn it, as The Simpsons creators are planning the end of production, I can’t help but think about how this was a show that I essentially grew up with. But what was it that made The Simpsons rise so high before its eventual slump?

Here’s my two cents on the matter.

By Jonathan Foley Having started as crude illustrations that were aired as bumpers between the ad breaks of The Tracey Ullman Show back in the mid-eighties, Matt Groening’s characters got their own show in 1989. The very first full episode being a Christmas special where they ran a storyline about how they overcame financial difficulties, inhouse disputes and even adopted Santa’s Little Helper as the family dog.

In the years that followed this successful screening, the show went on to gather a huge cult following which appealed to so many age groups, social classes and nationalities. The reason for this lies in how the show wasn’t afraid to tackle societal issues, it earned the respect of celebrities without bowing down to them and what’s more is that it was brilliantly written and produced.

It was also very unique in its appearance. Groening himself has admitted that many people found the yellow skin tone and brightly coloured settings rather baffling at first. It didn’t look like any other show on television, but in essence, that’s precisely what this struggling cartoonist from Portland, Oregon wanted.

Think about it. If you’re channel hopping and you stumble across an airing of The Simpsons, immediately, just by the colours used, you know it’s The Simpsons. A genius idea really.

The writers also had no fear in politicising the show and satirised public figures and societies in general superbly well.

The Simpsons gained huge notoriety in 1992 when President George Bush slammed the show during a public address. In a passionate campaign speech, he urged the American family to “be a lot more like the Waltons and a lot less like The Simpsons!” In their own way, the creators weren’t going to be bullied and

The Simpsons were nothing short of fantastic in the way that they made a skit of American politics.

Bill Clinton arguably got the worst of it with multiple jokes being made at his expensive Jonathan Foley

America’s First Family.

Self-confessed Simpsons geek.

Bob Dole and Bill Clinton.

in return, they hit back with Bart quoting the line: “Hey! We’re a lot like the Waltons. We’re praying for an end to a Depression too!” Take that, George!

Bush couldn’t have been more wrong in his condemnation of the Springfield family. Viewers who found themselves tuning in were subconsciously watching a show that was, believe it or not, highly relatable. On a domestic level, The Simpsons was one of the first ever shows that portrayed families going to church, having a drink or two too many and gleefully making fun of people in authority. Things that your normal everyday family could relate to.

The Simpsons was also a very intelligent show. A Facebook page called ‘Things I Know Because of The Simpsons’ was a great place for fans to post hidden gems that they spotted in certain episodes. The show often makes subtle yet highly complex mathematical gags and this led to the publication of the book ‘The Simpsons Secret Formula’ in 2013.

I have to confess here that a lot of those maths jokes go over my head but another thing that the show does tremendously well is how it intertextualises itself with popular cinema. Some references are done as parodies and spoofs and a lot of them are very obvious mimics of other famous films and TV shows.

Take Itchy and Scratchy for example; they are a

very blatant nods to Tom and Jerry, but going deeper - and with a viewing of ‘The Simpsons Tribute to Cinema’ videos on Youtube - you’ll see that they often pay homage in their use of camera angles, soundtrack and dialogue to films like Citizen Kane, Pyscho, The Birds and even Disney movies amongst many others.

Thus, showing that the writers were not just maths geeks, but passionate students of film craft.

During its heyday, The Simpsons were nothing short of fantastic in the way that they made a skit of American politics. Bill Clinton arguably got the worst of it with multiple jokes being made at his expensive. The most memorable one was perhaps in a clip where he states to Marge: “I know you don’t think you’re good enough for me, but trust me, you are. Heck, I’ve done it with pigs!”.

Another great weapon the writers possessed derives from how they tackled serious issues in a light-hearted way. Despite a satirical and comical front, the show often delved into themes such as the acceptance of homosexuality in society, the right to bear arms in the home, issues of an environmental nature and immigration.

The episode where Mayor Quimby proposes mass deportation of all non-American born characters evidences this. Again though, bril-

liantly mimicked with Moe holding a sign that read ‘United States for United Statonions!’ instead of a basic ‘America for Americans!’ A subtle dig at the ignorance of Americans who oppose immigration of any kind.

Aside from the thematic approaches the show takes, it can never be forgotten that it was a great form of escapism with hilarious storylines and beloved characters. And despite all their flaws, the family still always showed great love and loyalty to one another through all their trials and tribulations.

An episode that springs to mind here is one where Homer gives up beer for a month.

After all the temptations he had to fight off, he rewards himself with a trip to Moe’s, but before taking a sip of his much-sought frothy mug, he pauses. Homer can’t help but notice how alcohol has deeply affected the bodies and minds of the other customers and thus, opts to not have the drink. “Put it in the fridge, Moe. I’ve got a date with my wife” are his words.

The episode closes beautifully one scene later with Homer and Marge taking a romantic bike ride and singing ‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head’ to one another as the sun sets in the distance.

There was a similar moment in the episode which saw Bart and Lisa go against one other in opposing hockey teams. Bart being the hot-shot striker on his team, Lisa being the goalie on the other. Much of the build-up to their match shows them trash-talking and insulting one another and amid the frenzy of a hysterical crowd at their match, Bart’s team are awarded a penalty shot. Despite all their argy-bargy, both zone out from the shouts and taunts and remember that they are brother and sister after all. A lovely montage of them playing and laughing together as children is shown and with that, they jointly decide to end their squabble and hug one another amid all the boos and jeers.

It’s easy to see why The Simpsons became so popular. It has declined a fair bit recently with its new writing team and I suppose nothing can last forever. It can’t be underestimated how great the show was for how relatable and intelligent it was. It’s expected to end production sometime next year and when it does, I’ll be glad to say I was always a fan of ‘America’s First Family.’

Bart and Lisa.

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Pattersons The Leader 25-04-18.indd 1

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the Leader || 02 May 2018

Save time and shop online at SuperValu.ie

SuperValu online delivery service now extended into Letterkenny “Save time and shop online” is the message from Charlie Ferry, store manager of Kavanagh’s SuperValu in Ballybofey. Their new online shopping service has just been expanded and they now offer delivery to Letterkenny.

At SuperValu Ballybofey, they are committed to living up to their name. The new service is akin to having your own personal assistant, known as a ‘Picky Picker’. Their job is to select and collect your online order which saves you valuable time to really do the things you want. The SuperValu ‘Picky Pickers’ will handpick your produce with care and conveniently deliver it to your door.

Store manager Charlie Ferry said “We at SuperValu Ballybofey are delighted to announce our new on-line service, delivered straight to your door or click and collect in store! Letterkenny might not have a SuperValu but this is the next best thing! So why not ‘Save time and shop online’ by checking out our bargains today at SuperValu.ie, sit back and wait for our delivery man to call!

How it works...

If they don’t have exactly what you ordered they’ll substitute the next best thing. You can choose not to substitute, because we know that for some brands, there is no substitute.

Leave your picker a note If you like your steak cut a little thicker or your bananas a little greener, you can leave a note for your picker in the online trolley!

Change your order If you’ve forgotten to add a product or a voucher, or you need to change your delivery or collection slot, you’ll be able to change your order any time up to 12 o Clock the night before delivery/collection.

Delivery Delivery & collection slots are available throughout the day. If you’re not happy with any product or substitution, you can return it with the driver for a refund.

Choose the freshest products Your online shop is delivered from your local store and wherever possible we buy from local Irish farms and suppliers.

Why not save yourself some time register for the new online service today at SuperValu.ie

Picky Pickers Pickers only choose the freshest products.

First time shoppers get an additional €15 off their first order over €75. T&C’s apply

Customer Offer

Charlie Ferry, SuperValu store manager in Ballybofey with Joe Gildea, grocery manager/online champion and Eamonn Boyce, Picky Picker.

Left: Joe heading for a local delivery.

Right: The lads at the collection point in the store.

Facebook in the paper A child asked his father, “How were people born?” So his father said, “Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on.” The child then went to his mother, asked her the same question and she told him, “We were monkeys then we evolved to become like we are now.” The child ran back to his father and said, “You lied to me!” His father replied, “No, your mom was talking about her side of the family.”

Worst chat up line ever?

Two factory workers are talking. The woman says, “I can make the boss give me the day off.” The man replies, “And how would you do that?” The woman says, “Just wait and see.” She then hangs upside down from the ceiling. The boss comes in and says, “What are you doing?” The woman replies, “I’m a light bulb.” The boss then says, “You’ve been working so much that you’ve gone crazy. I think you need to take the day off.” The man starts to follow her and the boss says, “Where are you going?” The man says, “I’m going home, too. I can’t work in the dark.”

Job’s a good ‘un interview, the Human Resources Officer asks a young engineer fresh out of college “And what starting salary are you looking for?” The engineer replies, “In the region of €125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package.”

The interviewer inquires, “Well, what would you say to a package of five weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red Corvette?”

The engineer sits up straight and says, “Wow! Are you kidding?” The interviewer replies, “Yeah, but you started it.”

Page 21

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Charlie Ferry, Manager SuperValu, Ballybofey

Kavanagh’s

Ballybofey

Now €11.38/kg SUPERVALU FRESH IRISH SIRLOIN STEAK was €16.99/kg

HALF PRICE

IRISH

Fish

SAVE

33%

K WE E ONE LY N O TS STAR DAY S TH U R

Now €9.99/kg FRESH COD FILLETS (FISH COUNTER ONLY, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY) was €19.99/kg

Steak K WE E ONE LY N O TS STAR DAY S R U TH

IRISH

HALF PRICE

IRISH

Now €16.74/kg SUPERVALU FRESH IRISH T-BONE STEAK (BUTCHER COUNTER ONLY) was €24.99/kg

Now €11.72/kg SUPERVALU FRESH IRISH COWBOY STEAK (BUTCHER COUNTER ONLY) was €17.49/kg

SuperValu Tomato Tray 6pce was 99c

SUPERVALU PREPARED FOR YOU PARTY FOOD RANGE 162g - 370g (Details In-Store or Online)

SuperValu Pear Tray 6pce was €1.79

SuperValu York Cabbage 1pce was 99c

49c

SUPERVALU

Each

SuperValu Beetroot 500g - 98c/kg was 79c

SuperValu Lime Net 3pce was 75c

SuperValu Irish Apple Tray 6pce was €1.99

79c Each

SuperValu Easy Peeler Net 750g €1.05/kg was €1.49

K WE E ONE LY ON S T STAR DAY RS TH U

€10 EACH

88c

PER CAN

12 CANS FOR €10 Carlsberg/Budweiser/Heineken/Bulmers Can Pack 12 x 500ml

15 OFF

€

*

your first ONLINE SHOP *When you spend €75 or more

Offers valid until Wednesday 9th May 2018, unless otherwise stated.

Prices correct at time of going to print. Customer quotas may apply. Enjoy alcohol responsibly. *On all wines in-store, including Wines already on offer. This offer applies to all wines 75cl or more.

INSTORE | ONLINE | MOBILE | ONLINE | MOBILE INSTOREwww.SuperValu.ie

www.SuperValu.ie

Page 22

the Leader || 02 May 2018

A friendly welcome awaits you at ‘Muckers’ The newest addition to the male grooming market in Letterkenny is Muckers Barbers on Pearse Road, next door to DAS.

Denis McDermott from Castlefinn, who opened Muckers on the Carlisle Road in Derry five years ago, was aware that a large portion of his customer base came from Donegal so, along with business partner Jason Wylie from Bridgend, they decided to bring Muckers to Letterkenny.

Muckers is a Derry expression for friends and you can be sure of a friendly welcome from Denis, Jason and staff. Muckers run their own academy for trainee barbers, and all their staff have come through the Academy. This ensures the same high level of service and consistency each and every time you visit the shop.

Denis and Jason have both competed in the American Crew All stars, which is the World Final for barbers and hairdressers with Denis coming third overall in his category two years ago. They are also official stockists of American Crew products which can be bought in-store.

Letterkenny

Letterkenny is a gateway town and this was key in their decision to open their barber’s here. With so many people from all over Donegal and beyond working, socialising and shopping in Letterkenny they felt there was no better time to expand their business.

Being a part of the local community is important

to Muckers and they are happy to support local charities and local clubs through sponsorship or in-store events. They provide Loyalty Cards for their customers with every eighth cut FREE. Muckers is open Monday to Wednesday 9.30 am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday 9.30 am to 8pm and Saturday 8.30 am to 5pm. As an introductory opening offer they have a Golden Ticket (Cut out on this page) which entitles you to €5 off any cut or hot towel shave.

Their shaves use all American Crew products which guarantees a professional and luxurious shave. Be a Mucker and make new friends!

GOLDEN TICKET Cut out and present in Muckers & Co Barbership to get your discount.

T&C’s Apply

Denis and Jason look forward to meeting you.

Muckers & Co. Barber Shop 2 Huntley House Pearse Road Letterkenny

(Next to the Zip Yard) Muckers-and-co-letterkenny Denis_muckers_and_co

OFFERING TRADITIONAL HOT TOWEL SHAVES AND HAIR CUTS AS WELL AS UP TO THE MINUTE TRENDS

Student Discount FREE Tea, Coffee, Beer & Cold Drinks

Loyalty

Cards Available

Page 23 the Leader || 16 August 2017

the Leader || 02 May 2018 Page 4

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál playground games in the sun!

Local Events with

theLeader

Mrs McFadden’s 4th Class show Ms Gillespie’s Junior Infants how to have fun in the playground!

Ms. Harvey’s Sixth Class held a Cake Sale in aid of Loreto Primary School Rumbek.

Mrs McFadden’s 4th Class show Ms Gillespie’s Junior Infants how to have fun in the Playground.

Children from 2nd Class showing the looms they made to demonstrate diversity in an integrated Visual Arts SPHE lesson. Mrs Rowland

34 Page 24

HOUSE, HOME & GARDEN

thethe Leader || 28 March Leader || 02 May 2018

Floors R Us...for complete carpet & flooring

Where we are To Buncrana

Floors R Us based in Burnfoot, Co. Donegal provide a complete carpet & flooring service to residential and business customers with the best prices and special offers available anywhere in the Northwest!

Floors R Us offer an estimating, measuring and professional fitting service on all carpet and flooring products.

Based in Burnfoot, Co. Donegal and as well as covering Inishowen & Northern Ireland, Floors R Us offer a Nationwide Service. Professional advice on choosing the right carpet, wood floor or vinyl to suit your needs is offered by our experienced staff.

Carpets

A huge range of colours and designs can be

found in our showroom. We provide a full measuring and expert fitting service at the very best price. So whether you need a carpet for a stairs, bedrooms or any other area of your home call to our showroom in Burnfoot.

Wood Flooring

Also at our showroom in Burnfoot, we have a vast range of laminate and hard wood flooring to suit any area of your home.

We carry a large range to select from at prices that won’t be beaten!

Our in house, qualified fitter James Doherty provides a full fitting service on all the wooden flooring products we sell.

Floors R Us can arrange delivery of our products throughout Ireland.

We are fully insured and VAT Registered.

We supply all laminate, engineered, solid flooring, water resistant and waterproof

laminate tiles, luxury vinyl tiles, lino/vinyl domestic and commercial grades, carpets, rugs, artifical grass and ceramic wood floor effect tiles, internal doors, archetraves, skirtings both MDF and solid, internal door handles and all underlays and accessories.

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Our brands include Balta, Cormar, Axminister, Ulster, Phloor, Balterio, Egger, Kaindl, Monolam, Heritage, Bishops, Classen, Canadia, Krontex, Alsa, Basta, Doras, Seadec, Quickstep, TCS, Kukoon, Hometrends to name a few...

We are a family run business with over 25 years of experience. James Doherty is our carpenter/flooring fitter and also can provide up to 3 carpet and vinyl fitters.

To Letterkenny

BRIDGEND

Call us today Tel: 074 93 86766 for more info or call to our showroom, which is not far from the Derry border on the way to Buncrana.

To D

NEW FLOOR/CARPET SUPPLIED WITHIN ONE WEEK Suppliers of waterproof laminated tiles/ oors for kitchens and bathrooms

CARPETS, LAMINATE, ENGINEERED & SOLID WOOD FLOORING & VINYL

Suppliers of internal doors, skirtings, architraves and artifical grass and rugs

Unit 5 & 6 Main Street, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 9386766 Mob: 085 8817527 @FloorsRUsDonegal • Web: floorsrus.town.ie mail: floorsrusdonegal@gmail.com Open 10am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday Sundays by Appointment Only

FREE QUOTE • FREE MEASURE FREE DELIVERY • EXPERT FITTING SERVICE

er

ry

Page 25

the Leader || 02 May 2018

All offers correct at time of going to press and subject to availability

Page 26

the Leader || 02 May 2018

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Page 27

Page 4 4 Page Page 28

thethe Leader || 16 August 2018 2017 the Leader Leader ||||02 02 May May 2018

LK Mattresses offering you great value and fantastic service!

Call Mark on Mobile: 087 6861783

NEED A MATTRESS? Special Offers LK Mattresses “Save money & Sleep Better” There’s no need to shop around as we have the best prices in town.

We provide free delivery within a week, even on special orders. Free delivery to most parts of Donegal. Free recycling of your old mattress.

We have a wide variety of mattresses including: orthopaedic, semi-orthopaedic, memory foam, pocket-sprung, waterproof, camper & caravan mattresses.

If you need a long / short / narrow / wide mattress we can also get it made to

suit your requirements and to meet all budgets. Extra long mattresses up to 6’ 9” and extra narrow 2’ 3”. We have divan bases to suit all sizes of mattresses.

T&C’s May Apply

Whether it be firm or soft, for your bedroom or loft, we have the mattress for you.

Now stocking fabric headboards in various colours and styles. Check out our Facebook page for samples.

So why not call into our showroom at 3C Riverside Retail Park, Neil T Blaney Road.

DEAR SUN You rise up like a phoenix from behind the earth You take your place in the east When clouds cast their shadows on you You shine on, your solar power un-leased Your light in all its glory is majestic and vast Your heat comes in waves of colour Your energy permeates every cell of my body A feeling of eternal bliss for one and other And magically the plants sprout from under your glance To the light of your rays as they take their stance The whole world over perks up in your presence In a song, a dance, connecting, “essence to essence”

By Edna Doherty

ly n O y r r a C & h s a C €69 y l n O y r r a C & h s €99 Ca WE ALSO STOCK...

Semi Orthopaedic / Orthopaedic / Memory Foam Camper/Caravan / Water Proof / Pocket Spring Page 12

GOOD NEWS

By Kathleen McKenna

God refers to that which is conceived in the mother’s womb: as a “child,” a “son,” an “infant,” a “baby,” and He makes no distinction between born and unborn life—the same term for both: ‘brephos’.

Mary “was found to be with child (brephos) through the Holy Spirit … what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” Ma hew 1:18-20. To be pregnant, is to be with child— the baby in the womb was not something that might become a person but someone who is a person, just a younger smaller version.

Even Christ’s disciples didn’t understand how Jesus valued children, when they rebuked those who tried to bring children (brephos) to Him. Jesus said, “Suffer the babes to come unto me, and forbid them not…” Luke 18:16 “Surely I was sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5 Only a person can be sinful.

In chapter one in the Bible, God commands us to increase and multiply: “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth …” verse 28

Page 29 the Leader || 10 May 2017

the Leader || 02 May 2018 Page 8

The power of positive thinking and mindfulness

DON’T LIVE YOUR LIFE CHASING FAIRY WANDS “Appreciate what you have, before it turns into what you had”.

