The Leader 10 May 2017

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crowd of over 2000 people gathered in Letterkenny on Saturday morning as dawn broke to walk or run this year’s Darkness Into Light in memory of those who have died by suicide and in support of those who have been bereaved by suicide.

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Since 2015 Darkness Into Light has gone from strength to strength from four centres taking part around Donegal to ten this year. More than one hundred Penney’s staff and friends took part in memory of their colleague Seamy Peoples who died this year on April 4th.

Pieta House Darkness Into Light was set up as a fundraiser for Pieta House and is especially important this year as Pieta House open a centre in Letterkenny The message of ‘Hope’ shinning bright above the crowds at the Darkness into Light Walk /Run 5K in aid of Pieta House which took place last Saturday morning. next Monday, May 15th on the top floor of Grand Central. Spokesman, self harming. The Centre is open committee that he is a part of and Facebook page. Last but not least, Christy Galligan stressed the impor- Monday to Friday but it is hoped the he also wanted to thank everyone he thanked everyone who took part tance of having such a centre locally service will be extended to evenings who donated food and water. A full in this year’s event. list of businesses who helped out is as it offered counselling for those and weekends.

See pictures on page 12. who were feeling suicidal or were Christy thanked the hard working available on the Darkness Into Light

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the Leader || 10 May 2017

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GAIRMSCOIL CHÚ ULADH WINS ‘MMS SCHOOL STARS AWARD’ Gairmscoil Chú Uladh is the winner of the Michael Murphy Sports and Leisure School Stars’ Award for this term. Pictured during a surprise visit to the school is Michael Murphy, who presented the teachers and pupils with a training kit to the value of €250.

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Gairmscoil Chú Uladh is the winner of the Michael Murphy Sports and Leisure School Stars’ Award for this term. Located in the Donegal Gaeltacht Centre, near Fintown, the school was commended for a number of national recognitions and awards.

The Donegal captain made a surprise visit to the school to present the pupils with a training kit to the value of €250, courtesy of the Letterkenny sports shop.

Nominated by their teacher, Aoife Nash, Gairmscoil Chú Uladh was awarded an ‘Active School and Healthy Schools Flag’ in 2016; the school also won the All-Ireland Sky Sports Award in the same year. In September 2016, Gairmscoil Chú Uladh was shortlisted in the top three schools in Ireland for an Active European Schools Award.

Thanking Michael Murphy Sports and Leisure for the training kit, teacher Aoife Nash said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to win this term’s MMS School Stars Award. The students loved meeting Michael and the school will certainly make great use of all the training gear” Congratulating Gairmscoil Chú Uladh on winning, Michael Murphy said: “Well done to all the pupils in Gairmscoil Chú Uladh on their many great achievements. It was lovely to meet the students and teachers, who deserve some recognition for all their hard work.”

For more information on MMS School Stars Award email schoolstars@michaelmurphysports.ie.

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Page 3

the Leader || 10 May 2017

REMEMBERING THE DEAD AT ST. CONAL’S HOSPITAL The author of the touching words inscribed on the beautifully crafted piece of woodwork at the graveyard at St. Conal’s Hospital remains unknown.

Perhaps, fitting in some piercing way given how many of the patients – numbering close to 1,180 – were laid to rest there largely anonymously.

Not, it should be stressed, the fault of the authorities there who were left with the task of burying the dead in plots in the extensive grounds at the rear of the hospital.

On a recent Sunday afternoon, a remembrance service was held at the graveyard – a solitary, simple headstone standing in commemoration of those interred there between the years 1866 and 1906.

The graveyard came into being, as the specially produced brochure published for the occasion reminded us, in response to a growing crisis within the Letterkenny area when a lack of burial space at Conwal cemetery challenged local institutions to make alternative arrangements.

Consequently the graveyard at St. Conal’s was opened in 1868. ‘The patients are buried here would have come from throughout the length and breadth of County Donegal, and from all religious backgrounds. For a variety of reasons they were left to be buried by the hospital authorities. These reasons included poverty, a lack of transport and emigration.”

And, though not stated in the brochure, perhaps in some cases simply forgotten about by families who didn’t want to know.

When the graveyard was in use, some 1,180 patients passed away in St. Conal’s - the majority of them laid to rest in the grounds of

Group gathered for the remembrance service. Photos by Hugh Devlin.

the hospital.

And it was in memory of those that a small congregation gathered for a special ecumenical prayer service – even the bluebells bowing heads in keeping with the occasion.

“It’s about remembering the people who are buried here,” said chief organiser, Betty Holmes.

Each and every one of the organisations involved in contributing to the project deserve the thanks of the local community – and indeed all those communities from where the patients originally came - for bringing it about including the Letterkenny Tidy Towns Committee, the local Men’s Shed, responsible for the craftsmanship referred to earlier (the timber stemmed from the saw mills in Kilmacrenan); Pramerica, who allowed a team of workers to help in a clear-up at the site under the guise of Tidy Towns representative, Charlie Grant; the H.S.E. Mental Health

Services and the H.S.E. Estates Department.

And a number of councillors who contributed funding to the scheme.

Around 1,000 daffodil bulbs were also planted at the site by Alcorns.

In an address afterwards, Betty Holmes suggested that the St. Conal’s cemetery should be included in the annual blessing of the graves ceremonies in the parish of Conwal and Leck.

Meanwhile, a short video depicting a sense of the graveyard, as Michael McCormack of the Men’s Shed proclaimed, will be available to view on the H.S.E. website.

In this quiet corner of St Conal’s Hospital peace reigns – a peace movingly interrupted by the searing sound of the Uilleann pipes played on the day by local musician, Eoin Orr - and the touching words on the specially erected plaque (pictured right) add a further sharp significance to the surroundings

Page 4 2

the May 2017 the Leader Leader||||10 March

Home Town Musings

by Paddy Walsh

RELAY FOR LIFE – Coming soon to an LYIT campus near you It has been a major fund-raiser and an equally significant inspiration to those who have, or are, coming through the cancer journey. It is, in addition, a poignant way of remembering all who have succumbed to the disease that doesn’t discriminate.

Since it was established five years ago, Donegal Relay for Life has drawn thousands to the LYIT campus for a twenty-four hour marathon of memories, music and much merry-making.

And behind it all, the voice of hope. The hope that some day the never ceasing research that is going into finding ways of eliminating cancer out of our lives will finally yield the result and permit medical science to confirm that there is indeed a cure for cancer.

This year’s Donegal Relay for Life takes place between Saturday and Sunday, 27th and 28th May. As with each of its predecessors, they money raised will be directed to the Irish Cancer Society – an organisation that embraces

Donegal Relay for Life will take place at LYIT on 27th/28th May.

every corner of Donegal given that every corner of Donegal is affected by the disease.

There are some hugely moving moments over the two days but also many laughs and some top quality entertainment from a variety of well established acts.

A weekend of celebration and of commemoration and one we can all support whether or not we, or our families or friends, have been touched by cancer.

Hope to see you there.

Big Week for Michael?

Big Week on the Farm is one of R.T.E.’s better productions and while tuning into it in early April, I caught sight of a familiar face beaming out from the television screen.

Not many people may know this – up to having a chat with him in a local café a week or two ago, I didn’t know it – but John McCarron once played at Wembley Stadium. And, it should be said, played there with Pride.

Charlie Pride to be precise. And back in 1992 to be even more so when John was on the musical circuit.

Margo was playing on the bill and, John believes, Glen Campbell. And no doubt they’re all to this day recalling playing the same stage as John McCarron! For as anyone who knows him can testify, he’s a character that’s hard to forget…!

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Not the co-presenters, Aine Lawlor or Ella McSweeney, but nevertheless very much to the forefront – so much so I was sure he was about to be interviewed on the programme.

Anyway, the question to be asked is – Games, manage to get Or was it someone who just how did Michael Crossan, well known himself an invite to this looks remarkably like the Letterkenny man? for his involvement in the Community particular production?

Jockeying onto Pointless And another local personality featuring on a T.V. programme. Not quite in person in this case but more by mention.

For one of the questions given on the B.B.C. tea-time quiz programme, ‘Pointless’, referred to champion jockeys. And one of the answers given was our very own – or Rathdonnell’s very own – Marty Harley.

A few recent wins in the saddle across the channel have raised the Letterkenny jockey’s profile again and 2017 looks likely to be a good year for him. And a far from pointless one….

Scrolling Stephen As is the custom in this modern era, local businessman, Stephen Shiels, was scrolling down to catch up with the latest news.

Finger poised before moving it down the page, he was being watched by his somewhat bemused daughter, Chloe.

When John lined up at Wembley!

And indeed she had every reason to raise an eyebrow or both. For her dad was attempting to scroll down the printed words of an actual newspaper!

Ah technology, look what you’ve done to us…..

Page 5

the Leader || 10 May 2017

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the Leader || 10 May 2017

- MEET A TOWNIE -

JOSIE RECALLS A WORKING LIFETIME W From the tunnels to the timber yards and other occupations

hen it comes to his working life Josie McCormack has been around the block.

Around the blocks in fact given that he spent some time in the building trade – a mere fraction of the occupations he has been involved in primarily in his home county but also in Scotland.

just three months old when they moved to take up residence in Upper Ard O’Donnell.

“We’ve been fifty-six years up here roughly.

“A long time in this house,” Josie glances around with the affection that familiarity can bring.

The couple raised a family of nine – Mary, Johnny, Patrick, Gerard, Paul, Donna, Joanne, Majella and Joseph.

Mouths, consequently, had to be fed and Josie’s working career rarely subsided. He found employment in the Nestles factory in his home town. “I was employed in the section where the milk came in and you had to clean out these large pans before eight in the morning. Then the milk would be condensed.

Not quite a career in black and white though both coal and milk have featured in his chequered working existence.

Like many of his peers, he left school in Glenswilly in his early teens – “I never got to school half the time anyway” – and consequently began a life that never shirked any job that came his way.

“I worked at everything and anything,” he reflects. His first employer when he was hired out at the age of 14 was Dan Devine who farmed at Tullygay. And after three years, he took up a position with the Kellys of Bomany, tending to the cattle on the respective farms and rarely inactive.

“I remember driving a horse and cart loaded with milk containers to the Rockhill Army camp.”

There followed then employment with Paddy Tinney of the Port Road. “Filling the coal in the yard. I’d be filling it, weighing it, and then selling it.”

Not quite steady work, Josie recalls (the coal industry can indeed be slack at times).

“Paddy had a lot of help before I started and he would come looking for me if he needed me.”

Before eventually venturing to Scotland – following the trail embarked on by half of Donegal – Josie worked with Paddy ‘The Gate’ McMonagle and Manus McFadden in the undertaking business run by Eddie Crossan.

“After that I knocked about a bit and then I took the boat to Scotland and the first job I got was in Inverness-shire in the tunnels.

“Aye, a lot of Donegal people there, especially from Inishowen. It was tough working in the tunnels but the winters in that part of Scotland

“I remember driving a horse and cart loaded with milk containers to the Rockhill Army camp.”

Josie McCormack

were severe and you weren’t working outside which was a good thing.”

He spent ten years in Scotland and his first day back on his native soil was to prove highly significant as his spouse of close to sixty years recalls. “I met Josie down at Mary McDermott’s eating house at the bottom of the town.

“But you’re getting no more information than that,” laughs Margaret.

They were subsequently married in Glenswilly.

“Fr James Gallagher was the priest that married us,” Josie remembers.

Margaret had been employed in the Hosiery factory while Josie continued “jobbing here and there. If you got a bit of work you took it.”

And he did get the work, taking up a position with local builder Con Harvey. “He built part of the houses in Ard O’Donnell.”

Josie and Margaret’s son, Patrick, was

“And then Johnny Duffy from the Back Road would deliver it to Omagh and Castledawson and wherever else.”

When Nestles closed the factory doors in Letterkenny for the last time, Josie started a job at Kellys Mills. “I was in the timber yard sawing the timber. I was there for ten years.”

After that he took up a job involving land drainage, private work he and the late Joe Kelly – “God rest his soul” – undertook for the farming community.

And then one day he decided enough was enough. “I had worked a long time and I said to myself “I think I’ll do no more. I’ll just pull the plug and that was it.”

A lifetime dedicated to every conceivable type of work. Except Taoiseach though that’s not to say that a future one didn’t at one time occupy the McCormack household!

Recalling the days when her husband would be helping out Paddy Harte on the election campaign trail, Margaret relates: “A man came into the house and sat down as he said he wanted to write a letter to his wife.

Our daughter Mary made him a cup of tea. I didn’t know him at the time but it was Garret Fitzgerald!.”

And not the only prominent Fine Gael T.D. to visit their home – former Justice Minister, Nora Owen, another political high-ranker who shared the McCormack hospitality.

Away from his working career, meanwhile, Josie was involved in a supervisory capacity in the youth club at the then Literary Institute along with Charlie Collins, Liam Blake, and Fr. John McLoone. “It helped take the young boys off the street and give them something to do.”

For many years, Josie played his part in the St Vincent de Paul Society and also served as a lay Minister in St. Eunan’s Cathedral.

Again like his peers, Josie has seen his home town altered beyond recognition though the community ethos in places such as Ard O’Donnell still, happily, exists.

“Things have changed that’s for sure and times have got a lot easier.”

And indeed there are surely few of today’s generation who could boast of a working life such as his.

Page the Leader || 10 May 20177

the Leader || 10 May 2017 Page 4

Voices of Letterkenny

Local Opinion Matters

With phone coverage issues being raised recently in the community, we asked the people of Letterkenny which companies they have chosen and are they are happy with their providers?

Others said...

“Three, you get no service anywhere.

It’s true. I live in the town and I don’t get coverage in my house.”

Michael Gibson “I am with Three, I am happy with them.

I’ve always been a three customer.”

Anonymous

“Well I’m with Three, I suppose they are alright. The coverage can be dodgy at times and I lose 4G a lot but apart from that they’re pretty much the same as O2. So yeah, Three fix your internet connection and you’ll be sound.”

Joseph McCauley

I’m on Vodafone, I have broadband with them as well. I do like Vodafone. Overall I can’t complain. “

Erika, Letterkenny

“I’m with Three, yea they are OK. I’ve had no problems, no issues. I am not looking to switch. I get all phone calls, texts, data, and internet hotspot so it never costs me more.

m

Crea Kerry, Rockets Ice-

“I am with Three. Coverage would not be great depending on which area you are in.

For example Saint Johnson.”

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“I’m with Tesco mobile, coverage is very good. I used to get double credit when I topped up at the start! I’m happy with them.”

Rob, Letterkenny

8 Page 4

the Leader || 10 May 2017 the Leader || April

Patti Boyd & Letterkenny “Something in the way she moves, attracts me like no other lover…”

The Beatles (1969) “And then she asks me, as I turn out the light, I said my darling, you look wonderful tonight.”

Eric Clapton (1977)

P

ub quiz aficionados will no doubt sagely inform you that both of these hit songs (above) were actually written about the same woman – Patti Boyd – who was married to George Harrison between 1966-1977 and Eric Clapton between 1979-1989.

But not so many could tell you that she also has connections to Letterkenny, as she is descended from the Boyds of Ballymacool.

John Boyd built the family mansion on the Main Street in 1672, having arrived with his brothers William and Robert in the late 1660s. This mansion was approximately where the former Charles Kelly Hardware shop stands today. His grandson, also called John Boyd, built a new palatial mansion on the grounds of Ballymacool in 1783 after purchasing the estate from Samuel Span. His fifth son, Archibald, was born in 1755 and it is through him that we get Patti’s lineage. His great-great-great granddaughter, Patti Boyd, was born on 17 March 1944, in Taunton, Somerset, the first child to Colin Ian Langdon Boyd and Diana Frances Drysdale.

Between 1948 and 1953, she lived in Nairobi, Kenya and after returning Patti Boyd, famous model from the 60’s who inspired twp of the most famous to England, she moved to London songs ever has Letterkenny connections. in 1962 and worked as a shampoo

girl at Elizabeth Arden’s salon, until a client who worked for a fashion magazine inspired her to begin work as a model.

Famous Husbands

Patti began her modeling career in 1962, in London, New York and Paris, being photographed by David Bailey and appearing on the cover of Vogue. In 1964, she was cast in the new Beatles movie, “A Hard Day’s Night”, where she met the enigmatic guitarist George Harrison.

They were engaged on 25 December 1965, and married on 21 January 1966, in a ceremony at a registry office with Paul McCartney as best man.

From the late 1960s, Eric Clapton and Harrison were close friends, and began writing and recording music together. It was at this time that Clapton fell in love with Patti.

His 1970 album with Derek and the Dominos, “Layla and Other

Assorted Love Songs”, was written to proclaim his love for her, particularly the hit song “Layla”. Following a short affair with Clapton, she separated from Harrison in 1974 and their divorce was finalised in 1977.

Patti then moved in with Clapton and married him in 1979. Sadly, their marriage was short lived as she left him in 1984, with their divorce being finalised in 1989.

A year after his split with Patti Boyd, George Harrison married Olivia Trinidad Arias, with whom he had one son, but sadly he died in 2001, aged 58, from lung cancer. Following a long time relationship with Lory Del Santo, Eric Clapton married Melia McEnery in January 2001.

Patti Boyd never remarried though.

Today she works as a photographer and has held exhibitions of her work, entitled “Through the Eyes of a Muse”, in New York, California, London and Dublin while her autobiography, “Wonderful Tonight:

By Kieran Kelly Letterkenny Historical Society George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Me”, topped the New York Times Best Seller’s list in 2007.

In our first issue, we discovered Michael Palin’s connections to Letterkenny. Now we can see that the town has further connections to the swinging sixties with genealogical connections to the wife of a Beatle. Ironically, when the Monty Python team required funding to make their second movie, “The Life of Brian” in 1979, the money was provided for Palin and his cohorts from none other than George Harrison, ex-husband to Patti Boyd of Ballymacool.

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the Leader || May 2017 Page 9

Teenage Voices of

Letterkenny

Young Local Opinions Matters

Too much too young? With exam time drawing near we asked some young people of Donegal if they think there is too much pressure and stress put on them to do well and achieve high marks in exams.

We asked the teenagers themselves about how they feel about it all.

Others said...

“I feel it isn’t fair how those who are good at school are praised the most . For some students, the pressure can be too much and lead to real unhappiness. “ Anonymous, 5th Year

“There’s too much pressure. It’s very stressful, a lot of my friends feel the same. “ Aine O’Donnell, 3rd

“In my honest opinion I feel that families in modern day society there is too much emphasis placed on people my age on their education, to do well and go to college. There isn’t enough emphasis placed on how that person feels about it or what they want to achieve in life, never mind what their parents want for them.”

ar Lewi Carson, 6th ye

“There is a lot of pressure, but for some subjects you need it.”

d year

Teigan Sweeney, 2n

“There’s far too much pressure for young people to do well in exams, sometimes I think they take it a bit too far. You can only take in so much also. “

Nadine Frield, 6th

Year

“For some subjects pressure is necessary as you won’t learn them otherwise, like core subjects eg. maths etc. “

ar

d ye Megan Simmons, 2n

Year

“I suppose I need pressure, if I didn’t have my parents and my teachers on my back I probably wouldn’t be bothered.”

Anonymous, 3rd Year

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Page 3 the Leader || 10 May 2017

the Leader || May 2017 Page 10

Boston based project continues to aid Letterkenny Pre-School

T

ORAN’S INSPIRATION HIGHLIGHTED IN TOUCHING PRESENTATION

he plaque, now occupying pride of place in the family home in Rathdonnell, simply reads: “In loving memory of Oran Nibbs. “Your infectious smile and love for life has been an inspiration to help children who have different abilities. You will be greatly missed and always remembered.”

Always remembered by his parents, Colm and Ashling, by his siblings, Aoibheann (12) and Rian (10); by the local community; and by the staff of the Ballaghderg Pre-School where he had spent part of his young life, before at the age of just seven and a half, he passed away on January 20th last.

By Paddy Walsh The emotionally crafted plaque had been presented to Colm and Ashling on a recent Friday afternoon at the Ballaghderg school by Billy Higgins on behalf of the Southill Children’s Fund, a non-profit organisation based in Boston which financially aids such schools and charities.

Making his second visit within a year to the Letterkenny Pre-School, Billy had presented a cheque of 20,000 dollars from the Southill project and had then handed over the plaque to Oran’s parents.

It was an emotional moment among many at the informal gathering – Billy recalling a letter that Ashling Nibbs had sent to him after the passing of Oran.

“All in the office were in tears,” he indicated.

There was additional heart-aching significance for Billy – having lost a son himself. “But I know they’re all in heaven.”

His daughter, he revealed, had inscribed the moving words on the plaque he had just presented.

Ashling and Colm had come along to the presentation to return their thank to the Southill Fund and to the staff at the Ballaghderg Prer-School for all they had done for Oran.

“They are brilliant. There is one to one care for all the children here and we will

never forget what they did for Oran,” said Colm later.

They had sent a “get well” card when Oran was in intensive care in Letterkenny University Hospital.

He had been initially diagnosed of his life-limiting disease at Great Ormond Hospital two years previously.

Oran had subsequently passed away at his home in Rathdonnell – in sight of the horses owned by the Harley family nearby. “He loved horses – loved the outdoors. I used to get him a packet of carrots every week so he could feed the horses.”

And at his funeral in Sligo, where both Colm and Ashling originally hail, two of the Harley horses walked in front of the hearse.

A fitting send-off and somehow fitting, too, that on the day after the presentation

by Billy Higgins and the Southill project, Oran would have celebrated his eighth birthday.

The cheque presented to the Ballaghderg Pre-School was not the first handed over on behalf of the Fund – and the calming surroundings of the special sensory room at the facility owes much to the generosity of the Boston project.

Another family in attendance at the presentation was Michael Duffy and his wife Orla and their two children, Clodagh (10) and Caolin (5). Michael’s mother, Kathleen, was also present for the occasion – his first visit to the school to which he has contributed largely.

A native of Portsalon, Michael has been resident in Boston for the past twenty years and also made an invaluable contribution to the Letterkenny Pre-School, having sold over 6,000 tickets for a draw on behalf of the Southhill Fund.

Billy Higgins cutting the tape to officially open the sensory room at Ballaghderg Pre-School.

He initiated the contact with Letterkenny councillor, Ciaran Brogan, during a St. Patrick’s Day visit by the latter, that helped tie up this unique relationship with the American based fund-raising project.

At the recent visit to the facility Billy had also presented a special plaque to cllr Brogan to mark his involvement and for identifying the Ballaghderg school as a worthy recipient. The local councillor himself had also, Billy noted, donated personally to the school.

During his address at the presentation, cllr Brogan described the cross-Atlantic link with the Southill Children’s Fund as a Pictured on the occasion of the presentation of a cheque for 20.000 dollars to “great story” and one that has featured on the Ballaghderg Pre-School are from left, Cllr. Ciaran Brogan; Eugene McElroy, the front pages of the Boston newspapers. Business Manager for the H.S.E.’s Donegal Disability Services; Billy Higgins of the He also acknowledged the huge contri- Southill Children’s Fund; Michael Duffy, a native of Portsalon but now based in bution made by Michael Duffy and by Boston; and Conor McDevitt, nephew of Fintown native, Pat McDevitt who also helped raise money for the project. another Donegal emigrant, Pat McDevitt, originally from Fintown. Pat was represented at the presentation by his nephew, Conor.

Paying tribute to the staff at the Pre-School for their dedication and commitment, the councillor declared: “It’s all about the children at the end of the day and here they are so well looked after.”

Eugene McElroy, Business Manager for the H.S.E.’s Donegal Disability Services, who acted as M.C. during the presentation, spoke of the Southill Trust’s significant donation that had helped develop the sensory room at the Pre-School and also A visit to the sensory room with from left to right, Billy Higgins, Fintan Doherty, referred to the donation from cllr Brogan. and cllr Ciaran Brogan.

The latest cheque would, he promised, “be spent wisely and spent well.”

There were, he added, a lot of partnerships involved and he, too, congratulated the staff for their unstinting efforts since the school had opened.

“We are very honoured to have Billy back here – he has become such a good friend to the school.”

A memorable occasion and one that also helped to commemorate one of the children who had benefited so much from the existence of the Ballaghderg PreSchool.

Pictured after the presentation of the special plaque commemorating Oran Nibbs,

who attended the Ballaghderg Pre-School, are Oran’s parents,Ashling and Colm, his siblings, Aoibheann and Rian; Billy Higgins of the Southill Children’s Fund, and local councillor, Ciaran Brogan.

Billy Higgins of the Southill Childrens’ Fund presenting the cheque on his recent visit to the Ballaghderg Pre-School in Letterkenny.

Page 8 the Leader || 10 May 2017

the Leader || March 2017 Page 11

Summertime & the Slimming is easy…

Top Tips from Motivation Weight Management to help you manage your slimming goals this summer

H

opefully over the next week or two we will get some of the Summer weather we are expecting.

8. Plan Ahead

No matter what the occasion or gathering, there is usually a lot of food and a lot of temptation being served up. The key to managing it is to plan ahead.

Decide what you are going to do before you get there.

Motivation Weight Management is best known for its outstanding success in helping thousands of Irish people to reach and maintain their ideal weight long-term. Clinical studies show that the motivation programme has an 82% success rate and the company prides itself in having over 100,000 success stories.

Whether this is wishful thinking or not, the fact remains that we turn the summer in to one long happy hour, where food and drink play host to most events and it’s easy to lose track of what we consume.

Then when the temperatures along with hemlines and shirt sleeves rise, there’s no place for wobbly bits to hide. According to Motivation Weight Management a positive mental attitude and a smart approach can also play a key role when trying to lose and manage weight. Here Motivation offer some practical tips to stay on track while enjoying all the parties and gatherings any summer scorcher holds!

1. Don’t stand so close:

When you stand beside bowls of snacks and treats, you don’t feel yourself dipping in and you lose track of how much you eat. Make a conscious effort to mingle with the people furthest from the buffet table.

2. Two’s company:

Never pile your plate high with food as you are likely to eat it all whether you’re hungry or not. If you put only two items on your plate during any given trip to the table, you not only give yourself time to decide if you are still hungry but you are less likely to want to keep walking up and down to the table.

Fill up on the healthy stuff like broccoli and celery and then see if you have room for the rest.

5. Find a distraction:

When you think you’ll be distracted by an important or fun conversation, set the food down and give the conversation your full attention. Remember, the 3. Steady as you go: more you focus on people and other distractions eg.

Eat slowly. Not only will this help with digestion and playing games with children or watching a sporting taste, it will also lessen the speed at which someone event on TV, the less you’ll tend to eat. will offer you more food.

6. What’s on your agenda

4. Free Fuel:

As you enter the room, tell yourself you’re there first Use the volume approach to make yourself feel full. to either to socialise with people or conduct business

For weight loss that stays lost, you need motivation.

Programmes are specially designed for men, women and adolescents with any amount of weight to lose with private one-to-one consultations with experienced advisers and doctors. Motivation’s success is founded on the company’s unique approach to weight management, which focuses not just on what people eat, but why. This ground-breaking concept was pioneered by world-renowned French-Canadian bariatrician Dr. Maurice Larocque, who developed the revolutionary “Mental Weight” concept, to help people achieve and maintain their ideal weight by and secondly to eat. In these situations, there is identifying and tackling the root cause of their eating always too much food. We are not there to load up habits and behaviours. and over indulge. It is important to realise that the According to Motivation Weight Management, food is just there to enhance the event, which is to 70% of eating is for emotional reasons. An individsocialise. Strengthen your resolve to eat less or to eat ual person’s habits, motivation, stress symptoms, lighter food. emotions and mental self-image all make up their ‘Mental Weight’. Motivation Weight Management 7. Time it: has clinics nationwide and is an Irish company now Don’t be afraid to arrive a little late or leave a little 21 years in operation. If you would like to find out early. If you arrive late, the really tempting food may more about our programmes in our clinics in Letterbe gone already. If you leave early, you make it easier kenny call 0749113006 or see www.motivation.ie to avoid a second helping of desert or picking at a for more information or to arrange a no obligation assessment. cheese board late into the night.

• 82% of the weight loss stays lost.

• We focus on why you eat, not just what you eat.

• One-to-one consultations.

• Personalised healthy eating plans.

Call 074 9113006 Call 1850 30 6000 or visit motivation.ie

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Page 12

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Darkness Into Light 5k Walk Run in aid of Pieta House Large turn out for Darkness Into Light

Martina McGinley, Melony Keeveny and Diana Taylor supporting the Darkness into Light in aid of Pieta House

Michael and Murin Freeburn and Daisy taking part in the Darkness Into Light 5K run/walk

The Donegal Rose sets off for the Pieta House Darkness Into Light 5K run/walk

Family and friends of team Seamy taking part in the Pieta House Darkness Into Light

Page 2 the Leader || 10 May 2017

Page 13 the Leader || 10 May 2017

The Sweet Life ......... By Eleanor McKeever

Coffee…it’s all Italian to me! coffee, this is espresso with added hot water, otherwise known as the long black. I prefer to say “Americano”. It sounds better.

Cappuccino The ever-popular cappuccino is a marriage of espresso and and frothed milk. It takes its name from “cappuccio” meaning hood in Italian, as it is said to be similar in colour to the Capuchin monks’ hooded robes. (You didn’t need to know that)

Ever got your Ristretto mixed up with your Macchiato? Or your Flat White with your Skinny Latte? Take heart, you are not alone.

We may be a nation of tea drinkers, but recent consumer trends show we are rapidly becoming lovers of premium, speciality coffees. Café society and coffee culture is booming throughout Ireland, and Letterkenny is embracing this trend with a passion. Like many a coffee addict, I’m loving the vibrant new café scene in town. With more than a few new entrants on the scene, and lots of old favourites holding their own, coffee shops are all the rage in LK. We are spoilt for choice on where to go for our coffee fix, but what are we going to choose?

Just when it seems like we had figured out the Cappuccinos and Americanos, along comes a host of other coffees to bewilder us. Like me, you might find that deciphering the coffee menu of your favourite haunts can sometimes leave you feeling like you need a language degree and a pair of binoculars! To save myself some squintyeyed embarrassment next time I go for a coffee, I decided to do a bit of research on speciality coffee. I’m no barista, but here’s my quick and easy take on some of these wonderful caffeine delights.

Espresso It all starts with this small shot of rich dark coffee. It takes both science and skill to turn finely ground coffee and pressurised hot water into the perfect espresso with a “crema” of reddish-brown froth on top.

Gentlemen, if you want to impress the ladies, do like the Italians and knock it back while standing at the bar in your Armani suit and Gucci loafers!

Doppio Simply a double shot of espresso.

Ristretto This is a “restricted” shot of espresso.

It is more concentrated and has half the amount of water.

Americano For those who like an American style

Mocha A cappuccino with hot chocolate makes the mocha a hit with chocolate and coffee lovers alike.

Maccchiato As macchiato is Italian for stained or spotted, this is an espresso with a “spot” or “stain” of steamed milk.

Latte “Latte” is milk in Italian, and this espresso drink is big on steamed milk with what they call a “micro foam” on top. Have it “skinny” if you must, with skimmed milk.

Cortado Veering over to Spain now, the cortado comes from the Spanish verb “cortar”, meaning “to cut”. The cortado is made with equal amounts of espresso and warm but not frothed milk. Served in a glass, it looks as good as it tastes.

Corretto A shot of espresso “corrected” if you like, with a shot of liqueur. Now, we’re talkin’.

And last but not least, Flat White Finally, if you like a double espresso with heated, not frothed milk, and no hood or head (and no liqueur), go for the flat white. Apparently the flat white craze started in Australia and New Zealand, and is the number one coffee of choice for hipsters. Young, trendy, environmentally-friendly, you get the gist…. and you don’t need to have a beard to drink it.

What’s for dessert?

All this talk of coffee brings me to thoughts of one of my all-time favourite desserts. It’s got to be… Affogato. Affogoto is Italian for “drowned”, and only the Italians could create such a simple masterpiece as ice cream drowned in espresso.

I love ending a meal with this heavenly creation, or simply treating myself on a hot summer’s afternoon. I don’t have a fancy coffee machine. I just use my trusty old espresso pot.

Affogato Serves 1 1 scoop of your favourite vanilla ice cream (homemade is best!)

1 shot of espresso Amaretto (optional) Simply pour a shot of hot espresso over the ice cream.

Add a dash or a shot of Amaretto as you like. Let it drown, and enjoy. Bliss…

For Extra indulgence: Serve with those deliciously crunchy Italian biscuits, cantuccini.

Page 14

This month’s 3 unanswered questions

the Leader || 10 May 2017

and charged me with trying to blow up parliament.

The other evening I was in a shop and the This month’s 4 unanswered questions.

1. How does a shepherd count his flock woman in front of me asked if she could exchange a “get well soon” card for a without falling asleep? sympathy card. She obviously didn’t make it 2. Do dumped farmers get John Deere letters to the hospital on time. from their exs?

I was telling this story to a priest friend of 3. Are there female leprechauns? mine and he recounted another story to me.

4. Is closing up and closing down a shop not He was once asked to sign a mass card by somebody a few days before Christmas. the same thing?

He asked the person for the name of the deceased. On hearing the name he replied To lighten the load with a “God I’d heard she was sick but hadn’t heard she’d died”. The person replied “ she hasn’t joke or two . . died but she’ll not last over Christmas and The missus left me this week because she you’ll be hard to get” reckons I drink too much. I bought a bottle Thoughts for the day.... of wine that said “drink before 2020. I had it This week has seen another 2 young people finished by 19.55. killed on the Inishowen roads. Is there any My GP told me I needed to spend less time at end to this needless slaughter. the bar...so I took up smoking.

Appeal after appeal falls on deaf ears.

I recently bought an inflatable House of The carnage continues. Is it time to compulCommons on Ebay. The police arrested me sorily fit speed limiters to young mens cars?

Prayers’ prayers..answered!

So the Dail voted to retain the prayer at the start of every session. There had been calls to end the practice. Probably based on the fact that Ireland is now a multicultural multi religious state and that there should be separation of Church and State and that you don’t want to offend other religions. I once heard a fairly famous Irishman say “you don’t show 7053_192x135mm_ROI_LSM_McCafeCoffee_417487.ai 29/03/2017for 16:56 respect for other religions 1by apologising your own.”

I thought this was very powerful.

More carnage on the roads of Donegal. Is it time to compulsorily fit speed limiters to young mens cars?

The House of Commons.

Page 6 the Leader || 10 May 2017

the Leader || 10 May 2017 Page 15

Are you a parent of an LGBT young person?

By Connie Murray Lynch

P

arents and family members of those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) often have initial difficulties coming to terms with their son’s or daughter’s sexuality or gender identity.

Your child may have recently told you that he or she is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Trans (LGBT). It is important to remember that your child has not changed they are still the same person.

Your support to your child is imperative for them to feel comfortable within themselves and will make their journey in becoming who they were born to be immensely easier. Overall this can bring a lot of questions for you as a parent.

Questions like...

Will my child get bullied?

Unfortunately we live in a world where prejudice exists across the board however as a parent you can play an important role in making sure your child regardless of their sexual orientation has someone to turn to if they are being bullied and that they feel included and valued at home and at school.

Why did they tell me this?

My guess is your child loves you and is seeking a more open, honest relationship with the hope of removing hidden barriers and to gain acceptance for who they are.

How do I tell other people?

You don’t have to! The choice is yours and your child’s. However if you do it is crucial that you talk it over with your child first at the end of the day this journey is theirs and they might not be ready for other people to know yet.

I think my child is LGBT and I don’t know if I should ask them out right or not?

Firstly your child may not be aware of their sexual orientation/gender identity yet. Some children may even feel offended if you ask them. With this an indirect approach might be the

best way to commence. Things such as ensuring your home is inclusive, non-discriminatory and that when you are talking about love or families you are including all types of families and relationships can help.

An important step you can take is educating yourself in order to have the ability to comprehend what your child might be going through to understand what it means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Sexual Orientation is about who we attracted to physically and emotionally. Lesbian or Gay are individuals who are attracted to those of the same gender, Bisexual are individuals who are attracted to people of either gender.

Gender identity is our internal feelings of being a man or woman. Transgender is the umbrella term used for anyone whose Gender Identity and/or Gender Expression don’t always match the gender they were assigned at birth.

When talking to your child the main thing you have to remember is that this is not a ‘Lifestyle Choice’ this is simply the nature of your child and nothing you did, or didn’t do, created this identity.

Supports for LGBT people and family LGBT helpline - 1890 929 539 The LGBT Helpline is a non-judgmental and confidential service providing listening, support and information Donegal Youth Service - 074 9129630 BreakOut LGBT Youth Group - 086 124 7968 Loving Our Out Kids (LOOK) - 087 253 7699

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the May 2017 the Leader Leader||||10 March 2017

LETTERKENNY DOWN THE (P)AGES

A look through old books & publications

A BARRY AMONG THE PADDYS – Helping to bring power to Scotland A s the back cover of the book, ‘The Dam Builders – Power from the Glens’ – published in 2002, describes, the construction schemes of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board changed the face of the Highlands and brought electricity to almost the whole of Scotland north of the Highland Line.

Author James Miller details the work that went into the scheme and reports eye witness testimonies from many of the workers involved including tunnel tigers, engineers, linesmen and dam builders. Not surprising Irishmen were prominent and, equally not surprising given the links between the regions, Donegal and its emigrants played more than a significant part in the schemes.

Glenties native, Patrick MacGill provided a stirring recount of his work as a navvy in his book ‘Children of the Dead End’ published in 1914 – Miller’s publication offers a vivid account of the work that was entailed and of the lives of those involved.

There are numerous references in his book to the Donegal contingent. There is Patrick McGinley from Creeslough who worked along with his brother on the Ballyshannon Cover of the Dam Builders and it’s connection to Donegal. hydro-electric scheme before heading to Scotland via England A familiar link between them all with Donegal and bringing his experience to the Hydro backgrounds and sharing the same forename. scheme there.

But there was also a Barry. Specifically Barry Locals McDermott from Letterkenny.

The story, too, of Patrick Campbell, who He had been working in Paddy Gallagher’s at the age of nineteen, was pulling pints International Bar in Clydebank when he in his father’s hotel in Dungloe when, one heard about the tunnelling at Ben Cruachan Christmas, eight men dressed “like they had and how good the money was. stepped out of a Hollywood movie” came in “The first job I got was on the outfall. I was and bought whiskey all round. They had just working with my brother, Lawrence and my returned from the Highlands where they had brother-in-law, John Mulhern. It was long worked as tunnel tigers and, seeing them, hard work, twelve hour shifts, you started at Patrick soon took the night boat from Derry seven in the morning until seven at night. to Glasgow to work on the Hydro scheme.

“You had a packed lunch given you in the There, too, was Paddy Boyle from a family canteen – cheese, corned beef and that of nine in Gweedore who, at the age of crack.” seventeen, caught the same boat and set Author Miller writes: “As Barry was small and to work in the tunnels. And another Donegal light – he had earlier considered a career as emigrant featured is Patrick McBride a jockey – he was given the job of oiling the whose roots were a small family farm near spaces in and around the moving shutter Creeslough. before concrete was pumped in to line the

The story, too, of Patrick Campbell, who at the age of nineteen, was pulling pints in his father’s hotel in Dungloe when, one Christmas, eight men dressed “like they had stepped out of a Hollywood movie” came in and bought whiskey all round.

tailrace tunnel.”

The Cruachan scheme proved a great success and faced its first major test in responding quickly to heavy demand for electricity during the 1966 World Cup.

Financial Benefits In the book, Barry refers to the financial benefits – and the subsequent pitfalls. “£48 a week in my hand, after the camp was paid for – the camp was about £4 and 5s or 10s.

If you had a pound at that time, you didn’t care who you met. You had enough to buy a round of drinks. It was a lot of money for a young person; I was about twenty. It put people on the drink, they never knew wages like it. £5 would last you all night. A pint of beer was 1s 2d,” the Letterkenny man recalled.

He also highlighted the presence of Catholics and Protestants in the camp at Dalmally.”In the camp there was no bother at all. It was only when you came to Glasgow that you met that problem, with the Orangemen and the Celtic supporters. There was no sectarianism in the camp.”

At the camp, Barry became acquaintained with an Irishman who neither drank or smoked and confines his purchases to a

tube of toothpaste a week. “He was banking all his money, and he was there for about two years, so I reckon he must’ve saved up four or five thousand pounds, and he was killed out on the job.

“A lot of men sent money back to their families – my brother-in-law used to send money back to my sister. She sent him a telegram – no need to send any, I’ve plenty here, and he showed the letter to a wee Aberdeen man, and the Aberdonian says, I wish I had a wife like that, mine canna get enough off me.”

There was, Barry recalled, great camaraderie among the men. After he left the Cruachan scheme, a road accident landed him in hospital in Oban with a badly broken leg. When his former mates in the tunnels heard about his misfortune, they visited him and gave him some cash.

“I was better off than when I was working.

There were very decent people up there.

You were all mates. If your mate had no money you helped him out, and he returned the compliment. There was no thieving or any of that crack, you could leave your money sitting on the counter [in the bar] and it would be there when you came back.”

Council seeking expressions of interest for the Town & Village Renewal Scheme Donegal County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from towns and villages across the county as part of the recently launched Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2017.

This scheme is targeting rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000 and is being funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with the local authority administering the scheme.

Expressions of interest are being sought for projects that will enhance and develop towns and villages socially, economically and culturally and proposals should include activities which will have clear positive economic impacts on the town, rather than just public realm-type actions.

The type of projects that could be considered include projects that support entrepreneurship (e.g. development of Enterprise Hubs, Hot Desk Facilities, Digital Hubs, Creative Hubs, training facilities); integrated approaches to developing individual sectors within the town and/or its environs (e.g. artisan food hubs, craft hubs); projects which demonstrate collaboration between town centre businesses and the surrounding area to produce economic benefit; tourism initiatives; enhancement of heritage and/or other community assets; town safety and accessibility enhancements; provision/ enhancement of leisure facilities (e.g. Town Parks, walking trails); conducting/commissioning of Town/Village health check; development of quality marks, such as Purple Flag, Heritage Town, and so on.

Applications from towns can range from €20,000 to a maximum of €100,000. Funding of up to €200,000 will also be considered for a limited number of projects which can deliver exceptionally strong economic benefit to a town and its outlying areas.

The Council is keen to receive expressions of interest from groups who may have a suitable project for consideration under the scheme. All expressions of interest will be assessed based on the priorities set out in the Scheme Outline and a maximum of 15 proposals may be selected for further development into detailed applications which will be submitted to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for final decision.

The closing date for receipt of completed ‘Expressions of Interest’ is 4.30pm on Friday 26th May. Further information on this scheme including the scheme outline is available at www. donegalcoco.ie

Page 17

the Leader || 10 May 2017

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the Leader || 10 May 2017

Summer Marketing Tips for Business Owners We have had a perfect spell of beautiful weather this past week and this gives business owners the opportunity to turn customers into brand advocates.

The sweet dilemma of summer is this: People think it’s the season of relaxation, yet many also have ambitious goals. As people reconcile the two sides of summer, brands can help them become their best summer selves - whether that means encouraging people to go out or helping them to chill out.

SO WHY IS SUMMER MARKETING DIFFERENT?

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When we have blue skies and stunning sunshine in Donegal, it gives your customers a chance to show your products in a perfect setting or to share their snaps enjoying your business with friends.

TURN YOUR CUSTOMERS INTO BRAND ADVOCATES Word of mouth marketing is still the best form of advertising. When a trusted friend or family member recommendations a product, place to visit or eat, we will regard this above any marketing campaign.

This is why summer is the perfect time to have your customers take pictures of themselves with your product, or at your business enjoying the sunshine.

Then, ask them to share those pictures on their social networks using a #hashtag and pick a winner for the best picture.

You’ll have fun doing it and create some great engagement with your followers.

Your business will also show up in every entrants social media feed, which is ideal for advertising.

This type of campaign is perfect for Facebook and Instagram.

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to re-engage with your repeat customers, while also giving you a chance to involve new consumers.

Facebook contests are nothing new. You’ve likely been exposed to many, and have potentially even entered some (I know I have). But have you actually tried running one yourself?

As people head out to enjoy their summer adventures, they will have their mobile phone with them, ready to capture and share summers best moments.

Summer is a great time to grow your email list, especially if the summer months are the busiest of the year. Something as simple as a paper sign-up sheet can go a long way in helping you stay in touch with people after they visit your store, eat in your restaurant, or come into your office.

In addition to asking for their name and email address, you could also ask for their phone number to follow up with SMS marketing. You can then target USE EMOJIS your customers throughout the entire year through 92% of online users use emojis, and frequent users multiple channels. feel emojis express their feelings more accurately GET CREATIVE WITH than words. Emojis are kind of like puppies and babies, people just like them! Moral of the story, use YOUR CONTESTS It’s widely known that contests are a great way to emojis in your Facebook marketing posts to add perinteract with your audience. They provide a place sonality and emotion to your text.

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Page 19

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Donegal Mammy Who Are You? Let Us Hear Your Voice...

D

onegal Mammy started as a face book page for mammy in the County to share news, views and opinions. All ages all stages.

It has grown over the last year and now here she is in The Leader Newspaper!

Thank you all for your great feedback and messages on our very first column. As always we follow the lead of all you Donegal Mammies so keep in touch and let us know what you want us to talk about, either here or on our Face book page.

This month we cover a serious topic, a subject that comes up regularly from our followers. It raises an issue affecting Donegal Mammy and mammies throughout Ireland.

DID YOU KNOW..

For those who have spent many years raising their children in the home, contributing to society, there is not a system in place to support them when their children grow up and leave.

Donegal Mammy does not exist in any statistics, she does not appear on the live register...not entitled to benefits..no courses geared to support or integrate her back into employment. No initiative or organ-

isation available to her, to help or support her in her return to a new life outside the home.

In a recent survey posted on Donegal Mammy face book page over 80% who completed the survey were stay at home mum not on any state benefits. Some had given up working full time when their first child came along and never returned to employment due to child care or personal circumstances.

The respondents covered various age brackets and the story was of a similar theme, haven given up paid employment to raise their family they now feel at a loss as to who they where we are in life. are? Where do they go next?

At 60 I have experienced it all. It is too big a discussion but it has to The following is a very sad, but start somewhere, changes have to common reply from one of the survey be made. There is so much more respondents.. in this conversation to be considered: “Thank you Donegal Mammy for Value transference of a generathe opportunity to have my voice tion who being reared by a person heard. who is not valued by the state/ I could get lost in all the things society; that I could say about my life that Value of the self if you choose to confirm everything you’ve said stay at home, if the government about stay at home mammy and don’t value the work you do, then

available to me.

No organisation helping me to find a clear path to my future life... well if there was, no one told me how to find them!

My lack of confidence after years of being at home made me believe that I was not able or capable to do other things and this led me back to child minding my grandchildren and elderly parents.

society will follow suit.

Lack of work, schemes, training available that supports “Mammy”.

There is just no recognition for mothers who have stayed at home to raise their family.

When I enquired about all of these things, I was asked what benefits I was on and when I replied that I wasn’t on any and that I had been a stay at home mum I was sent on my way.

No retraining, no options

Don’t get me wrong I love them dearly but I also wonder what might have been... had our society offered different options to women in the home.”

This is what one Donegal Mammy said.

This is her story.

This is the start of a conversation. What are your views and your story?

Let us know what you think. Get in touch, we will be here every month and the Donegal Mammy face book page the rest of the time...

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Page Page 220 1984 1969 1997 1977 1975 1912 1998 1984 1961 1991 944

March the Leader || 10 May 2017 2017

69 1948 19 2006 1974 1949 42 1982 19 1987 1 7 19 1971 94 1965 19 1969 0 200 1998

...

1981 Bobby Sands begins his hunger strike on 1st March & dies on 5th May First London Marathon held Prince Charles & Lady Diana marry on 29th July and announce they are expecting Prince William on 5th November Deaths Bob Marley Singer/Songwriter Natalie Woods Actress Edith Head Fashion Designer Average Prices House £35,012

1981 was a tough year for Ireland with the Hunger strikes and Magaret Thatcher’s government taking a hard stance meant ten men lost thier lives.

Villa won the English 1st Division and Bucks FIzz won the Eurovision.

Christmas as Number 1 The Human League Don’t You Want Me Biggest selling song of year Kim Carnes Bette Davis Eyes Biggest movie of the year Raiders of the Lost Ark Wimbeldon Men’s Singles John McEnroe Wimbeldon Women’s Chris Evert-Lloyd English 1st Division Aston Villa UEFA Cup Winners Ipswich e of Ireland Winners League Athlone Town FAI Cup Winners Dundalk Scottish League Winners Celtic Scottish Cup Winners Rangers Five Nations Winners France ational Winner Grand National Aladaniti All Ireland Winner Football Kerry

69 1969 1983 1962 1967 1956 1949 2003 1988 19 1987 78 20 1995 07 1967 1999 1916 19 71 2002 2005 1994 19

THE YEAR WAS

Pint of Guinness £2.30 Chinese Year of the Rooster President of Ireland Patrick Hillary President of USA Ronald Reagan Prime Minister of UK Margaret Thatcher Entertainment News MTV is born Thin Lizzie headlines Slane IBM releases the original 5150 IBM PC

Bobby Sands died this year on hungerstrike.

All Ireland Winner Hurling Offaly Donegal County Winner Ard an Rátha World Series Champions (USA) The Los Angeles Dodgers Super Bowl Champions (USA) The Oaklands Raiders Eurovision Irish Entry Sheeba Horoscopes Eurovision Winner Bucks Fizz Making Your Mind Up UK In The News Greece enters the EEC

Bucks Fizz won the Eurovision Song Contest for the UK.

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Page 21

the Leader || 10 May 2017

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the Leader || 10 May 2017

'News

by Francy Flanigan

BR

AN

D

Sham!'

Roadworks Celebrity Planner Revealed!

Fictional News Satire

Donegal Councillor Dermot Mulhern has given an informal statement to the Letterkenny Leader.

He said he wanted to give credit to the man behind the Ballyraine roadworks, multiple Oscar winner and famed director of the Lord of the Rings film franchise Peter Jackson.

“We were watching Lord of the Rings at ‘Movie Mondays’ in the town council (tell your readers we said cheers for paying for those with the auld tax money by the way), when I noticed that I had to pee. In fairness I had a fair amount of prosecco in me but I knew the film would be over soon so I decided to wait it out. I was certain the film was going to end, but it would just keep going with some other bit… it did it about 10 times.

I think there was an extra hour between when the film could’ve ended and when it actually did... and I just had a Eureka moment...That’s exactly how I want the Ballyraine roadworks to go! So I contacted the Kiwi Oscar winner and we came to an arrangement...It wasn’t cheap but sure I wasn’t paying so it was grand (Cheers again lads).

So we met the man himself, discussed ideas and before

Movie Director, Peter Jackson

we knew it we had the roadworks I wanted, with all the false ends and dragging on as you’d expect from a Jackson film.

First we told people we’d be finished in March, then April, then we dropped the bomb that we didn’t collaborate with Irish Water so we were gonna delay another six weeks...that was a particular stroke of genius if I say so myself.

We had to do a lot of preparation to make sure the road would have to be dug twice, and finally now, we’re going to bring it to a close, but maybe another wee stall or two as a treat… I couldn’t be happier with the way it’s gone”.

Good Weather Putting Pressure on Local Hospital Letterkenny General Hospital is showing signs of stress during the recent hot weather which has caused a major influx of admissions, predominantly young males.

Several teachers in local secondary schools have maintained a strict zero-tolerance uniform policy, refusing to allow students to remove their woolen jumpers.

The jumpers, which are incredibly thick and heavy, are used primarily for Donegal school uniforms but also sold as survival apparel

in Antarctica due to their phenomenal heat retention. Combined with the sunshine and teachers refusal to allow windows to be opened has meant several students sitting beside the permanently running radiators have been admitted for dehydration and heatstroke.

Patients can be observed in the ER drifting in and out of consciousness trying to recite Pythagoras’ Theorem - doctors are saying this is unrelated, but merely a byproduct of the incapacitated students still trying to prepare for the approaching exams.

Several other males in their early 20’s have

also been admitted for simultaneously exhibiting the signs of sunstroke and hypothermia.

They have been observed on CCTV wandering Letterkenny in shorts and a t-shirt during the peak heat of the afternoons and later again during the near-freezing temperatures of the same nights.

Doctors in Letterkenny are calling this new condition ‘Tayto Syndrome’ due to the mix of burnt red torso and freezing blue colours on the patient’s legs, making them resemble the popular cheese and onion crisp packet.

BBC Folk Award Winners at RCC Letterkenny Moon’ was similarly well-received, resulting in another Best Traditional Track nomination in 2016.

November 2016 saw the release of the group’s second album, ‘Wild Hog’. Again produced by Andy Bell and building on the success of its predecessor, it shows a marked development in the group’s sound and approach.

The Regional Cultural Centre Letterkenny is delighted to present a concert by The Furrow Collective, recent winners of Best Group at the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Tomorrow night, Thursday May 11th.

Described by Mojo as “A mouthwatering collaboration”, the critically acclaimed English/ Scottish quartet consists of four distinctive and talented performers, each one an important solo artist in their own right – Lucy Farrell (fiddle, viola, voice), Emily Portman (banjo, concertina, voice), Alasdair Roberts (guitars, voice) and Rachel Newton (harp, fiddle, voice), who also won Best Musician at the Folk Awards. While this is the first Furrow Collective concert in Donegal, the three female members have played here before.

They gave an exquisitely beautiful performance as The Emily Portman Trio at the RCC as part of the Earagail Arts Festival in 2014.

Concerts are presented in partnership with the Earagail Arts Festival and Donegal Music Education Partnership. The concert on May 11th starts at 8pm and tickets priced €12 and €10 concession can be booked at An Grianán Theatre Box Office on 074 91 20777.

Folk Award Winners, The Furrow Collective will be appearing in Letterkenny at the Regional Culture Centre tomorrow.

The Furrow Collective

The group formed in 2013, drawn together by a shared love of traditional song and balladry and an open, intuitive approach to collaboration.

They mostly focus upon material from English and Scottish sources, occasionally turning their attentions further afield in their quest for intriguing songs. ‘At Our Next Meeting’, The Furrow

Collective’s 2014 debut album, was recorded with award-winning producer Andy Bell; it was variously heralded as ‘a quietly triumphant set’ (The Guardian) and ‘one of the finest collaborative albums of the past few years’ (Folk Radio UK).

The album led to nominations for Best Group and Best Traditional Track at the 2015 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. 2015’s five-song EP ‘Blow Out the

Brilliant reviews have included “A winningly produced masterclass in folk tradition” (The Observer) and “From Portman’s harp and fiddle-backed ‘Barbara Allen’ to Farrell’s thrilling but gruesome ‘Willie’s Fatal Visit’, and the exquisite harmony work on ‘Many’s the Night’s Rest’, it’s a fresh, gently powerful set” (The Guardian).

The Furrow Collective has toured extensively following the release of ‘Wild Hog’, delighting audiences in Europe and the UK with their uniquely beguiling approach to traditional song. Don’t miss this first Donegal concert by one of the finest folk bands in the world at present.