Recently, a friend told me about taking her little nine year old sister to the circus. It was a sister bonding outing. No pesky siblings or nagging parents getting in their way.

They had an amazing experience. Cheeky clowns, active acrobats and loads of laughs.

They enjoyed each other’s company, living in the moment and having fun.

As they were leaving, my friend’s little sister spied a stall that was selling plastic fairy wands (that lit up, may I add). The little girl begged and pleaded about getting one, but my friend firmly said no!

The car journey home was quiet. My friend asked her little sister about what she enjoyed most - the little girl replied “I’m just thinking about the light up fairy wand that I didn’t get”.

How many of us fixate on the “fairy wands” that we didn’t get, despite having an amazing experience?!

How often do we only remember the negative comment instead of all the positive comments?

Why do we always seem to focus on everything we don’t have instead of everything we do?

Personally, the “fairy wands” I didn’t get can loom over my life and impact my day. I think

of everything I should’ve, would’ve, could’ve done and it effects my mood. It makes me judge myself and think that I’m not good enough.

When my friend told me this story it was very timely. Actually, it was a much needed slap in the face.

Here is exactly what I began to think about:

what things in my life leave me feeling not good enough and what things leave me feeling appreciative?

1. Look up and enjoy the world instead of looking down at my phone.

2. Talk to more people.

3. Be okay with imperfection (this one is still tricky!!!).

By Leslie Magee

4. Be less obsessed with what other people are doing and focus on my own garden.

You know what? These little rules are actually working.

When you focus on the good around you, you are more likely to put good into the world.

The “fairy wands” I didn’t get are fading from my memory and I’m replacing them with the thoughts of what I actually did get. Acceptance and contentment are bringing joy to my daily life.

You know what else??? Those “fairy wands” would’ve brought me joy for a day, at most!

Then I’d be back to feeling annoyed due to the criticism I received over the praise, all the mistakes I made instead of what I did right and the rain that came after the sun.

When we get the “fairy wands” we want more and more and more and more. Then our lives are made up of resentment for what we don’t have. We end up living and seeking external pleasures.

Most of us do have a lot, when we just take a moment to notice it. It’s essential to speak up about sadness and disappointment. But it’s equally important to appreciate what you have.

Get to know when it is just a plastic wand and start appreciating the amazing day at the circus - because you’ll never know when you get another day here!

Page Page 22 30

the the Leader Leader ||||02 02 May May 2018 2018

Cara House says “Thank You” to the people Susan McCauley would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Cara House in their bid to move to better premises.

In recent times there was an online petition setup to give Cara House a new home at the vacant Courthouse on Upper Main Street.

Cara House is a very much needed Family Resource Centre which offers services for all groups in our society and is in much need of a home where everything can be done under one roof.

Cara House well known for its ‘Red Door’ building at Market Square made the move to Lower Main Street in September 2017, (for bigger premises) however this building is not big enough to cater to the masses and courses facilitated by Cara House, with hundreds of people coming through the doors weekly and is most definitely in the heart of the community here in Letterkenny.

Unfortunately, the move to the new premises didn’t solve the problem of having to spread the services Cara House offers over seven different locations across Letterkenny.

The lack of room also means that all the staff and volunteers must also travel to the different locations which is also an unbelievable waste of time and resources.

Susan McCauley the coordinator of Cara House has explained that she and the committee have requested a bigger building for quite a while now explaining that a building of 10,000 sq. ft. or more is needed so that everyone can be part of Cara House under one roof, which will enhance the services offered from the resource centre.

Although Susan and their team have seen the need for one building it was a member of the community not associated to Cara House that had the idea to contact Donegal County Council to explore ways in which the Old Courthouse could be given to Cara House, this idea was welcomed by Susan and everyone at Cara House with open arms. This change. org petition is the result of that campaign for change: https:// www.change.org/p/donegal-daily-old-courthouse-for-cara-

The Old Courthouse, Upper Main Street, Letterkenny.

house.

When speaking to Susan you can feel how passionate she is about the move, having already said “We want to get better premise from Donegal County Council. It is great that the community have seen that we need a new place. The Lower Main Street is really too small. We have a drop-in room and rooms upstairs, but it is a lack of space that is restricting us from having more people.”

In a her more recent request to Donegal County Council, Susan added: “Much of the

work of Cara House is not easily recognised but it serves many disadvantaged people. We have worked for the last 14 years on their behalf, concentrating on children, the intellectually disabled, those recovering from mental ill-health and older people.

“It has always been the desire of the management and staff of Cara House to bring about a community that cares in Letterkenny. We believe that this social inclusion can be best facilitated by bringing people together in one venue where they can meet informally.”

Presently, some 96 children partake in the afterschool club, while other children attend the

drop-in crèche and preschool year. Adults are taking advantage of learning a new language, developing skills they were unaware they had and the health courses, befriending services, and social groups.

Susan would like to thank everyone who has gotten behind this campaign in the hope that she and her team can accommodate everyone under one roof and through one Red Door, should it be the old Courthouse or another space that is adequate for ensuring that the community receive the very best in services that Cara House will continue to provide.

Church Gate Collection Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th May In aid of Cara House FRC and the Homeless Collectors required for Cathedral and Church of the Irish Martyrs Please call 9123986

Mindfulness every Wednesday 1.30 – 2.30 Men’s Breakfast Club every Monday 10 – 12 Art for Relaxation every Thursday 11- 1 Knit and Natter every Tuesday 11 - 1

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Page 31

Radisson Blu Letterkenny’s New Look!

Radisson Blu Hotel understands the importance of first impressions, having recently completed an entire refurbishment of the Reception area in the hotel.

Some key changes include new bright stylish furniture, warm walnut wood panelling, and new luxurious lounge area. Furthermore, the new reception is completed with stunning statement lighting enhancing the already welcoming ambiance for guests.

The new lobby has a relaxed atmosphere in elegant surroundings - the perfect meeting space for cocktails with friends, or light lunch with colleagues. Over recent years all public areas of the hotel have undergone an extensive refurbishment programme including the Lobby, Restaurant and Grill Bar. This September the hotel will be celebrating 15 years in business - The Byrne family along with the Management and Staff of Radisson Blu Letterkenny are extremely grateful for the tremendous support that the hotel has received over the years and would like to take this opportunity to thank all their customers for their loyalty.

“We look forward to continuing to offer the warmest of welcomes to all our guests all year round and giving our customers both old and new, the highest levels of service and attention.”

For further information & enquiries: Christine McBride Sales & Marketing Executive Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny T: 074 919 4444 E: christine.mcbride@radissonblu.com

Page Page 432

the Leader Leader ||||02 31 May 2017 the 2018

CHURCH LANE Great to see our events co-ordinator Amanda Clarke back on the Church Lane and giving people guided tours of the Cathedral Quarter. Amanda does a fantastic job at organising all our events throughout the year and is a real driving force in the project.

She has recently signed Cathedral Quarter Walking Tours up as an Airbnb Experience for its users in Donegal. While there has been much debate about Airbnb not just nationally but internationally, one thing is true that it seems to be here to stay.

Amanda was the first tourist provider in Donegal to sign her walking tours as an experience for Airbnb users. There are currently 160 Airbnb experiences throughout Ireland but just four here in the county.

If more tourist providers were to sign up to Airbnb experiences, who knows maybe Airbnb might be interested in promoting Donegal as a tourist destination to their users.

Business Plan In the past fortnight, I have started working with Stephen Barrett from Donegal Local Development Plan Company on the development of a Business Plan for the Cathedral Quarter. Once the Business Plan has been approved by our committee, we will set up a meeting with the Pobal, the Government agency responsible for Community Development.

Ultimately, we want our proposals to lead the establishment of funding for salaried positions for the project. If a project manager position becomes available, then I will be applying for the job. A lot of the ground work has already been done as a number of publications that we have prepared will be the cornerstone of the Business Plan. These documents include the Conservation Plan of the area prepared by Duncan McLaren of Dedalus Architecture and a Development Plan produced by Kevin Yeats.

While the path ahead is now becoming clearer and the future is starting to look bright for the Cathedral Quarter, this has not filtered down to my personal financial circumstances yet. I am still unemployed, and I am merely existing. If it were not for the

support of family and friends then I would not have been able to do what I am doing. Unfortunately, my experience with the Department of Social Welfare has not been a very positive one.

Without going into specifics, their idea that I as an unemployed person is a ‘Customer’ of theirs is a fantasy and is a complete nonsense. The day that I start to receive a salary for the work that I do will not be a day too soon.

Changes

Secretary Donnan Harvey pictured alongside with Stephen Barrett from Donegal Local Development Company

AGM

Our committee pictured with Kieran Kelly, local historian and playwright.

With Dillon’s Hotel rebranding themselves in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, I decided to take photos of the Church Lane from different vantage points in the hotel. The photos demonstrated the spectacular views of St Eunan’s Cathedral and Conwal Parish Church that the guests of the hotel can enjoy. They also illustrated how the locality is now becoming more vibrant. These photos contrast vastly when the McKeever Hotel Group first took

over the running of the hotel and I took photos of the street from bedrooms on the different floors.

Just over three years ago, guests staying at the hotel were looking over at empty buildings with the shutters up. Today when the guests look out their window, the first thing they will that notice is Berry Layne on the left side and the bright colours of Precious Moments on the right side of the Lane.

A great deal of change has happened in such a short space of time and if we start to receive real funding then more progress will be made. One of the major catalysts for this change has been the hotel itself with the hard work by the owners, management and staff. Their confidence in the area is influencing others and if we all continue to promote the area the dividends will be felt by all.

A rising tide lifts all boats.

Finally, our AGM will take place tomorrow in Dillon’s Hotel at 8pm. We are hoping that anyone who would like to help with our annual events of St Brigid Cross Making, Street Feast, Heritage Week, Culture Night, Literary Festival and Carol Trail will come along. With new developments about to come on stream we hope that people with an expertise in Public Relations, sourcing funding and fundraising might attend.

Travel Donegal Cathedral Quarter Walking Tours

Amanda Clarke of Travel Donegal showing Professor Silvia Angeloni from Milan around the Cathedral Quarter.

Pinehill Industrial Estate, Mountain Top, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

T: 074 91 28989 | M: 086 049 3315 www.orbitsecurity.ie | E: info@orbitsecurity.ie | Sales@orbitsecurity.ie

T: 074 91 28989 M. 086 049 3315

GROVE FURNISHINGS: 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. 1978

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Page 33

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, FLOODS, FIRES, BOOMS AND RECESSIONS…

Grove Furnishings 40 years on and going stronger than ever!

Grove Furnishings site 2018.

O

ne glorious sunny bank holiday Monday in May 1978, the Kelly family moved to The Grove, Lisnenan, Letterkenny.

It took one lorry, one van, one yellow Ford Cortina estate, four kids and a dog.

On arrival to town a hungry family went to the Centre Spot Café for lunch before unpacking. So, Grove Furnishings began from very humble beginnings. The showrooms then were converted outbuildings and sheds with Sean, Roisin and Brendan all working very hard to build up the business.

They steadily grew the custom and continued to increase their numbers of staff as trade developed.

The Port Road shop was opened in 1983 and they traded there for 10 years before relocating to Greene’s Market Centre. The ‘new’ carpet store was built in 1984 adding a much needed 5,000 square feet to the Kiltoy premises. A second floor had to be added soon after to accommodate an

2018 staff.

ever-expanding business.

1998 was the year Grove Furnishing had been flooded for the second time but even that didn’t hold them back and another new showroom on the site was opened in January 1999 and a third in 2001. This brought the largest selection of furniture, flooring and accessories to the northwest.

In November 2012 they opened another outlet in the Letterkenny Shopping Centre.

Grove Furnishings now employ 25 staff and are very proud to have been voted ‘Retailer of the Year 2017’. They are continually striving to bring you the best in style, quality and value for your home with excellent sales and service.

So, through 40 years of floods, fire, booms and recessions Grove Furnishing continues to go from strength to strength.

Turn over to see some pictures from back in the day and to also see info on our exciting prize draw which starts tomorrow to celebrate 40years in business!

Page 34

Who is this youngster?

GROVE FURNISHINGS: 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. 1978

the Leader || 02 May 2018

A trip Down memory lane with Grove Furnishings...

The old delivery van.

A happy staff all those years ago!

The old yard.

The site in 2002

The old interior of the shop.

the Leader || 02 May 2018

GROVE FURNISHINGS: 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. 1978

Grove Furnishings - Awards Winners

Page 35

BIG PRIZE

DRAW Prize Draw Starts Tomorrow!

Runs from Thursday 3rd May to Saturday 2nd June 2018

With every €50 spent you will receive a ticket to enter our ‘Live’ draw on Facebook which takes place the following week!

1st Prize

Retailer of the Year 2017 Grove furnishings who employ a staff of 25 were awarded ‘Retailer of the Year’ in 2017.

Pictured right are Siobhan, Noel and Anna Marie.

Above is the team receiving the prestigious award.

4th Prize

5th Prize

2nd Prize

3rd Prize

Prizes are as follows:

1ST PRIZE is the 3-1-1 Vienna cream living room suite.

2ND PRIZE is a 4-6 double mattress, high angle base with matching headboard & blanket box.

3RD PRIZE is a beautiful hand painted oak table with 6 chairs.

4TH PRIZE is 2 x Enzo retro occasional chairs.

5TH PRIZE is a Natalie cream chic dressing table mirror & stool set.

LIVE DRAW:

facebook.com/grovefurnishings/

Page 36

the Leader || 02 May 2018

JJ Gallagher 20th Anniversary Memorial Weekend

Local Events with

theLeader

JJ GALLAGHER MEMORIAL: A GREAT SUCCESS

From front page There was also a volunteer-run bag pack carried out at Marks and Spencers on Friday & Saturday where people, once again, gave up their time so very generously to help out.

Through a little help from social media, there was a large attendance at the Arena 7 complex, where Enda Nicholls kindly donated all the funds raised at ‘Wayne’s World’ to the noble cause of the fundraiser. In a similar fashion to the mass, the 5K and the music showcase, this part of the weekend catered for so many to mingle and socialise with friends; both old and new.

“We’ve so much thanks to give to so many people and Enda is, of course, one of them. It was all going so well in the run-up to Sunday, but I had a few words with JJ myself to make sure that the weather was to be as good as it was on Saturday.

There was a few spittles on the Sunday morning,

but thankfully, we’d nothing to worry about it in the end regarding that,” Cathy told.

“The 5K was great. Some people walked it, some ran it and there were kids who did it on their bikes and on their scooters. We’re so grateful to Terence Diver for, not only allowing us to get everybody registered there, but for the refreshments that were put on there by Mac’s Mace, Highland Bakery and the Quiet Moment too,” told Cathy.

The first home in the race from the female category was Margaret Sweeney who duly collected her award that had been sponsored by the Grimes family of the Four Lanterns restaurant chain; a workplace of JJ’s during his lifetime. The first male home was Raymond Birch who kindly gave his fifty-euro prize back as a donation to the fund.

Following all that, it was off to Voodoo Venue for some country music. Events were officially opened by Catherine Grier, as she cut the ribbon

Eileen Gallagher with sister Mary Mc Elwaine.

Kieran Kelly with Eileen. Kieran kindly donated tickets that helped raise €640 for Pieta House

while standing alongside JJ’s parents, Josie and Eileen. A full day’s entertainment followed with top-class entertainment on show with people coming from all different arts and parts of the country and beyond to join in the fun.

A lady from Boston, Massachusetts was remarked to have been among the jovial crowd.

“That was a lovely part of that day. For mum and dad, especially as they got to see the real high esteem that JJ was and is held in, for themselves.

The day was a great testament to the Gallagher family as a whole really. We got to stage the Bumper Draw and most of the winners have been notified already and if not, then they will be throughout this week of course,” Cathy added.

In a conclusive tone, Mrs McGuigan summed up the course of the weekend’s activities in a fitting manner: “Family members and friends stayed on after the show to talk, to listen and to share

their memories and feelings with one another and that’s so very important. For me, nobody should be remembered for how they died, but should be remembered for how they lived instead.”

“The people of Letterkenny and beyond have shown a wonderful community spirit yet again and it’s a credit to them. In a way, it could not have come at a better time because we got news recently that PIETA House are looking to make plans so as they can expand. The money raised here from this will certainly be a big help to them with that,” she concluded.

Cathy would like to thank her parents, her sisters Elaina, Fiona, Bernice and their partners along with her many family members and friends for turning an idea of a memorial weekend for her big brother JJ into such an incredible success that was enjoyed and supported by so many.

Page 37

the Leader || 02 May 2018

JJ Gallagher 5k Memorial Run

All smiles for the camera at JJ’s Memorial 5k.

Local Events with

Nigel Harkin winner of the family pass at the Aura Leisure centre with Eileen, Elaina and Cathy.

theLeader

Josie Gallager and Barry Mackey.

Cathy Gallagher with son Ethan and daughter Bethany.

Josie and Eileen Gallagher with family and friends after the JJ Gallagher Memorial 5k at Divers Hyundai Garage.

Jimmy O Donnell at the 5k

The Mc Glynn and Graham ladies at the 5k

Mary Sweeney winner of the first lady home kindly sponsored by the Four Lanterns.

Elaina Gallagher and friends at the JJ Gallagher 5k

Nora Mc Gee, Philph O Donnell and Jay Larkin at the finish line of the JJ Gallagher 5k in aid of Pieta House.

Photo Geraldine Diver

Gerard Mullen at the JJ Gallagher 5k

FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT LILY’S BISTRO

Page 38

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Lily’s Bistro celebrates

This week is a very important time for Maire O’ Donnell and partner Damien McGinley as Lily’s Bistro on the Main Street in Letterkenny celebrates one year in business.

So we here at the Leader dropped in to have a chat with Maire to find out more about Lily’s.

From a young age Maire had always had a passion for ‘homemade’ fresh food and felt that she could use that passion in no better place than Letterkenny’s Main street as she puts it herself.

“The heart of the town where people like to meet people and catch-up for a coffee and some freshly cooked produce”.

So with the premises secured now all was left was to name this new Bistro, a task harder said than done.

“Myself and Damien had so many thoughts when it came to naming the café, and didn’t realise how important and hard this task would be, then one day I got a scent of ‘Lily of the Valley’ and it reminded me of my grandma’s favourite flower.” So, with Lily being the May flower and memories of my Grandma flooding back, Lily’s Bistro was born.

Maire recalls the rollercoaster of emotions that herself and Damien have felt in the past year and insists it has all been worthwhile, with one thing coming out on top, the constant support of family and friends and now to realise that they have made so many new important friendships should it be customers or fellow business owners in the town.

Customers When choosing staff, the couple explain how important it was that the customer came first and always felt valued at Lily’s. Therefore it was important to choose the right staff and

Owners, Damien & Maire

The

Paper Post

Wishing Lily’s Bistro continued success!

Upper Main Street Letterkenny County Donegal Tel: 074 912 7190

We offer a complete range of Chilled, Frozen, Ambient and Non-Food items for the Retail and Catering sectors.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LILY’S BISTRO WHO ARE CELEBRATING ONE YEAR IN BUSINESS!

Email: letterkennysales@triofoods.com

Trio Foods Ltd. Gortlee, Letterkenny, Co.Donegal.