Page 23

the Leader || 10 May 2017

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Leader thethe Leader || 10|| May May 2017 2017

theLeader

Crossword Competition Across

1. Play chess on stage (6) 4. U.S Citizen (8) 9. Texan City (6) 10. Batter with weapon (8) 12. Night chocolate? (4) 13. Truthful stamp? (5) 14. Insect returns most of a dance (4) 17. Prehistoric people (12) 20. Land of Imps (and sausages)! (12) 23. Kenneth actor always gave bit extra (4) 24. Staple food ,slang cash (5) 25. Miss Fitzgerald (4) 28. Non electric performance? (8) 29. Grow ,next to the turkey perhaps. (6) 30. Rise to them everyday (8) 31. Managed (6)

Down

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the Leader || 10 May 2017

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the Leader || 10 May 2017

The power of positive thinking and mindfulness

The problem is not your thighs, the problem is your head thought this would perk me up a little. Yes, it made me slightly happier in the moment, but in the long term I was still unhappy and coming down from a sugar rush.

Using food to cope with our emotions can be addictive. We are only happy when we are eating and the longer this goes on the harder the habit is to break.

By Leslie Magee 4. Body weight doesn't equal self worth

Don't give your weight the power to determine your self worth. You're more than what you weigh or what foods you eat. Beating yourself up about what you weigh is the root of the problem with your relationship with food.

Trust me, it's much easier to deal with problems head on. There's no answer to problems stashed at If you're not happy with your weight or diet DO NOT beat yourself up. We can always make the bottom of a chocolate bar. changes to our lifestyle, and making ourselves feel There are an abundance of different ways to tackle bad will only hinder this. If that little number on a problems. Exercising, talking to a trusted friend, plastic screen sends shivers down your spine, then listening to music, getting fresh air, journaling are maybe you should back away from the scale. all healthy way coping mechanisms.

What if you took a week off from weighting yourself? Or even crazier, what if you threw the 3. A doughnut is not bad, scales away?

it's a piece of food!

We are faced with food choices and unabiding guilt every day and society dictates that we should look a certain way. Our brains are hard-wired and stubborn but you can re-calibrate your thinking and free yourself from dietry constraints. Leslie encourages you to re-think your thinking when it comes to food and reward...

Similar to the majority of females, I was introduced to "diet talk" from a young age.

As I entered my 20's I was extremely self conscious. I began to compare myself to the airbrushed babes in magazines, the beautiful females in music videos and the models with perfect beach bodies. I was being constantly reminded by the media I consumed that there was only one type of "perfect body" (and mine was the furthest thing from this ideal).

This feeling of not being good enough soon spread to all aspects of my life - career, friendships, relationships. This feeling consumed me, and that is when my relationship with food really changed. Food stopped being something I could enjoy and it became my enemy.

Looking back, I realise how detrimental my thoughts about food were. Seeing food as the enemy made me eat in a way that harmed my body as opposed to nourishing it. I was either eating too much or too little, but it was never with pleasure. In our diet crazed society it's easy to feel guilty about the way we eat.

In this article I want to help you identify these harmful thoughts that are interfering with the way you think about your relationship with food. This isn't exactly the easiest thing to achieve, but what great things in life are? So, listen up!

1. Food is not a reward - you are not a dog Rewarding yourself with food defeats the purpose of eating with pleasure. Cheat days usually result in sitting binging mindlessly on everything, without actually enjoying the food. Personally, I still find myself reaching for a glass of wine or pizza every now and then after I've finished work, but I'm working on changing that. Food is not a reward, as a matter of fact neither is wine (as much I hate admitting that). Using food as a reward can be extremely harmful, it's giving food power. If we give food the power over us we can find ourselves at its mercy.

Rewarding yourself is actually a brilliant idea, just don't do it with food (or wine!). Treat yourself to a manicure, buy a new outfit or just get outside for a breath of fresh air.

I haven't weighed myself in over two years and I'm a lot happier because of that. The reality is that us Most of you reading this will probably have a ladies are way too hard on ourselves. prohibited list of foods that you feel "bad" about What if we stopped obsessing over what we weigh consuming. Who ever said a slice of cake was and actually started to enjoy our lives. "bad"? Having a strict diet will stress you out and increase the tendency of binging on "bad" foods. There are plenty who can relate to this struggle, If something is forbidden from your life what do don't feel alone. Healing your relationship with you crave? What do you constantly think about? food is a journey (even though sometimes it can The forbidden foods! Then you shame yourself feel like you're taking two steps back). This healing with guilt. Can you see how this thinking pattern doesn't happen overnight - it's a daily commitment.

Firstly, see food as your ally and not the enemy. is dangerous?

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Page 27 the Leader || 10 May 2017

Page 6 the Leader || 10 May 2017

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the Leader || 10 May 2017

YOU CAN DO IT!

Donegal Women in Business Network are looking for women just like you, yes you

D

onegal Women in Business Network is a voluntary, notfor-profit networking and support group. We do what we do to encourage and grow the community of women in business in Donegal.

Of course, we welcome and share the overall growth of business for all gender in the county and support anyone in their vision for growth and success.

It is impossible to categorise all the types of members in our Network - some are running a business from their kitchen table, while others lead a team from a company boardroom. Some have not mastered the art of technology for business, whereas others are creating apps that will change the way we all do business. But at the heart of it all we are women, with all the strengths and differences that that may bring.

Sometimes people ask ‘Why is there an organisation specifically for women in business in the county?’.

We are always happy to answer the question and explain how women, regardless of the level they are at, do business differently.

Gender influence from childhood has a bearing in the overall picture. Generally, little boys are encouraged to speak up and to be assertive, and girls are not. But a woman with entrepreneurial aspirations must make herself heard. If you don’t speak up, you won’t go anywhere, and no one will see your vision – including you yourself.

Also, how often do people comment on how a woman looks, or what she is wearing more so than what she is saying, or on how successful she is?

Platform for business women

Women collaborate and network differently to men and groups such as the Donegal Women in Business Network is a natural platform for women to support and help one another grow in business in the county.

For those who are trying to balance home life, children, or caring for elderly members of the family, women instinctively accept that they have to balance all areas of their life and that no one else is responsible.

The mantle of guilt is often self-imposed in women trying to be many things to many people.

At a recent networking event on setting up business in the county, we heard many comments that back this up from some of the women who attended.

A feeling of responsibly to others in their life, a lack of confidence and belief in themselves, unsure that they are ABLE for, or be PART OF a business world in Donegal came through on the day.

Statements such as: “I’m not sure I am good enough” “I’m not really in business, I do a wee bit after the children go to school” “Oh, I couldn’t go there, sure they would laugh me out of it..!”

We heard this from smart, intelligent, articulate women who need to be told that YES you are good enough, YES you can do it and YES as a peer support group, Donegal Women in Business Network will help you!

So join us, tell your friends and never be afraid to share your story or your dreams with others, because we all have our own doubts and as women

we do things differently, we work differently, we learn differently and we succeed by helping and supporting each other.

Check out our website www.donegalwomeninbusiness.com for more information and sign up for your membership online today. You can contact

Evelyn the PRO of the Network on 087 2246989 if you have any further queries.

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ DWIBNetwork/ and let us know what areas you would like us to cover.

YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! GO FOR IT!

Super Saturdays in Poet’s Corner at Radisson Blu Letterkenny

A woman with entrepreneurial aspirations must make herself heard. If you don’t speak up, you won’t go anywhere, and no one will see your vision – including you yourself.

Cook your own steak on a ‘hot rock plate’ at Poet’s Corner, Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny.

Every Saturday at Poet’s Corner in the Radisson Blu Hotel letterkenny between 6 & 9.30pm, you are invited to ‘Bring Your Own Bottle of Wine’ for no extra charge. Winners of an AA Rosette in Culinary Excellence, Poet’s Corner serves cuisine that is fresh in both ingredients and imagination.

Shiloe Gormley, Sales and Marketing Manager at Station House Hotel where a recent Business Start Up clinic & Exhibition by Donegal Women in Business Network took place.

With the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms and fishing ventures, Poet’s Corner crafts exciting dishes for its evening menu. The newest addition to the dining experience includes ‘Steak on a Stone’. The hot rock plate arrives at your table with your cut of choice, sealed & sizzling, ready for you to cook to your preference! The choice of 8oz Fillet Steak, 10oz Sirloin Steak, or 8oz Rump

Steak cooked to your own liking, is served with two delicious accompaniments.

With warm finishes and lively colours, the contemporary interior makes Poet’s Corner an ideal dining location. Open 6pm - 9.30pm each Saturday. Group bookings & walk-ins welcome (booking is advised to avoid wait time). For further information or to book, contact 07491 94444.

Page 29

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Y TR

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UR

NE

W

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K ININ A E D

S TC E

AR I E N

O GNE X P E

E N O

Page 30

the Leader || 10 May 2017

S.N.A.P to skydive Ballymacool Park funds Seeing Donegal - from 10,000 Seeing Donegal - from 10,000 feet! feet!S.N.A.P to skydive forfor Ballymacool Park funds

SNAP Donegal is delighted to again be included near future.

Living Links peopleCarers from Ireland, the DCILDonegal and theBranch, Rape CriAA number of people will get to seeget Don-to see number of people will Robinson, Chairperson. everyfor child regardless“Our of age SNAP Donegal delighted as one ofisthe designatedtocharities the ‘Charity belieforis that every child has the right to play and will be36 allowed makethe their egal from a whole new perspective – as sis Centre and SNAP. peopletofrom DCIL andagain the be included Sheand added: “Ballymacool is who curability. as is one the consecutive Jump’. This theoffourth year that we want to ensure fun Donegal from a whole new peradventure for every child as they prevented from to make they descended to the ground from jumps, Rape Crisiswere Centre will be allowed rently the only playpark SNAP continues to fundraise for designatedSNAP charities for the ‘Char- with the charity jump, plays in Ballymacool and Bernard universal has been involved McGlinchey regardso last yearas due to were bad weather.

10,000 feet. – as they descended doing spective to their jumps, they prevented from doing additional equipment both Bal- in the Northwest of Ireland with ity Jump’. which is a fantastic opportunity for jumpers to see for less of their age the or ability,” says Samantha Robinson, Organiser of the event, Fintan HouThe adrenaline junkies will be taking closest being in Co. Cavan. lymacool and Bernard McGlinchey This is the fourth consecutive so last year due to bad weather. theinground 10,000offeet.

Donegal from 10,000ft and raise funds for a very Chairperson. She added: “Ballymacool is currently the part a skydivefrom for a number local ston said that he is hoping for a great “Therefore, we would strongly and hope year that SNAP has been involved Town Park, Letterkenny worthy cause. on the of day. alsoFintan wished all saidwith charities.

The adrenaline junkies will be taking partturnout in Organiser only further universal playpark in the Northwest of Ireland theHe event, Houston that the charity urge everyone who reads this to jump, which is a to be in a position to install of those part, best turnout of luck.on Hethe day. skydivers take plane from Don- The aThe skydive for awill number of local charities.

SNAP has raisedfor in excess which has the closest help beingus in change Co. Cavan. we that“Therefore, and achieve equipment, withbeen the with assistance fantastic opportunity jump-of €40,000 he taking is hoping forthe a great He also encouraged people to volunteer for egal Airportwill in Carrickfi nnfrom before takingAirport skydivers take plane Donegal universal for our to purchase play equipment of Donegal County Council, the urge ersofto seeused Donegal fromuniversally 10,000ft accessible would in strongly everyoneplay who reads this tochildren help us also wished all of those taking part, the best the jump. part in a tandembefore jump. taking part in a tandem across universal the county.” near and raise at funds for a very worthy in Carrickfinn Ballymacool Town Park which is future. suitable for every change that and achieve play for our children He alsojump encouraged Theluck. parachute is held people in con-to volunteer Those taking part have to raise a set Please contact either Fintan Hou“Our belief is that every child has cause. jump. child regardless of age or ability.

SNAP continues to across the county.” for with the jump.

The Parachute parachute jump in the Irish Club is heldSNAP amount to cover the costs, with the re- junction to Ballymaplay and we want to ston (086 0488592) or Samantha has raisedforinadditional excess equipment of the right fundraise for both Please contact either Fintan Houston (086 0488592) conjunction withwho the provided Irish Parachute and Those taking part have to of raise a set amount and Skydive Ireland the Club€40,000 mainder going to a number charities, ensure funLetterkenny and adventure for every Robinson (086 8874056) if you are which has been McGlinchey used to Town cool and Bernard Park, or Samantha (086 in 8874056) if you are in interaircraft and Ireland also the namely Alzihmers Society, Wom- going Skydive whoprofessionally provided the aircraftpurchase and to cover the costs, with Donegal the remainder interested doing the jump aid and Robinson universally accessible child who plays in Ballymacool and hope to be in a position to install further equipment, trained personnel who were involved in en’s Family Carers Ireland, ested in doing the jump in aid of SNAP or would like toa also the professionally trained personnel who to Centre, a number of charities, namelyDonAlzihmers of SNAP or would like to make play equipment at Ballymacool Bernard McGlinchey regardless of with the assistance of Donegal County in thesays the jumps. egal Branch, Living Links and SNAP. make a donation.donation. were involved in the jumps.

Society, Donegal Women’s Centre,36Family ageCouncil, or ability,” Samantha Town Park which is suitable for their angelthat trips parents to Donegal areas alone. group For more informa- support.

In the 25 years since the foundation of the Donegal specialist neurological and equipment allowing anyone can make therapists alike.

This machine, ,parent-link to 5,000 families by 2035.

BUMBLEdance BUMBLEdance ance ensures with their in and certain circumstances, helpthey have Annually we celebrate Down About 57,000 hoursofoffamilies care was Branch, helped hundreds to with aWorld disability to train improve their current can tion checktogether out www.bumbleance.com BUMBLEance is the world’s first this final journey BUMBLEance is the world’s first fully interactive, with spinal cord injuries to theprovided a party whereand patients cope with condition. in 2016 through Day level of physical mental health by targeting fully interactive, state-of-the-art, Chil- little loved one in a compassionate, Syndrome Day with state-of-the-art, Donegal Downso Syndrome sensitive and caring environment, againfitness whilst regardless in the machine. The Care (at Gaoth Dobhair, Glenties there is always lotsmobility, of fun and danc-andwalk dren’s National Children’s AmbulanceNational Service. Ambulance strength physical Service. BUMBLEance provides a local national are currently beingClubs helped(at outLetof theyDonegal can, asDown a family unit, just nearest Eskobionics to families ing! Regularly theofAssociation host and Cloghan), Social BUMBLEance provides a local andand that Syndrome is an organisation founded their current baseline.

In December 2016Exoskeleton No About 180 focusinon by theparents specialintime they have us is located in Galway, stark readworkshops and conferences for both terkenny, Ballyshannon, Fanad and service forservice criticallyforandcritically seriously and ill children the 2,200 families affected by the illness in the county, national 1985. It is a non-profitable charity barriers launched the ‘’Positive Steps Campaign’’ together. over the last few professionals and parents.These in- ing considering there are 64a people Moville), numberby of 2035. nightIreland whoillrequire transportation home; number that will riseatolimited 5,000 families seriously children in Irelandfrom whotheirleft whichEven relies totally on fundraising and available to raise the funds necessary to bring with an Eskobionics months there have been to five crease awareness and in Donegal spinal cord injury understanding time orofweekend breaks and prirequire transportation from hospices, their national grants. The aim isfour to and from, pediatrics hospitals, About 57,000 hours care was provided in 2016 to support with Down Robotic Exoskeleton toand Donegal.

The Exoskeleton of theses angel trips to Donegal areas members approx.

276 diagnosed with MS.Day marily of the syndrome. through home respite care. home; tocentres and from, pediatrics hos- throughtreatment and respite care facilities through Care (at Gaoth Dobhair, Glenties and Syndrome throughout the county of We Donegal. is a comprehensive therapy tool which provides alone. For more information check Eskobionics Exoskeleton will However the Branch has 92 families are a very active organisationgaitThis pitals, nationalWorking treatment out the hospices, island of Ireland. in partnership Our ethos is to nurture independence and promote an unparalleled rehabilitation experience for patients Cloghan), Social Clubs (at Letterkenny, Ballyshanout www.bumbleance.com cost 150,000.

We are fundraising to currently waiting for care. In 2017, and have an offi ce that is open 5 days centres and respite care Service facilities with the National Ambulance (NAS), BUM- inclusion with our communities. non,comFanad and Moville),cafes, a limited number Training of night purchase this for the Donegal a week 10.30am-1.30pm 074 9103527.

Alzheimer Cognitive alike.

Currently the and therapists throughout the island of Ireland.

BLEance delivers the highest standards in profes- Association has 157 members ranging in age from time or weekend breaks and primarily through munity and it will be owned by the and additional Family Carer home TrainWorking in partnership with the No Barriers This machine, in certain circumstances, canhoping help respite sional medical care together with(NAS), a top-of-the-range Donegal care. ing However the Branch has launched 92 familiesin community.

We are that the sessions are being National Ambulance Service 3 months toDown 53 years. We provide The a wide range of No Barriers Foundation is a patients with spinal cord injuries to walk again whilst entertainment facility specifically designed and social, emotional, physical and educational activities currently fortocare.

Alzheimer cafes,to parachute jump will ‘’ parachute’’ us waiting order try In to 2017, provide some help BUMBLEance delivers the highest Syndrome not for profit organisation based innearest in the machine.

The Eskobionics Exoskeleton Cognitive Training closer to this target. as theand maximum tailored for children. additionalnumber of families standards in professional medical and supports.

Our aim Donegal Down Syndrome is an or- Letterkenny Co. Donegal. to us is located in is Galway, stark reading considering possible. Cognitive Training will be care with that a top-of-the-range They together strive to ensure our precious cargo have the Examples to create an inclusive facilityin Donegal with spinal cord injury Family Carerespecially ganisation founded by include parentsSpeech in therapy, of these yoga,dancTraining sessions launched in therehealth are 64 people usefulare forbeing the 10% of peoentertainment facility specifically Alzheimer Society Donegal equipped with specialist neurologi1985.byIt ing, is a non-profi table charity most seamless and stress free journeys possible parent-toddler group, parent-link support. order to try to provide some help to as the maximum ple diagnosed with early-onset deand approx.

276 diagnosed with MS. This Eskobiondesigned and tailored for children. which relies totally on fundraising cal equipment allowing anyone with providing live social media streaming, Wi-Fi, games Annually we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day Branch mentiapossible. [under Cognitive 65 years of age] aswill the number of families Training will cost 150,000.

They strive to ensure that our pre- and available a disability to train ics andExoskeleton improve their consoles, DVD’s, sensory lighting and an on with grants. isthe aware of many cases from With three or four new cases of Branch a party where there is always lots of fun and be especially useful for 10% of people diagnosed cious cargo havebooks, the most seamless mentalto purchase The aim is to support members current level of physical We are and fundraising this forortherelated Donegaldementias their 30s to early 60s with the illness. boardstress lockerfree for personal and by a personalised Alzheimer’s and journeyseffects possible dancing!

Regularly the Association host by workshops with early-onset dementia [under 65 years of age] targeting community mobility, strength with Down Syndrome throughout the health and it will be owned by the community.

However, is only additional being diagnosed each week inasCounty fridge for medication and food.

BUMBLEance also providing live social media stream- county ofand conferences both professionals parents.fitness regardless of the Branch is awareit of manythrough cases from their physical Donegal.

Ourfor ethos is to and and We are hoping that Donegal, the parachute jump will Alzheimer home care hours that the Branch will the work of The provides a very unique service through Trips. ing, Wi-Fi, games consoles, DVD’s,Angel 30s to early 60s with the illness.

However, it is only their current nurture independence promote These increase and awareness and understanding of baseline. the ‘parachute’ us closer to Society this target. of Ireland (Donegal Branch) be able to provide the best help in a books, lighting for and an on inclusion An Angelsensory Trip is designed a terminally ill child with our communities.

In December through home care as hours that the Branch syndrome. We are a very active organisation and have 2016 No barriers county as large Donegal. the 25additional board locker for who is making his personal or her finaleffects journeyand on earth.Currently the Association has 157 launched the ‘’Positive Steps Cam- is needed more than ever. In will be able toThe provide the best help participates in a county asin an offi ce that is open 5 days a week 10.30am-1.30pm Alzheimer Society Donegal Branch years since the foundation of the a personalised fridge for medication members ranging in age from 3 months paign’’ to raise the funds necessary large as Donegal.

The Donegal Branch participates in BUMBLEance ensures that parents can make this the Parachute Jump on the basis that Donegal Branch, they have helped 074 9103527. and food.

Ex- hundreds 53 years.

We provide a wide range to bring an Eskobionics Robotic Donegal Branch the Parachute Jump the basis thatby 75% of money final journey together their alittle lovedtoone in of on money raised participants of families to cope with 75% BUMBLEance also with provides very of social,emotional,physical and oskeleton to Donegal. The Exoskel- the condition. About 180 families is profit. Those profits will go 100% to No Barriers a compassionate, sensitive Angel and caring environment, With three or four new cases of Alzheimer’s or related raised by participants is profit. Those profits will unique service through Trips. educational activities and supports. eton is a comprehensive gait therapy are currently being helped out of the home care – as basic administration so that they can, as a family unit, just focus on the dementias being diagnosed each week in County go 100% to home care – as basic administration is T he No Barriers Foundation is a not forwhich profit organAn Angel Trip is designed for a ter- Examples of these include Speech tool provides an unparalleled is already covered HSE funding families affected illness minally ill child making his Even or over already covered

by HSE funding andby other fund-raisspecial time they who have isleft together. the Donegal, the work of 2,200 The Alzheimer Society by of the isation based in Letterkenny Co. Donegal.

Our aim therapy,yoga,dancing,parent-toddler rehabilitation experience for patients in the county, a number thating. will rise and other fund-raising. her finalmonths journey onhave earth. last few there beenBUMBLEfour to five of theses is to create an inclusive health facility equipped with Ireland (Donegal Branch) is needed more than ever.

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Page 31

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the Leader Leader ||||10 March the May 2017

Hard as rock

Patsy and the Blakes The late Patsy Ferry with Lawrence and Vincent Blake

Cement Cup team 1960

Pictures from the past...

Three Gents!

Divers Garage back in 1998.

and the not too distant past...

Patsy Shields R.I.P. Paddy Delap and James Friel.

Letterkenny Rovers Ulster Senior Reserve League LK Rovers Youth Team 1995

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Old Town

Page 33

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Page 634

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Donegal Youth Services

Working with the Youth in Ireland

DYS represented by The Majors//The Minors

Donegal Youth Service well represented at the Irish Youth Music Awards Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Irish Youth Music Awards hosted its national day in Croke Park last month.

Nineteen young musicians/bands through live selection gigs all over the country had won the right to represent their region at the National Day. Donegal Youth Service and Team Donegal were represented by super duo Emory Ramsey and Ciaran Coyle of The Majors//The Minors, who rocked the house and gave their all in a performance that had the crowd on their feet dancing at the Croke Park venue. While on the Leaders Choice Stage, Darragh Clarke performed to an enthusiastic crowd with such confidence he even responded to requests.

The star prize was to elude Team Donegal unfortunately, but they did however take home the prize for Best Facebook Management, an acknowledgement of the fantastic job the team of twenty three young people did marketing their act online.

Over the past 10 years the IYMAS programme has brought together some of Ireland’s top music industry personnel and thousands of young musicians from all around the country. All of the performers on the day were chosen to represent their region at local live selection nights, with The Majors// The Minors being selected after a gig in The Loft at Donegal Youth

Service in early January 2017.

Each band and performer had a whole team of young people behind them who took on individual music industry roles as part of the competition.

In addition to performing at Croke Park, young musicians had the opportunity to attend workshops and master-classes in vocals, drums, song-writing, and bass, and attend panels led by music industry professionals including BIMM lecturers. They also had the opportunity to speak to RTÉ 2FM representatives who were there on the day. 2FM are an official sponsor of the Irish Youth Music Awards and have been supporting the programme all year.

Matthew Melia from IYMAS Team Donegal 2017 shared his feelings on the experience “For me the IYMAs are a great opportunity, I learned a lot about the music industry from actually playing on stage, to important aspects such as PR and fundraising.” and added “I feel the IYMAs are great to help young artists get

Members of the Donegal Team outside Croke Park before the Irish Youth Music Awards 2017.

on their feet regardless of winning or not. Overall I gained a valuable skill-set that will definitely be useful in my future in Music”.

The Irish Youth Music Awards is an educational programme for young bands and musicians aged 12 to 19, and are an official Challenge Partner of Gaisce.

Aimed at creating teamwork and friendship at local level, the project also provides first hand work experience in all areas associated with the music business such as PR, stage management, graphic design, and photography.

The programme honours the most effective music projects run by groups of young people based on the entire project from the band, to the crew, to the promotion and approach to the competition.

Graphic Design, to promote and maximise the potential of our team. A new addition this year was free online education via Lynda.com, making the IYMAs without a doubt the ultimate practical and musical education experience in the country” Dominic shared This year’s winners, Liquid Space, along with all of the young musicians involved in Team Galway, will receive five days’ recording time in a studio in Dublin, a recording session

in RTÉ 2FM’s legendary Studio 8, and their regional youth club will receive a full backline provided by Music Maker Dublin, to support the continuation and growth of the project. They will also produce an album of their own, released on physical CD with a professional design.

The album will be digitally distributed worldwide through iTunes, Spotify and many more outlets. Last year, Team Galway recorded and released their IYMAs album which

stormed the Irish compilation charts, entering at No 5.

Donegal Youth Service participate in the IYMAS every year and are big supporters of young musicians. There is also a dedicated band room for bands to make as much noise as they want in the DYS HQ 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny.

Drop in, or call us on (074) 91 29630 for more info! Donegal Youth Service are a registered charity (Charity No. CHY 15027).

Donegal Team

Darragh Clarke representing Donegal Youth Service on the Leaders Choice Stage in Croke Park.

The Donegal team were coordinated by Youth Worker Dominic McGlinchey who worked with the team from the early preparation stages in late 2016 all the way up to the National day.

“The five month journey allowed for huge growth and development of everyone involved in our project. Our team of twenty three participants took on jobs relating to the following areas; Facebook, Stage, Audio, Photo, Image, Press, Fundraising, and

Ciaran Coyle and Emory Ramsey - The Majors The Minors getting warmed up before going on stage at the Iriah Youth Music Awards in Croke Park

the Leader || 10 May 2017

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Page Page 36 12

the the Leader Leader || || 10 10 May May 2017 2017

Front runners in the 21st Northwest 10K Eoghan McGinley Letterkenny AC 1st place and Mark McPaul from Finn Valley AC in 2nd place

The walkers set off at the start of the 21st Northwest 10k charity run/walk

Martin Temple leading this group in the Northwest 10K

Paddy McGrath and sister Christine Potts.

Walkers at the the start of the 10K

John Wilkie as Elvis at the Northwest 10K

And there off runners set of at the start of the Northwest 10K

The ‘Northwind 10k’ THE 2017 NORTHWEST 10K WAS A BIT BLUSTERY...

It wasn’t quite the North-Wind 10k but it certainly affected quite a few of the competitors on the day.

And while Eoghain McGinley breezed past the finishing line in a time of 32.44, he agreed it had been a “big windy” – a sentiment shared by many of those who had taken part.

Even Elvis was all shook up…..!

“It’s like the Grand National,” one observer noted as the 950 or so runners got into their starting positions at the outset.

So where could they expect to confront Beechers Brook, someone else asked.

“Probably the Port Road,” came the answer.

And after breaching that very same Port Road, there was the welcome sight of a water station outside Brian McCormick’s sports shop on Letterkenny’s Main Street.

Close by stood Raymond Blake outside the family pub (no beer stations permitted); too close by as it happened as he was just about alert enough to avoid a flying water bottle that came his way. Accidentally it should be noted.

“Any good jokes?,” local comic Andy McGranaghan sought some new material from the spectators as he pounded along.

That’s not Cricket surely. And indeed it wasn’t – the bold Andy fresh off the stage from the previous night when he shared billing with fellow comedian, Jimmy Cricket at the An Grianan Theatre.

There too, Irene McFadden, fresh from her success in the National Road Relay competition.

But the first woman in the North-West 10k was another local athlete, Fionnuala Diver in a time of 38.31.

“I like the new course but it was very windy,” the Letterkenny A.C. competitor confirms afterwards.

Young Letterkenny athlete, Ben Carr, in the colours of Finn Valley A.C.,is the first of his age group over the finishing line. “Two minutes slower than last year,” he expresses disappointment. “After three and a half kilometres, I knew it was never going to be good.”

But it’s still a solid performance to those who could only dream of completing a highly competitive 1ok.

“The wind was tight. But the people who were supporting us along the way give us a great lift,” Ben declares.

Ben is now concentrating his attention on a 5k event he and Adam Graham are organising

The Gormleys at the finish line of the Northwest 10K

this coming Monday at Loreto Milford.

Possibly with some new jokes gathered along the way, Andy McGranaghan, strides over the line.

“It’s the first one I’ve done in a couple of years.

I haven’t really been running as such but I am doing the classes with Emmet Rushe.” Andy is soon joined by his sister, Connie, who had also completed the 10k. “When we were coming around at the Aldi store, the wind was fairly blowing,” she too notes the weather conditions.

performer. “I enjoyed it – great support along the way.”

Roisin Diver – straight from this parish! – ran 5k of the event and walked the other 5k. “I only ever walked it before,” she reveals.

Mickey Blake walked the 10k and estimates that he has never missed any of the events.

Not bad for someone now on the other end of seventy. “And I’ll be doing the Bridal Path tomorrow morning,” he declares.

Caitlin Lafferty from Magheraroarty and Roise Diver from Gortahork praised the organisaiton Elvis is fit and well! of the North-West 1OK. “The water stations Meanwhile, Elvis (ask John Wilkie) is taking a were brilliant,” says Caitlin. breather. “Thank you very much,” he acknowl“A wee bit windy but there was a great atmoedges. sphere” adds Roise, reflecting the general Dressed up in the full regalia, he is minus view. the blue suede shoes but goes on to recount those occasions when, as a member – And as the overall and category winners member and founder - of the local Karate receive their prizes on the back of a lorry in the Community Centre car-park – Eoghain Club, he completed the 10k barefoot.

And fresh from directing ‘Long Day’s Journey McGinley’s record is already impressive, four Into Night’ on the festival drama circuit, outings in the North-West 10k, two wins and a Kieran Kelly looms into view, having walked third and fourth place finish – M.C. Neil Martin the route. “It’s a better course now. Flatter,” he announces the date for the next North-West – maintains. And flatter will get you everywhere. May 6th 2018.

There, too, John Ruddy, another stage Or depending which way the wind blows.

Property The

MAY EDITION 2017

Leader

YOUR 16 PAGE COMPREHENSIVE DONEGAL PROPERTY GUIDE

New homes shortage set to drive up property prices T

he Leader has learned that house prices could be set to rise in Ireland as there is a shortage of new homes compared to the amount of actual first time buyers.

Twenty-thousand first-time buyers are now set to chase half as many new homes, which will drive property prices upwards towards the end of 2017.

New buyers and investors have been cleared to borrow for around 20,000 mortgages in the past year, according to figures from the Irish Banking and Payments Federation.

But there will be only about around 10,000 new properties for sale this year.

This will leave many first-timers with no option but to go head to head with movers for a limited supply of second-hand homes.

Experts said the mismatch between supply and the strong demand meant property prices would keep rising amid the clamour for new family homes.

New figures show that buyers have been

only borrowing three-and-a-half times their income would put the brakes on price rises in the long term.

This was due to a number of factors driving approved to borrow almost €2bn in the prices up, including the lack of supply and first three months of the year to finance the the strength of the economy.

Another Collapse? purchase of a home.

This is almost double the amounts approved However, this optimism is not shared by a for mortgages in the first three months of last large part of the Irish people, as 38% believe year. we are heading for another property collapse The average approval amount was €214,400 according to trusted polls. in March, which was up 9% on the year.

Commentators have blamed the loosening However, economists have dismissed fears of Central Bank rules on the size of deposits we are witnessing a new housing bubble. first-time buyers need, and the Government’s Local economists have said the regulatory help-to-buy rebate, for the surge in lending. restriction that meant people were limited to Property prices are rising at an annual rate

The average approval amount was €214,400 in March, which was up 9% on the year.

of 11%. But economists also denied we were seeing a new bubble.

A key attribute of a property bubble was expectations of price surges. This meant people, and especially investors, were buying expecting prices to be higher in the months ahead than they were a year ago. But there were few investors in the market.

Most experts have now revised upwards the value of mortgage lending they expect this year, as surging prices and strong mortgage demand push up the level of lending.

Experts predict mortgage lending to jump to €7.5bn this year, up from €5bn last years.

These spectacular growth rates reflect a weak underbelly in early 2017. However, March’s approvals figure is the highest since the series began in 2010.

The Irish Banking and Payments also said there were almost 7,000 mortgages drawn down in the first three months of the year, worth €1.4bn.

The Property Leader

Page 38

the Leader || 10 May 2017

WE HAVE DEMAND FOR PROPERTIES IN THE LETTERKENNY AND SURROUNDING AREAS. Contact Kiara Rainey Call: 074 912 2211 • Email: kiara.rainey@sfr.ie

THERE’S SELLING PROPERTY - AND THERE’S SELLING PROPERTY THE SHERRYFITZ WAY SFR.IE

45 Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

PSRA NO. 002285

BURT

€449,000

CARROWNAMADDY

An impressive architecturally designed detached house standing on 0.37 Ha (0.91 Acres) with uninterrupted views of Inch Island, An Grianán Valley, Lough Swilly and Rathmullan in the distance. Situated within easy reach of Derry City and City of Derry Airport, this spacious house commands spectacular countryside and water views. Extending to 297 sq m (3,197 sq ft), there is no shortage of family accommodation to include seven generously sized bedrooms, three reception rooms, extensive kitchen / dining / breakfast facilities, large utility room and sunroom with stunning views. Outside you can enjoy a sheltered barbeque patio area and a detached double garage. BER No. 109576934 CALL 074 912 2211

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Extremely well presented ready to walk into four bed semi extending to 137 sq m (1,480 sq ft) approx offering modern and spacious living accommodation throughout. Finished to a high standard.

BER No. 109736629

A well presented four bedroom detached bungalow with detached garage standing on a mature 0.23 Ha (0.57 Acre) site within easy reach of the many amenities / facilities available in Letterkenny.

BER No. 109729939

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€125,000

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A modern four bedroom semi-detached house extending to 117 sq mts (1,259 sq ft) approximately located just a few minutes walk from Muff village. The village is host to a variety of amenities. BER No. 106315807

A spacious and modern three-bedroom semi-detached house extending to 114 sq m (1,227 sq ft) offering well-proportioned BER No. 109668830 living accommodation throughout.

A Modern and well presented four bedroom semi-detached house extending to 125 sq m (1,345 sq ft) approximately offering bright and well proportioned accommodation.

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The Property Leader

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Page 39

WE HAVE DEMAND FOR PROPERTIES IN THE LETTERKENNY AND SURROUNDING AREAS. Contact Mary Rainey Call: 074 912 2211 • Email: mary.rainey@sfr.ie

THERE’S SELLING PROPERTY - AND THERE’S SELLING PROPERTY THE SHERRYFITZ WAY SFR.IE

45 Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

LETTERKENNY

€289,000

17 THE GLEBE

PSRA NO. 002285

LETTERKENNY

€269,000

20 THE GLEBE

An architecturally designed four-bedroom detached bungalow, with many outstanding features, enjoying a private mature site overlooking Lough Swillly. Floor area extends to 183 sq m (1,970 sq ft) approximately and offers spacious contemporary accommodation to include open plan living areas plus four bedrooms (two with verandas from which to enjoy the fresh air and vistas). BER No. 108477134

Substantial four bedroom detached family home with numerous attractive features, enjoying commanding views of the River Swilly and countryside in the distance. Floor area extends to 173 sq m (1,862 sq ft) approximately and offers spacious contemporary accommodation to include open plan living areas plus four bedrooms.

BER No. 109761114

CALL 074 912 2211

CALL 074 912 2211

LETTERKENNY

€320,000

GORTNACORRIB

KERRYKEEL

€265,000

RANNY

CALL 074 912 2211

Exceptional four bedroom detached bungalow extending to 185.50 sq m (1,997 sq ft). Offering modern, contemporary, spacious accommodation and enjoying a delightful semi-rural aspect while also being within a short drive of the many facilities / amenities available in Letterkenny Town. BER No. 109106559

A well maintained five bedroomed detached house extending to 208 sq m (2,239 sq ft) approximately, offering spacious, well-proportioned accommodation throughout. The property enjoys a delightful, rural aspect with views of beautiful Mulroy Bay and enjoys a backdrop of Ranny Hill. BER No. 109206540

CALL 074 912 2211

CALL 074 912 2211

PORTSALON

10 GOLF APARTMENTS

€150,000

RATHMULLAN

6 THE SYCAMORES

€149,000

DUNFANAGHY GREENHILL

€160,000

CALL 074 912 2211

Situated on a delightful beach/cove and on Portsalon Pier, this two bedroom apartment extending to 64.70 sq m (695 sq ft) approx, with external terrace, enjoys breathtaking sea & beach views. BER No. 109692996

An attractive extremely well-presented three-bedroom holiday / weekend cottage. The property enjoys direct access, via a right of way, to the glorious sandy beach at Rathmullan and Kinnegar. BER No. 108860636

Well presented detached dormer bungalow extending to 155 sq m (1,668 sq ft), standing on a site of c. 0.20 ha (0.50 acres) and enjoying excellent countryside and Atlantic Ocean views. BER No. 109073155

CALL 074 912 2211

CALL 074 912 2211

CALL 074 912 2211 PSRA No. 002285

Page 40

The Property Leader

the Leader || 10 May 2017

25 Tips for selling your home Buying or selling a house is the biggest deal you can do in the course of your lifetime. It brings all sorts of challenges from finding your dream house to getting your finances ship-shape and negotiating the best price for you and your family. Here we offer 25 tips for selling your home

For the sellers 1 Inform your pricing strategy by understanding how buyers’ purchasing power is determined.

Think of a couple - give them names, occupation, everything - that you think would buy your home.

What do they work at and how much do they earn?

This will lead to the obvious next question: what is 3.5 times their gross annual salary? This, plus whatever their likely deposit is, is their budget.

2 Organise all your paperwork. If your property has a separate septic tank, make sure it is registered and check whether the septic tank and percolation area are inside your site boundary. Make sure any rights of ways are correctly shown on your property. Ensure all planning permissions and building certificates are to hand for alterations and extensions. Explore carefully whether the property has any development potential. Carry out a Building Energy Rating Assessment - these need to be updated every 10 years and cost approximately €150.

3 If you’re selling a second house, make sure your NPPR (tax for second homes that preceded property tax) is paid up to date and that your property tax is up to date. Ensure all household charges and water charges have been discharged.

4 Pick a good agent - they will be your best (or worst) asset in the course of the sale. Don’t necessarily choose the cheapest or the most expensive.

Take time to turn up to open viewings of properties they have on the market and make sure they are there in person or at least that there is a competent senior agent who can answer questions there in their stead. It is crucial that the agent showing your house knows all its special features and can answer questions. Check too that they are licensed and agree a sales fee. Expect to pay between 1-1.75pc of the price your property eventually sells for.

Some agents have a scale fee, charging 1pc up to a certain price and an increased percentage beyond that.

ps i T g n i y u B for 25 0 5 e g a P e Se your pricing strategy. Examine the Property Price Register for price comparisons and remember, location and condition are the drivers of strong pricing.

portant good first impression. Make sure you have ‘curb appeal’ by sprucing up your front garden and entrance. Trim the grass, fix peeling paint and make your windows sparkle. Clean the gutters so there’s no greenery growing out of them.

the property. In short, you’ve wasted your money.

16 Do the repairs you have always meant to - it will be worth several multiples of the cost on the price.

BUT if you are painting an old house, be careful, particularly if the walls are damp. While this may look good to the intending/viewing purchaser, a competent surveyor will pick up the dampness and your re-decorations will have been wasted as once 12 Normally, your house should sell in around the necessary repairs have been addressed, it will three months. If it is lingering, sit down with your need repainting. agent and discuss the possible reasons - it may not be anything wrong with the agent’s campaign. In 17 If you’re spending money just to pimp your the current market, the price may be too high or the property, ie, putting in new bathrooms or a kitchen market may have slipped for your property. in an old property that needs a total refurb, be aware that you may not get it back. A surveyor 13 You have eight seconds to make that all-im- will spot what needs to be redone and a potential vendor will take this into account in bidding for

22 Avoid showing a house without furniture, you’re selling a potential home.

9 If you’re not happy with the progress of a sale, change your estate agents. Sometimes a new agent can breathe new life into a sale. To this end make sure when signing your property services agreement with your agent that you can break the agreement with reasonable notice after an initial period of, say, 8-12 weeks, without penalties. Be aware that if you have paid for professional pho5 Most estate agents charge an upfront marketing tography, you can reuse it with another agent, so fee on top of their fee - this will cover, for example, it’s a cost saved. professional photography. The flipside is that those who don’t charge a marketing fee may absorb the 10 Instruct your solicitor and agree their fee - these cost of photography themselves and the quality vary hugely in amount and in structure. Ask for may not be as high. Make sure outside photos are recommendations from people you trust. taken with no part of your house in the shade. Make sure the auctioneer’s brochure contains room mea- 11 Many sales fall through due to delays with surements and floor plans as they help interested contracts. You can’t do anything about the purparties to visualise the layout. chaser’s solicitor but you can ensure the delays 6 Don’t follow the herd; people traditionally sell in autumn and spring but demand is constant and less seasonal than it once was. It may work to your advantage to sell off-peak when there are fewer new properties and less competition on the market.

7 Don’t always believe the estate agent’s valuation of your property. Some may price high to get your instruction and up their market share, rather than working to get your house sold in a swift, active campaign for the best possible price.

8 Keep an eye on places similar to yours that are for sale in the area; google them or view them, get a brochure, then use the information to guide

will not be from your end. If you have a mortgage, make sure your solicitor looks for your property deeds from your mortgage company as this can be a source of long delay. If you don’t have a mortgage, make sure the solicitor examines your property deeds to see if they are in order.

18 Try to look at your house with fresh eyes. Make sure each room has a use and a purpose - make a wasted space into a study, put a cot in to a tiny box room, a dining table in that second downstairs 14 Clean, clean, clean. Make the house clutter fre, room you never use. Get rid of bulky furniture and fresh and ready for a new owner to move in. This make sure that the circulation and flow through the attracts those who do not have the time, inclination house is seamless. or patience to do work. If this means painting, it has to be done. Pick light neutral colours, use loads 19 Decide on one fragrance for the house in terms of white paint and replace old tired carpets. Wash of candles and diffusers, and stick to it. Don’t have the windows, let as much light in as possible, when a curry or fried fish the night before a viewing. viewing make sure all curtains are open. Viewers 20 Indoor plants are cheaper than flowers. M&S is love bright properties. good value for flowers; alstroemeria gives you a lot of bloom for your buck.

15 Consider renting a storage unit - with luck it will only be needed for a few months - and do a 21 If you think a table or other piece of furniture big de-clutter. You want to strike a happy balance will improve your dining room, so will a potential between your house looking like a home and it buyer - you can rent one from professional house looking like a show house. Sometimes people are stagers (try Design Source; design-source.ie) if buying the house for your taste. you don’t want to buy one.

23 Putting your house on the market just before you go on holiday is the ideal time - it will stay tidy and be available for viewers at all times.

24 Do your best to ensure that there is parking outside your house for anyone coming to view.

That means moving your own car around the corner. Take the time to pick up litter and dog poo off the street before viewings.

25 Decide if you need a quick sale or can hold out for a better price.

The Property Leader

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Page 41

M.I.P.A.V

CHARLIE ROBINSON AUCTIONEERS, ESTATE AGENTS & VALUERS

GORTNACOR, PORTSALON, CO.DONEGAL.

2 ANNY FAR & NEAR, RATHMULLAN, CO.DONEGAL.

49 COLLEGE PARK, LETTERKENNY, CO.DONEGAL.

THREE BEDROOM BUNGALOW

4 BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE IN CENTRALLY LOCATED DEVELOPMENT CLOSE TO ALL AMENITIES

TWO/THREE BEDROOM COTTAGE LOCATED IN A COUNTRYSIDE SETTING

This two bedroom bungalow sits on a spacious site and enjoys a Course, beaches (Ballymastocker Beach) and shore. The property is

Located just a 10 minute drive from the centre of Rathmullan, this three bedroom bungalow is located on an elevated site with fabulous uninterrupted sea views. The property is ideal for a holiday getaway

The property is within walking distance of Glencar Shopping Centre and General Hospital. The property is ideally suited as family home, first home or investment property.

ASKING PRICE: €95,000

ASKING PRICE: €115,000

17 KNOCKNAMONA CRESCENT, LETTERKENNY, CO.DONEGAL.

ROOSKEY, NEWTOWNCUNNINGHAM CO.DONEGAL.

CRIEVESMITH, LETTERKENNY, CO.DONEGAL.

FOUR BEDROOM DETACHED HOUSE

THREE BEDROOM BUNGALOW WITH INTEGRATED GARAGE

FOUR BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE

This four bedroom semi-detached house is located in a quiet cul-desac leased and can be sold with tenants.

ASKING PRICE: €135,000

This four bedroom detached house sits on c.0.6 acre site. andexternally. The property is just a short 2 minutes drive from thecentre of Newtowncunningham village and just a 10 minutes drivefrom Derry.

ASKING PRICE: €135,000

ASKING PRICE: €185,000

DROMORE BIG, RAPHOE, CO.DONEGAL.

This well maintained three bedroom bungalow is located within extended and includes an integrated garage and private back garden.

ASKING PRICE: €175,000

CROGHAN HOUSE, LIFFORD, CO.DONEGAL.

SPECTACULAR COUNTRY RESIDENCE LOCATED IN A SCENIC SETTING ON APPROX 16.18 HECTARES/40 ACRES c.20 ACRE FARM WITH FARMHOUSE OUTHOUSES, SHEDS AND STABLES This c.20 acre farm of top quality grazing is situated along the N56 halfway between

ceilings and a great sense of spaciousness, light and spectacular views of the lands, rolling fields andcountryside. the double front doors. The interior of the house is impressive with

also comes with the benefit of yard including various outhouses and stables.

Closing date for offers Friday 19th May 2017

30 Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 9120990 Fax: 074 9120986 email: enquiries@robinson.ie

ASKING PRICE: €795,000

Main Street, Dinfanaghy, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 9136555 Fax: 074 9136659 email: enquiries@robinson.ie

The Property Leader

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the Leader || 10 May 2017 PRA Licence No: 001168

www.propertypartners.ie 20 Ballymacool Tce, Letterkenny

2 bedroom mid terrace house

€88,000

39 Coylin Court, Ramelton,

4 bedroom detached house

€160,000

AUCTIONEERS, ESTATE AGENTS & VALUERS | LIFE ASSURANCE & PENSION CONSULTANTS 29 Solomons Court, Letterkenny

3 Bedroom semi detached with adjoining garage

€110,000

34 Solomons Court, Letterkenny

4 bedroom family home

€195,000

Drumboe, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

4 bedroom period style house

€150,000

Iona Road, Letterkenny

3 bedroom bungalow

€195,000

83 The Green, Thornberry, Letterkenny

3 Bedroom duplex town house

€130,000

68 Lisnennan Court, Letterkenny

4 bedroom detached house

€215,000

Loughnagin, Kiltoy, Letterkenny

4 bedroom family home

€190,000

Woodlands, Letterkenny

5 bedroom dormer bungalow with detached garage/workshop

€190,000

5 Bedroom detached house

€240,000

Ballaghderg, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Charming 3 bedroom bungalow with detached garage

€170,000

10 LOWER MAIN STREET LETTERKENNY CO. DONEGAL | TEL: 074 9122399 | FAX 074 9125179 | e: reynolds@propertypartners.ie

The Property Leader

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Page 43 PRA Licence No: 001168

www.propertypartners.ie

AUCTIONEERS, ESTATE AGENTS & VALUERS | LIFE ASSURANCE & PENSION CONSULTANTS

Drumnaskea House, Ramelton Road, Letterkenny

The Glebe, Letterkenny

Exceptional 6 Bed Detached House 3500 Ft²

Stunning family home with adjoining self contained apt

Cashelshanaghan, Letterkenny

Cluain Airne, The Glebe, Letterkenny • PC Sums available for kitchen & utility units, sitting room • Property will be built to the highest of standards • Optional extras available on request

Beautiful 5 Bedroom House On Circa. 1 Acre

New Development of family homes

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Large 5 Bedroom House, All Ensuite On Elevated Site

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• Life Assurance • Serious illness Cover • Income Protection Reynolds & Associates - Independent Financial Advisors can help you prioritise and plan your personal

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• Mortgage Broker Reynolds and Associates are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

10 LOWER MAIN STREET LETTERKENNY CO. DONEGAL | TEL: 074 9122399 | FAX 074 9125179 | e: kristine@reynolds.ie

The Property Leader

44 Page 48

Award Winning Local Business going from strength to strength

the May 2017 theLeader Leader|| 10 || April

MULTI-AWARD WINNING COMPANY TAKING THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SECTOR BY STORM

P

eadar Jims are a National Award Winning business set up by local entrepreneur Peter Blake.

Having already scooped the award for Best Start up Business at the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce Business awards in November 2016, Peadar Jim’s has also been recongised Nationally, picking up the National Overall award at the National Micro Business awards which were held in Waterford at the start of April 2017.

Only in the third year of business, Peter has seen his business grow beyond his expectations. From humble beginnings Peadar Jim’s has grown to become one of the top property maintenance companies in the North West, offering a full cleaning and maintenance service to both residential and commercial businesses.

Such is the professional and quality of work on offer that Peter has a huge number of regular clients who avail of a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise from the Peadar Jim’s team.

Peter accepting the Chamber Award in November 2016.

Peter Blake with the National Award.

Services on offer include Gutter cleaning, Red Dye removal, handwash cleaning of PVC doors, Fascia and Soffits, and also offer a power washing service.

Peter says that “When selling or letting a property you have to think about it from the clients perspective. First impressions If you are buying or selling contact Peadar are everything and you have to Jim’s Property Maintenance for expert service win them over at the front gate.” for any professional jobs needed before sale Peadar Jims specialise in interior and exterior maintenance, or purchase.

everything from the driveway to the roof and gutters.

Peadar Jims are running an offer with Glen Estates at the moment, where if you buy a house with Glen Estates you get a €200 voucher for cleaning or painting Peter with Irish President Michael D. Higgins. Right: Glen Estates. with Peadar Jims.

SELLING YOUR HOME IN MAY? Receive a FREE €200 voucher for Peadar Jim’s Property Maintenance Call Now For Details of this Great Offer

Property Sales & Lettings

BEFORE

AFTER

• FREE Valuation • FREE Brochure • FREE Board • FREE Advertising No. 8 Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal | 074 91 02220 | Mob: 086 385 3312 | info@glenestates.ie | www.glenestates.ie

the Leader || 10 May 2017

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The Property Leader

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Turning the nightmare of moving Follow our Tips and Moving house into a dream! House will be a breeze!

M

oving house can be one of the most stressful things you can ever do in your life, so the Leader has gathered all the best expert advice available to help make moving a lot let stressful.

to your new address.

Each one will have their own system for moving your service, some may just need to change your details on a computer while others may have to call to your home to disconnect or take meter readings.

You may also need to organise tradesmen to come the night before or the morning of the move to disconnect washing machines, cookers, dishwashers, etc., or to take down fixtures and fittings and dismantle beds.

Unless previously requested as part of the quotation, don’t rely on the movers to do this for you. While some movers will be more than happy to carry out small jobs, they may not be covered to disconnect plumbing or electrical items. As well as that, some connections may require specialist tools which the movers may not carry.

Before Moving Day De-Clutter: The amount of times I have moved pieces of furniture, boxes of brick-a-brack or bags of old clothes into a new house, only for the customer to say “why did I keep that” or “that’s for the dump”. Why dump things after you move? For starters you have paid for space in the removals van/truck which you didn’t need. Secondly, you should look at a new home as a new beginning.

De-cluttering is a great way of starting fresh.

On Moving Day Get Up Early: If you have hired the right moving

Itemise: Once you have put aside/got rid of the

items you don’t want in your new home, make a detailed list of everything else to be moved by the removals company. This can be done on a roomby-room basis. However, once you have your list I would recommend that you rearrange the items so as the largest items of furniture are first and work your way down as the pieces get smaller.

The reason for this is that when you go calling around looking for quotes from removals firms, the company will very quickly have an idea about how big or small the move will be from the first 10-15 items on your list and will stop you if it’s not within their capabilities, saving you time on the phone.

Over-estimate: Customers are generally unsure about how many boxes/bags will be involved in the move as it is very hard to judge when things are still in cupboards and drawers. An average 3 bed house for a family of 4 can have between 50 – 70 medium sized boxes. However some families may have cupboards jam-packed while others may be minimalistic.

Whichever you are, it’s always better to over-estimate rather than under-estimate. While the temptation to under-estimate in order to get a cheaper price may be strong, you definitely don’t want the movers slapping on extra charges on moving day because you have more than estimated, or worse still, find that the movers cannot fit everything in because they only sent a big enough vehicle based on the list provided.

Packing Service: Decide at this stage whether

you wish the removals company to provide a full packing service or if you will pack yourself.

There are pros and cons to both, but the main points you should be aware of is that while a full packing service is considerably more expensive, you get a better level of insurance cover as boxes packed by owner (P.B.O.) would not normally be covered for breakages on the company’s insurance.

If you are happy with your own packing skills, then the savings by doing it yourself are massive.

You can also decide if you need packing boxes and packing material at this stage as a number of removals firms will also quote for the supply of these and can give you a special rate if you are also using their services.

Get Quotes: Now that you have your itemised list, start contacting removals firms. I would recommend that you get at least 3 quotes and make

sure that you ask plenty of questions about the firm as you are entrusting them with your most valuable and cherished items. At the very least you should ask about their insurance cover on your items.

All reputable firms should have a basic insurance cover as standard. Not only should you give the firm the list of furniture for moving, you should also give as much detail as possible about the move, e.g. whether there are any access or parking issues at either property, or if your move is to/ from an apartment – what floor is it on, is there a lift. A good firm should be asking these questions anyway and if they are not, then be wary.

too heavy to lift. Fill your boxes out as much as possible for stacking purposes and don’t have them too heavy. A good rule of thumb is this: if you can’t move the box on the floor with your foot then it’s too heavy to lift by one person.

Wrap china, glassware, dishes and other breakables in bubble wrap or acid free tissue paper.

Some people use newspaper, but just be aware that the ink can sometimes come off and stain some china and glassware. When putting fragile items into boxes, a good idea it to use towels, tea towels, pillows and bedding to fill out the box and avoid breakages.

Mark each box with their room/contents and highlight heavy boxes, fragile boxes and boxes which have to remain upright. Leave closing the last few bags and boxes for the morning of moving day for your bedclothes and your essential bathroom and kitchen items. It is best to empty all wardrobes, drawer units, etc. For the movers as these can be very heavy when full.

Start Packing: If you are doing the packing yourself you should have this started a number of weeks in advance of your moving date.

Start with the items that will definitely not be needed before the move, such as ornaments, seasonal clothes, garage or attic items, and allocate a space or room, preferably downstairs, to stack your packed boxes.