Tel: (074) 91 21260 Congratulations to Lily’s Bistro on 1 year in business from the whole team at Trio Foods Ltd.

a year later with a growing team behind the counter of fresh produce Maire tells us that many of the staff here today started with them at the beginning and have literally become members of family, and being that they all work so well together as a team it helps to make Lily’s the tranquil bistro that it is.

Of course nowhere can survive without customers and Maire and Damien feel that they have been blessed with so many regulars coming through the doors daily, and on that note the couple tell a tale.

“Suddenly a gift appeared shortly after we opened in the form of a plaque which was made for us saying ‘Life begins after coffee in Lily’s Bistro’ we eventually found out it came from a lovely gentleman named Gerry and his lovely wife who over the past year we had developed a lovely friendship with, however the gifts didn’t stop from Faire houses to the glass bottles on the tables, and it was with great sadness that Gerry passed away recently and he is truly missed here in Lily’s”.

With the first year behind them the couple are extremely proud that they are still here and certainly have no plans on going anywhere but up. With encouraging words and gifts from customers Maire and Damien felt it was time to expand their menu, so from opening with all day breakfasts, salads, lunches and menus which include a healthy living option and syn free option for anyone who is looking after their figure, and not forgetting the house speciality pancakes topped with an array of naughty but nice, sweet and fruit toppings.

“This year has been amazing. We are lucky that we have each other and work so well together as a team. We are always bouncing ideas off each other and more importantly listening to those ideas. Damien had the idea that there was a desire for an authentic woodfire pizza restaurant in Letterkenny. So, after loads of research we set about hand building our own woodfire oven, developed a menu that wasn’t the norm.

We both strongly believe in the freshness of food and our pizzas are rolled out in our kitchen to order, cooked in an oven of over 400degrees, and finally served straight to your table. There is no other restaurant in the area that offers this experience - from the woodfire pizza, a bring your own drink policy and finally enjoying it upstairs in our bistro where there is such a relaxing atmosphere.”

Lily’s are currently developing a website to demonstrate what Lily’s can offer, be it day or night, or for outside catering and deliveries.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the launch date of our website and for news on a new exciting venture we will be announcing soon.

Thank you all from Maire and Damien x

the Leader || 02 May 2018

FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT LILY’S BISTRO

one year in business

Page 39

Lily’s Bistro & Woodfire Pizza recently staged an ‘Open Mic Magic of the Musicals’ evening and all this weekend the celebrations continue with a ‘Ladies Night’ this Friday which includes a 5 course meal and DJ starting from 7pm.

Our big birthday celebrations take place all day Saturday and into the evening.

See Facebook for updates: www.facebook.com/LilysBistroLk

Telephone: 074 9138040

theLeader Your Locally Owned Fortnightly Free Newspaper

20,000 COPIES EVERY MONTH! Congratulations to Maire and Damien on the success of Lily’s Bistro and celebrating your first year in business from all at the Leader

Page 40 the Leader || 28 March 2018

Page 75 the Leader || 02 May 2018

Let your Letterkenny Credit Union savings work for you without touching a cent Adults in Ireland have become disciplined with building up a rainy day fund, perhaps thanks to our recent economic upheaval.

Letterkenny Credit Union says that members are continuing to put away a little money each month and are exercising restraint when it comes to withdrawing the funds.

Building up a nest egg, and leaving it in place untouched, takes a lot of hard work and discipline. Understandably when people find themselves in need of that bit extra to fund a wedding, holiday, new car, or those unexpected events in life, they are often loath to dip into their hardearned savings. Psychologically, it can be easier to borrow a little than having to replace your savings.

This is when a secured loan from Letterkenny Credit Union at a special rate of 5% APR* is the perfect solution. Credit union members are free to apply for a loan up to the amount they have in their savings.

The loan can be taken out for any reason – there is no restriction on the purpose- and the member can also benefit from Letterkenny Credit Union’s loan interest rebate.

Speaking about the loan, Paul Hume, Chairperson, Letterkenny Credit Union said “There are

a number of great benefits to be had with our secured loan, including the fact that members will not have to face draining their life savings. The loan is available at the reduced rate of 5% APR*, approval is fast and the loan can be for any purpose. And crucially, the member’s Life Savings remain intact. With this product, our members can relax knowing that their nest egg remains

untouched, while still availing of the extra finance they need. All you have to do is contact one of our friendly staff members to find out how you can put your savings to work – without touching a cent.”

*For a €15,000, 5 year variable interest rate loan with 60 monthly repayments of €282.05, an interest Rate of 4.85%, a representative APR of 5%, the total amount payable by the member is €16,923.38.

For further information please contact: Letterkenny Credit Union on 074 91 24166 or email info@letterkennycu.ie

Information correct as at 24/4/2018. The secured loan is applicable for members who wish to borrow up to the value of their shares. Shares are held as security against the loan.

LETTERKENNY CREDIT UNION LIMITED

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Call: 074 91 24166 Log On: letterkennycu.ie Visit: High Road, Letterkenny (Mon – Sat) The Mall, Ramelton (Fri only) Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears.

This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Letterkenny Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

letterkennycu.ie WE LOOK AT THINGS DIFFERENTLY

Page 41

the Leader || 02 May 2018

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Page 42

the Leader || 02 May 2018

NOW OPEN IN letterkenny!

The Biggest and Best bedroom showroom in the Northwest Tel: 074 9123009

Proprietor Dermot Doherty pictured with staff member Deborah Doherty out side the new Restex showroom in Ballyraine, opposite the Mount Errigal Hotel

NOW OPEN IN letterkenny!

The Biggest and Best bedroom showroom in the Northwest Tel: 074 9123009

the Leader || 02 May 2018

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the Leader || 02 May 2018

the Leader || 02 May 2018

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Page Page446

the Leader || 10 02 May May 2017 2018 search

THE VOICE OF BUSINESS IN DONEGAL Meet Letterkenny Chamber Council Letterkenny Chamber is managed by a board of Chamber Council. There is a wide range of people from business and commercial life of Letterkenny. They have started a series of profiles of our Chamber Council.

This month they profiled Clare McDonough from La Maison, located on Canal Road. La Maison provides interior design services for private and commercial customers.

‘letterkennychamber’

quality customers online. Experts from digital marketing agency Grofuse (www.facebook.com/ grofuse/) will deliver an interactive workshop entitled ‘How to rank number one on Google’ at the Chamber offices on 23rd May 2018.

Digital Director Denis Finnegan said the workshop will provide business owners and marketing managers with the secrets to succeed in search engine optimisation (SEO). He said: “Reaching the top of Google or close to it can mean the difference between huge business growth online and stagnation. “This workshop will guide you through some of the agency team’s tested strategies which have resulted in sales success for their clients. The workshop will explore tips to help take your website to the top.”

Grofuse is a leading full-service digital agency which combines digital marketing, content creation, public relations to help businesses grow.

Possible Extension of CCTV system in Letterkenny

Events Letterkenny Chamber runs events throughout the year as a way of encouraging networking among its 250 members. The events are often lead by Chamber members and add value to the Chamber membership.

Networking Donegal – 15th May @ 6pm Letterkenny Chamber in association with Donegal Business Network, JCI Donegal and Donegal Women in Business will be holding the next Speed Networking event on 15th May at 6pm. For more information go to the Networking Donegal Facebook Page.

How to Rank Number One on Google – 23rd May @ 5pm SEO workshop to help business owners attract

Over the past number of months Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce has been working closely with Donegal County Council and An Garda Síochana exploring the extension of the current community CCTV system in the town of Letterkenny. Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead on applying for funding from the Department of Justice to further improve the system by adding cameras to various locations that will greatly enhance the current system and widen its reach.

It is intended, subject to funding and consultation, that the new cameras will be located at the following locations: n Polestar Roundabout – two cameras required at this main artery and busy junction. n Junction of Oliver Plunkett Road and Main Street – this area is at the heart of the night life area. n Junction of Larkins Lane with Pearse Road n Hospital roundabout, a junction that links a

Leonard Watson, President of Leterkenny Chamber pictured with Jennifer McKeever, Presidetn of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce at the recent president’s lunch.

large residential area with the town centre.

Speaking about the proposed extension to the system Leonard Watson, President of Letterkenny Chamber said “Letterkenny Community CCTV system has been very successful over the last 10 years. Originally, we knew it would need to be extended and we are pleased to have this opportunity to apply for this funding. We hope that it will give the public an increased sense of security and will help in the detection of crime.

We know from the outset of the original system that the cameras were very effective. As technology has moved on we believe that the extension to the system will contribute even more to creating a safer society for all.”

Letterkenny Chamber asks anyone with any comments to email cctvletterkenny@gmail.com.

Be part of the Future Vision Letterkenny Plan

Toni Forrester, CEO Letterkenny Chamber and Leonard Watson, President pictured with An Tanaiste Simon Coveney and the Derry Chamber President’s lunch.

Over recent months Letterkenny Chamber Infrastructure Committee has been working with The Planning Department of Donegal County Council on the very early discussions around the Letterkenny Plan.

Letterkenny has serious ambitions to grow as has been noted in the media and Donegal is noted as a regional hub in the National Planning Framework. Therefore, the development of Letterkenny and how it is planned will be very important. An increase in population up to 30,000 will create opportunities and challenges.

It is hoped in May that we will be inviting all sectors of the business community to initial consultation workshops that will explore the possibilities in detail in a process to gather all shades of opinion.

While more details will follow, anyone interested in being included on the invitation list should

contact toni@letterkennychamber.com.

TenT consultation- Give your opinion As a Chamber we attended the recent consultation on routes for the TEN-T Network in Donegal.

Three sections of the TEN-T network in Donegal have been prioritised for improvement to address existing safety and operational issues, and together, they form the TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project, Donegal.

Section 1 (N15/N13 Ballybofey / Stranorlar Urban Region) Section 2 (N56/N13 Letterkenny to Manorcunningham) Section 3 (N14 Manorcunningham to Lifford / Strabane / A5 Link) RPS CH2M Barry Design Team have taken feedback obtained during consultation meetings and are currently progressing with the route selection process including the development and assessment of route options for the three Sections, which will be presented at public consultations to be held as follows: The Emerging Preferred Route will be identified during the second half of 2018 and presented to the public to obtain further feedback, prior to the Preferred Route being confirmed.

Open public consultation events took place recently. These are important routes for the North West.

The maps are available as downloads on the website www.donegal-ten-t.ie.

Letterkenny Chamber is urging all its members to have a look at the suggested routes and to submit any comments or queries via the online Feedback Form.

FASHION & BEAUTY

the Leader Leader ||||02 14 June 2017 the May 2018

Health&Living

Page 47 27 Page

theLeader

Welcome to the Leader Health & Living...relax & grab a brew....

Spring is in the air!

Saffron Nail Bar opens in McFaddens P48| The Sweet Life P51 INTERIOR By

Sheena Noelle

Fabric Centre

Maybe we are all dreaming of exotic holidays, of faraway adventures & foreign lands or maybe it is just this time of year that has us all craving a bit of colour and excitement in our lives. Whatever the reason there is just one hot new summer interiors trend occupying our minds this season and it is Tropical!

It is like the interiors world has literally packed up all the colour, fun, pattern and energy of far flung lands and packaged it all up for you to bring a little bit of the exotic and vibrant into your home. With extravagant tropical inspired patterns including humming birds, butterflies, elephants, exotic flowers and palm leaf style prints adorning every-

FABRIC CENTRE Unit 4 Riverside Retail Park, Neil T. Blaney Road, Letterkenny 00353 74 9167858 | email: info@fccurtaincompany.com

•Curtains •Blinds •Upholstery •Wallpaper

SHOP ONLINE @

www.fccurtaincompany.com

thing from cushions and curtains to wallpapers and bedding.

These tropical inspired patterns are appearing everywhere at the moment, with some of the largest and most notable fabric design house releasing their own take on this gorgeous new trend. One of the most exciting is Harlequins Amazilia collection of fabrics and wallpapers with a stunning range of tropical prints and embroiders. Also, iLiv Rainforest & Paradiso collection of captivating tropical fabric and wallpapers.

At The Fabric Centre we have the beautiful new Harlequin and iLiv tropical collections now in store, along with lots of other stunning new fabric and wallpaper ranges. As always, our expert interior design staff are always on hand to offer advice and assistance. (The Fabric Centre, Neil T Blaney Road, Letterkenny, tel:0749167858, see Facebook for more).

Got a Question?

If you need any help or advice on looks or colour trends, just call The Fabric centre on tel:074 9167858 for information on our interior design service.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Page 48

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Express Nail Bar by Saffron launched

A very successful launch of the Express Nail Bar by Saffron, at McFadden’s Pharmacy in Letterkenny Shopping Centre, Got under way on Friday.

Customers enjoyed refreshing juices, & summer fruits reception. Goodie bags, a hamper draw & Gel Polish giveaway, were greatly received by many lucky customers.

McFadden’s Pharmacy opened in the shopping centre 1985.

Speaking to the Leader the manager of McFadden’s Caroline Grieve explained, “recently customers were asking for recommendations on where they could get their nails manicured. So, we eventually decided to make it more convenient for customers by opening a Nail Bar in the Pharmacy. We approached Anjali Mohamed owner of the Saffron Health and Beauty Group for her help and expertise.

Anjali is a well-known business woman within Letterkenny and further afield. With her business knowledge going from strength to strength, this will be her fourth venture in the town after Saffron Health and Beauty, Saffron Hair and Beauty lounge, Saffron College of Hair and Beauty.

Speaking to Anjali on the launch she explained, “I was delighted to work with and help the management of McFadden’s with their idea. At the minute we are open Friday & Saturday, but we will review this based on customer feedback and demand and hopefully add more days if required. Gel polish manicures are proving very popular, but all manicure services are available. Making an appointment is not necessary. Just walk in! However, we’ve been so busy that clients may have to relax with a coffee & call back when the nail technician is free again. We would like to thank everyone who came to the opening, the owner of McFadden’s Hannah McFadden, blogger Vickie Raine, the Leader and our customers from our other salon businesses.

We look forward to working closely with Caroline and the team at McFadden’s and we are all looking forward to very busy summer at McFadden’s.”

Caroline Grieve, manager McFadden’s Pharmacy, Doreen McGlinchey, Saffron, Anjali Mohamed, proprietor of Saffron Health & Beauty Group and Hannah McFadden, proprietor of McFadden’s Pharmacy pictured at the launch of the new Saffron Express Nail Bar at McFadden’s Pharmacy, Letterkenny Shopping Centre.

Price List

by SAFFRON

2 Week Gel Polish Nail........... €20.00 2 Week Gel on Nails & Toes ........................... €35.00 2 Week Gel Polish Toe............. €20.00 2 Week Gel Polish with Full Manicure .................... €40.00 2 Week Gel Polish with Pedicure .............................. €50.00 Removal with Strengthener............................... €15.00 File & Polish Nails...................... €12.00 File & Polish Nails French....... €15.00 File & Polish Nails Toes............ €12.00 File & Polish Nails Toes French ...................... €15.00

@ McFadden’s Pharmacy

Princess Manicure .................... €15.00 Gel Overlay Semilac ................. €30.00

FASHION & BEAUTY

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Page 49

at McFadden’s Pharmacy

Anjali, Doreen and Caroline.

Doreen and Anjali at the launch.

Amjali and Hannah.

Anjali with a customer.

Anjali and husband Mohammed.

Anjali with the Leader columnist Vicki Raine.

FASHION & BEAUTY

50 Page 46 36

theLeader Leader 02April May 2018 the Leader || 19 December 2017 the ||||18

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The Nuxe sun range is a lovely range for people who want to enjoy the sun by combining pleasure & safety. They have chemical filters to protect against UVA & UVB, water hyacinth to protect against dehydration, kau pe flower to protect against overheating (prickly Heat) and lastly rice, rosemary & beet to protect against photo-aging.

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Monday Letterkenny The Vestry, St Conal’s Church, Letterkenny 5.30pm and 7.30pm Your consultants name is Sandra Telephone 086 0792558 Tuesday Ballybofey Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey 9.30am and 11.30am Consultant: Donna Telephone 087 6264618 Tuesday Ballybofey Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey 5.30pm and 7.30pm Consultant: Donna Telephone 087 6264618

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Tuesday Buncrana Inishowen Gateway Hotel Railway Road 9.30am and 11.30am Consultant: Anne Marie Tel 086 0848705 Tuesday Buncrana Inishowen Gateway Hotel Railway Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Consultant: Anne MarieTelephone 086 0848705 Wednesday Letterkenny Mount Errigal Hotel Ballyraine, Letterkenny 10.00am and 12.00pm Consultant: Sandra Telephone 086 0792558

01 656 9696

Wednesday Letterkenny Mount Errigal Hotel Ballyraine, Letterkenny 5.00pm and 7.00pm Consultant: Sandra Tel:086 0792558 Wednesday Newtoncunningham Columbian Hall, Main Street Newtoncunningham 5.30pm and 7.30pm Consultant: Anne Marie Telephone 086 0848705 Wednesday Milford, Mulroy Woods Hotel Letterkenny Road, Milford 5.30pm and 7.30pm Consultant: Geraldine Tel:086 3348048

Thursday Letterkenny St Eunans GAA Clubhouse, O’Donnell Park 9.30am and 11.30am Consultant:Catherine Telephone 083 830 0989 Thursday Letterkenny St Eunans GAA Clubhouse, O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny 5.30pm and 7.30pm Consultant: Catherine Telephone 083 830 0989 Saturday Letterkenny Orchard Inn, High Road, Letterkenny 10.00am Consultant: Ruth Telephone 085 8350445

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the Leader || 02 May 2018 Page 2

FASHION & BEAUTY

Page 51 the Leader || May 2017

TAKING COVER In the Garden by Sacha I’m a blow in to this beautiful county and indeed country although it must be said I blew in over 20 years ago.

I love everything about living here and feel fortunate that I have been able to enjoy a wonderful life and raise my family here. There’s just one cloud on my horizon and that’s the weather. It seems that the El Niño weather system that has been with us for the last few years has brought to our county 360 days a year of very grey cold wet weather.

Usually by this point in the calendar we would have enjoyed a couple of nice weeks, but boy are we struggling this year. The ground temperatures are still quite cold, and the winds are still biting.

This is when having a bolt hole of a poly tunnel or glass house comes into its own for a gardener.

I admit they are a serious purchase but if you or someone in your life loves being out in the garden this can transform what they can grow and bring a whole new aspect to gardening.

Page 6

I, myself, have a large poly tunnel, way larger than I anticipated, my other half bought it for my birthday some years ago, I rolled my eyes when the lads rocked up to erect it. It was going to be way too big, but in this case bigger sure is better.

I love that tunnel, yes, I grow tender crops such as cucumbers and many unusual varieties of toms, but it’s become so much more. I have work benches where I can germinate seedlings and grow on young plants but then I began to grow flowers and plants in the ground in the tunnel that need way more heat and protection than could be given outside and that was when the real magic started.

I could work away in the tunnel and it became a little fantasy garden. Nicotiana plants self-seed and grow huge in the evening they pump the most exquisite scent into the air to attract the moths and other pollinators, Dahlias that do very well out in the garden become monsters in the tunnel growing to about 6 foot tall. I had an old arm chair that was fit for the recycling centre but instead it got recovered in pvc cloth and made its way down to the poly tunnel. It’s a top spot for an afternoon

power nap.