When packing, use the right size box for the right Contact Service Providers: At least a week items. Don’t start packing books into a large before moving you should be contacting all your box only to find that when half full it’s already service providers to arrange moving your service

company, moving day should be relatively stress free. In the morning get up early, have a good breakfast, then pack away the remaining items before the movers come.

Just leave out a few essentials such as kettle, tea bags, milk, sugar, cups, etc., which can be packed away into a container at the last minute. There’s nothing like a cup of tea half way through loading to keep you going.

Show Around: When the movers arrive, show them around pointing out everything that has to go, emphasizing fragile or heavy items. Once you have done this it is best to stay out of their way but be on hand in case they have any questions.

Direct: When your furniture arrives at your new

home, it’s a good idea to delegate one person to stand at the front door directing the movers as to where each item of furniture goes. Try to have this all worked out in your head beforehand as there is nothing worse for a mover than to be standing up holding a heavy piece of furniture while the customer decides where it would look best! If all the boxes are marked then these will be quick and easy to unload.

Wait: Don’t go unpacking boxes straight away as

this can get in the way of the movers. Wait until they have finished in a particular room and then you can make a start on that room.

Trades: Again, you may need tradesmen lined up to connect appliances or assemble beds, etc.

Inspect: Once the movers have finished unloading, have a look around that everything is ok and once you are satisfied you can sign their paperwork and sent them on their way.

Relax: That evening, I would only be concerned about the essentials: – making the beds, unpacking the food boxes and essential clothes boxes and toiletries, have a meal and then get a good night’s sleep.

After Moving Day Unpack and Put Away: While some people can still be sitting around unpacked boxes 6 months after moving into their new home, I would recommend that you spend no more than a few days getting everything unpacked and put away.

It’s a great feeling to be sitting down in your new home with all the work done. You will feel much better for it.

The Property Leader

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+353 (0) 87 751 7755

JAMES GALLAGHER

e. James@donegalvaluer.ie

www.donegalvaluer.ie

QUALI ICS

Professional & Efficient Service

ED

ASSUR TY

Registered Valuer

R

VALUATION OF ALL TYPES OF PROPERTY INCLUDING FARM & AGRI VALUATIONS

DONEGAL’S INDEPENDENT PROPERTY VALUER James Gallagher Independent Valuer is a dedicated

If you are buying or selling a property we can advise you on the current market value of your home. At James Gallagher Independent Valuers we don’t sell

We have undertaken nearly all aspects of property

valuer to inspect your home who will provide you with property.

• Property Tax Our primary aim is to carry out

and same day turnaround where required. We We are on a number of bank panels and can give you

one to two working days. In many cases where extreme urgency

James Gallagher

Principal of the firm and a member of the SCSI and RICS. Graduated office as Independent Valuer during 2016. He determined that there

loved one has passed away. Our team of valuers are

the deceased and the date of the death. We’ll carry

James Gallagher

Telephone + 353 (0) 87 751 7755 Send an email to james@donegalvaluer.ie

for your solicitor so they can administer the estate.

WE DO NO T MARKET O R SELL PROPE RTY

Property Tax in Ireland The Property Tax is commonly known as the Local Property Tax or LPT. It operates as a self assessment system. Each home owner is expected to assess the market value of their home which will The Local Property Tax (LPT) has been in place since July 2013. The Revenue Commissioners sent out about 1.9 million LPT Return forms during March 2013. These forms were sent to all those homeowners the Revenue believed were

to each property owner.

Owners were allowed to choose a different

Please follow the property tax band schedule adjacent and should you think you require a

+353 (0) 87 751 7755

bands € 0 - 100,000 100,001 - 150,000 150,001 - 200,000 200,001 - 250,000 250,001 - 300,000 300,001 - 350,000 350,001 - 400,000 400,001 - 450,000 450,001 - 500,000 500,001 - 550,000 550,001 - 600,000 600,001 - 650,000 650,001 - 700,000 700,001 - 750,000 750,001 - 800,000 800,001 - 850,000 850,001 - 900,000 900,001 - 950,000 950,001 - 1M

HSE Fair Deal

The nursing home fair deal scheme requires that a Here at James Gallagher Independent Valuers we keep intrusion down to a minimum and can complete the

Mid-point of band 50,000 125,000 175,000 225,000 275,000 325,000 375,000 425,000 475,000 525,000 575,000 625,000 675,000 725,000 775,000 825,000 875,000 925,000 975,000

LPT 2013 (half year) 45 112 157 202 247 292 337 382 427 472 517 562 607 652 697 742 787 832 877

LPT 2014 to present 90 225 315 405 495 585 675 765 855 945 1,035 1,125 1,215 1,305 1,395 1,485 1,575 1,665 1,755

their homes can be very put out by the intrusion of a of fuss.

We have been recognized for our disputes as a professional witness. We handle family a family member. We can provide a fair and accurate

P Our team of valuers provide independent advice from

www.donegalvaluer.ie

Page 50

The Property Leader

the Leader || 10 May 2017

25 Tips for buying your home

Buying or selling a house is the biggest deal you can do in the course of your lifetime. It brings all sorts of challenges from finding your dream house to getting your finances ship-shape and negotiating the best price for you and your family. Here we offer 25 tips for buying your home 1 Set a maximum bid for yourself at the start of the process and don’t budge, no matter how much you have fallen in love with a property. To do that, calculate what the rent would be if you rented rather than owned the house, and express that in per-year terms.

A rough rule of thumb is that the price shouldn’t be more than 20-25 times the annual rent so, for example, a monthly rent of €1,600 converts into an annual rental bill of close to €20,000, making your maximum bid between €400,000 and €500,000.

In 2007, there were homes trading for over 50 times the annual rent - this was over-paying, relative to the ‘rental service’ the home offers, and it has hurt people.

your current account or patterns of spending with your credit card to make sure you succeed with your application.

19 If you’re self-employed and looking for a mortgage, the lender will take the average income figure over the last three years, not the last year which might be your best.

2 Make a realistic estimate of your current property’s resale value - if you’re trading up, get your current home valued accurately, the more you secure for it, the more you have to spend for your next purchase. Use the Property Price Register or get in a local estate agent. Many people make the mistake of over-valuing their garden, extension, kitchen, etc. You may not be allowed to borrow more if you get it wrong.

3 Calculate all the costs involved in your proposed purchase - most people become consumed with the monthly mortgage repayments and the associated expenses involved in closing the sale. But remember to include the running costs of your purchase, including lighting, heating, service charges, property taxes or general maintenance.

A recommended annual figure for this is approximately 1.5pc of the value of the property.

4 Check out the parking - where a property is in a built-up area, what are the facilities for parking?

Is it on-street, permit parking and if so, how much does that cost. If you’re buying an apartment, is the parking communal or allocated and is there an extra fee for usage.

5 If the building is in an area with planning restrictions, or it is a listed or protected structure, can you make the renovations you want? Check this with an architect or quantity surveyor before you buy.

13 Decide on whether you want a fixed or variable rate mortgage. Fixed interest rates are excellent value and banks are pushing them. Consider all rates over the entire term and don’t get swayed by shortterm gimmicks like cash back or cheap insurance If you are looking for a community to tap into, a unless the overall interest rate is competitive. cul de sac or square generally has more interaction between neighbours than a busy thoroughfare.

14 Get rid of existing debt, if you can. Banks want How many houses in the area are owner-occupied? to see that you have enough disposable income A high number can usually be taken as an indicato repay the mortgage if interest rates rise. They tion that people are happy to live in the area. Visit will ‘stress test’ by 2pc more than the current rate. at different times of the day, especially at rush hour A personal loan, or maxed-out credit card will be to assess the traffic, and late at night, weekends for counter-productive. You may have to make the noisy neighbours and to assess what sort of locals tough decision to use some of your deposit toward are living there. paying these off, or at least, show you can afford both. behaviour, how green spaces are used, graffiti, traffic patterns and proximity to schools and shops. If you have children, are there pedestrian crossings where needed?

9 Check with your local authority on the plans for the area you are proposing to buy in. Is there a road 6 Check the quality of any home improvements. being planned, a large development? Some of these If a property has had work carried out - a loft may improve your property’s eventual value and conversion or extension, for example - check that some may decrease it. Be informed. all permits, building regulations and planning permissions have been observed. Ensure that 10 Always have a survey carried out by a qualified the survey carried out examines the standard of architect/engineer or surveyor. Never rely on a workmanship so you can assess any future repairs survey carried out by the lender. needed.

15 Clean up your credit rating. It is assessed over two years (at least). Any missed payments or defaults on previous loans, credit cards or any court judgments will stand against you. Find out your rating in advance with icb.ie (costs €6).

16 If your credit rating is ‘impaired’, five of the six banks issuing mortgages won’t approve your’s.

New arrival Pepper may do, however, you will need 11 Make sure your loan offer does not lapse prior to to have a clean credit report on secured loans for the 7 Look at the history of the management company. last four years and two years of clean credit on any the completion of your purchase.

In Ireland, management companies generally arise unsecured loans. in apartment complexes or townhouse schemes.

Check whether it is fully functioning, how did it 12 When it comes to calculating your deposit. You 17 Tidy up your current account. Your records fare in the crash, what maintenance and services will need a minimum of 10pc of the purchase price will be scrutinised for a minimum of six months. does it cover, what are the service charges, are the (to €220,000) as a first-time buyer (FTB), and 20pc Banks will be on the look out for morally dubious of anything over this, or, if you’re buying second communal areas well-kept? time around, 20pc on the whole lot, either in cash, spending, such as a gambling habit (get rid of that Developments with large communal areas are or equity in your existing house. Banks want to bookie’s app!), or a high expenditure in your local, most vulnerable. Most private developments of see a clear, unambiguous and preferably lengthy for example. semi-detached or detached homes establish their savings record toward a deposit. While it’s possible own internal resident’s association. to use gifts from parents, etc, towards the deposit, it 18 Consider mortgage coaching - for a fee of is inadvisable to top it up with a separate loan, eg, roughly €250, a broker will look at your finances and put a plan in place to correct bad habits in 8 Explore the ‘hood. Look out for anti-social from the credit union.

20 If you’re in negative equity you can still get a mortgage but it’ll be hard.

While most banks have a negative equity mortgage product, they are very restrictive and nearly impossible to get unless your salary(ies) exceed €80,000 pa.

There were only 350 negative equity mortgages in 2015 and while figures are difficult to come by for 2016, it seems likely there were fewer.

You must have a 10pc deposit for the house you are buying as part of the application process. Typically, 175pc loan-to-value is the maximum amount you can borrow where you carry forward debt from your original mortgage.

These types of mortgages are exempt from the Central Bank’s rules on loan-to-income and loanto-value.

21 If you’re a first-time buyer, the next budget may bring good news. The Government has indicated that there will be an incentive for FTBs with a figure of €10,000 per property purchase being mentioned, back dated to July of this year.

22 Get your life cover in order. Mortgage protection is compulsory and medical evidence can take time to underwrite. Have the plan in place or you won’t be allowed to draw down funds. This is one of the most unnecessary causes of delay in getting a mortgage.

23 If you’re buying new, get accurate estimates of completion from the developer. There’s no point drawing down funds before you need them, and there should be a staged deposit process. You only pay interest on what you have already borrowed.

24 On a chain gang? If you’re caught in a seller-buyer-seller triangle, the purchase may take longer than expected. A good solicitor and estate agent will smooth the passage and ensure that your move in/out time is clearly agreed.

25 Have patience. Getting a mortgage may take three to six months. It is the most important and biggest purchase of your life, so don’t underestimate the stress or expense. Consider using a specialist mortgage broker for the heavy lifting. It will cost around €500.

the Leader || 10 May 2017

The Property Leader

Page 51

6 Page 52

the Leader || 10 May 2017

B-BOBS CHEQUE PRESENTATIONS

Property The

Leader

To Advertise in the next edition of the

Janette Curran, Kirsty Curran presenting a cheque for €780 towards Pieta House in memory of Janette’s son Jordan.

Property Leader

Call Paddy on: 086 049 4820 Or Call James on: 086 048 1662

Gerald Mc Ginley, Ceara Devine, Chloe Mc Glynn who gave €780 to the Neonatal Unit in memory of their son Ricky.

Next Property Leader:

28 June 2017 inside theLeader

Eamonn and Lynn Mc Devitt with Alma O’Donnell from Good and New presenting a cheque for €2000 towards the Galway Cancer Bus.

Page 53

the Leader || 10 May 2017

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Page 54

the Leader || 10 May 2017

n Mary Hyland

Welcome to another look at some photos from our local Photographic club, LK Foto. This month’s images are winners from their monthly theme, the theme was MACRO (Close up photography).

If you are interested in Photography, then LK Foto is the place to meet and share your interest with likeminded photographers. The club is open to everyone.

LK Foto have regular outings, guest speakers, monthly competitions and tutorials on how to take your Photography to the next level.

LK Foto meets every 2nd Monday in Kelly’s Korner in Arena 7. Our next meeting is on Monday May 22nd. n Ian Bowcott

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! n Eamon Ponsonby

n Aleksandra Swann

n Peter French

Why not pop in?

The club is always open to new members.

For any queries, go to www.lkfoto.ie or find the club on their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/letterkenny.foto/ n Roisin Neely

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Page 55

Hooray, Are you experiencing See what’s the world’s Hearing got us so smallest Difficulties? charged up rechargeable hearing aid, Coming April ‘17 has arrived Call 074 912 0822 to book your FREE hearing consultation Riverside Retail Park, Neil T. Blaney Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Padraig Mac Ginty F.I.S.H.A.A & F.S.H.A.A. | www.nwhc.ie

8 Page 56

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Fungal Nail Infection

By Emma Heaney AESTHETIC PRACTITIONER

Elite Aesthetic Clinic Springtown Industrial Est. Derry

0044 77 12332154 | Find us on Facebook It’s that time of year again, when your feet come out of hiding.

Are your feet looking less-than-lovely ? Are you trying to disguise ugly yellow discoloured toenails with red nail polish?

Have you discoloured thickened nails and want to have your pedicure in time for Summer?

If you answer yes to these questions we can treat your fungal nail infections using Laser & IPL at Elite Aesthetic Clinic An alternative name for Fungal Nail infections is onychomycosis, they are becoming increasingly common, affecting up to one in ten in Ireland and the UK. Fungal nail infections can be unsightly and embarrassing, it can affect one or more toe or finger nails. It most often affects the big toenail or little toenail. Men are more likely than women to be affected.

How Do I Know I Have Nail Fungus?

• Thickened nails • Crumbly or brittle nails • Nail distorted in shape or separated • Nail with no lustre or shine

• White, yellow or brown coloured nail

Current Treatments

the nail. However, it doesn’t usually cause any side effects .

Removing the nail:

A procedure to remove affected nails completely isn’t usually necessary, but may be recommended if the infection is severe or painful and other treatments haven’t helped. A new nail should eventually grow back in its place but can take up to a year!

Anti fungal medicines:

Laser /IPL treatment can eradicate The most commonly prescribed are Terfungal infections in 6-8 sessions. The laser binafine and Itraconazole. These usually emits high doses of light energy, which are need to be taken once or twice a day for used to destroy the fungus. several months to ensure the infection has completely cleared up.

If you stop taking the medication too Benefits of laser /IPL for early, the infection may return. Possible fungal nail infections: side effects of antifungal tablets can 1. A safe recognised non- invasive include headaches, itching, diarrhoea, loss treatment of sense of taste, and a rash 2. Avoids the need for oral medication Anti fungal paint: which may have potential side effects.

Nail paint isn’t generally considered to be as effective as tablets because it can be The Treatment difficult for it to reach the deeper layers of We usually recommend between 6 -8

treatments at weekly intervals. As a general guide, if you have had the infection longer than 5 years you may require more treatments, there is a greater chance of success if only 1 out if 10 toes are affected. There is a poor prognosis if all 10 toes are affected.

It is vital to remove all nail polish prior to your treatment.

No drugs, no pain, no downtime.

Treatment cost vary, package deals are available on request .

Pre-treatment advice File down your nails prior to each session at least 2 days before your treatment. if your nails are thick and difficult to cut, soak your feet in a saline solution for 30 minutes prior to cutting them.

With fungal nail infections called onychomycosis the nail tends to thicken. Filing down the nail allows greater penetration of the laser light into the treatment site.

Post-operative care Patient needs to throw away their socks and if possible their shoes in order to prevent recurring infection. Apply almond oil on all toes afterwards helps to soften the cuticles and prevents the nails from splitting or breaking. If new nail growth is observed after several treatments, then the procedure has been a success. Keep your hands and feet clean and dry. Wear well-fitting shoes made of natural materials and clean cotton socks. Clip your nails to keep them short – use a separate pair of clippers or scissors for the infected nail. Don’t share towels and socks with others. Ensure your towels are washed regularly. Use special showers shoes when walking in public places. protect your feet.

Treat athletes foot as soon as possible to avoid the infection spreading to your nails.

We also accept referrals from podiatrist, to find out more or to schedule an appointment, why not contact our team on 07712332154

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Page 2 the Leader || 10 May 2017

the Leader || 10 May 2017 Page 57

Model and former Miss Universe Donegal Charlotte Murphy discusses the latest fashion trends This is a beautiful statement skirt. Perfect for a special occasion or date night!

Topshop €57.00

This top is a great way to ease yourself into the ruffle trend. Perfect for daytime!

Dunnes Stores €20.00

Fashion by

Latest Trends - Ruffles

Charlotte Murphy These beautiful Spanish inspired ruffle sleeves make a statement and are very on trend!

Sequin Cinderalla, Buncrana, €64.00 Dramatic, romantic and elegant, ruffles are a huge trend for summer 2017. They have dominated the catwalks at Givenchy, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. They were an instant hit and are seen everywhere from the catwalks to the high street. They are easily worn and super flattering, perhaps on a long sleeve or bias cut dress. Do not be afraid! Ruffles can really enhance your figure. They do not add bulk if worn in the right way!

LOCAL SCHOOLS GET GREEN FLAGS!

Structured yet casual, this top really has a designer edge. Off the shoulder yet perfect for daytime, this is a super versatile option to introduce yellow into your wardrobe.

Zara Online, €29.95

Colour of the Moment - Yellow

First Green Flag for Cashelshanaghan NS - Julie Carr, Principal, with Anna Boal, Heather McLaughlin and Jacob Carr from Cashelshanaghan N S are pictured with Aengus Kenneyd from Irish Water and Green-Schools at the presentation of Green Flags by An Taisce Green-Schools today at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo Clive Wasson

Illistrin School pupils are pictured with Aengus Kennedy from Green-Schools at the presentation of Green Flags by An Taisce Green-Schools today at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. This year 177 schools across Ireland will be awarded the Green Flag for the Water theme; 7 of which were awarded to schools from Donegal this year. Photo Clive Wasson

Yellow is officially the impact colour of 2017!

It is everywhere at the moment. It is a feel good positive colour and will really make you stand out!

Here are some ideas to get you inspired!

Stunning for any special this dress has the wow Kevan Jon Kyoto , McElhinneys, Ballybofey, €242.10

event, factor!

Perfect for our Donegal summers, this light sweater channels the yellow trend in a perfectly understated yet very pretty way!

The lace adds beautiful ladylike elegance!

Boutique Collection, McElhinneys, Ballybofey, €26.96

Page 58 2

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Model and former Miss Universe Donegal Charlotte Murphy looks at ther latest mascara products out there for the Letterkenny & Donegal Lady Product Comparison - Mascara Here at the Letterkenny Leader we want to help you look your best and choose the best products for the best value in Donegal. This week we are looking at mascaras that are all available in local stores around the county.

With dozens to choose from, it can be hard to distinguish which mascara is better! After all how does one choose between a black mascara and another black mascara! We have reviewed and rated them out of ten to help you decide, so read on!

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara Menary’s Letterkenny, €23.00 Despite the huge marketing campaign and fancy packaging we found this mascara a little disappointing. The brush is so big it is hard to really coat every lash evenly without getting major clumps.

It does last well throughout the day though, and there was no flaking.

Rating 6/10

S

Revlon Dramatic Definition Mascara Boots €14.99 This mascara is great mascara with great colour depth. It is a great all-rounder. The brush ensures even application and it wears well.

This an amazing product. It makes your lashes look so much longer and more defined. This feels like a professional product. We definitely would recommend that you try it!

S S

Charlotte Murphy

S

Max Factor Glamour Extensions 3 in 1 Mascara, Magees Pharmacy €15.99

Rating 9/10

Product Reviews by

S Rating 7.5/10

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Boots €7.49 This purse friendly mascara is a favourite with Nicole Richie! It is a great mascara for a natural look. It has a small brush which makes it easy to apply, even for the most inexperienced of us all.

Overall it is good value for money and the colourful packaging makes a pretty addition to your make-up bag.

S S S Rating 6.5/10

S

S

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara Superdrug €10.49 The colour is good and it does give the appearance of longer lashes.

The product does tend to flake after a couple of hours. It claims to help your lashes grow longer but we can’t say we noticed any difference.

S Rating 6/10

S

S

Overall Max Factor’s Glamour Extensions Mascara was the winner.

It lived up to its promise to really lengthen the appearance of your lashes and add instant glamour! We definitely recommend it!

Page 4 the Leader || 10 May 2017

the Leader || 10 May 2017 Page 59

5 Ways to Wear the Denim Shirt There is five great ways to look amazing in a denim shirt and Emma Murray tells us how to wear the old classic in the modern era!

DENIM AND WHITE

This ensemble is a classic for the summer - simple, chic and stylish whilst making a statement all at the same time. One of the best things about this look is that it can easily be taken from day to night. You might wear sandals, pumps or brogues for running around in during the day and then switching it up with a nude / black / gold heel will take you straight to the dance floor!

OVERSIZED

Think that buying your denim shirt in a size or two bigger will make you look as if you are drowning in it? Well, think again because this is one of the easiest looks to pull off whether it be Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter. Wearing your shirt oversized means you can wear it as a dress and if you would like to add a bit of structure to it, simply add a belt. The key to wearing it oversized is that your whole look appears relaxed, grungy yet effortlessly stylish ala Kylie Jenner.

DENIM WAIST

If you want something to break up your outfit, tie your denim shirt around your waist. It is another way to funkify your daytime look if a skirt is what you are wearing but it is also a great disguise if your hips wouldn’t be your best friend. Another suggestions is if you are wearing boyfriend / ripped / skinny jeans or denim shorts - this look is laid back yet making an effort and you will look super stylish.

DENIM & WHITE

THE FASHION CHAIR www.thefashionchair.blogspot.ie

By Emma Murray

DOUBLE DENIM

Why not go all out and wear all denim? This is a look that can frighten a lot of people but it really isn’t as bad as it sounds (promise) and it is a great ensemble when paired with a nude heel. The key is to wear colours of denim that compliment each other and you can break the look up by opting for a necklace or some earrings and a leather jacket. Another option is to keep it casual like style maven Olivia Palermo pictured below with her aviator sunnies.

DAYTIME DRESSES

Throwing on a denim shirt over your daytime dress will instantly take it from standard to stylish. It is great for sunny days when it is too warm to wear a jacket or if you are away on holidays and want a chic, casual look.

You could even wear a waist belt around your shirt whilst wearing your dress and in turn bring something a little different to your outfit.

The denim shirt is one of my favourite items in my wardrobe and I hope this has provided you with some inspiration on how to wear yours. As always, let me know if you have a favourite look or decide to try it for yourself.

Until next time, Emma x x

OVER-SIZED

DOUBLE

DENIM WAIST

DENIM

DAYTIME DRESSES

Page 60 2 Page

the Leader || April 2017 the Leader || 10 May 2017

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

It’s finally May which means summer is here! If you are lucky enough to be jetting off this summer, here is your pre-holiday beauty prep guide to ensure you look your best for your getaway! These are some of my favourite routines and tips for holiday times!

eyes. They have mild lightening effects so they reduce dark circles making your eyes appear more youthful. The ascorbic acid and caffeic acid in cucumber reduces swelling and water retention so goodbye puffy eyes!

Overnight your feet will really absorb the moisturiser and become super soft.

Exfoliate

The sun and pool/sea water can really dry out your skin. Exfoliate once or twice before you head off to ensure smooth skin and an even, deeper tan.

Deep conditioning treatment

Like in the previous point, your hair can become damaged from UV rays, chlorine and salt. Make sure to use a deep conditioning treatment before you go. The extra time will be worth it!

And finally…

Fragrance

I love to buy a new perfume for every holiday. When you are back to normality at home, every time you spray the perfume you will be reminded and transported back to your holidays, or even that holiday romance!

Manicure Steam your face

One of the best treatments you can give your face is steaming. It opens the pores and purifies your skin. The best option is a home facial sauna which you can buy for around €25. Your face will thank you for it! It will make a great start to your holiday when you have radiant glowing skin.

Slices of cucumber

Although it sounds clichéd, cucumber slices are really revitalizing and soothing on your

Have a look at the colours you have chosen for your holiday wardrobe and try pick a colour that will compliment your colour scheme. If not, a French manicure or pale pink always looks great. Make sure you leave your nails to the last minute to ensure they are chip free.

Pedicure Use a pumice stone to get your feet super soft. Slather on a heavy moisturiser and put on a pair of socks before going to bed.

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Beauty by

Charlotte Murphy Is this something the women of Donegal would wear? I went to find out………

“I would wear these shoes because I love the way they’re very neutral and they would be the type of shoe that would go with anything, also I love the way they’re designed.” Nadine Friel, 17 “They are nice and ‘mod’ for a young person but I prefer a more classic, elegant shoe.”

Lynn, 50 “I like them but they seem too uncomfortable! If they had a pink sole then definitely!”

Sophie O’Callaghan, 20 Overall there was a mixed response, but I personally still love them!

Miracle Product of the Month

Pack like a Pro

1. Top tip number one is DO NOT use an expensive gorgeous bag to check in! Often these bags are the ones to go missing!

Use an old, boring case to pack all of your precious holiday items! You don’t want to lose your GHD’s, brand new clothes, etc.

2. Another tip is to bring your make-up on to the plane with you. It means you can touch up easily and most importantly you have it with you, in case your checked-in luggage is damaged, goes missing etc. Buying make-up on holidays for your evenings out would be a torture!

3. Use vacuum space saver bags to bring extra clothes in your suitcase. You can fit twice as much in, just make sure you have access to a vacuum coming home!

Yay or Nay Survey - Perspex Heels

Designers Simone Rocha, Nina Ricci and Victoria Beckham have all embraced this minimalist, versatile shoe in their collections.

A favourite with celebrities, the Perspex heel is a major trend. They are edgy yet low-key, and are selling out in all the designer collections.

Essie Nail Polish! Essie nail polish is my favourite brand as it has a beautiful finish and a gorgeous range of colours. Essie nail polish was created by Essie Weingarten and was originally marketed as a nail polish for the fabulously colourful show girls of Las Vegas! The Pinterest colour of 2017 is a nude, milky pink shade called ‘Topless and Barefoot’, which is proving a popular choice with many brides.

Essie nail polish is available at Magees Pharmacy , Letterkenny Shade ‘Topless and Barefoot’

Page 61 the Leader || May 2017

the Leader || 10 May 2017 Page 2

In the Garden

by Sacha

Time for action

The summer has arrived in Donegal . How long it will stay ?? We shall remain optimistic ! Nowhere looks more wonderful than Donegal in the sunshine . I love this period of a couple weeks, when everything is so fresh ,before the leaves turn to a more solid shade of green.

Now is the time to start planting. If you have been growing seeds on sunny window still and in conservatories they need to be planted , but you must acclimatise them to outdoor temperatures . So bring them out and leave them in a sheltered spot during the day and then bring them under cover at night . Do this for a couple of nights and then as long as there’s no frosts forecast get them planted . Think about planting in groups of 3 and 5 or more to give you a good swathe of colour .when the plants are in give them a good water . I like to put a sprinkle of slug pellets around young plants otherwise come

Cherry Blossoms in full bloom.

the dawn the new plants are nowhere to be seen .