There is nothing finer than lurking in the poly tunnel at this time of year, I can hear the wind whistling outside, the down pours of April showers but I turn up the radio and power on.

Many gardeners have glasshouses, I did have a small one for a number of years but every winter I’d be galloping into town the night after a storm

to replace panes of glass and spend weeks picking up slivers of glass - I don’t miss it. You do have to give the tunnel shelter but because of the design as long as it’s in the correct spot the wind goes over the top. The glass house heats up quicker in spring but to purchase a large greenhouse is very expensive.

There are some good places to go locally and check them out. The allotments behind St. Conal’s has a great community tunnel and Gillespie polytunnels in Killygordon is a great place to get inspiration and professional local advice, they also have a great website.

Right I’m off to the tunnel with my lunch and the radio, my weather station says it’s nine degrees Celsius outside but really feels like six Celsius inside the tunnel it’s a cosy 18°!

the Leader || 30 August 2017

The Sweet Life ......... By Eleanor McKeever Ain’t nobody loves me better …. than TUI TUI you ask? We used to know them as Falcon Holidays and Thomson but with last year’s major global rebranding and a new “discover your smile” logo, they’ve become TUI.

Love it or hate it, you’ve probably seen the TV ad and may have thought it’s the most annoyingly cheesy ad in TV history, or like me, found yourself drawn like a magnet to the TUI website to check out that sun holiday idyll where you are literally swept off your feet in an all-singing, all-dancing sunshine-filled resort of pristine swimming pools, sandy beaches and azure blue seas with head-totoe pampering, twirling waiters, smiling reps and even smiling chefs attending to your every need.

It worked. I fell for it, hook, line and sinker.

I’ve booked a sun holiday with TUI. After an achingly long winter (what happened to spring?) it seems summer is literally just around the corner, but sorry I’m not taking

any chances waiting for the Irish sun to come out any time soon so I’m packing myself and my family off to Gran Canaria for a week of sunshine.

Self-Catering, Bed & Breakfast, Half Board or All Inclusive?

I’m opting for the cheaper option of “self-catering”, though I sometimes wonder if it ends up any cheaper. You know that feeling when you head off on holiday with thoughts of all that wonderful fresh produce from the local markets that you are going to transform into culinary delights while you sip a tall sangria to the sound of a Spanish guitar in the background? Often it ends up with me grappling with a couple of strange looking kitchen utensils and a 2-ring hob that wouldn’t heat up porridge before I give up, and we all head off to the local restaurant like we should have done in the first place anyway.

Shop ‘til you drop With only four weeks to holiday countdown, it’s time to hit the shops. First up, a new

handbag, and a beach bag, then sandals and flip flops, a sundress, a “going out” dress, shorts, tee-shirts and a couple of nice tops. The last item on my list is swimwear, and that can only mean one thing:

Ready, Steady, Diet!

Yes, for me it’s a Mayday call. The very thought of shedding those camouflaging layers of winter woollies and padded coat and revealing a more revealing me sends shivers up and down my spine. Well, we all put on a few pounds over the winter, don’t we? Christmas wasn’t that long ago, was it? A cursory glance online tells me I’m not alone … women everywhere, it seems, are on a diet, and not just any old diet.

Lose up to 10 lbs in 14 days!

Emergency one week bikini diet! Military

diet! Summer shape up meal plan! Three weeks to summer shorts diet plan! 35 foods to get you bikini ready! The only three diets you’ll need this summer! Three diets? Now, I’m confused. It all sounds a bit frightening and a bit intense, though frankly I’m quite tempted by that “Lose up to 10 lbs in 14 days” one. And what’s all this obsession with bikini bodies? There’s always the kaftan

option.

Must I give up the things I love?

Yes. With only four weeks to go until holiday bliss, it seems like all my favourite treats are off the menu: chocolate, ice cream, dessert, crisps, and wine…. Wine? Yes, wine. Never mind. I can do this.

TUI, you do sell wine and Pringles on the flight over, don’t you?

2 Page 52

FASHION & BEAUTY

theLeader Leader||||02 March 2017 the May 2018

Pictures from the past...

.S Doubles Bonnar and Tadhg Culbert, winners of C.Y.M Eddie Dunne (Sponsor) presents prizes to Pat ). (circa 1990s & runners up Packie James & Paddy Gallagher.

Barney Doherty and Frank Sweeney.

Morris Dancers at a Letterkenny Folk Festival

in the 1980s.

Barry Clerkin, Seamus McGrory, Patrick Carr, Danny Meehan, Thomas Gallen, Liam O’Donnell, Thomas Deeney, Eunan Bonnar. George Hunter, David Mackey, Desmond Harkin, Colm Kennedy, Danny Coyle, Seamus Doherty, Hugh Kelly, Johnny Houston. Columba McGlynn, Frankie McNulty, Philip Daly, Fred Drein, Niall O’Donnell, Malcom Patton, Tony McCaul, Johnny Cullen. Front Row: Leo Cullen, Lovis Bradley, Seamus Crossan and Patrick Maguire.

The Leader needs your ‘Old’ photographs...

We can scan your old photos or you can email them to us: info@theleader.ie or call 086 049 4820

FASHION & BEAUTY

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Page 53

Fashion&Beauty theLeader

Your fortnightly fashion & beauty fix for looking fantastic!

Polka Dot Raine! New Fashion & Lifestyle blogger! P54

Lisa Geraghty takes top award P55 | Charlotte Murphy P56

Environ Treatments available at Catherine’s Laser & Beauty Salon The full range of Environ facials and products are available at Catherine’s Laser & Beauty Salon, Port Road, Letterekenny.

With its innovative use of modern technology, Environ is revolutionising skin-care worldwide.

Founded by renowned South-African plastic surgeon Dr Des Fernandes, Environ aims to repair skin damaged by UV rays, scarring or the poor climate.

The treatment promises a more youthful appearance in just two sessions, rivalling the need for

cosmetic surgery or fillers.

Treatment itself consists of pulsed electrical currents and low frequency sound waves, used to increase the penetration of vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene into the skin.

Due to our climate, our skin is often lacking in such vitamins, and, as a result, is more prone to damage and pre-mature aging.

The increase in vitamins A and E then allow for more elastin and collagen to be produced, softening scars and lines in the face.

This contributes to a more youthful complexion. Directly contrasting treatments such as

skin peeling or lasering, the Environ Lonzyme Active Vitamin facials increase skin growth, as opposed to peeling away layers. As a result, the positive effects of Environ’s technique are both long-lasting and dramatic.

The treatment is proving extremely popular, with an impressive list of celebrity fans including Sienna Miller, Ellen Pompeo, Naomi Watts, Claudia Winkleman, Elle Macpherson and Oscar-winning Hilary Swank.

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086 048 1662

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FASHION & BEAUTY

Page 54

Polka Dot Raine

The Leader would like to introduce it’s new Fashion & Lifestyle Blogging columnist...Polka Dot Raine Who’d have thought that I’d find myself with my own Fashion/Beauty slot in my local newspaper? Certainly not me!

In little under four months I’ve gone from online browsing and styling my sisters and friends, to establishing myself as Polka Dot Raine, a Lifestyle & Fashion Blogger on Facebook – primarily offering style inspiration and fashion advice to thousands of fashion lovers.

Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger facebook.com/polkadotraine @polka_dot_raine

the Leader || 02 May 2018

My name is Vicki (Victoria) Raine, a native of Letterkenny, raised quite literally at the bottom of the town. Every Saturday as a little girl for as long as I can remember I would accompany my Nana to Greene’s Department Store now the Market Centre in Letterkenny. Regularly I would be treated to a ‘good coat’, a new hat or a ‘proper’ pair

of shoes. My nana was my Style Icon. She inspired me and shared her love of fashion with me. The best piece of fashion advice she gave me was ‘you can wear all the nice clothes you want but it’s the shoes that will make or break an outfit’. She was right!

I’m 44 years old, married with two beautiful girls, 14 &12 – who don’t share my passion for fashion! By profession I am a Home Economics Teacher of 25yrs at Errigal College in Letterkenny. I enjoy baking, reading, going to the gym and shopping.

I love dressing up at every opportunity. I tend to prepare my outfits weeks in advance so there is no chance of getting me to go out last minute. I love the high street stores especially Zara, River Island and Topshop.

I have no definitive style. I just like to look and feel good. For me, makeup and clothes give me a confidence that I don’t have

naturally. I know and appreciate that a lot of readers can empathise with this.

I hope that my slot here in The Leader and my blog Polka Dot Raine is so much more than just Style & Fashion.

I hope to inspire my readers to be content and happy with who they are.

Life isn’t perfect but our outfits can be!

Look forward to catching up with you all again soon.

Vicki x

Classy from head to toe - Styled by Polka Dot Raine Warehouse

This gorgeous light blue flounced hem dress is from Oasis.

The lace effect over the nude background gives this dress a touch of real glamour. It has a really lovely neckline with the on trend cold shoulder. Nipped in at the waistline with an inconspicuous band it falls lovely to create the most stylish silhouette. €90 Styled here with nude sandals by Lipsy @ Next and a nude studded envelope bag from Cari’s Closet.

A little set of pearl earring complete with upstyle to finish the look.

n Karen Mille Wow… what a stunning dress from Karen Millen @ £190. It just oozes style & elegance. This abstract dress with its array of colours will make heads turn clinched in at the waist to create definition, falling into that lovely skirt.

Very simple styling with a pair of nude patent courts from Office, a complementary bag from Lipsy @ Next & metallic hoop earring from Mango, keeping the look very sophisticated.

Wear this one to your next Special Occasion with a headpiece or take it on holidays with your flats. So very versatile! I love it.

Competition Time!

Oasis

This is my all- time favourite colour and it can be worn so well by all hair colours especially Red Heads!

This dress is available from Warehouse – boasting a knot tie front which would camouflage the waist area if needs be. Midi length, a great trend this S/S - even petites can carry off this length. The sleeves make this dress a winner all round as women can be so conscious of their upper arms. At €89 this dress would take you to any occasion.

Styled today with a beautiful pair of snake print high heeled sandals & matching bag from Misguided, the look is completed with a pair of long gold earrings.

Love this dress from the Exquise range at Mc Elhinneys Dept Store, Ballybofey. Retailing at €159 I bought this for my daughter’s Confirmation.

This coral & cream striped dress was so comfortable to wear.

Win a Lunch for two

Check out the fab oversized pockets – every ladies dream feature in a dress. It also has a beautiful cut out

at Sonder in Letterkenny. To be in with a chance pop over to my Facebook Page, Polka Dot Raine, give it a like and tag Sonder and The Leader.

Winner will be announced at the weekend.

Good Luck

feature to the back of the dress. So versatile, it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

McElhinney’s

I styled it very simply with nude patent heels from Penneys and a nude clutch from Dune.

Highly

Recommended

by Polka Dot Raine

My recommended purchase this week is this delightful red wine Finca Linte. It’s my little treat on a Friday night. Available from The Counter (in store & online).

the Leader || 02 May 2018

FASHION & BEAUTY

Page 55

Letterkenny’s own Lisa Geraghty is all Ireland make-up Champion

but it’s all worthwhile to win All Ireland Makeup Champion, it just makes me so proud that I never gave up!! I hope to pursue a teaching career in this industry and Hair and Makeup is only going to get bigger and bigger. But for now I’m enjoying my title and looking forward to finishing up at college and spending more time with my family.

This week the Leader caught up with the very busy and talented Lisa Geraghty, on a week she will remember for many years to come.

Lisa has featured in the Leader before when she secured a masterclass in her Lower Main Street salon with Paddy McGurgan, being the first make-up artist to bring Mr McGurgan to Letterkenny, so already we have learned from Lisa that she likes to push herself and her ambition knows no bounds, as she is very eager to achieve high in any task she sets herself, so what better way to do this than to enter The All Ireland Make-up Championships.

Monday the 23rd April was the date pencilled in her diary, Lisa knew the standard at the competition would be extremely high and being judged by the expert panel that included, Paddy McGurgan, Celebrity makeup artist and Creative makeup artist of the year, President of NI hairdressing association and World Champion Gold medallist Steve Jones, Ken McClure World Champion and Silver Medallist, and Ryan Ebbit Stylist of the Year, would make any makeup artist nervous.

Special Support Also in the room that night were two very special people to give their unconditional support to Lisa, these were her husband John Geraghty and son Josh who are both “ very proud of everything Lisa has achieved ” When speaking with Lisa she explained that when entering these competitions “you have to be different and stand out, there are so many fabulous makeup artists and stylists around that you always have to upskill and try to be on top

All Ireland make-up champion, Lisa Geraghty from Letterkenny.

of your game. If you are passionate and determined enough about something you will always do well.” When we asked Lisa, what is next after this great achieve-

ment she replied “I’m just about to finish my 5th year at college and will graduate this year with an HND in Hair & Beauty Management so its been hectic for me

Lisa celebrates with husband John and son Josh.

Modelling for Lisa at the championships was 23 year old model Claudia McLaughlin. Claudia has been working with Lisa for three years and Lisa was delighted to have had Claudia on board for the championship success.

64 Lower Main Street, Letterkenny

Call 086 888 2848

Find on Facebook: ‘lisa geraghty hair and makeup’

(First Floor)

Page56 2 Page

FASHION & BEAUTY

Leader || April 2017 thethe Leader || 02 May 2018

Model and former Miss Universe Donegal, Charlotte Murphy gives her advice on beauty, fashion & lifestyle.

Yay it’s May! To mark the start of summer, why not buy a new perfume? It’s always nice if you are going on holidays or have a special event coming up to buy a new fragrance as the scent will always remind of you of those happy days.

Here are two of my favourites and two of my not-so favourites, which for me do not make the cut!

Coach New York Floral Eau De Parfum for Her 30ml €45.00 McElhinney’s

nectar, modern chypre and light musky wood. The fragrance opens with notes of Sicilian Bergamot, Mandarin oil and blackcurrant liqueur which is supported by a heart which bursts with Rose May, Neroli and Egyptian Jasmine. Warm undertones caress the unique chypre base notes of Patchouli oil intertwined with Blond Woods, amber and musky undertones known as OrcanoxTM. Finished with a sweet animalic accord of Vanilla which gives this fragrance, longevity and unforgettable sillage. “ What were they thinking?

As part of the lifestyle aspect of this column, I thought I would include a couple of cocktails to help get your summer in full swing! My number one cocktail is the French Martini which I haven’t tried in Letterkenny yet so here is a receipe to try at home along with another couple of little beauties. Enjoy.

French Martini

Beauty by

Charlotte Murphy

Carolina Herrara Good Girl Eau De Parfum for Her 30ml €54.50 Boots

Strawberry Gin Lemonades

This new perfume was lauched in January 2018 and it is one of the nicest fragrances I’ve tried in a very long time. It is hard to source but McElhinney’s stock it and once you smell it you will fall in love! It is inspired by Coach’s signature leather roses and is beautiful scent for this summer. I would not usually be a fan of overly sweet or floral perfumes but this one is really lovely and develops throughout the day and just smells divine! Here is the official description to give you a better idea of the notes and aroma of this fragrance.

“The fragrance opens with a splash of citrus coeur and a touch of effervescent pink peppercorn with radiant pineapple sorbet. The heart reveals a bouquet of fragrant flowers— rose tea, jasmine sambac and gardenia— before an enveloping dry-down to elegant creamy wood, patchouli and musky notes.”

The design and name of this perfume just about sums up everything a modern woman does not represent. The name ‘Good Girl’ is reminicent of a leering old man trying to flirt with you. The whole concept is totally cringe.

The design looks like it is straight from a pound shop and is about 20 years out of date. The pefume smells OK but you might want to hide the bottle.

Kim Kardashian KKW Fragrance

Chambord is raspberry French liquer which happens to come in a beautiful bottle! It is available to purchase in Asda.

15ml Chambord 50ml Vanilla Vodka 60ml Pineapple Juice Handful of Ice Pineapple or raspberries to garnish In a cocktail shaker add the Vanilla Vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice along with a couple of cubes of ice. Shake vigorously.

The vigorous shaking will froth the pineapple juice and give you a nice foamy topping to the cocktail.

Strain into the Martini glass and serve with a wedge of fresh pineapple or a couple of fresh raspberries.

Watermelon Mojitos

Next Edition of...

theLeader

Giorgio Armani Si Passione Eau De Parfum 30ml €58.00 McElhinney’s

Oh Kim… This new fragrance from Kim Kardashion is a minature replica of her body. It seems to be a knock off of Jean Paul Gaultier except in a more graphic fashion, as always with the Kardashians. Kim unveiled it on her snapchat for the first time last week. I really hope this is a publicity stunt as who would want this pointy nippled grey stump in their handbag.

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!

This perfume is another favourite of mine. It smells so nice and lasts all day yet it is not over-powering. Armani always do gorgeous scents and this one is no different. It’s warm, exotic yet very fresh and perfect for day and night.

The official despcription is “It combines an inflection of three accords: blackcurrant

60ml of gin 120 ml of lemonade 1 cup of mashed strawberries Sliced strawberries and lemons for garnish Fill each glass with a few spoonsful of the strawberry puree. Fill the glass with ice. Add the gin over the ice and stir it into the strawberry puree. Fill the rest of the glass up with the lemonade. Garnish with a few lemon slices and strawberries.

Wednesday

16th May

2 watermelon chunks 1 lime 2 teaspoons of sugar Handful of mint Leaves 60ml rum Ice Ginger ale Muddle 2 watermelon chunks with the juice of one lime and two teaspoons of sugar in each glass. Stir in a handful of mint leaves, then add the white rum and ice. Top with ginger ale, garnish with more mint.

TO BOOK ADVERTISING CALL US:

Tel: 086 048 1662 or email us: info@theleader.ie

FASHION & BEAUTY

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Page 57

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

theLeader

MISS DONEGAL...

MISS IRELAND...MISS WORLD! BE THE NEXT

MISS

DONEGAL 2018 GIRLS 17-27

Hosted by Donegal Event Management

ENTRY NOW OPEN FOR MISS DONEGAL 2018 TO ENTER: go to the ‘Miss Donegal 2018’ Facebook page and simply send us a private message with your name, age and contact number and we will be in touch!

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS 10TH MAY 2018

The final will take place on 25th May in Dillon’s Hotel, Letterkenny EVENT SPONSORS:

J E W E L L E R S

Page 58

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Duncan Stewart launches Tidy Towns Cleaner Community Campaign

Page 59

the Leader || 02 May 2018

33rd Annual

CLEANER COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN 2018

An Taisce

The National Trust for Ireland

Community Awards & Categories 2018 Letterkenny Tidy National Spring Towns Committee Clean Month welcomes more April 1st - April 30th volunteers ! and business interests in promoting Letterkenny‘s Litter Control Team meet every Sunday at 10.30 am on the Market Square. Please come along and help to keep Letterkenny clean and tidy.

and participating in this programme.

Donegal County Council support groups intending to carry out a clean up by providing bags, gloves, litter, pickers & hi-vis vests.

Contact the environmental section of DCC on 074 9153900, leave your details and your call will be returned.

Entry Form for Garden Competitions Name Address

Tel: T pe of Garden: Ty

Large Residential:

Small Residential:

Wildlife-friendly: ly:

The w inner in each category receives a â‚Ź100 voucher for Alcorns Florist Return entries before 1st July 2018 to Secretary, Letterkenny Tidy Towns Committee, c/o Magees Pharmacy, 27 Upper Main Street, Letterkenny. or email: letterkennytidytowns@gmail.com

4 Page 60

thethe Leader || 16 August 2017 Leader || 02 May 2018

Malachy Dunleavey’s 50th

Malachy Dunleavey pictured with extended family and friends at his 50th birthday on Friday Night.

Local Events with

theLeader

Malachy Dunleavey (left) celebrating his 50th birthday Malachy Dunleavy gets ready to tuck in to his with Tomas Friel both originally for Wolfe Tone Place.

Pictured at the Tir An Og. birthday cake at his surprise birthday party.

Malachy Dunleavey with from left Eddie Lanahan, Frances Friel, Vicky his wife and life long friend Tomas Friel.

Malachy Dunleavey at his 50th party pictured with his father Mick, sisters Annemarie and Sharon.

Malachy Dunleavey with his brother Ben and Troy Hegarty.

Photos by Brian McDaid

ABOVE - Workmates from the Urban Council in Letterkenny past and present surprise Malachy Dunlevey when they landed at his birthday on Friday night.

LEFT - Malachy Dunleavey with his wife Vicky, brothers in law, David and Godfrey Mc Glynn.

Malachy Dunleavey pictured with his brothers Shaun, Michael, Pauric and Gerard at his 50 birthday party in Tir an Og.

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment

the Leader || 02 May 2018

theLeader

DONEGAL’S NO.1 ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Footloose! the musical

St. Eunan’s & Loreto join forces to deliver fantastic sell out five night show!

On Page 69

Oprey Le Daniel P63 | Check out Moonshine Coffee House P67

‘The Lost’ to play special gig in Blakes Bar this Sunday For anyone into their indie music in Donegal in the late 80’s & 90’s, you will no doubt have remembered ‘The Lost’ with Raphoe natives Garrett Harte, Emmet Harte and Darren ‘Bubbles’ Dolan. Ray Lyttle from Newtowncunningham and Dermot Coll from Dungloe.

The band played extensively around the North West from the late 80’s in venues such as Downtown and Boyle’s Bar in Letterkenny, the Gweedore Bar and Union Hall in Derry and the regular touring around the county to famous watering holes in Dungloe, Glenties, Ballyshannon and overseas to Arranmore!

In 1990 the boys relocated to Dublin.

The city, at the time, was a hot bed of live music and the band would busk by day on Grafton St and play nightly in famous venues such as ‘The Fox & Pheasant’, ‘Underground’ & ‘Baggot Inn’.

With fame and fortune also came the time for the band members to move in their own direction - Garrett & Emmet remained in Dublin, Bubbles moved to Belfast, Ray to London and Dermot to Washington DC.

Reunion Gig The lads have always remained good friends and a chance jamming session together last year wetted the appetite for a reunion gig.

It is 30 years this year since the band recorded its first EP demo with original

tracks ‘Shatterproof’ ‘Radio Days’ and ‘Confrontation’ so it seemed only fitting that The Lost was to re-form and play in Letterkenny in Blakes Bar this coming Sunday May 6th.

The lads will be joined on the night by local musician Gary Gillen’s band ‘Control The Dark’.

There will also be a few guest appearances on the night.

Page 61

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

Page 62 62 Page

the Leader || 02 May 2017 2018 the Leader || April

theLeader

May is here and there is plenty of entertainment in and around Donegal. Drama, comedy and great music is available to keep you entertained this spring. As always, we have the best of ‘What’s On’ so keep on reading!

WHAT’S

Distorted Perspectives

Star Chasers

The Distorted Perspectives Festival, now in its 5th year, takes place at the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny on the 4th & 5th May. They have Crevice from Cork on Friday night at 8pm and on Saturday at 8pm they have New York City’s Jeffrey Lewis.

Tickets available from the box office at An Grianan Theatre and there will probably be some on the doors too.

On the 8th May there’s a show for national school pupils in An Grianan Theatre. Suitable for children aged 4 to 7. A modern-day adventure for all, Star Chasers sees Billy and Dad heading north with just a tent and a box full of Mam’s memories. On the way they pitch their tent, conjure Mam’s stories and quarrel as they seek journey’s end and a new beginning. This is a rich exploration of the relationship between a parent and child and their attempts to come to terms with the shared loss in their lives. A tapestry of music, movement and magical imagery. Booking: call 0749120777. Tickets: €5 per pupil, free for teachers/snas.

My Left Nut This hour long show is a highly acclaimed funny and poignant show basically dealing with the fact young males don’t like to talk about their health, especially down there! It’s on at An Grianan Theatre this Saturday 5th May at 8pm. Bring your teenage boys along!

Damien McGinley Exhibition Launch This Friday 4th May at 7pm it’s the official opening of Damien McGinley’s solo exhibition at An Grianan Theatre. All are welcome to attend. Damien’s colourful paintings depict a vivid melting pot of humanity, modernity and urban dynamics. The exhibition itself runs until Saturday 23rd June so there’s good time to see it.

The Coarse Acting Show This Saturday 5th May presented by Bard Theatre Company there’s a cracking play in the Balor Arts Centre. Here’s the story: The Pratfall Collegium Dramatics Society are an amateur group on the verge of becoming theatre professionals. They have it all – lights, sound, a set, and, more importantly, the correct number of cast members. ‘The Course Acting Show’ is a crash course on how NOT to do theatre. Tickets from the Balor Arts Centre on 074 91 61840 or balorartscentre.com.

Charity Comedy - Dunfanaghy

Peter Rabbit Workshop Baby Daddy A show for the wee wee ones at An Grianan Theatre this Friday May 4th. An up-close show which plays to small groups of babies aged 6-18 months and their grown-ups. With three beardy men playing live instruments, lots of songs, and a bit of rough and tumble, this show is the daddy of them all. Max of 8 babies per show. Show times: 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm Cost: €10 per baby and accompanying adult. Check out angrianan. com for more information and tickets.

“A Good Rabbit Never Gives Up!” Peter Rabbit Believes Every Day Is An Adventure.

This is a fun event for children aged 5 plus at An Craoibhin Termon this Wednesday 2nd May from 5pm to 6.30pm. Admission is €12 and you can book by contacting Jumping Clay on 0877101475.

In Their Thousands - Glen Bar The men with the tunes ship up to The Olde Glen Bar for a night of great music, food and no doubt a sup or two, this Wednesday 2nd May. Contact the Bar for more details.

GUIDE

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT ON THE WAY!

DONEGAL & THE NORTHWEST Next Edition of...

the

Leader

If you fancy getting out of Letterkenny this Bank Holiday Weekend you could head down to Dunfanaghy where there’ll be a Charity Comedy Night in aid of One in Four Ireland in The Shibin at the Oyster Bar on Friday May 4th. This will be headlined by Ryan Cullen, as seen on MTV, BBC and RTÉ. Pauric Gallagher will be on MC’ing duties, with a host of other excellent acts. Doors are at 9pm, admission is €7 or you can get 4 tickets for €20.

16th May

People Who Do Strange Things With Food

TO BOOK ADVERTISING

I have no idea what this is about but it’s fair to say it’ll be worth dandering in for a nosey!

“The Domestic Godless inhabit a twilight zone between art and gastronomy. They are not chefs, they exploit food as material to irritate notions of good taste, function and morality. They shall bring Donegal cuisine in an interesting new direction with two free public events/performances on Saturday at 6pm (5th May) and Sunday (6th May) at 2pm.” It’s in the RCC in Letterkenny if you’re tempted ….

Wednesday

CALL US:

Tel: 074 91 25760 or 086 049 4820 or email us: sales@theleader.ie

My Left Nut This Saturday 5th May 8pm

The true story of a Belfast boy growing up with no father to guide him through, and a giant ball to weigh him down.

Page 4 the Leader || 02 May 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

the Leader || 02 May 2018 Page 63

OPRY RETURNS TO MILLENNIUM FORUM HOSTED BY IRELAND’S ‘KING’ OF COUNTRY MUSIC—DANIEL O’ DONNELL TG4 television’s highest viewed country music show, Opry le Daniel, returns to Millennium Forum, Derry for seven nights in May. With two concerts per night scheduled from 7.45pm, Opry is the biggest televised extravaganza of country music with artists from both home and abroad performing on stage with Ireland’s own legend of country music, Daniel O’ Donnell.

Series seven kicks off on Sunday 13th May with the first of one of this year’s new concept shows, ‘Country Music Family’, which introduces well known singer/guitarist Brendan Quinn performing with his sons James and Stephen, both accomplished performers in their own right whilst the second concert of the opening night sees the legendary Charley Pride take to the stage. Pride, of course, needs no introduction to country music with followers the world over and makes his only appearance in Ireland in 2018 in Derry.

Monday 14th has Opry giving a fantastic tribute show to the iconic George Jones with Jimmy Buckley and Robert Mizzell performing some of George’s best known songs with none other than special guest Georgette Jones, daughter of country music’s golden couple, George Jones and Tammy Wynette. The second concert again features a ‘Country Music Family’, this time with Dominic Kirwan and sons Barry and Colm, the latter taking time out from his successful American television appearances to appear with his Dad and brother.

Ireland’s latest ‘superstar’ Derek Ryan takes to the stage on Tuesday 15th with his dad Pat and brother Adrian for the third of the ‘Country

Music Family’ shows followed by the new, up and coming stars of the country scene, ‘Young Country’ artists including Stuart Moyles, Keelan Arbuckle, Olivia Douglas, Caitlin and Brandon McPhee from Scotland.

Wednesday 16th brings together the ‘Classic Country’ artists from the ‘70’s era who kept country music alive during the ‘disco’ years and nostalgia will be the word on the night with John Hogan, Kathy Durkin, Shawn Cuddy and Gloria, still performing as strongly as ever, bringing us that classic country sound once more.

Also appearing will be the new, ‘Contemporary Country’ performers of the modern era, Donna Taggart, Jacqui Sharkey and Niamh Mc Glinchey, giving us their own style of country.

Two of the biggest names in country music are paid tribute to on Thursday and Friday, 17th and 18th, with Ireland’s ‘Queen of Country’ Sandy Kelly, Declan Nerney and Jordan Mogey ‘singing’ Johnny Cash. Both Sandy and Declan toured or sang with the ‘man in black’ whilst Jordan has a repertoire of Cash songs which has seen him receive many reviews from his peers. Following the tribute show is one of the undoubted ‘princesses’ of the country music scene, Lisa Mc Hugh, whose vast following extends to all corners of Ireland and abroad, while the final ‘tribute’ show on the Friday is attributed to the one and only ‘Gentleman of Country’, Mr. Jim Reeves.

Paying tribute is the undoubted no.1 performer of Reeves songs, Al Grant accompanied by Tony Kerr, Patrick Feeney and Matt Leavy.

Closing night, Saturday 19th, brings together a plethora of female singing artists with the first concert being a celebration of the music and songs of who was once described as the leading female country music artist in the world, the fabulous Loretta Lynn. Leading this exceptional

Opry le Daniel concert artists pictured with host Daniel O’ Donnell and Mayor of Derry/Strabane Council, Maolíosa Mc Hugh [centre] l-r; Barry Kirwan, Stuart Moyles, Niamh Mc Glinchey, Dominic Kirwan, Brendan Quinn, Caitlin, Keelan Arbuckle and Karen Henderson, Marketing Mgr., Visit Derry. Back row, l-r; Caroline Morris, Commercial Mgr., Derry News, Shawn Cuddy, Tony Kerr, Olivia Douglas, Lisa Heaney, Box Office Mgr., Millennium Forum, Sorcha ní Dhuibhir, Production Manager, Opry le Daniel and Maria Mc Dermott, Visit Derry.

night is none other than Loretta’s granddaughter, Tayla Lynn and Leona Williams, all the way from Tennessee, the latter having performed many times with Loretta both on stage and screen.

Joining them will be Niamh Lynn and Louise Morrissey, two of Ireland’s best female country music artists of our time. The closing concert of the night will host the enigmatic Rita Coolidge, known worldwide as the ‘females female artist’, better known by many for penning such songs as

‘Help me make it through the Night’ and ‘Me and Bobby Magee’ with her then husband Kris Kristofferson.

Closing night at Opry le Daniel at Millennium Forum, Derry will certainly be a night not to be missed. Recorded in front of a live audience, mixing profiles/archive and comments from their biggest fans, Opry le Daniel brings the essence of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry to Derry.

Page 64

ENTERTAINMENT

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Sara’s Kitchen…

Food you’ll love!

Sara’s Kitchen has just opened in the new totally refurbished Sister Sara’s Bar Complex in The whole entertainment complex has been totally transformed with a massive investings and now also the restaurant side of things. Talented chefs who are keen to along with a huge new kitchen which was installed as part of the investment means the complex can now offer top quality food which equates to the complete entertainment experience all under the one roof.

They have a new slogan… Sara’s Kitchen, ‘Food You’ll Love’ and we have to say we at the Leader had a chance to try out some of the delicious new dishes and we absolutely loved it!

Proprietor Brian Brogan declared, “We kenny and our aim is to add something new priced and well presented with great customer service in a unique atmosphere.”

Sara’s Garden Another new to the impressive complex is Sara’s Garden, a huge stunning new beer garden that also includes the ment. When walking from the main bar out through the massive wide open doorway to Sara’s Garden when the sun is shining is something quite special indeed.

Cocktail & Coffee Bar The new standalone cocktail and coffee bar is already proving immensely popular with patrons who can enjoy top of the range

in 12oz Irish Nature Sirlo

prefer something with a kick, fully trained mixologists are on hand to offer stunning

‘Live Sports’ Sara’s new Superpub was designed with

Cookies & Cream

Strawberry Pavlova

latest quality TV screens seen anywhere so sports fans are able to enjoy live sports from any vantage point in the bar in crystal HD joy!

Sara’s Kitchen is serving food daily at Sister Sara’s Superpub from 4pm – 9pm. Why not call in and give your taste buds an absolute treat and enjoy the food in the new ‘state of

Join us in...

Sara’s

Garden...

GARD

EN

ENTERTAINMENT

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Page 65

SEE FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES

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ENTERTAINMENT

Page 66 18

Leader || 02 May 2018 thethe Leader || 30 August 2017

Keep‘er Country Wham Bam Thank You Mam!

Last week I caught up with Louisiana man and country star Robert Mizzell at a concert we both performed at in the Millennium Forum, Derry. It’s always great to catch up with different singers on the road and even better when we catch up with our friends and fans that also came along to see the shows. Robert was also tellin’ me that his annual country music trip that I perform at, which takes country music fans to the sunny climates of the Costa Brava in Spain, has another huge crowd attending this year, and at present, they are (no doubt like me), getting their holiday clothes and drawers (or no drawers) packed for the week getaway in the sun. It’s always a fun week away and the atmosphere is electric with music both day and night, sunshine, dancing, meeting some of Ireland’s country stars and of course sharing a few cocktails or Sangría with friends. Great to catch up with Robert Mizzell and looking forward to seein’ you all in Spain.

Dancing in Dungloe Weekend.

In our column a few weeks ago, we had a winner of a super giveaway. It was overnight accommodation with breakfast & dinner at the 4 Star Waterfront Hotel in

Sharon Kelly, Carmel McGuinness & Gary Gamble

Dungloe. Our column winner Andrena Holmes used her prize recently and the comments and praise that she gave the hotel were just unbelievable. I attended the Waterfront Hotel last year with a Highland Radio outside broadcast and general manager Joseph McColgan took ourselves on a tour of the hotel. What a stunning location and luxurious hotel. The detail that goes into their interior design, food, service, accommodation and functions is just perfection and it is certainly leaving an impression on guests who come to stay at the hotel from near and far. If you’ve never been to the hotel or visiting beautiful Dungloe and you, your friends or family are looking to get away for a few days in May, then I’ll be hosting a weekend at the Waterfront Hotel with Highland Radio from Saturday 19th until the Monday 21st of May. There’s music each night & day with dancing to country stars Mick Flavin, Hugo Duncan, Seamus McGee, Caitlin, Olivia Douglas, David James, Conor O’Donnell and all backed by the Ryan Turner Band.

There is also a fantastic accommodation package available which includes tickets to all entertainment, breakfast, two evening meals plus a Gary Gamble guided tour. On the Monday I’m looking forward to co-host-

ing an outside broadcast with presenter David James on the Jive Time show 2:30-5pm ‘Live’ from the Waterfront Hotel.

A super line up and great getaway for country fans who want to come ‘Dancing in Dungloe’.

Anyone interested on jumping on board with us contact Highland Radio on 074 91 25000 or book online at www.highlandradio.com.

Competition For a chance to win 2 tickets for Saturday 19th “Dancing in Dungloe Weekend” at the luxurious 4 Star Waterfront Hotel, Dungloe simply answer this question...

Is Country Music singer Hugo Duncan known as: A) The Wee Man from Stranraer Or B) The Wee Man from Strabane Answers by email with name, address and telephone number to GaryGamble@TheLeader.ie Winner will be announced in our next column.

Good Luck!

Birthday girl Myra Roberts with Gary

ENTERTAINMENT

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Page 67

Short trip home to visit family has turned into a good career for Letterkenny man Letterkenny man Paul McDaid took over the lease of Moonshine in January 2017 and he hasn’t looked back since.

He was born in Wolfe Tone Place, to parents Pat (a native of Pluck) and Sadie one of the McNabb sisters from Ard O Donnell. Growing up, Paul had three brothers Paddy, Brendan (Herbie) and Kevin (skinny chef) R.I.P. and a sister Josephine. He has a wide family circle on both sides. Hughie & Hannah McDaid would be well known in McNeely Villas and their sons Padraig and Sean have worked and lived in Letterkenny all their lives.

Big Fred McDaid, as he was affectionally known, lived only two doors away in Wolfe Tone and of course Paul and his siblings grew up with the four McDaid Boys in No 27. Brian, the photographer (Cristeph Studios), and Peadar, the artist, are probably the more well-known of the boys.

His mother had four sisters, most of whom worked in Oatfields Sweet Factory at some stage of their lives and Paul has fond memories of the McKinney’s calling with the box of Coleen at Christmas.

Some of Paul’s cousins from the four McNabb

Ruth Keogh, Garrett Mc Daid, Paul Mc Daid and Ashling Aiken at Moonshine Coffee House.

Sisters include Dessie Gallagher, PJ Mc Ginley, Geraldine McKeever and “Trampus” Doherty.

Paul began a career in the hospitality industry in the Orchard Inn with Pat and Sally Dunnion at the age of 15.

Pat and Sally were great mentors and Paul won the title of Donegal Bar Person of the Year when he was just 17.

Business Degree Having attended the Vocational School in Letterkenny (the tech) Paul went on to third level education at Cathal Brugha Street where he obtained a Degree in Business and a Higher Diploma in Hospitality Management.

Before settling in to his chosen career, Paul travelled to Australia to experience a different country and culture.

He returned to work in the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, specialising in food and beverage cost control. The Temple Bar Hotel opened in 1993 and he joined as food service manager but soon worked his way up to General Manager of this busy hotel

complex which included Buskers Bar and Boomerang Nightclub.

All the time, Paul was gaining invaluable experience. Waterford was the next move and became home for many years, working in the Tower Hotel Waterford and Faithlegg House Hotel as General Manager. It was an opportunity to work in a four-star property, catering for large functions and conference business and indeed it was a first step into the business of golf as Faithlegg had a championship course and was well known in golfing circles.