The garden centres are bursting with temptation at the moment . If you are out buying plants give the plants a good soak when you get home as this warm breezy weather can soon dry out your purchases. The first flush of weed seedlings are also growing fast and strong get weeding now while they are easy to remove .

You can now direct sew many flower and veg seeds now ,rake the soil so it’s nice and crumbly , sprinkle the seeds , water in and in a few weeks you should have some lovey healthy plants . When your aching and can’t move another muscle after all your gardening activities check out BBC Spring watch from Japan . You can catch it on you tube . The programme is all about the Sakura, which is cherry blossoms . Theres a whole celebration around the blossoming of these beautiful trees . I would love to sample some of the cherry blossom and butter crisps and cherry blossom Pepsi. Enjoy this wonderful weather let’s hope we get to keep it for at least mmm ... 12 weeks .

Page 62

the Leader || 10 May 2017

KIDZ CORNER Jokes and Puzzle Corner Q: What does a nosey pepper do?

A: Gets jalapeno business!

Q: What do you call a fake noodle?

A: An Impasta Q: What do you call an alligator in a vest?

A: An Investigator Q: What happens if you eat yeast and shoe polish?

A: Every morning you’ll rise and shine!

Q: “What’s the difference between a guitar and a fish?”

A: “You can’t tuna fish.”

Q: What is the best day to go to the beach?

A: Sunday, of course!

Q: What bow can’t be tied?

A: A rainbow!

Q: What season is it when you are on a trampoline?

A: Spring time.

Q: Where did the computer go to dance?

A: To a disc-o.

Q: What has one head, one foot and four legs?

A: A Bed

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Last months winner Adam Trayers aged 4 from Hazelwood Drive, Letterkenny.

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Page 63

the Leader || 10 May 2017

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Consider Alaska, the Caribbean, South America, the Med, Scandinavia and Russia, the Arabian Sea, China and Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, the choice is endless. There are itineraries to suit everyone from 7 day European trips to longer more exotic dream destinations.

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No matter where you sail with Celebrity, you are certain of a modern, upscale holiday at refreshingly great value. Distinctive restaurants on board with contemporary design at every turn.

Service that just delights and seamless ship-toshore transportation and excursions that weave your journey and your destination into one. That is the Celebrity difference. Enjoy a range of options as luxurious as any modern hotel, from spacious interior rooms to multi-room suites. At least 75% have their own private balcony – that’s more than any other premium cruise line.

All about your service. With nearly one member of staff for every two guests, you can expect all the little touches that make such a difference on holiday.

Think unobtrusive, yet attentive, anywhere and around the clock.

Ever seen a martini bar made of ice, with over 50 varieties of vodka martini on offer? You will find one on board. Another exciting twist is the World Class Bar, a ‘fine drinking’ experience celebrating the rituals of cocktail mixology using the freshest ingredients and finest spirits.

If you are into dance, comedy, music or theatre, Celebrity have a show that combines all those

genres and more. Entertainment Al Fresco: Just soak up the sun and the amazing scenery from a lounger on the Roof Top Terrace, then enjoy 4D ‘Taste of Film by night – a food menu paired to a large screen feature film.

Or why not grab a rug and a cocktail for some chill out jazz under the stars on the lawn….

Did you know that there is only one place you will hear lawn mowers far away from land? Each Celebrity ship features half an acre of finely manicured lawns – perfect for picnics or evening concerts under the stars.

Canyon Ranch Spa Club – The award-winning Canyon Ranch Spa has partnered with Celebrity Cruises. This brand is an acknowledged world leader in healthy living expertise and will provide you with the most comprehensive spa club experience at Sea today. Profoundly indulgent, every treatment soothes body and mind and you will soon understand that putting yourself first – even for just a couple of hours- is the best holiday souvenir of all.

Going ashore? When it comes to shore excursions, insider knowledge is everything and Celebrity have sought out the best local experts around the

world to create one -of-a-kind shore based experiences. From a private tailor made tour to joining a group, the Destination Concierge on board is at your service to provide you with the knowledge of every port’s important sights. Just ask and they will craft a memorable trip for you.

Just when you thought it could not get any better!

For those of you who do not like to fly, Celebrity are delighted to announce direct sailings from Ireland in 2018. The stunning Celebrity Eclipse will be based in Dublin for five sailings plus one Transatlantic crossing to Miami. The itineraries will include Iceland & Ireland, Norwegian Fjords and the British Isles and the French Open. Celebrity Eclipse is a class apart on every level and it is little wonder that she was voted ‘Best Ship from the UK’ for 3 years running.

For a touch of luxury we highly recommend Celebrity Cruises. For prices and availability contact us at Liberty travel.

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11 AUGUST 2017 – 10 NIGHTS Fly from Dublin Sail from Rome (Civitavecchia) & visit, Sicily (Messina), Valletta, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Athens (Piraeus) & Naples.

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Riverside Retail Park, Letterkenny, County Donegal | Call 074 91 88380 | libertytravel.ie

ENTERTAINMENT

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Around theLeader about townTown

Tommy Ronaghan celebrating his birthday with Brendan, Ellen and Sean O’Donnell at The Central Bar

The Central Bar

Carolina Merchan and Sean Hanlon pictured out and about at the Central Bar

Richard Burden, Hazel Hammond, Roberta Hammond and Errol Bailey pictured out and about at The Central Bar

The Burke family enjoying a night out at The Central Bar

A cousins reunion Rosemarie, Maggie, Eileen (from Aberdeen) and Helen enjoying a family night out at The Central

Around theLeader about townTown

DJ Kevin Lennon entertaing the crowd at the The Caverns Garden Party pictured with Andy McGlynn

the Leader || 10 May 2017

The Cavern Bar

Leanne, Rachel, Mathew and Rachel out and about at The Cavern

Christopher Walken, Nicola Cunnaghan, Edel Gallagher and Laura McNamee enjoying a night out at The Cavern

Noel McGuigan, Kathleen Doherty and Sean Scanlon out and about at The Central Bar

Dominika Bla, Emanuel Emy, Wu Mu Wong and Tash Roche enjoying a night out at The Cavern

Niamh Callaghan, Dara Kelly, Tara Callaghan and Ciara Hegarty out and about at The Cavern

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

Page 65 the Leader || April 2017

It’s All Happening in May! Donegal has some incredible events lined up over the next few weeks.

There’s a massive variety of quality entertainment meaning there really is something for everyone. The Leader has picked out the best of the bunch....some truly unmissable events occurring this month.

May 11th

The Furrow Collective Regional Cultural Centre Letterkenny

experiences’. They show an effortless comfort with traditional Irish music whilst pushing themselves beyond their comfort zone drifting through numerous world influences and it makes for a live show unlike any you’ve heard before.

May 12th

KÍLA & Inis Gospel Choir Inishowen Gateway Hotel Celebrating their 20th year of vibrant and enigmatic music that falls somewhere between Irish and absolute madness, the one and only KÍLA are making their Inishowen debut. A wild and crazy display of primal energy and musical virtuosity that has been described by the BBC as ‘One of the most beautifully euphoric live

WHAT’S DONEGAL & THE NORTHWEST May 18th and 19th

Clanree Hotel

Christy Moore

May 27th, Culdaff

‘The Great Northern Retros Run’

Furrow Collective

Described by Mojo Magazine as ‘A mouthwatering collaboration’. This critically acclaimed English and Scottish quartet are individually accomplished in their own right, but combined are a different animal. They’re arriving in town hot off a recent victory at the BBC Radio Two Folk Music Awards where they won the ‘Best Group’ category. Moving vocal harmonies accompanied by guitar, banjo, fiddle, harp and concertina give the band what the Guardian Newspaper described as ‘Songs full of death and magic’ and ‘A bravely sparse and compelling new take on traditional songs’. Fans of folk music should make this gig a priority. Check them out on youtube to get an idea of what’s in store.

The Regional Cultural Centre is proud to welcome back 70’s Krautrock legend Damo Suzuki.

Suzuki’s work with Can has been cited by artists like Radiohead, Kraftwerk and the Sex Pistols as hugely influential and important. Suzuki will join Derry Punk Rockers ‘The Wood Burning Savages’ who have absolutely blown away Letterkenny crowds any time they’ve played here before. They will be supported on the night by Invaderband to put on a night that I will confidently now guarantee will be an amazing show. Tickets are €10 and can be purchased from An Grianan Theater.

theLeader GUIDE

Page 62 the Leader || 10 May 2017

Accompanying the tour de force that is KÍLA on stage is the wonderful Inishowen Gospel Choir, who have already put on some amazing shows collaborating with major Irish artists as well as hundreds of fantastics shows by themselves. Combine the two and you’re guaranteed a great night. If there is more incentive needed, the concert itself is a fundraiser in aid of Naíonra Buncranncha. There a fewer more enjoyable ways to support a great cause. The concert begins at 8pm. Tickets are €20 and available from the venue and several other sellers which can been found on the event Facebook page.

May 24th

Damo Suzuki Regional Cultural Centre Letterkenny As May comes to a close, good weather hasn’t stopped lightning striking twice in Letterkenny.

Finally, to close the month there will be a host of classic and vintage cars making the annual pilgrimage along the north coast. The convoy will be leaving from Ballycastle on Friday 26th and passing through several both coast towns and camping somewhere along the way for the evening. They will arrive into Culdaff on Saturday afternoon/evening for a pop-up campsite and retro BBQ across the road from McGrorys bar. Those with a few miles left in the tank can then enjoy a classic car show on Sunday. All proceeds go to the RNLI.This is shaping up to be a great weekend for a great cause. More details available on the event facebook page.

There’s little that needs said when it comes to Christy Moore. Truly a legend and icon of Irish music and is always a memorable experience live. His work with Planxty and Moving Hearts paved the way for his legendary solo career with hits too numerous to begin naming Suffice it to say that both nights are highly expected to sell out so avoid disappointment and book early. Tickets can be purchased for €42.50 from Ticketmaster and from the Clanree Hotel Letterkenny.

Live on the Lawn at Rathmullan House

M

ay brings the welcome return of material including the acclaimed ‘Sugar Island’ album. The the ‘Live on the Lawn’ series at the Irish Times recently praised the spontaneity of the hits whilst crediting the maturity and substance of the later material. beautiful Rathmullan house.

Donegal Support Acts You could rarely hope for a more scenic setting to enjoy a day of great music. With a recent Choice Music Album nomination, ‘The 4 of Us’ will be headlining the event. It’s hard to believe that it was 1989 when they released their massive single ‘Mary’, and beat U2 for album of the year. Now almost 30 years later they are receiving massive praise for their newer

Support on the day will be provided by 2 Donegal acts who have been making serious waves around the country.

Two-piece acoustic outfit ‘Without Willow’ will be offering another glimpse at their much anticipated EP which is due for release in the coming months.

Laying a bedrock of modest brilliance, Simon McCafferty allows just enough of a peak of his virtuosity on the guitar to allow the sincerity of the songwriting to shine. The incredible vocals of both Karen Kelly and Simon can wander through genres and styles with ease and it makes for an altogether beautiful sound.

Joining them on the bill is For Foresters, who mask a sincere understanding of contemporary folk music behind a wall of external alternative influences. Dreamlike ambient soundscapes help give a new level to a music born out of a love of a traditional folk style. On top of this music lineup, the ticket fee of €25 also includes festival food from the amazing cooks at the Tap Room. Tickets can be purchased from Rathmullan House. See Facebook for details.

Headliners: 4 of us

14th May 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 66

Around theLeader about townTown

These lovely ladies enjoying the craic at McGinley’s

Pictured out and about on a girls night out at McGinley’s

the Leader || 10 May 2017

McGinleys Bar

Peter McGlynn enjoying the live music at McGinley’s

Gerard McGuinness, Paddy O’Leary and Paddy McGeever out and about at McGinley’s

The band Loose Change auditioning for a new drummer

Kathleen Coffee and John Fox enjoying a night out at McGinley’s

Movie Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Now Showing) The rumours before the release of the Guardians Vol. 1 was that it would be Marvels first flop, of course a flop in Marvel terms, so possibly only $400 million at the box office.

The fact that the film was so funny and had such great characters with such great comedic chemistry made it the surprise hit of 2014.

The success of first film owed a lot to the fact that it was such a surprise.

The script was packed with so many funny one liners that you wanted to spend a lot longer with the movie than the 2 hours it lasted.

Letterkenny 074 912 1976 OUT NOW

to spend a lot longer in the cinema than its 136 minutes would allow.

The film does have some minor problems. The plot is really only a vehicle for the comedy. The ending suffers from the perennial Marvel problem of being just too busy and frantic.

Some of the jokes do fall flat particularly when the plot starts to kick in.

However, Guardians Vol. 2 is still better than 99% of the movies that will be released this summer.

Chris Pratt as the next Indiana Jones anyone?

Sequel Success OUT TOMORROW COMING SOON 26 MAY

2 JUNE

In 2014 Marvel were set to release Guardians of the Galaxy as one of its tent pole movies. It came from one of their lesser know comic books involving a group of misfit mercenaries and their not so selfless attempts to save the galaxy.

The group included a genetically modified Racoon called Rocket, a tree named Groot, a green skinned assassin called Gamora, a maniac called Drax and a half human called Peter Quill who liked to call himself Star-Lord. It also included an excellent sound track which was just as much a character in the film as its stars.

In Guardians Vol. 2 the misfits are back and shockingly they are saving the galaxy once again. I think one of the main problems this sequel has is that expectations after the first film are so high that it couldn’t really live up to the hype, however the film is a success.

Director James Gunn has passed the difficult second album test with flying colours.

It is a slickly comedic piece of sci-fi action adventure. The chemistry is still present and correct between the main characters making their interactions a joy to watch. The sound track is also back and as good as the first. I wanted

Sit in MOVIE REVIEWS by the Leader Movie Buff

@ Century Cinema Letterkenny

ENTERTAINMENT

the Leader || 10 May 2017

BAR BYTES Interview with a local puller of pints!

Full name: Oliver Quinn Nickname: Gorb

by

ann biddie

yee haw!

The Allingham Arms in Bundoran is keeping the party going after the highly successful Country Music Festival which took place over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Saturday the 13th of May sees Declan Nerney take to the stage in what will be a great night of music.

On Saturday the 20th, Jim Devine has the honours and as always will put on a brilliant show. The hotel will finish the month out with another fantastic weekend. Robert Mizzell will play Saturday the 27th and then on Sunday the 28th an amazing lineup including entertainment from John Hogan, Gary Gamble, Carmel Sheerin and The Ryan Turner Band.

How Long?

50 hours at the weekend Favourite food?

Fajitas Favourite Drink?

Mojitos Favourite movie?

Monsters Inc Favourite Song?

Lady Humps- Black eyed peas Favourite band?

S Club 7

Loads of great music in the coming keepin’ er’ weeks ahead! country Hi folks! Welcome once again to my Country Column. The coming weeks have so much great music crammed into them we’ll just saddle up and jump on in.

Where do you work?

WareHouse Bar + Kitchen

Page 67

Oliver Quinn

Best part of the job?

Talking to the customers and listening to Iano Gallagher’s story’s from 20 years ago Funniest thing to happen at work?

Elaine Doherty and Kerrie Connaghan playing frog jump in the middle of the bar Most irritating person you work with?

Cathal Barr the country star And why?

Runs the place What are you good at?

Bailing drink

Favourite kids programme growing up?

Pokémon or Bear in the big blue house If you where not in current job what other job would you like to do?

Construction industry What job could you never do?

Work in a chip van If you could be an animal, which one would you be and why?

A goat , because they go where ever they want Do you have a party piece or talent?

Just there to take part not a big shot like Dylan melon Quinn

What are you bad at?

Jiving

What’s your favourite quote?

“Brandy and Port gets ye Lit” Garreth The Wizard Quinn

What makes you nervous?

BUSHMILLS

Who would you like to play you in a movie?

Mark Forester

Now just haul on a minute, any of you who are thinking of upping sticks and moving to Bundoran because there’s plenty of other amazing things happening all over the county.

Get to the Neil T Blaney Road in Letterkenny on Saturday May 20th because AJS Promotions are throwing their first ‘Outdoor Jamboree in the Park’ and It’s going to be tremendous.

Nathan Carter, Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Jake Carter, The Logues and Marte Moone are all on the star studded lineup. There will be hot food and bar facilities on site. Early bird tickets are available now for only €30 from AJS Promotions. This promises to be a great event and hopefully the start of an annual day out for all country music lovers.

Coming to us from Texas via Nashville is Jason James. Remember the name. He’s a rising star equally adept at delivering heartbreak and humour and he’ll be playing the Balor Theatre in Ballybofey on June 2nd at 8:30pm. This one is not to be missed folks.

July 2nd is a very special concert in Letterkenny. Martin Orr and the Honky Tonk Heroes present ‘Voodoo Charity Sunday’ in memory of the late Seamy Peoples. All proceeds are going to Pieta house. I’ll be reminding you again in Jason James from Texas, a rising star will be playing at the Balor on June 2.

Ann Biddie

the coming issues of the Leader as this is a very worthy cause and will be a great day.

As if all that wasn’t enough there’s plenty more going in pubs and hotels around the county so don’t forget your dancing shoes and head on out. I’ll be singing in Carrs of the Diamond in Ballyare next Saturday, May 13th and in the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny on May 27th and would love to see you there. And if you can’t make it out, you can catch up with all the latest releases on our very own Highland Radio where DJ’s Gary Gamble, Tommy Rosney and Pio McCann to name but a few, will keep you all toe-tappin, hand-clappin and leg-slappin with the best country music and craic around. There’s also great country music on Sky TV channels 239 and 389, and of course, until next time folks, Keep’er Country!

ENTERTAINMENT

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the Leader || 10 May 2017

Musician in Profile: Daniel McGarrigle DJ, Rapper, Musician, Producer Radio-Host, Event Organiser

Call him what you want...We call him Dano Daniel McGarrigle, aka DJ Dano as you may guess by the intro is an incredibly talented, creative and busy man. His days are in many ways like spinning plates as he works tirelessly between his passions for music, visual media and entertaining the Letterkenny masses. I got some time with the man to discuss how his artistic interests developed.

By Emmet Toner

Daniel McGarrigle aka DJ Dano a man of many talents.

described ‘highly inventive’ and the songs being described as ‘truly brilliant’.

“What got me into music? Probably Dire Straits - The Walk of Life, I swear to God, that’s After seeing a documentary about vinyl DJing the first song that I realised that Yeah, this is called ‘Scratch’ that a fire was ignited in him really doing it for me...that big synth intro”. and he needed to learn to DJ. Beginning on the only setup he could put together he recalls Not the answer I was expecting but I probed learning to DJ using two ‘discman’ portable further and learned about his musical cd players at friend’s 18th birthday parties. interests through the years. A teenage love of Radiohead lead to an interest in music pro- “It was awkward way to start DJing because duction. I had seen him play some fantastic I’d get people hoppin on the floor but then I’d gigs in the past, playing live drums, guitar have to ask them to calm down because the and keyboards live with bands before and but discmen would start skipping” when I asked him about these pursuits I was met with absolute modesty.

It also sparked an interest in DJing with vinyl and eventually also becoming handy with “I can’t play anything, I kinda futer...I’ve no laptop DJing , midi controllers and portable music theory or background but I can futer digital production hardware units like the around enough to figure out a tune. I’m the MPC. most unmusical person”.

Aside from DJing, Dano also had a huge Dano’s first band were called ‘The October interest in the production and performing of Country’. The lineup was Dano on drums and hip hop music.He began using a program his close friends Fionn Robinson on guitar, called ‘Acidmusic’ on his computer to make Conor McCafferty on bass and Diarmuid what he calls “wee silly beats”. He got his McCaffrey on guitar. He describes the band friends from the band involved and also as being slacker-rock and indie. Starting out welcomed another childhood friend, Brian as a cover band playing very unusual covers Kelly into the mix. Brian (aka B-Koz) was (He cites the theme from ‘Space Ghost - extremely passionate about rap and hip hop Coast to Coast) as part of the set and recalled and they collective (under the name ‘Super some unusual gigging experiences.

Eight Kids’ set about making a hiphop album with the band providing tracks for Dano and “We played a gig in Bank of Ireland in the B-Koz to MC on. The Super Eight Kids made Square in Letterkenny at lunchtime… It was a second instrumental album that was very weird but fun. The bank was pretty busy and different and closer to heavy alternative rock. customers looked really confused and to be An entirely different beast but something fair, banks don’t really do gigs, but were we Dano says they had to get out of their system there, we played and we had class craic” before returning to hip hop in a stripped down ensemble. He cites the following project one He also mentions frantically running around he likely feels most proud of. A straight up hip the stage mid-song during the Rathmullan hop album by the 2 MC’s of the Super Eight Regatta because a bee was chasing him. In Kids, Dano and B-Koz. spite of the strange music and performance choices, they eventually moved from covers “It was just one of those catching lightning in to a recorded album of original material a bottle moments where we just captured a which was well received, receiving praise really cool time in my life” in Hot Press Magazine in which they were

It was awkward way to start DJing because I’d get people hoppin on the floor but then I’d have to ask them to calm down because the discmen would start skipping

bance’ which is a live rock night. He feels encouraged by the fact that these nights are able to run again.

It’s difficult to not catch his passion and enthusiasm for creativity in whatever form it may take. His relentless creative energy means you’re highly likely to see him playing some kind of music around Letterkenny whether you plan to or not. For now though your best Dano bet is to get out to ‘Shindig’ in Voodoo Vintage One thing that has remained a constant on May 26th. Event details can be found on throughout his musical career has been the Facebook.

‘Shindig’ label. His music has all been put DJ Dano behind the mic out under Shindig, his DJ gigs over the years have often been listed as ‘Shindig Nights’, his most recent live band were ‘The Shindig House Band’ so I had to ask where Shindig came from.

“The name Shindig is from when I was 8, I had the Talkboy recorder from ‘Home Alone’ and I used to have an imaginary radio show called Shindig Fm and it’s just something I’ve kept over the years...there’s no real rules to it, I just use it to label things that I do, kind of like a brand”.

The latest project to fall under ‘Shindig’ is a monthly night running in Voodoo where several live bands play original material followed by a DJ set. Dano explains about how the scene for original music in Letterkenny has subsided over the years. He spoke fondly of the FUBAR and later how the lineage of the Greenroom was still important to him as venues that supported original live music.

The Shindig is an effort to keep stoking the flame that seems to be growing again with other events like the recently started ‘Distur-

ENTERTAINMENT

the Leader || 10 May 2017

The Brewery Bar

Around theLeader about townTown

Sarah McGettigan celebrating her 60th Birthday with family and friends at The Brewery

Mary Coyle and Kellin Ward pictured out and about at The Brewery

FRIDAY MAY 19

Johnny Kolhmayer singing live at The Brewery

Joseph McConnell, Paul Hanagan and Noreen Campbell enjoying a night out at The Brewery

loaded!

Rock'n'Roll, R&B, Northern Soul, Ska, Reggae, Motown, Punk & Indie

The Central, Letterkenny With Dj Clampett 11pm till Late Admission €3

Page 69

Enjoying a night out at The Brewery Bar

Pictured out and about at the Brewery Bar and Restraunt

Page Page 470

the the Leader Leader ||||10 10 May May 2017 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

RECIPE: Royal barbecued pork loin S

ummer has landed in Ireland and BBQ season is in full swing. Joe’s is your one stop shop for all your BBQ needs.

Here is a tasty Recipe for Royal Barbecued Pork Loin. You get the attitude of all those flavours on the outside of the pork – smoky, sweet, sour and spicy – with beautifully cooked, silky, untouched meat inside.

The contrast is fantastic.

Method To make a rub, bash all the spices together with a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper in a pestle and mortar till fine (or use a blender).

Muddle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Trim the fat off the pork, then rub the spice mix over the pork and marinate for 1 hour.

Light your barbecue and let it calm down. Make sure you’ve got your coals high on one side and low on the other for control.

Grill the pork for 5 to 10 minutes, using tongs to turn it till charred all over. Fat will render out, so keep it moving to avoid any flames.

Once it’s looking beautiful, move it to the cool side of the barbecue, cover with tin foil and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, turning every 5 to 10 minutes – you should get gnarly pork that’s beautifully cooked. Check it by cutting in half and looking, or use a meat thermometer and stop when it reaches 72ºC inside – you don’t want it pink but please don’t cook the hell out of it either.

Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

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

Meanwhile, for the sauce, mix all the ingredients together. Taste it, and tweak the flavours until it tastes right for you. Whatever vibe you’re going for, you want to go slightly too far as it will mellow when it cooks. You don’t have to, but it’s nice to put it on the heat for a couple of minutes to help it along.

For the salad, pick and finely slice all the herbs. Scrub the beetroot and shred the cabbage. Finely slice the chillies (if using).

Add the herbs to a large serving bowl.

Thinly slice your beets and apples (core and all), then finely slice into matchsticks (a food processor will do a fine job).

Put these in the bowl, along with the chilli (if using), and add a squeeze of lemon juice.

Just before serving, pour on the extra virgin olive oil, squeeze over the rest of the lemon juice and add a good pinch of pepper. Toss it all together, then have a taste and season to perfection, if needed.

Brush half the sauce all over the pork so it’s shiny and dark, and cook for the final few minutes till it sizzles.

Put it back on the hot side if it needs help to get sticky, but don’t let it burn.

Transfer to a nice board, drizzle over the rest of the sauce and carve at the table, to eat with your lovely salad.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

ce ds, 1 teaspoon all spi 1 teaspoon fennel see on spo tea 1 ds, iander see berries, 1 teaspoon cor ka pri pa d oke sm on spo ground nutmeg, 1 tea powder, olive oil 1 teaspoon mustard ss boneless pork loin nle ski re elfa 2 kg higher-w BARBECUE SAUCE apoon ml brown sauce, 1 tes 240 ml ketchup, 40 er, cid ple ap ns lespoo Tabasco sauce, 6 tab s oon ap tes 2 e, juic ple ap 6 tablespoons fresh ey hon lespoons runny English mustard, 3 tab SALAD APPLE & BEETROOT t-leaf parsley, fla nt, mi 2 handfuls of fresh purple few sprigs of green or fennel tops or dill, a fresh 2 ge, ba cab 200 g red basil, 200 g beetroot, apples ith Sm y nn Gra 4 red chillies , optional, e oil 1 juice lemon 75 ml extra virgin oliv

oesbutchers

www.facebook.com/j

Joe’s Butchers Letterkenny Shopping Centre Glencar Shopping Centre Joe’s Foods Forte Retail Park

The Big Renovation Sale Starts Today @ The Furniture Liquidator

RAID THE TRAIN JACK

MAY

POT

€300,00

FRIDAY 12TH MARTIN MCCOLGAN SAT 13TH LP COUNTRY SUN 14TH HITCHHIKER FRIDAY 19TH SINEAD BLACK SAT 20TH ROSEMARIE GALLAGHER SUN 21ST HUGH MCMONAGLE TRADITIONAL NIGHTS - EVERY WEDNESDAY

The Furniture Liquidator, is one of the busiest and best furniture stores in the Northwest. We deliver across the County to every town and village at least once a week and are well known for the largest ranges of suites and beds on offer.

We have decided to upgrade all of our stores, to give you the very best shopping experience in-store, with even bigger choice and value to offer.

The biggest renovation Sale EVER starts today 10th May at the Furniture Liquidator. Everything must be sold to make way for major renovations at our stores in Pearse Road, Letterkenny.

All FLOOR STOCK WILL BE SOLD AT THE

LOWEST PRICES EVER. EVERY SINGLE ITEM IN-STORE IS UP FOR GRABS, IN THE BIGGEST EVENT THIS YEAR! All beds, ALL sofas, ALL mattresses, ALL tables, chairs, pictures, coffee tables, sideboards, nests of tables, tv units, storage boxes, headboards, everything in the store is reduced and must be sold, to make way for a major renovation at our stores.