Before returning to Donegal, he worked for a short spell in The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Dublin. He returned to his native Letterkenny in 2017 with a plan to just stay for a few months, but he rediscovered how great Letterkenny and Donegal were. With a wide circle of family and friends, including daughters Laura (21) and Sara (17) Paul felt the time was right to move home permanently and start the next chapter in his career.

The right opportunity presented itself when the lease for Moonshine Coffee House came up. The first year of a new business is always tough and the winter weather certainly presented challenges, but with the help of a great team of staff, including Gareth (Gaga) McDaid, Ashling Aiken and Danielle Bye, Moonshine has quickly established itself as a great location to have a coffee, meet friends and sample some of the delicious food on offer.

Moonshine specialises in home-made scones and tray bakes and offers lunch specials each day. They are open for breakfast Monday to Saturday at 9.30am and lunch / afternoon food is available to 5pm.

One reason Paul was happy to take on the lease was that he saw the long-term potential for the business. With a new road planned to link the Port Road and the Neil T Blaney Road, Moonshine will continue to evolve with a move away from craft design products to concentrate more on the food offering.

There is ample free parking in the area and Paul has plans to make the upstairs area available for food and non-food events in 2018. Paul also has plans to extend his business into the Carrigart area with his new venture the Donegal Boardwalk Bar & Restaurant, which is part of the new Donegal Boardwalk Resort.

A short trip home to visit family has certainly turned into a good career move for the popular Letterkenny man!

Out & About In

LETTERKENNY pay a visit to

Full breakfast Nenu from 9.30am Homemade scones, Uray bakes and breads Quality Doffee & Tpeciality Ueas Lunchtime Tpecials Gluten Gree Eesserts Open Mon- Sat till 5pm Nice cosy atmosphere

Phone : 074 9125454

email: paulmcdaid1305@gmail.com acebook

Sharon Gardiner, Paul Mc Daid and Danielle Bye at Moonshine Coffee House.

the Leader || March 2017 Page 68

Declan Nerney Saturday 26th May - Cliona Hagan Sunday 27th May - John Hogan, Ray Lynam & Joe Moore Friday 25th May -

Entertainment 25th, 26th, & 27th May

Page 3 the Leader || 02 May 2018 ENTERT

ENTERTAINMENTthe Leader || 10 May 2017

@ the Allingham Arms Bundoran, Co. Donegal

www.allinghamarmshotel.ie

Interview with a local puller of pints!

2BB1D & Dancing from only €149pps 3BB & Dancing from only €209pps 3BB2D & Dancing from only €249pps

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS / AVAILABILITY

This May the country music scene is busy!

Welcome to my country column once again. Before I continue and let you know what’s happening around the county over the next couple of weeks, let me just say how sorry I was to hear of the death of the King of Country Music himself the great Big Tom McBride.

He certainly was a legend and will continue to move us with his music forever. I had the honour of meeting him and his wife Rose last year in Bundoran. He was such a lovely person to meet after all the years I spent listening to his music. I started listening to his music when I was a child. He said, “Hello Anne Biddie,” to me and I was chuffed he knew who I was before I spoke at all! A lovely memory I will cherish forever.

May you rest in peace now Big Tom with your lovely wife Rose.

There is lots of great music coming up in the next couple of weeks especially on the May bank holiday weekend so get your dancing shoes ready folks!

Allingham Arms Hotel, Bundoran – Friday, 4th - May Robert Mizzell. Saturday, 6th - Michael English. Sunday, 7th - Lisa McHugh.

Friday,11th May -The Phil Mack Keep It Country Concert. Saturday,12th May-Gerry Guthrie.

The Annual Kilcar Country Music Festival returns from Friday, 4th until Monday, 7th with lots of great artists appearing in the local pubs over the weekend.

Acts include Ben Troy, Martin Cuffe, Francis Donnelly, Ryan Phoenix, Glor Tire Finalist Conor O’Donnell, Hard to Beat band and many more including myself where I’ll be appearing in Kilcar House on the Saturday night. Hope to see you there!

Shawn Cuddy brings his annual country music weekend back to the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny this weekend also, with dancing on Friday and Saturday night with guest singers, dinner & dance on Sunday night and finishing off the weekend with the Gala Concert. Singers over the weekend include Keelan, Seamus McGee, Trudi Lalor, David James, Mick Flavin, Gary Fitzpatrick, Conor O’Donnell, Orla Furey and many more. A great weekend not to be missed!

The Phil Mack ‘Keep It Country’ show not only is coming to the Allingham Arms in Bundoran on the 11th May but also to the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin on Sunday, 13th May with a great line up including Shunie Crampsey, Trevor Loughrey, David James, Olivia Douglas, Hugo Duncan, Big O, Sean Wallace & backed by the excellent Ryan Turner Band.

Simon Donegan & the Foyle Showband are appearing in the Plaza Ballroom, Buncrana on Saturday, 5th May. Rising young star & award winner Keelan Ardbuckle and his band will keep ye all dancing in the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin on Sunday, 6th May. Peter’s Bar ‘Country Tuesday’ nights continue in Newtowncunnigham and its popularity is growing.

You can find some of the top country music singers who drop in for a song or two like Philomena Begley, Dominic Kirwin, Lisa McHugh and, not least, the local talent too. A great night’s entertainment guaranteed with the best of truly talented musicians. So, call in any Tuesday night folks. All welcome!

My good friend and country music lover (Derek

BAR BYTES

TEL: 071 98 41075

keepin’ er’

country by

anne biddie

yee haw!

Ryan fanatic to be precise!!) Ruth Denniston from Killygordan asked me to give a mention to a Ceili night in the reformed Presbyterian Church, Stranorlar on Saturday, 12th May at 8pm in aid of Exodus Mission Team. Music by Bloomin’ Heather Ceili Band. I know it’s not country music, but Ruth and her mum & dad do lots of great work for charity so it’s only fitting I give this a mention. (Ruth likes my music too!).

Patricia Maguire launches her third album in the Mellon Country Inn, Omagh on Thursday, 3rd May with guests Robert Mizzell, Jim Devine, Barry Kirwin, David James and Conor O’Donnell.

Highland Radio will host its May Gala Concert on Bank Holiday Monday night 7th so get your tickets now! Always a great night.

Country Singer Norman Borland who recently moved back to Ireland from Scotland, will host his own country music show starting Friday, 4th May at 10 pm. This runs for 12 weeks on Sky channel 376. NB - Sky Country Music Channel 389 is now replaced by Channel 376 from May 1st.

I’ll be singing in Kilcar House, Kilcar on Saturday, 5th May and Carr’s of the Diamond, Ballyare on Monday 7th. Hopefully see you around if you are in the area. Sure, call in for the ‘craic’ & bit o’ dancing!

Opry Le Daniel is coming to the Millennium Forum, Derry for seven nights, 13th-19th May 2018.

Don’t forget every fortnight I’ll have a column in the Leader so get your info to me now! annemcconigley@hotmail.com or annebiddie321@ gmail.com And remember – Keep ‘er Country Folks!

Regards Anne Biddie

Full Name: Susan Catherine Alicia Glackin.

Nickname: Suebert/ Suzie Q/ A Boy Called Sue! The list goes on.

Where do you work?

I work for a few different businesses but today I’m working at The Orchard!

How Long?

Since Oct ‘17.

Favourite Food?

Ohhhh there’s too many! Duck confit, fish, vegetarian dishes, anything spicy. Ethnic food, especially Persian and Ethiopian dishes.

Favourite Drink?

Non-alcoholic- Really good quality fresh orange juice or coffee...

Alcoholic- wine, either a Spanish Albariño, Crement, White Burgandy, this list could go on also.

Favourite Movie?

I wouldn’t watch a lot of movies or TV but when I do, I like a good comedy!

Favourite Song?

Lots also, but Nina Simone - ‘Feeling Good’ springs to mind.

Favourite Band?

TLC always bring back good memories of growing up!

Best part of the job?

Getting to create different events.

Funniest thing to happen at work?

I do a lot of work from home, so I don’t get to witness the day to day banter unfortunately.

Most irritating person you work with? Paddy.

And why? Cause he’s the boss, sorry Paddy! Haha.

What are you good at?

Organising, cooking, helping friends work through their problems.

What are you bad at?

Saving money lol.

What makes you nervous?

Not having control of a situation.

Favourite kids programme growing up?

Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles.

If not in current job what other job would you like to do?

Run ‘Donegal Food Tours’. Watch this space.

What job could you never do?

Anything that doesn’t allow for creativity.

If you could be an animal, which one and why?

A unicorn because who wouldn’t want to experience life as a unicorn lol.

Do you have a party piece or talent?

I sing if I’ve had enough wine.

What’s your cheesiest pick up line?

Can’t say I’ve ever used one.

Who would you like to play you in a movie?

Zooey Deschanel maybe, I’ve been told we look a little alike.

Favourite drink or cocktail to make up?

This could be a long list, but I’ll go with an ‘Old Fashioned’ cocktail or G&T of any combination.

ENTERTAINMENT

the Leader || 02 May 2018

Page 69

Everybody Cut Footloose!

Letterkenny was taken back to the 80s this week as a talented cast of singers, dancers and performers from Saint Eunan’s College and Loreto Secondary School presented ‘Footloose The Musical’ at An Grianan Theatre.

With the incredible talents of director John D. Ruddy, choreographer Andrea Emmett and musical director Ms. Claire Curran, the cast of nearly 150 revived the style and music of the 80s and celebrated five consecutive nights of sell-out shows. Transition year students from both schools auditioned in October and quickly began rehearsing every week and most weekends in the lead up

to the show, even giving up their Easter holidays to practice.

Footloose is a brilliant story for teenagers to engage with, dealing with powerful issues such as fitting in, repression, relationships and standing up for what you believe in. It tells the tale of teenager Ren Mc Cormack (played brilliantly by Richard O’ Leary), who is dragged away from his home in bustling Chicago to the small, backward southern town of Bomont with his mother Ethel (played

by Amy Meehan). Here he meets the rest of the cast who are governed by the righteous Reverend Shaw Moore (played by Rory Doherty) and his dutiful wife Vi (played by the very talented Maeve Foley). Reverend Moore has the final say about everything in Bomont, including the creation of a law against dancing. Ren meets the reverend’s not

Richard O’ Leary and Jessica Kernan as Ren and Ariel.

Cast taking a break in the Green Room.

(Left to Right) Caoimhe Lafferty, Lydia Neely, Jessica Kernan and Mya Alcorn.

so innocent daughter Ariel (brilliantly depicted

by Jessica Kernan) who rebels against everything her father represents together with three sassy sidekicks, Rusty (Lydia Neely), Wendy Jo (Mya Alcorn), Urleen (Caoimhe Lafferty) and her troublemaker boyfriend Chuck Cranston (played by Thomas Keys). Ren also befriends the hilarious, dungaree wearing mama’s boy Willard (played by Oisin Nee) and with the young people of Bomont they challenge the town council to abolish the law against dancing.

This energetic production had the feet of the audience tapping from start to finish with 80s tunes that would take you back such as “Footloose”, “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”. The success of this production could not have been possible without the collaboration and

Rory Doherty leading his congregation as Rev Shaw Moore.

dedication from students, staff, backstage crew and everyone involved no matter how big or small their role was.

Speaking on behalf of both Saint Eunan’s College and Loreto Secondary School, we are so incredibly proud of what our students have achieved this year. Our hopes for them when we decided to do this musical was for all involved to meet new friends, challenge themselves by trying something new and to just have fun. They have experienced so much more than that and have blown us and themselves away with their hard work and talents.

Our heartiest congratulations to you all. We are so proud of you!

By Tara Connolly (Teacher at St. Eunan’s College)

Page 228 70 Page

the May the Leader ||||02 02 May 2018 2018 theLeader Leader|| March 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Donegal’s only 5 Star Hotel Lough Eske Castle launches new menu in time for the summer season Head Chef Cedric Bottarlini brings a fresh twist on traditional Irish gastronomy to Lough Eske Castle Lough Eske Castle, Donegal’s exquisite five-star hotel nestled on the shores of Lough Eske has revamped the hotel’s restaurant menu in time for the busy summer season.

The delicious fare at Cedars Restaurant in the hotel has become well known far and wide since chef Cedric Bottarlini took the reins back in 2016.

Bottarlini, originally from France, has taken pride in designing and creating this unique menu which locally sources fresh quality products prepared to the highest standards in the hotel’s kitchen. With over 15 years’ experience in luxury hotels and restaurants, Cedric brings both passion and experience to the kitchen at Lough Eske Castle.

Taste highlights of the menu include the gin cured “Salmon and Pine” and “Crisp Crab Cakes in Passion fruit gel and radish”, both starter dishes on the evening menu, and the “Duck Bergamot” dish as a main. For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu does not disappoint, and features delights such as the decadent Ravioli of Vanilla Crème Brulée which tastes as good as it sounds, and a “Chocolate Sphere” which unravels to reveal a Bailey parfait, caramel and cappuccino crunch when the side of warm toffee chocolate sauce is poured on top. Heaven!

Cedric is dedicated to bringing fine, fresh and local produce to the plate, and is looking forward to the busy summer season. He has long standing, integral relationships with some of the best Irish suppliers and this is reflective of the standard of food in Cedars.

Salmon Starter

The Garden

Duck

Chicken Dish

Lamb Journey

Smoked Salmon Chowder

Movie Review: A Quiet Place In a dystopian not too distant future the world has experienced some sort of apocalyptic event in which monsters scavenge the earth hunting their prey by sound.

NOW SHOWING

COMING SOON...

We meet the Abbott family who are forced to live in silence while being hunted by these creatures. The Abbotts struggle to survive in a world of silence as one mistake could be deadly.

It has been a year since these monsters arrived and the family still survive in part due to the fact that they have been able to communicate through sign language as one of the family members is deaf. However, the mother (Emily Blunt) is pregnant and the delivery of the baby is the impending event

which could threaten the existence of their whole family.

The film begins tense and builds on this tension until its startling finale. As in all good horror films the film forces you to care about the fate of the characters. Once it has accomplished this it can play with all of the audiences frayed emotions. The audience become an active participant in the film in part due to silence, feeling every emotion expressed on the characters faces throughout its 90 minute running time. If you are a parent, the film will have an even bigger emotional effect as you feel the weight of the parent’s responsibility towards their children as they try and train them to survive in such a dangerous world.

The creature design and effects are excellent,

the creatures themselves are insect like with flaps in their heads that open up to reveal large ear structures and deadly razor teeth.

The design convinces you that they really would hunt by sound and that they are completely lethal if you do make a mistake.

John Krasinski who directed and also plays the father has created one of the best horror film in years. The film has been at number 1 twice in America. Word of mouth had propelled it back to number 1 and it deserves the success that it has achieved. If you have a chance go see this film in the cinema, it deserves to be seen on the big screen and to experience the silence with other cinema goers only adds to the tension.

A word of advice - do not buy any noisy snacks before you go in.

Sit in MOVIE REVIEWS by the Leader Movie Buff

@ Century Cinema Letterkenny

the Leader || 02 May 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 71

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

Page 72 the Leader || 28 March 2018

theLeader

Page 55 the Leader || 02 May 2018

David James

Person in Profile

Next up in our ‘Person in Profile is Highland Radio’s, Greg Hughes who is head of news at the station. Greg hails from Laghey in South Donegal and has been with Highland Radio since 2002. Greg was blessed with a happy childhood and feels gaining experience in any field is most important. He chills out with a bit of PlayStation and loves a nice round of golf.

What surprised you most about working in Highland Radio?

A pleasant surprise - how important the station is to listeners and how important listeners are to the station. It is a pleasure coming to work every day and being a part of that two-way relationship.

What is the best/worst thing to happen to you since you started working in Highland?

On the Nine till Noon show we cover a variety of issues, the best aspect of my work is giving people an opportunity to highlight their concerns and being a part of change that has

Favourite film genre?

had a positive impact on them.

way or another.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about going into Radio presenting?

A good third level degree is important, but experience is important, the more time you spend in and around a radio station to get experience the better.

What would other people be surprised to know about you?

I suffer with anxiety and I play PlayStation quite a bit!

If you weren’t working in radio, what do you think you would be doing?

I’ve worked in construction, the hospitality industry and even a bit of tailoring with my father. But if I was not working in radio I would hope to be working with people directly in some

True Life Crime – films like the Zodiac etc.

Favourite sport?

Playing golf and watching GAA.

Who is your role model and why?

I don’t have one in particular, but I admire those who speak of their own personal experience to help others and to give those who can’t speak for themselves a voice.

What is the biggest lesson you never learned?

To try and be a little better at learning lessons.

Favourite memories?

I was blessed with a happy childhood and have many wonderful memories of growing up in South Donegal.

Favourite music genre?

Hip-hop / Motown.

Greg Hughes.

Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Telephone +353 (0) 74 91 23100 www.stationhouseletterkenny.com info@stationhouseletterkenny.com facebook.com/stationhouseletterkenny

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Page 2 the Leader || 02 May 2018

the Leader || May 2017 Page 73

theLeader

Crossword Competition Across

1. Identifying mark 5. Stir slightly 10. Tight, as a drum skin 14. Word with self or man 15. Bay window 16. Noted gymnastics name 17. Surrounded by 18. Be of the same mind 19. It may be hard to swallow 20. Three movie trailers 23. Joel’s predecessor 24. ‘’The Elder’’ of history 25. Toward the stern 28. Bond type 33. Bela contemporary 36. Hecklers’ chorus 38. City of Columbus 39. Two movie trailers 43. Swamp critter 44. First name in legendary comedy 45. Shingle abbreviation 46. It’s often inset 48. Name on a hotel, sometimes 51. ‘’___ Quam Videri’’ (N.C. motto) 53. Inheritance of the meek 57. Three movie trailers 63. Ferrous thing 64. Shaw of music 65. Abu Dhabi honcho 66. Word with love or hot 67. Rate of return 68. Customary observance 69. Aeronautical feat 70. Brief indulgence 71. Watch part

Down

1. Tennis shot 2. Item in a locket, perhaps 3. Colliery entrances 4. It had a part in the Bible 5. Dull beast?

6. It may be irresistible 7. Two movie trailers 8. Thelma of ‘’Thelma & Louise’’ 9. Provides with an office 10. Pith hat 11. Disembarked 12. Tangelo variety 13. ___ : 1 :: diamond : 10 21. Semi’s front 22. Blush maker 26. Fox rival 27. You try to beat them 29. Gun in the garage 30. Camelot lady 31. ___ the line (obeyed) 32. Deviates erratically 33. Sorenstam’s grp.

34. Thermometer type 35. ___ bene 37. Fix kitty 40. PC runner of old 41. Jaleel White role 42. Gene material, in brief 47. Analyzes chemically 49. Boston castoff 50. Some whip wielders 52. Comic’s venue 54. Fork over 55. Hackneyed 56. Sultan’s retreat 57. Be nostalgic for 58. Cookie often eaten inside-out 59. End to be attained 60. ‘’Do ___ others ...’’

61. Ruffle some feathers 62. Relinquish

18th April answers Crossword Winner for 18th April was; Bríd Toner, 23 St. Eunan’s Terrace, Raphoe, Co. Donegal Send your entries to: The Leader, Barrack, Newmills, Letterkenny, F92 AOV6, Co. Donegal

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This month we have a look at the Bearded Collie

Interesting Border Collie Facts:

What’s Good About ‘Em, What’s Bad About ‘Em Lively, playful, and good-natured, this animated breed is famous for the “Beardie Bounce” – a bounding yo-yo leap that represents his happy, carefree attitude about the world.