All Floor stock will be sold on a first come first serve basis.

Delivery is available across the County, and free storage in our warehouse is also available Free of Charge.

Don’t miss a genuine opportunity to grab yourself a bargain at the Big Renovation Sale Now on.Hurry! - Must end Soon.

Page 6 the Leader || 10 May 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Velvet Night at Voodoo

the Leader || 10 May 201771 Page

Photos by

Scott Duncan

Second Friday of Every Month at Voodoo Vintage.

This month's Velvet: Donegal's LGBT / Straight Friendly Night.

Page Page12 72

the Leader || March 10 May2017 2017

trades & services Want to advertise in our Trades & Services section?

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• MINI VALET • INTERIOR VALET NEW! • PREMIUM FULL VALETVALET PAINTLESS • MINI VALET • INTERIOR DENT REMOVAL • •INTERIOR VALET • DE-TAR POLISH SCRATCH & HOLOGRAM REMOVAL CALL US! • PREMIUM FULL VALET •VALET FULL VALET • INTERIOR SCRATCH & HOLOGRAM • FULL DETAILED VALET • DE-TAR•POLISH • FULL VALET • FULL DETAILED VALET REMOVAL • HEADLIGHT RESTORATION

Before

WRIGHTS

• HEADLIGHT RESTORATION

38 Pinehill Business Park, Mountain Top, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Phone: 074-91 68055 Fax: 074-91 68390 Email: info@bmblinds.ie Web: www.bmblinds.ie

OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE BUSINESS. PROFESSIONAL AND HIGH QUALITY WORK.

CONSTRUCTION & CARPENTRY

Before

v ROLLERS v ROMAN v CHILD SAFETY v SPECIALIST VERTICAL v INTERIOR SHUTTERS v KOMANDOR WARDOBES

After

After

• ROOFING - TILING & SLATING • ROOF REFURBISHMENTS • ATTIC CONVERSION • 1ST & 2ND FIXING • DOORS & FLOORS • RENOVATIONS • EXTENSIONS

Ballinacor, Killygordon, Co. Donegal Tel: 086 215 8221 email: delwinwright@outlook.com

TMS FINANCIAL SERVICES

~ For all your Financial needs ~

Railway Court, Pearse Road, Letterkenny Tel: (074) 912 9150 or 087 6305438 E: info@classicblinds.ie W: www.classicblinds.ie

Mortgages, life assurance, Pensions etc

derMoT sHields QFa Financial adviser castlegay coolboy letterkenny Tel: 085 783 5631 dermot.shields@themortgageshop.ie www.themortgageshop.ie

KOMANDOR DONEGAL

Superior Sliding Wardrobes & Storage Solutions 38 Pinehill Business Park, Mountain Top, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Phone: 074-91 68055 Fax: 074-91 68390 Web: www.komandor.ie

Page 12 the Leader || 10 May 2017

Page 73 the Leader || March 2017

trades & services How to bleed your radiators for energy efficiency We recently had to ‘bleed’ the radiators in the Leader office because parts of the radiators were cold and other parts scalding, this is a sign there is air trapped in the heating system.

Step 1: Turn your heating on

Prepare to get wet!

Turn on the heating so that all radiators in your home come on.

Remember to wait until your radiators are fully heated before moving on to step two.

You need to build up the pressure inside the radiator to be able to force the air out.

Glenswilly, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal bonnerplanthire@gmail.com Mobile: 086 2366127 Office: 074 91 37960

‘Bleeding radiators’ is when you let out air that has become trapped inside. Trapped Step 2: Find out which radiators air causes the radiators to have cold spots, need bleeding reducing the efficicency of them. You can bleed your radiators yourself, and it can vastly improve the efficiency of your entire Once your radiators are hot, go and check each one individually to see if all parts of the heating sytem. radiator are warming up. Be careful - radiators That means a warmer home and cheaper can get very hot and you don’t want to burn energy bills. Follow our easy step-by-step yourself.

Cool spots, particularly toward the top of the guide below. radiator, mean that there could be air or gas trapped and that you’ll need to bleed that radiator.

Once you’ve found your cool spots it’s time to move onto step three and bleed them.

Step 1: Turn on heating

Bonner Plant Hire

www.bonnerplanthire.com

Bleeding radiators will require a radiator key (buy one at your local hardware store if you can’t find yours) or a flat-blade screwdriver.

At the top of the radiator at one end there will be a valve. You can attach the radiator key to the square bit in the centre or put the end of the screwdriver into the groove.

Hold the key or screwdriver with a cloth, and have another cloth ready to catch any drips, then slowly turn the radiator key or screwdriver anti-clockwise – if gas is escaping you’ll hear a hissing sound.

Once there is no more gas, liquid will come out and the valve will need to be closed quickly.

Step 3: Bleed the radiators With the more modern screwdriver operated escape valve, liquid is likely to emerge as a Switch off your central heating. This is jet rather than a dribble. reversing the process identified in step one and will allow you to handle the radiators Step 4: Check the pressure without burning yourself or soaking your floor.

Unit 3c, Riverside Retail Park.

Call Mark on Mobile:

087 6861783 NEED A MATTRESS? or Ring 0876861783

Semi Orthopaedic / Orthopaedic Memory / Pillow Top / Water Proof Pocket Spring / Camper / Caravan / Foam Check the pressure by having a look at the gauge on your boiler. If the pressure is too low, you’ll need to ‘top up’. You can do this using the lever or tap on your boiler, known as the filling loop.

Afterwards, you may want to run another ‘hot test’ to check that your efforts have been successful. Simply turn your heating on, wait for all the radiators to heat up and check for any cool spots.

That’s it! Congratulations, now you know just how simple bleeding radiators can be!

theLeader

JOBS & RECRUITMENT

To Advertise Jobs & Recruitment please contact James on 086 048 1662

Special Offer €99 Cash & Carry Only

FREE DELIVERY Sales Manager

Full-time job

PART TIME DIGITIAL MARKETING INTERN REQUIRED If you have the relevant qualifications and would like to be part of our winning team

Please email your CV and cover letter to;

Patricia Kelly, General Manager, patriciakelly@mulroywoodshotel.com

Closing Date for Applications: Friday 19th May 2017 Tel: 074 9153313 | www.mulroywoodshotel.com |Email: info@mulroywoods.com

Are You Looking For The Next Career Move In Sales Management? We Have New Post For Bed Centre Store In Letterkenny.

Full Time: Sales Manager.

Send CV FAO: Martin cooneysfurniture@gmail.com

Page 14 74

the Leader Leader ||||10 March the May 2017 Main Local supplier of Top quality dog foods...

SEE FACEBOOK FOR OFFERS/UPDATES facebook.com/LKPets

T. 074 91 27397 Open Mon 11-7 | Tues - Sat 9-7 CLOSED SUNDAY

Unit 4, Glencar Retail PK, Letterkenny.

This week we take a look at the Afghan Hound

Eye-catching and agile dogs T

he Afghan Hound is definately a head turner, a big goofy yet classy looking pooch - an aristocrat, his whole appearance one of dignity and aloofness....eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past.

Some Afghan Hounds are indeed dignified (at least some of the time!), while others are altogether silly clowns, and still others alternate gleefully between the two.

Though quiet indoors, the Afghan Hound should not be left unsupervised for long periods of time without personal attention and running exercise, for he bores easily and can become destructive.

Keep on Leash Don’t let this breed off-leash, for he is unbelievably fast and can gallop out of sight in seconds.

His high hipbones make him one of the most agile of all breeds and one of the best jumpers.

Fences must be high.

Standoffish by nature, the Afghan Hound needs extensive exposure to people and unusual sights and sounds so that his caution does not become timidity.

He is sociable with other dogs, but has strong hunting/prey instincts and may chase smaller pets.

Obedience training will control his occasional bumptiousness and build his confidence, but you must be patient and persuasive, for sighthounds are extremely sensitive to leash jerking and may respond defensively if frightened.

Independent and not particularly eager to please, their stubbornness takes the form of resistance rather than wild disobedience, i.e. they brace their legs and refuse to walk.

Afghans can be finicky eaters and often are a bit slow to catch on to housebreaking.

Without frequent brushing, Afghan Hounds become a matted mess. Regular trims are needed!

American Staffordshire Terrier

Puppy

An Afghan Hound may be right for you.

If you don’t want to deal with...

• Providing a safe enclosed area where he can gallop.

• Shyness or suspiciousness when not socialized enough.

• Emotional sensitivity to stress and abrupt changes in schedule.

• Strong instincts to chase other living creatures that run.

• Slowness to learn and an independent “what’s in it for me?” attitude toward training - can be very stubborn.

• Lots of brushing and combing.

• Slowness to housebreak An Afghan Hound may not be right for you.

Puppy

Adult

A Docile Protector!

A Silky Coated Little Entertainer!

Yorkshire Terriers are independent, attention loving, and adventurous small dogs. Yorkies tend to bark a lot at strangers and have troubles getting along with other pets, but with plenty of socialization during puppyhood, they are friendly toward others. These popular little dogs make good pets for those who live in the city, as well as families with older children. Although they have a lot of high energy, Yorkies do not require too much exercise — only a short walk each day.

Positive Traits:

Positive Traits:

Negative Traits:

• Needs regular exercise and diet plan to avoid weight gain • Aggressive toward other animals • Sees cats and small animals as prey unless trained otherwise • Must be properly socialised as a puppy to avoid aggression as an adult

Happy dogs have a good diet.

• Has a tall, slender, elegant build.

• Is extremely athletic and graceful - can run swiftly and jump great heights.

• Has a long, flowing coat that comes in many colors.

• Can be both a dignified aristocrat and a silly clown.

• Is gentle with people and other dogs

Affectionate, devoted, and intelligent, medium-sized dogs. Fearless watchdogs, friendly with strangers as long as their owner is present. Can be stubborn or aloof toward other dogs, but good with children if properly socialised as a pup. AmStaffs make great companions for families, experienced dog handlers, active individuals, and singles. This breed is compact, and does well living in a small home. They are versatile and athletic; they enjoy regular physical and mental challenges.

• An affectionate companion and family dog • Has a short, easy-to-care-for coat • Protective of family: good watch dog • Compact - does well in small living quarters • Devoted, loyal, and protective • Intelligent, friendly, and easily won over

Dog Nutrition guide

If you want a dog who...

Yorkshire Terriers

Adult

For helpful, friendly advice on all your pet queries, call in and speak to our experts today.

• Brave and ready for adventure • Always on the go, with a keen eye for adventure • Small and travels well • Loving and loyal to their owners • Protective of family; good watch dog • Quirky, entertaining personality

Negative Traits:

• Can be difficult to housetrain • Suspicious of and aggressive toward strangers and other dogs if not socialized properly • May have a tendency to bark excessively • Can be snappy with children • Determined and has a mind of their own

D

oes your dog itch a lot? Shed way too much for their breed? Does your dog have flaky skin? Is your dogs stool always runny? Is your dog hyper active or even act strangely after meals?

All these things can be related to what you feed your dog.

More often than not cheap supermarket food and even big brand food can have strange effects on your dogs. Dog food can affect their behaviour as well as their health. stools. Firstly, one of the main reasons again is cheap dog food. Another common reason Dog allergies is overfeeding. It is important Dog allergies can be a tough to check the guidelines and one. Dogs may eat the same weigh your dogs food approfood for months and just one priately. Sometimes the brand day become allergic to some of food just may not agree with of the ingredients. It’s really your dog or, you may have to important to research your try various sources of meat as breed and what foods they may for example chicken may not be allergic too. This can help agree with all dogs. you generalise what it may be Your dogs behaviour can be so you can go to a pet shop effected in so many ways when and ask for a food that may given a poor quality food. Too suit your dog. Although this is much energy your food may only generalising and although be too rich in protein and fats. it does help most of the time Lack of energy could be the any dog can be allergic to any opposite. I dealt with a case ingredients. in the past where half an hour after a 6 month old puppy would eat food, he would growl Excessive shedding and nip at everyone completely and flaky skin randomly. After going through Cheap dog food is made mostly several things to try find why of fillers that dogs have diffi- this was happening a change in culty digesting, such as corn diet was all that was required. and grains. Look instead for a Keep your dog healthy and add dog food that lists meat as the potentially years to its life by main ingredient. Better quality keeping them on a high quality foods cost a bit more upfront, food and regular checks of but they’re better for your their stool, skin, weight and dog for a variety of reasons. behaviour after eating.

The nutrients in meat-rich If you need help with selecting dog foods are more easily a food or you find your dogs digested and absorbed, so they food is not working please promote better health overall feel free to get in touch. I am and help control shedding and always more than happy to dry skin. Keep in mind that hand out free nutritional inforbetter nutrition can help reduce mation to help get any dog get shedding, but it won’t eliminate on the right path to a healthier shedding completely. lifestyle.

I also offer weight loss programmes for overweight dogs.

There can be many reasons Call Ray on 0864468313. See your dog may have runny facebook ‘@callK9academy’.

Runny stool

Page Page75 3

10 May 2017 the Leader || Mau 2017

Deele College Royal & Prior 5k

Local Events with

theLeader

Emmett Gillespie, Serge Walsh and Cian McCarron at the Royal and prior and Deele College Raphoe 5 K to raise funds of Jigsaw Donegal

Runners at the start of the Royal and prior and Deele College Raphoe 5 K to raise funds of Jigsaw Donegal. Photo’s by - Clive Wasson

Majella Wilson, Bernie Eaton, Siobhane McBrearty and Anne McBrearty at the Royal and prior and Deele College Raphoe 5 K to raise funds of Jigsaw Donegal

ABOVE - Lifford and Strabane AC Runners at the Royal and prior and Deele College Raphoe 5 K to raise funds of Jigsaw Donegal.

LEFT - Jane Chambers, Caiser and Marion Vangert.

June Orr, Graine Friel, Caoimhe McNulty, Raj Meehan, Beth Freene, at the Royal and Laura McNulty prior and Deele College Raphoe 5 K to raise funds of Jigsaw Donegal.

Gary, Lewis and AShton Quinn at the Royal and prior and Deele College Raphoe 5 K to raise funds of Jigsaw Donegal.

Lorraine Porter and Vincent Walsh.

Irene Geoghegan, Parents Association, Howard Welsh, Principal Royal and Prior, Karen Duggan, Jigsaw, Joe Boyle, Principal Deele College and Grahman Neilands, Parents Association at the Royal and prior and Deele College Raphoe 5 K to raise funds of Jigsaw Donegal.

Janice Pearson and Joanne Craig.

Raphoe Road Runners at the Royal and prior and Deele College Raphoe 5 K to raise funds of Jigsaw Donegal.

MOTORING

Page 76

the Leader || 10 May 2017

THE ALL NEW NISSAN MICRA – NOW AT INISHOWEN MOTORS

The brand new Nissan Micra is now available for test drive at Inishowen Motors, Letterkenny & Malin and this little gem of a car is making waves in the industry so why not call down and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

Targeted for Europe, the world’s largest hatchback market, the Micra Gen5 is styled to turn heads, with a dramatic body length-defining character line.

It is lower, wider and longer than its predecessors and has more interior space. It also has advanced new downsized turbo drivetrains, an agile chassis and a full complement of innovative safety features.

“When the first Micra appeared more than 30 years ago, it marked a revolution in the small hatchback segment and opened a new chapter for Nissan. The fifth generation Micra is just as revolutionary, and will raise expectations for what a hatchback can,

and should, deliver to its customers,” said Carlos Ghosn, CEO, Nissan Motor Company, “Following in the wheel tracks of distinctive cars like Qashqai and Juke, the latest Micra reinforces Nissan’s position as a leader in automotive design. It also shows our intent to compete right at the top of Europe’s B-segment market - the largest and most competitive B-segment market in the world.”

Technology on board This Micra Gen5 is the first in Nissan’s B-segment line-up to offer such an extensive set of advanced safety features, available across all grades, bringing Nissan Intelligent Driving to life. Usually found in larger cars, available technologies include Lane Departure Prevention, a segment first.

Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition, a first for Nissan vehicles in Europe, as well as Intelligent Around View Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist and Blind Spot Warning. Together, these advanced safety

features are the building blocks for Autonomous Driving and are an integral part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.

Micra Gen5 comes with a 7-inch full colour central display, providing access to the audio system, satellite navigation, mobile phone, downloadable apps and Siri voice control via Apple CarPlay.

The Micra Gen5 will revolutionise customer expectations in the B-segment by introducing a unique blend of striking design, new, intuitive technology and confident, agile performance. Its striking design and bold colour options will make it stand out from the crowd, while its interior roominess and advanced features will appeal to buyers looking for more from their B-segment hatchback, or to those downsizing.

The all new Nissan Micra now available for test drive at Inishowen motors Letterkenny 074 91 34567 & Malin 074 93 70605. Call to book your test drive today.

What’s New...

Micra re-invented brings new levels of dynamism, style, and technology to the B-segment • Striking design epitomises Nissan’s fresh approach to Micra • Nissan Intelligent Mobility comes to life with advanced technology fromhigher segments, including Intelligent Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Prevention as part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility • Downsized drivetrains and advanced aerodynamics deliver efficent, agile performance • Distinctive colour options & personalisation programme is available

Only your wallet will know it’s USED On your nearly new Renault – and only 4.9% APR

Renault CLIO

Renault CAPTUR

Renault KADJAR

Touchscreen navigation Handsfree keycard Auto lights and wipers

Touchscreen navigation Sliding rear seats Two-tone paint

Touchscreen navigation Best in class diesel consumption Auto-dipping lights and traffic sign recognition

Models shown: Renault KADJAR Signature Nav 1.5 dCi, RRP €30,990, Renault CAPTUR Intense TCe 90, RRP €21,090 and Renault Clio Dynamique Nav 1.2 16V, RRP from €16,990. Prices exclude metallic paint, delivery and dealer-related charges. Maximum recommended delivery charge €750. Finance example: Captur Life 1.5 dCi, RRP €20,200. Deposit €5,436. Term 36 monthly payments of €229. APR 4.9%. Total cost of credit €1,669 inc doc & completion fee €75 each. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made].

HIGHLAND MOTORS Mountain Top, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel 074 9128777 www.highlandrenault.com

the Leader || 10 May 2017

MOTORING

THE ALL NEW

NISSAN MICRA

Nissan Micra is out to shake things up. World firsts like Bose® Personal® Audio System combine with a high quality finish interior to make it a truly audacious presence. Agile, responsive and efficient.

THE ALL NEW NISSAN MICRA

NOW AVAILABLE FOR TEST DRIVE at INISHOWEN MOTORS Drumkeen, Co Donegal. Tel: 074 91 34567 Malin Showroom: Malin, Co Donegal. Tel: 074 93 70605 www.inishowenmotors.ie | e: info@inishowenmotors.ie

Page 77

MOTORING

Page 12 78 Page

the Leader Leader ||||10 10 May May 2017 2017 the

theLeader

new car reviews The impressive new Skoda Kodiaq SUV The Skoda Kodiaq is Skoda’s much anticipated new 5/7-seat SUV. It’s when pushed hard. The Kodiaq has a soft, just arrived in Ireland and promises to shake up the large family SUV compliant ride and the cabin is soundproofed well. segment for a combination of space, style and amazing value. I had the Equipment opportunity to drive the new Kodiaq and it’s mighty impressive!

Styling

Skoda design has gone upmarket in recent years and the Kodiaq follows the same sharp new design language that debuted with the Skoda Superb in 2015. The robust, chiselled good looks should single it out easily in the car park.

There are a total of fourteen colours to choose from, ranging from the usual suspects of grey, white and black, to red and bright blue.

Interior

The interior design of the new Kodiaq is simple and understated, while the quality is good for this class of vehicle. All models come with a touchscreen, though higher spec models have larger 8” screens in the centre of the dash. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models.

Practicality

There is choice of a five or seven seat Kodiaq, with just €1000 in the difference. There are three large individual seats in the second row.

In seven seat vehicles, there are two individual seats in the third row and sliding the row 2 seats forward a little makes this space much more

There are three trim levels for new Skoda Kodiaq in Ireland – Active, Ambition and Style. Standard equipment includes air con, 17” alloys, and cruise control. Step up to Ambition for 18” alloys, keyless engine start, silver roof rails, and front and rear parking sensors. Style models add 19” alloys, keyless entry, full LED headlights, alcantara upholstery, interior Engines The range kicks off with a 1.4-litre turbo petrol ambient lighting, rear view camera, navigation unit with 125bhp (manual) or 150bhp (DSG and Skoda Connect with a number of driver automatic). The 2.0-litre diesel comes with 150 assistance features. or 190bhp, with the higher powered version reserved for DSG automatic 4×4 models. The Pricing best for economy is the 2.0-litre TDI 150hp The 5 seat Kodiaq range starts at €28,795 and DSG returning up to 58mpg with motor tax of the 7 seater at €29,795 for the entry 1.4-litre €280 per year. At the launch, I drove the 2.0-litre petrol. Diesels start from €35,495.

TDI 150bhp 4×4 with a manual gearbox. The engine returns good performance with 0-100km Rivals achieved in 9.8 seconds in 7 seat versions, while the 6-speed manual gearbox is nice to use and Skoda list the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, the engine never gets too raucous when pushed. Ford Kuga and Nissan X-Trail as the main competition for new Kodiaq. practical for carrying children and maybe even adults occasionally! Headroom is best in class.

In five seat mode, there is a class leading 720 litres of boot space, while in seven seat mode there is 270 litres.

On the road

Verdict The Skoda Kodiaq is easy to drive and agile for its size with light controls. The light steering With demand for cool-looking seven seat SUVs, makes it easy to manouvre around town and on the Skoda Kodiaq will easily find its market and tight country roads, but there is roll in corners Skoda Ireland is already selling new Kodiaq to

Model: Kodiaq 2.0 TDI Price: €28,495 - €35,495 Power: 150bhp 0-100km/h: 9.8 seconds Fuel Consumption: Up to 58mpg Motor tax: €280 per year buyers who have not bought Skoda before. The entry price into the range is attractive, but the diesels are significantly more expensive, though still competitive with rivals. Easy to drive with capable engines and an understated but quality interior, the new Kodiaq is impossible to ignore in the large family car market.

Page 4

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Hyundai

New for 172 e!

Trade, Upgrade & Sav

Seeing is believing.

If you’re thinking ‘New for 172’ it’s time to Trade, Upgrade and Save!

Choose from one of our unique offers, 5 Years Free Servicing, Scrappage of up to €4,000 or our Free Insurance offer.

Drop in today and that could be you, in a new 172.

Teague Diver & Sons Ltd

Canal Rd, Letterkenny. Tel: 074 9122600

Terms & conditions apply. Fuel consumption 4.7L/100km. Co2 emissions 108g/km.

Find us on Facebook - Divers Hyundai

the Leader || 10 May 2017

MOTORING

IT’S BACK WITH A NEW FRONT. The new look OCTAVIA from €189 per month with 0% finance.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA, Ireland’s best selling car in its class, has been redesigned with style, comfort and connection in mind. Whether it’s the 1.0 TSI 115bhp petrol or the powerful 1.6 TDI 115bhp diesel you’ll experience driving precision. Plus clever on-board technology enables seamless connectivity between you and the car.

Test drive the new look ŠKODA OCTAVIA today.

DMG Motors, Clar Road, Donegal, Co. Donegal Tel.: 074 9721396, www.dmgmotors.ie Typical Example: Octavia 1.2 TSI 86bhp OTRP €20,350. Deposit €6,149.64. 36 Monthly payments of €189 including fixed price service plan of €13.99 per month. Optional final payment €7,900. Total Hire Purchase Price €20,350. Total cost of credit €0. Minimum deposit 10%. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Available on cars ordered before 10th June 2017 & registered before 31st July 2017. Picture for illustrative purposes only. CO2 from 102-153G/KM. Combined fuel consumption from 3.9-6.6/100km. Data based on 2016 figures.

Page 79

MOTORING

Page Page12 80

the theLeader Leader||||10 10May May2017 2017

Motor Trade unite for first ever

‘Donegal International Car Push 2017’

For the first time in the history of the state eleven main car dealerships here in Donegal have come together as one team namely ‘’Donegal Motor Trade’’ to participate in the first ever ‘’Donegal International Car Push 2017 ‘’ for Relay for Life.

Thursday April 20th is a date that will be forever engraved in the annals of the motoring world not just here in the NorthWest but throughout the island of Ireland when eleven main players sat down together in Arena 7,Letterkenny to discuss the possibility of holding this event for this most worthy of causes.

Generations of motoring politics were set aside when the i’s were dotted and the t’s crossed as a framework was agreed and signed off on to raise funds for Relay for Life

Donegal. All money raised for this year’s Relay will go to the extensive research programme presently underway at Letterkenny University Hospital for Cancer survivors. Costing in the region of €100,000 the car dealerships are hoping to raise a substantial amount with the car push.

Tensions were slightly frayed prior to proceedings getting under way which resulted in Manager Seamus ‘Barney’ O’Donnell keeping all the dealers seated in the main bar

where they could be observed until the dust settled. When this did happen they were escorted into the back room where a very mature meeting took place. Talk of No.1’s, PCP’s, Brexit, and much more were put on the back burner however the constant bleeping of mobile phones did suggest that the majority of the dealers where being influenced by outside advisors during the proceedings. This ‘Good Thursday’ agreement did go a long way to heal old wounds, set up new friendships and two arch rivals were referred to as ‘The Chuckle Brothers’ by the majority of those present….afterwards!

It was unanimously agreed that ‘’Winning doesn’t matter’’ however it was very obvious

from body language that the leaner dealers who are gym friendly did tell on themselves by displaying that little smirk when the those who ordered a Double XL Relay for Life T-Shirt to wear at the event struggled with opinions in relation to finish times and fitness levels- enough said.

Cheating seemed to be a major item on the agenda but when one prominent dealer quipped : ’’ we are all mature adults’’, it was moved from the first item on the list to the second!!

All agreed that Relay for Life Donegal will be the only winners and that statement did receive a rapturous round of applause. So the first ever ‘Donegal International Car Push 2017’’ will take place

on Thursday night 25th. May ,starting at Mulroy’s Lane, Canal Road, Letterkenny.

Each dealership will get a Rally driver past or present to steer the car around the 3k course and the various garages will have their own in-house fundraisers as well as many suppliers etc having already agreed to provide sponsorship for the event. So keep this a date for your Diary – Thursday 25th. May at 7.00pm. ( Relay for Life Donegal takes place on Saturday 27th/Sunday 28th. May at Letterkenny LYIT)

sincere thanks to Manus Kelly for providing tea, coffee and sandwiches to everyone who attended.

When all funds have been collected one cheque from ‘Donegal Motor Trade’ will be presented to Relay for Life Donegal.

Yes, this is indeed will be an historic occasion for car dealerships in Donegal so make sure come along and support this unique event.

Those taking part are Divers Hyundai: DMG Motors: Donaghey Fiat: Hegartys Ford: Highland Motors: Inishowen Official Launch Motors: JJ Reids Motors: The official launch for the Kellys Toyota: Manor Motors: event took place on Tuesday of Mc Ginley Motors: S&R this week at Uptown Café and a Motors.

Representatives of the 11 Main Dealers in Donegal who will take part in the ‘’Donegal International Car Push 2017’’ with all proceeds going to Relay for Life Donegal.

Hegarty House, Ballymacool, Letterkenny

AUTO ELECTRICS C SERVICING C NCT PREP & REPAIRS C VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS Relay for Life duo, Robert O’Connor and Ena Barrett at the launch of the Car Push.