Some Bearded Collies are rowdier than others, but most tend to jump up into your face unless taught otherwise. This athletic dog needs a good amount of exercise to satisfy his high energy, especially when young.

More urgently, he needs constructive activities (herding, hiking, agility, pet therapy, watching over other pets) to occupy his inquisitive mind.

Beardies are very sociable dogs who can become unhappy and destructive if left for long periods of time without the companionship of people or other pets.

Most individuals love everyone to the point where their “watchdog” bark is more welcome than warning. As with most sweet-natured tail-waggers, there is potential for timidity. Lots of socialisation is necessary to develop the buoyant temperament.

This independent thinker can be stubborn and requires a confident owner who will establish and enforce the rules.

If I was considering a Bearded Collie, I would be most concerned about...

Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Bearded Collies are an active breed. They need regular opportunities to vent their energy and to use their busy minds to do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored – which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing.

Mind of their own. Beardies are capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train.

They are often manipulative, and some are willful and dominant and will make you prove that you can make them do things.

To teach your Bearded Collie to listen to you, “Respect Training” is mandatory. “Shaggy dog syndrome.” Without frequent brushing, Bearded Collies become a matted mess. Like all shaggy dogs, the Beardie is a messy dog. Leaves, mud, snow, fecal matter, and other debris cling to his long wavy coat and ends up all over your house. When he drinks, his beard absorbs water, which drips on your floors when he walks away. When he eats, his

Puppy

beard absorbs food so that when he sniffs your face or presses his head against your leg, YOU end up dirty, too. Shaggy dogs are not suited to fastidious housekeepers.

But Bearded Collies don’t need to be shaggy. You can shear or trim the coat so it’s short, neat, and healthy. Problem solved!

Shedding. Bearded Collies shed, though some of the shed hair gets caught in the long wavy coat rather than ending up on your floor and furnishings. If you cut the coat short, now the shed hair has a clear path to fall out. But it’s not a ton of hair – Beardies are average shedders, not heavy shedders.

Finding one and paying the price. Bearded Collies are not everywhere to be found, so you will probably

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Pointer

Adult

Active, Companionate, Sporting Group

Pointers are extraordinary pets. While it is interesting to learn about the breeding purpose of Pointers, their genetics actually influence health, outward appearance and behavior. Some behaviors make the Pointer and some can be quite irritating! Understanding her unique needs will help you keep her healthy and will create a stronger bond between the two of you.

Positive Traits: • Excellent family dog, watchdog, and hunting dog • Intelligent and easy to train • Gentle-mannered and easy to get along with • Large, strong, and athletic, with lots of stamina Good with children Negative Traits: • Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run • Sees cats and small animals as prey unless trained otherwise • Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog • May have a tendency to bark excessively • Can be independent and strong-willed

Puppy

For helpful, friendly advice on all your pet queries, call in and speak to our experts today.

•

Is medium-sized, shaggy, and sturdy

•

Is athletic and loves to romp and play

•

Is good-natured with everyone

•

Is sociable with other animals

•

Vigorous exercise requirements

•

Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young

•

Destructiveness and barking when bored, left alone all day, or not exercised enough

•

Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge

•

Chasing and nipping at things that move: children, joggers, other animals, bicycles

•

Frequent brushing and combing

•

Shedding “Shaggy dog syndrome,” i.e. debris clinging to the coat, water soaking into the beard and dripping on your floors Waiting lists and a high price tag

Labrador Retriever

Adult

Loving, gentle, active

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are eager to please, even-tempered, and responsive, large dogs. This retriever may be protective and reserved toward strangers and other dogs. They love to swim and retrieve, and can adapt to live in most climates. These dogs are calm and reserved while indoors, but energetic and excited while outdoors.

Chessies make great companions for runners, families, hunters, experienced dog handlers, and those who enjoy the outdoors. They enjoy spending time with their family, and need daily vigorous exercise.

Positive Traits: • Highly active and eager to have a purpose • Eager to please and responsive to training • An excellent family dog that loves human companionship • Protective of family: good watch dog • Even temper and gentle disposition Negative Traits: • Needs frequent attention from their family • Overprotective of family and territory if not socialised properly • Willful and stubborn if you don’t show strong leadership • Sensitive, matures slowly

Puppy

Adult

Loyal, loving, eager to please

Labrador Retrievers are easygoing, happy, and obedient, large dogs. Labs love people and are quick learners.

Because they’re patient and gentle with children and other pets, they make a great addition to the family. They’re also good pets for outdoorsy people, hunters, and fishermen.

These athletic dogs love to retrieve and play in the water, both of which are great ways to give these dogs the vigorous mental and physical exercise they need every day.

Understanding their unique needs will help keep them healthy and create a strong bond between the two of you.

Positive Traits: • Bouncy, cheerful, loyal, and enthusiastic • Good with kids and other pets • Loves to play games, especially fetch • People-oriented and eager to please Negative Traits: • Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog • Needs a lot of exercise • Is a bit “mouthy”—likes to carry and chew things • Easily bored if not given something to do, which leads to barking

MOTORING

the Leader || 02 May 2018

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MOTORING

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Page 62 the Leader || 02 May 2018

Page 77 the Leader || 28 June 2017

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Page 78 the Leader || 28 June 2017

the Leader || 02 May 2018 Page 63

trades & services

Oliver Plunkett Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Email: ubakeitletterkenny@gmail.com

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Career Traineeship in Hospitality Are you interested in a Career in the Hospitality Sector?

Donegal ETB are offering a new and exciting programme to deliver real job opportunities and career progression paths in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector.

What is a Career Traineeship?

A Career Traineeship is a Work Based Training model developed in conjunction with employers.

A significant amount of the course is delivered in a Hotel. Course duration is 48 Weeks.

What are the benefits for you?

• You receive certified and accredited specific training in a broad based Tourism/ Hospitality programme.

• The Programme is a certified QQI Level 5 Major Award in Hospitality Operations.

• Completing this programme increases your prospects of employment.

• A QQI level 5 Major Award can earn up to 390 CAO points.

COURSE RECRUITMENT DAY When: Tuesday 8th of May Where: LYIT School of Tourism, Killybegs, Co. Donegal Time: 11am MEET THE EMPLOYERS

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• Modules required for the Level 5 Award include; Accommodation Techniques, Food Preparation, Customer Service, Restaurant Skills, Reception & Front Line Office Skills and more.

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• In addition to the modules required for the Hospitality Operations Award training will also cover; First Aid, Responsible Service of Alcohol, Barista Training, Food Hygiene and lots more.

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Requirements; • Applicants must have a QQI Level 3/4 award or equivalent.

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How do I apply?

Those in receipt of any social welfare payment should contact their local INTREO office Apply on-line via www.fetchcoures.ie See www.donegaletb.com or call us on (074) 91 20500

Career Traineeships are co-funded by the Irish government and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020.

Page 79

the Leader || 02 May 2018

KIDZ CORNER Jokes and Puzzle Corner Q: Did you hear about the kidnapping in the park?

A: They woke him up.

Q: Why is it so windy inside a sports arena?

A: All those fans.

Q: What did one egg say to the other?

A: You crack me up.

Q: What does a cloud wear under his raincoat?

A: Thunderwear.

Q: What kind of witch likes the beach?

A: A SAND-witch.

Q: What do you do if you see a spaceman?

A: Park your car, man.

Q: Why is there a fence around a cemetery?

A: People are dying to get in.

Q: Why is 6 afraid of 7?

A: Because 7, 8, 9.

Q: How do you keep a bull from charging?

A: Take away its credit card.

Q: What do you give a sick bird?

A: A tweetment.

WIN A FAMILY CINEMA PASS! All you have to do is colour in our picture below, cut out, and send to the Leader, Barrack, Newmills, Letterkenny, County Donegal, F92 AOV6 Winner will be announced in the 16th May 2018 edition of the Leader.

The winner from 18th April Leader is: Alannah Thornton, Age 7, Killyclug, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Well done Alannah!

Colour me in!

Join the dots to find out what I am!

Name: Contact Number:

Age:

Address:

SPORT

Page 480

theLeader

thethe Leader Leader || 16|| 02 August May 2018 2017

SPORT

GAA

Girls and Gaels - Letterkenny club flourishing at under-age level Girls football at Letterkenny Gaels GAA Club has been experiencing unprecedented growth since 2015.

The Letterkenny based club will field all-girls teams from U8 through to U16 this year for the first time in the club’s 21-year history. The club has also started providing dual football and camogie training sessions for girls encouraging the development of dual players.

U12s Girls Football Coach Conor Crossan said: “The club put an underage football development plan in place a few years ago. One of the main goals of this plan was to develop girls football at the club.

Since 2015 we have more than doubled the number of girls playing football at the club. Our girls’ teams are now competing with the larger more established clubs within the county”.

In 2017 the Letterkenny Gaels girls teams had their

most successful year to date. The U12 girls team lost only one game in the league and the U13 girls team made it to the league final, losing narrowly to a strong Ballyshannon team. The U9 girls team won the inaugural Inishowen U9 Shield and the U11s exited the competition at the semi-final stage.

Brian Sweeney Underage football PRO said: “As a father of two girls myself, I’m delighted to see my girls playing football. They had reservations initially as they thought football was only for boys. But I have to say, they are really enjoying it now and look forward to the Sunday mornings at Pairc na nGael. There are so many benefits to girls being involved in team sports”.

To enquire about girls underage football at Letterkenny Gaels, parents should contact Brian Sweeney (087) 228 2386 for U8s, John Doherty (U10s) (086) 332 1266, Conor Crossan (U12s) (087) 133 2680 and Michael O’Connor (U14s and U16s) (087) 779 7292.

‘Girl Power’ - Some of the Letterkenny Gaels girls.

Letterkenny Gaels U-12 girls coach, Conor Crossan.

ABOVE - Underage Football PRO, Brian Sweeney, with Anna and Eimear.

The young U-8 Girls Football Team at Páirc na nGael.

LEFT - Emily and Anna enjoying a break during girls training at Páirc na nGael.

BELOW - The young U-8 Girls Football Team at Páirc na nGael.

Letterkenny Gaels U-12 girls team with their coaches.

SPORT

the Leader || 02 May 2018

theLeader

Page 81

SPORT

LETTERKENNY TRIATHLON CLUB RUN SUCCESSFUL TRIATHLON ON SUNDAY

Photos by Geraldine Diver Nakita Burke along with the McGinty family at the Letterkenny Triathlon on Sunday.

Matthew McGranaghan.

Amanda and Bryan Faul with their family at the Triathlon.

Kathryn McDevitt.

Rally preparations well underway!

Clifford Rodgers, Olympian Triathlon.

Barry Mc Eleney, 247 Triathlon Club.

Fionnuala Larkin.

Leader Spot the Ball Winner!

Donegal Motor Club chairman Brian Brogan on the Illistrin stage Joule Donegal International Rally 2017 (Photo Jerome Keeney)

Preparation is well on the way for this year’s Joule Donegal International Rally which will take place on the 15th, 16th and 17th June.

While Joule remains the main sponsor, The Mount

Errigal Hotel and The Pulse have been announced as associate sponsors.

As always safety remains a key priority for the organisers and spectators are asked to listen to the instructions of marshals.

Aaron Coyle, Sean Graham Bookmakers in Letterkenny presents €50 in Free Match Bet Vouchers to Susan Buchanan who won the recent ‘Spot the Ball’ competition in the Leader (18 April Edition) Why not try your luck by guessing where the ball is on page 84. Also on Facebook.

4 Page 82

DEAL SPORT

REAL

the August 2017 theLeader Leader||||202 May 2018

BRENDAN DEVENNEY

GIVES IT TO YOU STRAIGHT! THE INSIDE VIEW OF DONEGAL GAA

THE GAA’S GOOD AND BAD SIDE IN THE MODERN ERA Granted, I’ll have to spend an hour and half debating all things football with the likes of Joe McMahon, Joe Brolly and Owen Mulligan, but fear not, I’ll fight the Donegal corner for us.

Joking aside, however, this was nothing short of a tragedy for Shaun, his club and not forgetting his family and friends. The GAA does have a family element to it and that’s something we should be very proud of. We may play for and support different clubs and counties but we’ll always pull together in a great spirit of community when we need to.

There’s been a notable rise in the number of young players dropping out from football in recent times and, to be honest, I’m not all that surprised at why that is. I certainly won’t be naming any names in this article but I’m hopeful that some of the players and coaches I do write about will know who they are and thus rectify an ongoing problem that’s been going on.

By Brendan Devenney

Don’t lose the fun element.

I’ve been fortunate enough to play senior football and intercounty football at the top level and it’s no secret that it takes a huge commitment. You have to make the right choices about how you eat, sleep and live for long periods of the calendar year and there’s a lot of sacrifices made by both yourself and by those closest to you just so you can play at that level.

What’s going on with some underage teams is deplorable though.

I’m all for developing players and development squads but in some cases it’s going too far. It’s rapidly become an overly-professional attitude and the fun element is being left behind. Managers at that level are getting too involved in mind games and uptightness and the young players - the future leaders of this great game - are suffering because of it.

the Leader || 28 March 2018

As I mentioned before, I’m not going to name names here, but I was angered recently when I heard about the actions of an under-16s manager.

A young lad on his panel went out to a non-alcoholic youth disco the night before a friendly match and the poor kid got roasted for it. A night out with his friends, no drink, a mere friendly match and he got in trouble for it.

I’m led to believe that the manager spoke to this kid over the phone and mouthed at him about how his performance suffered purely because he’d spent the night previous having some innocent fun. That manager, and others like him, need to remember that they are not yet in charge of senior panels and need to let these young boys and girls have a sense of enjoyment in their lives.

They have enough pressure on them in school and to detract from them their sporting interests and

social outlets is just wrong on so many levels.

Nutrition for Sport & Life

Protein Throughout years of research into sports nutrition and dealing with clients and teams the macronutrient or substrate least demonised is definitely Protein. It seems, in the last few years, many food companies are getting in on the trends of exercise and the demand for foods high in protein.

Protein bars can be purchased in almost

every shop, Snicker’s now make a confectionary bar high in protein, Heinz beans advertise their foods are high in protein, protein milk, protein ice cream, protein yoghurt, protein coffee and many others are all readily available in any supermarket. In this article we will discuss what is protein, its role in the body, how much do we actually need and some of the best sources available.

Essential amino acids are called essential, because the human body cannot manufacture them itself and therefore must receive them from food.

Commonly referred to as the ‘building

Shaun Mullan

It’s not all doom and gloom though, I remain a firm believer that the GAA acts as a wonderful catalyst for community and coming together. I recently accepted an invitation to attend a fundraiser that is being run by members of the Ballerin GAA club following the tragic passing of Shaun Mullan.

Shaun passed away in a cycling accident in the Glenshane Pass at the end of last year.

Shortly before that he married the love of his life, Sinéad, and had a baby on the way. Things like that hit home and I am delighted to help out by attending this fundraiser which aims to raise much needed finances for two great charities; Opt For Life and the ICU of the Royal Hospital in Belfast.

by Gerald Coyle

blocks of life’ they are absolutely critical for healthy functioning bodies. A fifth of the body is made from protein and amino acids are the building blocks of protein.

There are eight essential amino acids and in order for a protein to be classed as Complete it must have all eight otherwise they are classed as Incomplete. Essentially our muscles are made up of protein and when we exercise damage is caused to the muscle and in order for the muscle to repair and grow, we then need to provide protein. The main determinant of an athlete’s protein needs are often their training regime and normal nutritional intake. Exercise produces changes in protein and amino acid metabolism through degradation of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA), production of alanine (energy production) and glutamine (immune function) and changes in protein turnover. One of the amino acids most affected by exercise is a BCAA called Leucine, which is important in muscle protein synthesis or growth. Protein requirements for athletes have been a topic of controversy for many years and research has suggested that amino acid oxidation was increased during exercise when it was habitual and of sufficient intensity and duration. This would then suggest that athletes would need to increase their protein requirements dependent on their training and needs.

How much?

Guidelines for the general public recommend 0.8g protein·kg·day. This would suggest that a male weighing

The late Shaun Mullan.

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t. 086 2289 743 nutritiongcn@gmail.com

www.geraldcoylenutrition.com

Source Eggs Chicken breast Whole milk Whey protein powder Steak Soybeans Rice Fish Potatoes

Biological Value 0.94 0.94 0.90 0.90 0.76 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.67

80kg, if not training, would require 64g of protein that day to maintain muscle mass. Strength or speed athletes are recommended to consume 1.2g - 1.7g protein·kg·day and endurance athletes 1.2g - 1.4g protein·kg·day. Using this formula a strength athlete weighing 80kg carrying out resistance training would require 96g- 136g of protein in order to grow muscle and an endurance athlete approximately 96g – 112g to repair muscles. 20g-25g of protein per meal has been found to be optimal before a threshold for protein synthesis occurs.

This means that excessive consumption of protein will not necessarily mean more muscle growth and there is only so much that can be broken down and used within the body. Timing of protein ingestion also has an effect on muscle protein growth when resistance exercises are taking place. Many studies have shown ingestion of a protein source along with a carbohydrate source one hour pre and post training was found to elicit a higher muscle growth than with just protein

Protein Value (Approx.)

6g in one large egg 27g in medium breast 8g in one glass 24g per scoop 25g per 100g 36g per 100g 2.7g per 100g 20g per 100g 4.3g in one medium potato

alone. A basic example is a protein shake with milk before and after resistance training.

Sources of Protein

When considering types of protein to ingest we must look at the biological value of different sources. The biological value of a protein is a measure of the efficiency with which a given protein is absorbed and utilised in the body.

Therefore we should look to ingest foods that have a higher biological value and close to 1 as possible. Some examples are given: Pre and post exercise protein choices can cause varying responses and whey protein powder after exercise has a greater initial benefit for growth immediately pre and post exercise (< 1h) and casein has been shown to provide the greatest benefit for increases on muscle growth post exercise (> 7h). For any further question please contact 0862289743 or GN Nutrition on Facebook.

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Page 83 the Leader || 2 August 2017

GAA - MEMORIAL NIGHT FOR SHAUN MULLAN

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A NIGHT FOR SHAUN

successes at club level during a great spell for Saint Eunan’s during the late nineties and early 2000s. Among his many media duties nowadays, we’re also lucky enough to have him working for us here at The Leader.

“I was delighted to be asked along to mark this event for Shaun. I’m not going to lie, I’m sure I’ll have a debate here and there with all these proud Derry and Tyrone supporters, but there’ll be a touch of Championship buzz in the air so I’ll be sure to fight the good fight for Donegal,” Devenney told jokingly.

As the Ulster Championship gets ever closer, no doubt the thoughts of many of our readers will be focused on Donegal’s prospects in the build-up to the upcoming clash with Cavan on 13th May. And rightly so. The night prior to this contest, however, will be a testament to the community spirit of the GAA with ‘A Night for Shaun’; a fundraiser being held in Friel’s Bar, Swatragh in County Derry.

By Jonathan Foley

In the aftermath of his tragic and untimely passing, Shaun Mullan’s family, friends and clubmates at the Ballerin GAA club, were left heartbroken upon hearing the news of his cycling accident.

Through great resolve and spirit, however, they have planned a special evening by way of a fundraiser for the Opt for Life charity as well as for the Revive Intensive Care Unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Friel’s Bar will play host for such notable special guests as well-known All-Ireland winners in Joe Brolly and Owen Mulligan while also in attendance will be recently retired Tyrone panelist, Joe McMahon, and our own Brendan Devenney. This great line-up of guests will discuss all things GAA to those who are there present and it’s somewhat fitting that it falls just as the Championship season is about to get underway.

Joe Brolly will have a thing or two to say on the night.

The late Shaun Mullan.

Donegal’s Brendan Devenney will be there.

Speaking on behalf of the event’s organisation team was Shaun’s clubmate, friend and neighbour, Brian Deighan: “It was hard starting the new season this year without Shaun. I lived just two doors away from him and at the club, we’d discussed ideas about how we could commemorate his memory and this was what we came up with,” he told.

“We managed to get a great line-up of special guests and we’re very grateful for how willing these guys were to be a part of the night. All it took was a couple of quick phone calls and they were all delighted to take part. The night’s all about charity of course and we hope to raise as

much as we can for the two causes that we believe do tremendous work,” he added.

Despite his own tragic passing, Shaun’s spirit lives on. He was an organ donor and his wife Sinéad has since received a number of letters and calls of thanks from those who had been waiting on transplant lists before his death. Shaun’s main organs were donated to these persons and a number of people are essentially alive because of him.

One of the special guests is Joe Brolly. An All-Ireland winner with Derry in 1993 and widely known for his more contemporary work as a pundit on RTE’s coverage of the GAA. While his fusion of satire and rants often generate discussion and

debate amongst viewers and fans, it shouldn’t be forgotten of course that Brolly himself donated his own kidney back in 2013.

“Joe is a donor himself so I’m sure he’ll talk about that on the night and with the other lads there, it’s great timing in that it just so happens to fall on the same weekend as the start of the Ulster Championship. I think it would’ve been much harder to have guests such as these later in the summer when they have a lot of other commitments so we’re delighted with that,” told Brian.

The aforementioned, Brendan Devenney, will be there. Devenney is one of Donegal’s all-time leading scorers and he has tasted numerous

“On a serious note though, it’s nothing short of a tragedy what happened to Shaun and his family. It really strikes a chord with how fragile life can be and he unfortunately left us at such a time of great change in his life. I’m the first to criticize some modern aspects of modern day football, but I’m always really proud for how the GAA can bring communities and people together at times like this,” he added.

A marquee will be hoisted on the bar premises that night, there will be live music thanks to Folk ‘N’ Rogues and a raffle will also be staged on the evening. On the same weekend, the Ballerin club will run a Blitz event where Shaun’s own nephews will be taking part in the underage section while Roe Park in Limavady will also be running a golf classic.

Regarding the raffle and auctions, there are a number of terrific items up for grabs. Captain of Celtic FC, Scott Brown, has donated an autographed jersey. There’s also the chance to win a signed Leinster rugby top, match tickets and an overnight stay for the Ireland v New Zealand clash in the Autumn series later this year and a pair of Shay Given’s gloves.

The footballers of Mayo and Dublin have each given an autographed jersey and the Galway hurlers have done likewise and there’s also a pair of All-Ireland Final tickets on offer too.

“The proceeds will be split between the two charities and we’ve also set up a JustGiving page for anyone who wants to make an online donation. If anyone is looking for any more news or updates, they can do so by following my Twitter account. We’re looking forward to it. It’s a chance for people to come along for a night, to help a great cause and to mark Shaun’s memory,” Brian concluded.

Shaun’s family crest will also be placed on the club jersey and will be on display on the night.

Our readers are reminded that donations can be made to the cause by way of following @BrianDeighan on Twitter or by donating directly to ‘A Night for Shaun’ on their JustGiving page. The club’s own Facebook page (Ballerin GAA) is also most useful for updates.

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the Leader || 02 MayPage 20183

Opinion in the dressing room!

This week we have a chat with Orchard FC Player Manager Sean Sweeney. Sean is a Man United fan and thinks Lionel Messi is something else. Sean loves a curry out of Tin Tai and likes Walking on Cars . . . . the band that is!

NAME: Sean Sweeney CLUB: Orchard FC POSITION: Player Manager

ALL ABOUT YOU...

What football/soccer team do you support?

Man United. Hoping for a win in the FA Cup final now of course.

Favourite player of all time and why?

Lionel Messi. He has to be the most skilful player I’ve ever seen.

Lionel Messi.

Favourite Food?

It has to be a Tin Tai chicken curry.

Favourite Movie?

The Green Mile. Great storyline and a great show.

Favourite Band?

Walking on Cars.

What annoys you on the pitch?

Players moaning about everything and anything.

If you could change one rule in the game what would it be?

I think the offside rule needs to be looked at again.

Funniest incident you can remember on the pitch?

Poor Krissi McLaughlin losing a contact lens during a game. Mind you, we did get a great laugh out of it.

Best Player you ever played against?

Paddy Rafferty. That man can change a game at the drop of a hat. He’s been doing at a high level for years and still has plenty left in him.

Best Player you ever played with?

Niall Bonner.

Choose two famous people to be stuck on a deserted island with?

Kevin Bridges and Chris Tucker. Sure the craic would be mighty with them lads.

Worst haircut a team mate ever landed into training with?

I’ll take one for the team and say it was probably me.

Who would make the best future manager?

Krissi McLaughlin. He’s got a great know-how about the game.

If the keeper got injured name the best and worst outfield player to go in goal?

The best would be Michael Gibson. After what I said about him in the earlier question, this might put me back in his good books again. On the other hand, the worst would have to be John Boyle.

Your best mate at the club?

Krissi McLaughlin again. A very good friend of mine.

If a fight broke out who in the team would you want by your side?

John Boyle. He might not do the job if we needed an emergency goalkeeper, but he’d be more than handy in these situations.

Best singer/entertainer in the team?

Ciaran Gibson loves a good sing-song.

Do you think the introduction of VAR will enhance or ruin the World Cup this summer?

I think it will be good for the World Cup with big calls in tight games; especially for penalties and crucial decisions like that.

ALL ABOUT YOUR TEAM MATES...

Kevin Bridges.

Would you like someone in your sports team to take part in ‘Me & My Team Mates’?

When it comes to a night out with the lads who would never buy a round?

He won’t thank me for this, but it has to be Michael Gibson.

If the team was on a plane and the pilot took ill, who would you trust to land the plane?

Barney ‘Bubbles’ McMenamin. There’s a man you can rely on.

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Sean Sweeney

If so, call 086 049 4820 or email us: info@theleader.ie

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Page 85

Diver’s Hyundai launch St. Eunan’s GAA Golf Classic 2018

Mr. Terence Diver of Diver’s Hyundai, Main Sponsor St. Eunan’s GAA Club’s 2018 Golf Classic in Letterkenny Golf Club on Saturday, May 12th. Terence is pictured launching this years event with Club Chairperson, Cathal Greene; Club Secretary, Charlie McAteer; Senior Ladies players Caoimhe McGonigle, Clodagh Brennan and Aisling Nee and Senior Men’s player, Lee McMonagle.

Join us for a fantastic fundraiser!

May 19th 2018 12 – 4pm

Donegal GAA Car Window Sticker launch

Donegal GAA Treasurer Cieran Kelly, Donegal Administrator Noreen Doherty and Donegal Chairman Mick Mc Grath at the launch of the Donegal Car/Window sticker fundraiser at MacCumhaill Park.

Venue: St.Eunan’s College Pitch Teams of 10, Limited Spaces - Booking Essential

If interested email: itsaknockout@sainteunans.com Refreshments served - Spectators Welcome

Donegal GAA Officials at the launch of the Donegal Car/Window sticker fundraiser which is one of a number of planned fundraisers in 2018 in conjunction with the new fundraising committee headed up by County Chairperson Mick Mc Grath.

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theLeader

the Leader || 02 May 2018

SPORT

DONEGAL NEWS LEAGUE CUP SEMI FINAL

ROVERS TOO STRONG FOR A DEPLETED DERRY Photos by Geraldine Diver

A commanding first half display from Letterkenny Rovers saw them reach the Donegal News League Cup final with a 4-0 win over an understrength Derry City Reserves on Sunday afternoon at a crisp Aura Centre.

Letterkenny Rovers.......... 4 Derry City Reserves ........ 0 Venue: Aura Centre, Letterkenny The victory means Eamon McConigley’s men will face Cockhill Celtic in the decider which is currently scheduled for June 3rd and that will be the second final the sides will play this season as they meet in the Knockalla Cup decider in just under a fortnights time.

Rovers were buoyed by a big win over Finn Harps Reserves in midweek and started were they left off in that one and were on the front foot from the outset and took the lead on 4 minutes.

A teasing Luke Nelis corner was met by Ryan McConnell and the towering defender powerfully headed home for his 2nd goal of the season.

City though probed in the search of an equaliser and former Rovers men Adrian Delap and Ethan

Letterkenny Rovers Cillian Morrisson keeps control of the ball during the League Cup Semi Final against Derry City Reserves at the Aura.

Coll combined on 10 minutes but Coll saw his effort go just wide while they also had a penalty shout when Delap was bundled over in the box on 13 minutes but those appeals were waved away by referee Marty Quinn.

Cruel blow

Letterkenny Rovers Luke Neilis in action during the League Cup Semi Final against Derry City Reserves on Sunday.

It was the home side who bossed the remainder of the half though and doubled their lead on 15 minutes when Cillian Morrison squeezed and pressurised a backpass to City netminder Dan Houghton and the ball cannoned off him and into the net for a cruel blow for the Candystripes, Morrison looked lively throughout and almost made it 3-0 on 23 minutes when he dispossessed Evan Tweed and forced a good stop from Houghton while City were limited in chances with the closest a tame free kick from Shane McNamee easily gathered by Rovers netminder Rory Kelly.

Rovers finished the half strongly and Luke Nelis shot just over while Declan Sharkey came close with a bullet header from a sublime Odhran McMacken cross before they added to their lead on 40 minutes.

The goal was a beauty when Celtic fan

Luke Nelis -stirred on by their SPL title win over Rangers -hit a rasping effort which beat Houghton.

David Shovlin who also had a trojan game throughout came close with a cheeky Rabona effort before Odhran McMacken made the game safe in added time in the opening half when he was alert to turn home a Nelis corner.

Rovers began the 2nd half well also and saw a penalty saved when Houghton guessed right to deny Declan Sharkey who had won the penalty when he was fouled by Danny McGlynn while Sharkey saw another header go just over after a fine cross from Shovlin.

Christopher Malseed and Steve Okakpo-Emeka also saw efforts narrowly miss the target before Rovers made a number of changes with a view to yet another midweek fixture on Wednesday night.

City, to their credit, fought very hard to the end and began to create a number of openings with Adrian Delap shooting just over while Conor Tourish made a superb last ditch tackle to deny Ethan Coll.

Delap also shot straight at Rory Kelly in the dying moments.

Rovers and Derry will become familiar foes over the next couple of weeks as they have to face City twice in the closing stages of the League as they aim to get back into title contention.

Letterkenny Rovers: Rory Kelly, Ryan Lonergan, Conor Tourish, Ryan McConnell, Odhran McMacken, Luke Nelis, David Shovlin, Christy Connaghan, Declan Sharley, Cillian Morrison, Christopher Malseed.

Subs: Darren Ferry for McConnell 57 mins, Steve Okakpo-Emeka for Nelis 59 mins, Garbhan Grant for Sharkey 70 mins, Darren McElwaine for McMacken 74 mins, Paul McVeigh for Connaghan 80 mins.

Derry City Reserves: Dan Houghton, Liam McFadden, Fionn McClure, Danny McGlynn, Rhys McDermott, Shane McNamee, Adam Taggart, Evan Tweed, Sean McBride, Ethan Coll, Adrian dElap.

Subs: Caoimhin Porter for McBride 45 mins, Ethan Harkin for McClure 55 mins.

Referee: Marty Quinn.

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the Leader Leader ||||19 02July May2017 2018 the

Page63 87 Page

Best in flat racing this weekend!

The first classics of the 2018 flat racing season take place this weekend with the 2000 Guineas and 1000 Guineas taking centre stage.

By Dave Richardson As is often the case nowadays it’s Aidan O’Brien who holds the aces for both contests with Gustav Klimt (guide price 9/4) heading the betting for the colts classic, while Happily (guide price 7/2) leads the way in the fillies race on Sunday.

Of course the master of Ballydoyle almost completed the clean sweep of classics last season, only denied Oaks glory at Epsom by the superfilly Enable; even then he scooped the silver medal with Rhododendron.

Last season it was Churchill who was O’Brien’s leading miler and this season it looks like the aforementioned Gustav Klimt will be his great white hope. Even though Saxon Warrior spent the majority of the winter at the head of the antepost market, it’s the Superlative Stakes winner who took over favouritism following his Leopardstown trial win last month.

The way Ryan Moore’s mount reeled in a decent yardstick in Demot Weld’s Imaging was impressive given the ground was quite deep. Going back to his Newmarket group two win last term and the manner in which he overcame major trouble in running to win by a head shows the son of Galileo is a professional sort.

Saxon Warrior

Focussing now on Saxon Warrior (guide price) and it’s somewhat surprising to see the unbeaten Deep Impact colt such a big price. His group one Racing Post Trophy success at Doncaster last October was smart in the way he was headed inside the final furlong, before rallying to lead close home.

All three wins have come over mile suggesting he will have no trouble with a step up in trip. It remains to be seen whether he has the speed to win over a mile now in his classic season. If he can claim Guineas success, it could set the horse up for a tilt at the Derby and all manner of big races over an extended distance.

The Craven Stakes is another trial race for the 2000 Guineas and that was won in quite taking fashion by Charlie Appleby’s Masar (guide price 9/2), who has now established himself as the leading British hope. He took apart the previously mentioned Roaring Lion in that contest winning by 9 lengths and that form obviously ties in with Saxon Warrior.

Elarqam is another of the British runners, this one trained by Mark Johnston and he’s certainly bred for the job. He’s a son of the mighty Frankel out of Attraction, who Johnston trained to 1000 Guineas at both Newmarket and the Curragh.

He’s unbeaten in two starts, the second being a

group three seven furlong contest on the Rowley Mile in September. His trainer goes the same route as that of Attraction in going straight to the Guineas and this colt is full of potential.

Onto the fillies race and this looks a wide open contest. Happily does lead the market for Coolmore and again she wasn’t deemed in the need of a trial run by O’Brien. She was a dual group one winner last term when scooping the Moyglare ahead of beating the boys in the Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc day.

Her stablemate Clemmie was all the rage for this through the winter, but at the time of writing she’s deemed extremely doubtful to line up in Suffolk.

O’Brien revealed a few weeks ago the Cheveley Park Stakes winner had suffered a setback and it would be a race against time to make it to the Guineas, a race in which it looks like she’s lost.

Another dart for Ballydoyle is September. She was a smart juvenile winning the Chesham at Royal Ascot before not being beaten far in the Fillies Mile and Breeders Cup. Her pedigree screams middle distance however and of the classic this season, interest would be biggest in the 12 furlong test of Epsom rather than the Guineas.

Onto the British hopes and it’s again Appleby who saddles the leading opposition. He has both Wild Illusion and Soliloquy. At the time of writing the latter still needs supplementing but she was a super winner of the Nell Gwyn trial at Newmarket.

Word was out in the build-up and she was punted into 4/1 and won nicely from a decent benchmark in Altyn Orda.

Wild Illusion meanwhile sprung a 25/1 surprise on Arc day winning the Marcel Boussac and she enjoyed the soft ground that day. It may be that she is kept for the French 1000 Guineas where the likelihood for give in the ground is higher than that of Newmarket, where Soliloquy may well be supplemented.

A dark horse for Ballydoyle, if ever there can be one from that operation, could be I Can Fly. She was sent off 2/1 favourite for a Newmarket group 3 last term, on the back of a Dundalk maiden win she wasn’t far behind Altyn Orda, which ties her form in with Soliloquy.

Her run in the 1000 Guineas trial was adequate and last year’s Guineas winner Winter had also been beaten in that trial after winning a Dundalk maiden at two.

All in all a couple of very intriguing renewals of the Guineas coming up this weekend at Newmarket.

Sean Graham Selections: 2000 Guineas:

ELARQAM 1000 Guineas:

SOLILOQUY

Elarqam.

Soliloquy.

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the Leader || 02 May 2018

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NORTH WEST 10K THIS SUNDAY IN LETTERKENNY

JIMMY HARTE TO SIGNAL NORTHWEST 10K START

come out and support Diabetes Ireland and the Breastcare Northwest who are two very worthy charities. We have introduced a medallion for the first time and that will be presented to the first 1,500 entrants over the finish line at Letterkenny Community Centre on Sunday afternoon.

We also have the 10k t-shirts which go to all those who have registered for the run and walk.”

The North West 10k committee has confirmed that Jimmy Harte has been invited to perform the duty of signaling the start of Sunday’s big North West 10k in Letterkenny.

A well-known competitor in races like the North West 10k for many years, Jimmy suffered a severe brain trauma in 2013 following a fall that left him hospitalised for several months but he has thankfully since made a remarkable recovery.

A former Senator and businessman, he was in Derry last June to cross the finish line of the Walled City Marathon along with his son Lochlainn who was raising money for the Beaumont Hospital Foundation who did unbelievable rehabilitation work that has helped give Jimmy a really good quality of life again.

10k Chairperson Neil Martin said he was delighted that Jimmy Harte had accepted the invitation to get the runners and walkers underway in the charity event, which this year will benefit Breast-

Alison Johnston and Vanessa Savva from Northwest Breastcare and Gerard Gallagher and Caroline Baird representing Diabetes Ireland with Northwest 10k Chairperson Neil Martin

care North West and Diabetes Ireland.

“Our committee is delighted that Jimmy will perform the honours of signaling the start of the 22nd Northwest 10k on Sunday. Jimmy was one of the biggest supporters of events like ours and it’s great to see him making such a good recovery after such a long period of illJimmy Harte to signal start of next Sunday’s 22nd health. He ran many a 10k and went on North West 10k in Letterkenny. to do marathons. We’re privileged to

M

Y A D Y A

have Jimmy Harte as our special guest on Sunday” Mr Martin said.

Final preparations are now being made for the 22nd Northwest 10k with organisers appealing to the public to enter early as another huge turnout is expected for the 2 p.m. start on Sunday in Letterkenny.

it’s the same route again with runners and walkers starting on the Pearse Road heading in the direction of the Tesco Roundabout and out the Port Road.

Support “It’s been a busy few weeks for the committee and the two charities. I would just appeal now to people to

Meanwhile the organisers are also asking the public to be aware that there will be some traffic disruption for a short period during Sunday’s event. Motorists are asked to cooperate with the Gardai and marshals to ensure that the charity event passes of safely for everyone. Registrations are still being taken on-line at www.northwest10k. com. Entries will also be taken at Letterkenny Community Centre on this Thursday and Friday evenings from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturday between 3 and 6 p.m. On Sunday morning registrations will be taken from 11 a.m. and closing at 1 p.m. sharp. Jimmy Harte will officially get the runners and walkers on their way in the 22nd North West 10k at 2 p.m.

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