(Behind Hickey, Clarke & Langan)

T: 074 91 03951 M: 087 138 0640

E: motolecservicing@yahoo.ie

MOTORING

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Page 81

J.J Reid Motors Canal Rd, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Telephone 074 91 22333 | www.reidmotors.ie

DEMO - COMMERCIAL SALE

Make Model

SPEC

COLOUR

PLYLINED

KMS

VW

CADDY

75 HIGHLINE

SILVER

YES

VW

CADDY

102 TRENDLINE

RED

VW

CADDY

102 TRENDLINE

VW

CADDY

VW

CADDY

VW

DEPOSIT

MONTHLY RATE

5000 €21,500 €1,500 €16,250+VAT

€3,750

3.90% €335

YES

5000 €21,030 €1,500 €15,800+VAT

€3,750

3.90% €328

GREY

YES

100

€21,630 €1,500 €16,350+VAT

€3,750

3.90% €340

102 BASELINE

SILVER

YES

100

€20,695 €1,500 €15,500+VAT

€3,750

3.90% €323

102 BASELINE

WHITE

YES

5000 €20,195 €1,500 €15,000+VAT

€3,750

3.90% €315

TRANSPORTER BASE SWB 85HP

RED

YES

5000 €26,350 €2,000 €19,800+VAT

€3,500

3.90% €410

VW

TRANSPORTER TREND LWB 150HP

BLUEBERRY

YES

500

€35,360 €2,360 €26,800+VAT

€6,200

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SPORTS

Page 82

theLeader

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Michael Murphy Sports & Leisure Senior Championship Group C Round 1

GLENSWILLY GLACKIN BUSINESS!

SPORT

middle, he made no mistake this time from 25m.

The rejuvenated Ciaran Bonner had the final say of the game with two points both from play, one of them a stunning effort from beyond the 45m line.

The game ended with the five point half time lead for Glenswilly still separating the sides.

This, however was soon cancelled out, when McFadden, who was finding acres of space, scored his Man of the match third from play after a clever ball from Murphy.

Just James Connors could blew for half time, Molloy For Ardara, CJ Molloy really carried the fight to hoisted over a fine 45m free and Michael Murphy hit Glenswilly, and Ryan Malley and JR Molloy had their moments. Glenswilly had good performers in Eamon a lovely score on the run to leave five the difference.

Ward, Oisin Crawford, Ciaran Bonner, Michael Strong 2nd Half Start Murphy and Copper McFadden.

If the May heat was red hot then so was the Ardara start The Leader asked the recently married Glenswilly to the second half. Simon Breslin picked up the throw stalwart Brendan Walsh for his verdict. “My choice in and slipped the ball to the imposing CJ molloy, he is Eamon Ward who was excellent throughout, when tore through the middle and hit a rocket from 25m to the game was tight he made interceptions, forced the back of Philip O’Donnell’s net. turnovers and started four attacks in a row at the end”.

It was a goal that had Michael Murphy’s class written all over it and was a fitting reward for Ardara’s best Michael Murphy in possesion for Glenswilly as an Ardara player tries to close him down.

The Teams player. Concarr followed it up with a 14m free after a penetrating run from Kieran Breslin and now the Glenswilly: Philip O’Donnell, Ruairi Crawford, champions lead was down to the minimum.

Eamon Ward, Paddy Mcfadden, Ryan Hunter, Aiden Glenswilly were in shock and Ardara looked like they McDevitt, Joe Gibbons, Neil Gallagher (0-1), Leon were hungry for more, but Murphy settled the Glen Kelly, Oisin Crawford, Ciaran Bonner (0-4), Caoimhin men with a fantastic 45m free from the ground. Copper Marley, Gary “Copper” McFadden (0-5, 2F’s), then opened his second half account after Eamon Ward Michael Murphy (0-5,3F’s), Caolan Kelly. Subswas upended 40 metres from the Ardara goal.

Ciaran Gibbons for Ryan Hunter (49mins), Kealan Ardara roared back again with wing forward Lorcan McFadden for C Marley (58mins) O’Donnell pointing after great work by Ryan Malley and young sub Jack Brennan kinking an inspirational Ardara: Cathal Gallagher, Paddy McGrath, Nicholas point to leave it a one point game for the second time. Breslin, Kelvin Slowey, Brian Whyte, John Ross Joe Gibbons lifted the siege with a storming run down Molloy, Nicholas Maguire, Simon Breslin, Ryan the left and was fouled about 25m’s from the goal, Malley, Paul Watters, Oisin O’Donnell, Lorcan Murphy hit wide from the hands and the crowd could O’Donnell (0-1), Gareth Concarr (0-3, 3F’s), CJ scarcely believe it. Michael wasn’t fazed and instantly Molloy (1-2, 2F’s), Kieran Breslin. Subs-Johnny made amends when he stole the Ardara keepers short Herron for P.McGrath (20 min, black card), Brendan kickout and blasted over the bar.

McNeilis for Nicholas Breslin (23 mins), Kevin Murphy was a magnet for fouls and when he was Herron for K. Slowey (38 mins), Jack Brennan (0-1) brought down again after a strong surge down the for S.Breslin (40 mins)

Page 6

Joel Gibbons,Glenswilly being tackled by Brendan Mc Neilis of Ardara the Leader || 10 May 2017

Why massage after excercise is so important What happens to muscles when we exercises??

When we exercise we are essentially putting “stress” on the body. It differs from negative everyday stress in that it stimulates the breakdown, repair and growth of muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones By Natasha Kelly in order to create a stronger, more efficient and resilient body!

When we exercise we cause micro-trauma to the muscle cells. Known as “DOMS” (Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness) this is that achey feeling you may feel 24-72 hours post exercise or training.

Build up of lactic acid & its effect on the body

including releasing the bodies endorphin’s.

Increased tissue permeability Deep massage causes the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through.

Removes waste products such as lactic acid and encourages the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients which help them recover quicker.

Psychological benefits of Massage You feel great after taking part in sports. Massage can relax/calm the athlete and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, improving the immune system. Massage has also been shown to improved the athletes perceived levels of fatigue.

Massage helps here by:

Decreasing stress, tension and anxiety while stretching can restore normal tone to the muscles promoting relaxation through activation of the When you exercise, your body uses oxygen to parasympathetic system. break down glucose for energy. During intense Improves circulation exercise, there may not be enough oxygen This increase in dopamine and serotonin levels available to complete the process, so a substance Massage increase venous return and lymphatic along with the reduction in cortisol levels are circulation. Massage has the ability to dilate our all directly linked to stress and altered through called lactate is made.

Lactic acid builds up in your bloodstream quicker blood vessels, this increases our efficiency to massage. That relaxed, lower tension state than your body can burn it off, hence the pain in supply the used muscle tissue with fresh nutrient encourages focus, a good things going into any dense blood and also eliminate the metabolic competition of exercise class! the muscles. waste that has been produced.

Physical Benefits if Massage

Reduces muscle tension When we use our muscles at a high intensity the amount of activity known as EMG tends to remain high. This can cause restless legs, difficulty sleeping and cramping. Massage and

Massage restores homeostasis within the body by When is the best time to schedule a massage? helping to drain the lymph material that has been Research suggests that a massage here and there accumulated. Gets rid of toxic material. is nice, but you wont get the full benefits of a regular massage programme, just like when we Pain Reduction exercise we accumulate the benefits. I like to Massage helps reduce this in many ways think of massage a preventative maintenance.

To book an appointment, call or text Natasha on 0862596532 or find me on facebook: NK Therapies & Fitness.

I always recommend to schedule a massage every week or every 2-3 weeks if you are training and competing at a high level.

Its really important to remember that massage may leave you feeling sore or fatigued just like you would after a workout, we advise pre-event or competition, leave 3-5 days between your massage and the event or if possible schedule them on your rest days.

Post Event again wait 3-5 days in order for any soreness to dissipate. A lighter sports massage can be used immediately after the event and this is to encourage circulation and help you (the athlete) to relax.

What type of massage should I be getting?

An athlete or a recreational exerciser will benefit most from a deep tissue massage.

Its really important to remember that this isn’t going to be 100% comfortable like those you would get in a spa! Sports Massage is a fast paced massage, we work using manual therapy as well as incorporating stretching techniques. It can be tailored to be used as a pre- workout stretch and warm-up for the muscles. If we where to use it post exercise we would be looking at slowing down our strokes in order to decrease soreness and increase flexibility and promote overall relaxation for the athlete.

DEAL SPORTS

the Leader || 10 May 2017

REAL

Page 83

BRENDAN DEVENNEY

GIVES IT TO YOU STRAIGHT! THE INSIDE VIEW OF DONEGAL GAA

Exciting times to be a Donegal fan this coming season any other player. He has the talent to become a top of blankets. Marty O’Reilly has to be more consisplayer in such a pivotal position in the modern game. tent in performance and chip in with the scores like Eoin Ban has settled superbly beside the ever con- he hit versus Roscommon. Will McBrearty be the sistently top class performers McGrath and McGee. go to man? as it looks like for certain that Murphy The joint under 21 captain has pace to burn and is is now big Neils replacement in mid field. Paddy has greatly improved his ball winning ability and is comfortable in any position on the field. scoring power can be brilliant as Cork found out last Ward and Ciaran Gillespie get my nod as Caolan Honestly I cant remember a more exciting time to the 2 wing backs either side of the brilliant Frank summer. Hugh McFadden could be an option on the be a Donegal fan entering championship battle.

McGlynn. Both are recovering from leg injuries and edge of the square for his physicality and work rate, Football is not the spectacle it once was or indeed I hope they are good to go from the start against or could the final spot go to the impish Bundoran the entertainment it should be, but this Donegal Antrim. They are pacey direct runners who offer flier Jamie Brennan? squad has the potential to give us all a great summer cover and serious versatility for any defensive All this and a bench containing the legend Lacey, and disappoint the knockers of the only competitive position. Both men are also excellent man markers. Eamon Doherty, Martin Mc Elhinney, Paul Brennan, provincial football championship. In terms of youth, The makeup of the midfield is a lottery, Murphy will Mark McHugh and other under 21 stars like pace, versatility and dynamism this Donegal panel drop deep, often behind McGlynn to be the fulcrum Gweedore duo Michael Carroll and Cian Mulligan. has it in abundance. of the link up play. Young Jason McGee has huge We are on the crest of a wave in Donegal with excepThink back to last summer, a lot of the players giving potential for a lad just out of minors and Ciaran tional male talent from U17 to senior level and the it one last shot. It looked to me like a slog, eventually Thompson was outstanding in the league. His left fantastic ladies tearing it up in division one also. The seeing off our recent nemesis Monaghan only to be foot like a wand as he scored heavily in most games. supporters have been superb too, I urge you to get caught on the line by Tyrone in the ulster final. A The makeup of the forward line will be the most behind all Donegal teams this summer and hopefully game that would of even made cricket seem exciting. interesting for me and it is vital that we maintain, we can turn potential to silverware and the wave into Through the back door then, and Paddy McBrearty and even improve on our spread of scores. The 2 a green and gold tsunami. beat a poor Cork team on his own. A quarter final Big season ahead for the excellent Frank Mc Glynn.

McHugh’s will pop up all over the pitch and their with the Dubs was our reward and I still believe that was a game that was there for the taking. Our NFL. However Rory and his management team had pace and footballing craft can rip apart the thickest Tir chonnaill Abu starting line up, the individual match ups and tactics different ideas and they sent for the cavalry to guide were all wrong, the performance levels were no way us to division one safety with plenty to spare. The near the capability of what was on the pitch. young guns had energy, pace and natural flair and 4 Lanterns Ulster Senior League: Swilly Rovers 0 Cockhill Celtic 1 were guided by the best in every line, Like McGrath, Multiple Retirements Neil McGee, McGlynn, Murphy, Ryan McHugh and Then we had the multiple retirements, the populist McBrearty. view was that Donegal were heading for a period of transition, maybe even a spell in division 2 of the Donegal will do the usual media spin and talk Antrim up, they will rightly give Cockhill Celtic are champions of them respect but there the 4 Lanterns Ulster Senior League will be no repeat of for the fifth season in a row after a 2009. Antrim football as it usually is, is in a bad 21st May 2017, Pairc MacCumhaill narrow win over Swilly Rovers on place, the county panel Sunday. and county board have had a row over a players

By Chris McNulty suspension, they dropped Peter Doherty’s fourth League goal of the season back to division 4 in in the 20th minute gave Cockhill a win that very unlucky last kick knotted the green and white ribbons around the circumstances and now handles of the trophy again. rumours persist that their Cockhill needed only to avoid defeat here, but captain and main play Gavin Cullen’s team made sure of the title thanks maker Kevin Niblock to Doherty’s goal – one that was debated by the has been forced to retire hosts. through injury. Donegal have had a lowkey Ryan Varma delivered a deep corner from the left-hand side and Doherty had to stretch uneasily buildup since the trip to but the defender managed to steer past Jamie Lee New York during April Blaney. and some players have got badly needed game In spite of the efforts of Duncan Patterson, time with their clubs. assistant referee Marty McGarrigle deemed that Cockhill Celtic goalscorer Peter Doherty with his parents after the win.

From my own experithe ball had crossed the goal-line. ence it’s a game that you Doherty had netted the League-winning goal last couldn’t find the second and when Marty McDaid just want to get out of season when his late equaliser secured a 2-2 draw riffled wide for Swilly on the stroke of half-time, it the way, work uncertain with Derry City to capture the silverware. served as a shot across the Cockhill brows. tactics and avoid injuries The champions went close after 10 minutes when Swilly famously ended a four-and-a-half-year and suspensions. Rory midfielder Gerard McLaughlin found himself with unbeaten League streak for Cockhill with a 3-2 Gallagher also knows an opening at the back post after a Varma free kick win at the Charlie O’Donnell Sports Grounds the Antrim football from the left-hand side made it all the way over. in January and they made life difficult for the scene inside out from his The angle was awkward, though, and the chance champions at times. successful playing stint was gone in the baking heat by the Lennon.

Cockhill were without the suspended Gerry Gill, with St Gall’s.

Garbhan Friel, who has missed large chunks of this but in his absence Varma’s deliveries were proving Based on what I have season through injury, has been Cockhill’s leading every bit as effective. seen this year in the marksman for their previous USL triumphs and he Cockhill were almost in for a second when Varma NFL and from the perwas inches from the opener two minutes later. sent Friel away, but Dylan Hegarty’s well-meaformances of our Ulster Friel timed his run perfectly to beat the offside sured tackle kept him at bay. winning under 21 team, flag, but a right-footed shot from 15 yards was just McLaughlin headed wide from a Varma corner see my starting 15 on the wide of the far corner. and Ronan Doherty’s header was brilliantly tipped graphic below for May After Doherty broke the deadlock, it took another over by Blaney with Cockhill camped in the 21st in McCool park. goal-line intervention to keep them from doubling Swilly half.

Mark Anthony had a the lead. Swilly’s Paul Bradley rose to head off the The second didn’t arrive, but it didn’t need to. mixed bag in the league, line from a delicious Ronan Doherty corner that Even though Letterkenny were 4-0 winners at but he is young and was bending to the net.

Fanad, Doherty’s goal means that Swilly have keepers benefit from Although Cockhill were in command, they won the title with three points to spare. experience, more than

It looks like summer has landed and the mercury will rise even further in the next few weeks. Only 10 days now until the throw in of the 2017 ulster senior football championship.

Cockhill Champions for fifth Season in a row!

Devenney’s Team v Antrim 1.

M. A. McGinley

2.

P. McGrath

3.

N. McGee

4.

E. B. Gallagher

5.

C. Ward

6.

F. McGlynn

7.

C. Gillespie

8.

C. Thompson

9.

J. McGee

10.

E. McHugh

11.

M. O’Reilly

12.

R. McHugh

13.

P. McBrearty

14.

M. Murphy

15.

H. McFadden/ J. Brennan

Page 84 12 Page

the Leader Leader ||||10 10 May May 2017 2017 the

SPORTS

Marty Lynch, a cut above the rest!

Letterkenny based barber, Marty Lynch proved himself a cut above the rest when he won “The race” in March of this year.

This gruelling event is the toughest event in Ireland and competitors must complete 250KM’s in a 24 hour period. The race includes a half marathon, 15km kayak, 96km cycle, a climb up and down muckish mountain, 68km cycle and finishes with a full marathon! Not only did Marty win the race- he also managed to smash the course record on the day with a time of 13hours 47 mins! The Leader caught up with the 35 year old Ramelton man who lives with his wife Anita and their daughter Ellie.

What is your sporting background?

I played soccer from underage until I was about 30 for my hometown club Swilly Rovers and near neighbours Rathmullan Celtic. I didn’t play any other sports or do any running or cycling until a few years ago.

When and why did you start getting into adventure racing?

Five years ago I tore my cruciate ligament while playing soccer. I was out with this injury for a year. On my return to training I started doing some spinning to strengthen my legs, this then progressed to outdoor cycling which I enjoyed. At this time I started doing a bit of running to build my fitness levels again. I progressed on then to doing a few local adventure races such

the Leader || May 2017

as the Mulroy Bay adventure race and found I enjoyed this type of activity.

Why did you decide to take part in “The Race”?

Having joined up with Milford Athletic club a few years ago, I felt my fitness had reached a different level. I took part in the Dublin marathon in 2015 and had decided that if that went well I would commit to

competing in the race in 2016. I competed that year and finished 3rd overall. With my continued training, and a ‘PB’ in the 2016 Dublin marathon, I was feeling strong this year so decided to give it another go.

What was your weekly training regime for the race?

I was training 6 days a week. Saturdays were my rest days. A lot of the running

was done with Milford AC and consisted of 45-55Km each week. I was cycling 200-250KM a week also. I tried to get a few hours kayaking and mountain climbing done as well. On Mondays and Fridays I trained in the gym and Danny Ryan helped me with strength and conditioning. In the lead up to the event i did a few long training sessions on the course.

These sessions would last 9-11 hours in duration.

throughout.

Who did you train with?

I plan to take part in the coast to coast challenge this summer. This event starts in Enniscrone, Co Sligo and finishes in Co. Down. The race consists of 260km cycle, 26km kayak, and finishes with a full marathon trough the mourne mountains.

As I mentioned earlier, I am a member of Milford AC and found I got fantastic support and advice from James Gibbons.

Some other club members were also competing so we trained together a lot.

Hugh Coll, Peter O’Donnell, Damien McBride, Michael McHugh, Brian Doherty and Mark Scott all took part in and completed the event.

What was your typical diet in the lead up to the event?

I always try to eat healthy in general so to be honest I didn’t really change anything with regards to diet. Sunday was always treat day, after a long training session I might treat myself to a Chinese.

After finishing 3rd in the race in 2016, what was your expectation for this year, knowing what the event entailed?

I was aiming to break 15 hours. My training went well and I was lucky not to sustain any injuries in the lead up to the event. As it turned out conditions were perfect on the day and I was feeling strong

What advice would you have for anyone considering taking part next year?

The challenge is far from impossible, however you really need to put in the training. At least 6 months race specific training.

What is the next challenge for you?

Will you be back to defend your race title in 2018?

Its early days, and a massive commitment in terms of time and training. I haven’t committed to anything as of yet and will see how other events go for me this year.

Marty would like to extend his thanks to the organisers of the race, all monies raised from the event went to Gorta- self help Africa. Thanks also to my boss Gerry McKeever for sponsoring me, and for being so understanding and flexible with my working hours. It would be hard to take part in an event like this without the support of your family. My wife Anita and daughter Ellie, sacrificed many family days out to allow me keep my training on track. Anita’s support was unwavering and seeing them both at the finish line was the highlight of a tough day.

Page 3

Opinion in the dressing room!

Next up in ‘Me & My Team Mates’ is St. Eunan’s Corner Back, Kieran Tobin. Kieran reckons referees are always against him and the black card should be replaced by as sin bin. Everyone at St. Eunan’s get on well according to Kieran!

NAME: Kieran Tobin CLUB: St. Eunan’s POSITION: Corner Back

ALL ABOUT YOU...

What team do you support?

Manchester United

Favourite player of all time and why?

John Haran, great servant to our club.

A real leader and a great example to young players Favourite Food?

Steak, chips and pepper sauce.

Favourite Movie?

Grown ups Favourite Band?

Take That What annoys you on the pitch?

Referee, always against me If you could change one rule in the game what would it be?

Black card is very inconsistent. A sin bin might be more effective towards a team

Best moment in your career?

Winning county championship as big underdogs.

Best Player you ever played against?

Jamie Grant Best Player you ever played with?

Shane O’Donnell Choose 2 famous people to be stuck on a desserted island with?

Roy Keane and Joe brolly, there’d never be a dull moment.

ALL ABOUT YOUR TEAM MATES...

When it comes to a night out with the lads who would never buy a round?

If the team was on a plane and the pilot took ill, who would you trust to land the plane?

Ronan Daly, only one with common sense Worst haircut a team mate ever landed into training with?

Dylan O ‘Brien Who would make the best future manager?

Noel O’ Donnell If the keeper got injured name the best and worst outfield player to go in goal?

Best: Dylan Doogan . Worst: Oisin Bradley

Your best mate at the club?

We all get on well If a fight broke out who in the team would you want by your side?

Shane O ‘Donnell, animal Best singer/entertainer in the squad?

Dylan O’ Brien, serious tunes Who is the longest in the shower?

Oran Winston

St. Eunan’s Kieran Tobin Would you like someone in your sports team to take part in ‘ Me & My Team Mates’?

If so, call 074 91 25760 or email us: info@theleader.ie

SPORTS

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Page 85

A Local mans journey to the Marathon Hi again folks and many thanks for the feedback on the first article, it was great to hear stories of people whose lives have benefitted from exercise in general and from running in particular.

Brian running the Derry Marathon.

By Brian Mc Monagle Some of these people have recovered from both physical and mental illness and attribute the wellness generated by physical activity as a major factor in dealing with their challenges. I finished previously by saying that my main reason for doing the marathon was to challenge myself and to move outside of the comfort zone.

I enlisted in the Irish defence forces in March of 1997. Six months of continuous army training definitely takes you to a different level both mentally and physically. In the first two years I was posted to Athlone, Galway, Finner camp and also overseas in Lebanon.

The different postings and the amount of collective training meant that the volume of running I was used to in civilian life had reduced to a fraction. I was fortunate that within a year of my return from Lebanon I was transferred to Rockhill military post in Letterkenny. The stability of being based back at home, coupled with a strong sporting tradition among the lads of Rockhill house meant I had no excuse now for not getting back to regular training.

Men like Declan O’Carroll, Mickey McGeehin, and Dan O’Connor fostered a great spirit of sporting participation among the men of Rockhill. The contribution of Rockhill house to the sporting fabric of Donegal and to the financial health of many worthwile charities continues to His friend subsequently suffered an injury so I knew he at least would be ok! this day with the Northwest 10k. during training and was unable to take part in After a long run I would use the ice bath and get Rockhill 10k the marathon. With only 6 weeks left until the the legs rubbed out once a week. When you are In 1985 the men of Rockhill house formed a marathon and 10 miles being the longest runs I upping the mileage you get tightness and pains committee and came up with the Rockhill 10k had been doing, this seemed like madness. that you never experienced before. We were race to raise money for charities. This Committee I decided not to panic and tried to build a solid lucky that our work colleague and friend Eddie continued until 1996 when a civilian committee base of 15-17 mile runs, and increased my fluid Crawford had just completed a physio and sports took over. Initially less than 50 people ran the first intake. It was hard to fit in the long runs with massage course. I use the word “lucky” lightly Rockhill 10K, now thousands take to the streets work, and felt a bit like cramming for an exam. as Eddie could locate knots you never knew you every year for this popular event.

Willie was also new to distance running, however had!

Over the years the fundraising efforts of people as a former rugby player he was strong and tough The 6 weeks went by fast and before we knew it like, Michael Doherty, Peter Sweeney and Joe McGarvey inspired me, and wanting to We were lucky that our work colleague and friend Eddie Crawford help a worthy cause is what led me to my first marathon in 2004. The opportunity came when a had just completed a physio and sports massage course. I use the word good friend and work colleague of mine, Willie “lucky” lightly as Eddie could locate knots you never knew you had!

McCourt signed up to do the Dublin marathon for the12 national council for the blind with a friend.

Page

PART 2

the kit bags were in the car and we were headed to Dublin. We made our way to the RDS to pick up our race numbers and the so called goody bags.

Maybe we were unlucky, but all our plastic bags contained was a t-shirt and a squeezy bottle of mayonnaise! - Maybe that was for the post race burger! Back at the hotel we overloaded on pasta and tried to get a good nights sleep. Morning came too early though and we made our way to the starting line after taking advantage of the buffet breakfast.

Starting Line!

Seeing the volume of people approaching the starting line, made it all so real and we realised there was no going back now. I found it difficult to get a race rhythm going at first, this was due to the large crowds from the starting line till around mile three, when groups started to form and separate out. With this being a first marathon for both myself and Willie, we placed no pressure on ourselves with regards to times etc, we just took it at a steady pace and tried to conserve our energy. Hydration was vital and no opportunity was missed to take on water or sports drinks.

Each mile brought a new challenge, but the supporters that lined the streets kept me going. Personally for me the 17-20 miles were the toughest mentally as I realised I was entering unknown territory. At mile 20 I figured id just one last 10k battle to fight and was more confident that I would complete this. During those last six miles the truth comes out - those who have prepared well and paced themselves, either maintain their pace or step it up a gear, those who didn’t are reduced to a crawl or a full stop. Both myself and Willie made it over the finish line, blistered and tired but proud of ourselves. I don’t remember our times, I’ve no idea were the medal is but I will remember the experience forever.

As it turned out, that was my first of eight marathons. (3 in Dublin, 2 in Edinburgh, 2 in Derry and 1 in London).

Each marathon was a learning curve. You realise that despite many hours of training, anything can happen on the day. I learned that no matter how much you are struggling, we all have a reserve of 10-15% to push us through. The marathon is a mirror image of life itself with regards to the emotions and feelings you experience with each step you take. The support of others makes all the difference when things are tough.

If you are considering signing up for your first marathon, go for it. It’s a fantastic experience that will stay with you for life. Will I do another one?

I think im retired but who knows, maybe my arm could be twisted.. the Leader || 10 May 2017

Another success for kickboxing LK Kickboxing LK were on the road once again last week when they travelled to Dungannon Town where Eliot Mc Ginley made his debut on Saturday 29th April.

Eliot Mc Ginley training for the fight.

Eliot has been training hard under the guidance of 2 time world champion Tommy “the ghost” Mc Cafferty. Eliot put on what can only be described as a strong and technical performance as he out gunned the hometown fighter to pick up a unanimous decision.

Eliot started off very aggressive at the start putting the hometown fighter on the back foot with some heavy handed combinations, the Dungannon kickboxing club fighter was not one to back down from a gun fight and was throwing some overhand rights in an attempt to stop Mc Ginley’s onslaught.

After a strong first round coach, Mc Cafferty advised Mc Ginley to change strategy and to forget about brawling and to start moving and putting his kicks together more. The change of strategy started to result in Eliot landing some clean shots scoring high in the judges cards.

In the final round Mc Ginley came into his own landing two stunning head kicks to nearly finish the fight in the closing seconds.

It was a great start to a very bright future for another Letterkenny fighter. With a very strong technical team of young fighters coming from kickboxing LK and Letterkenny Muay Thai, there’s a bright future for kickboxing in the North West.

Training continues with Ryan Fanneran, Jayson Fox and Brian Crossan all scheduled to compete on the undercard of a world title fight in Portadown on the 10 June.

Eliot Mc Ginley pictured with his coach Tommy McCafferty.

Page 86 6 Page

Leader || April 2017 thethe Leader || 10 May 2017

SPORTS

Fitness Health & Nutrition

BY NEIL BARRET

Fit Hub Letterkenny Unit 4 & 5, Pinehill Business Park, Mountain Top, Letterkenny, Phone: +353 85 875 3926

The 80/20 Rule: How to apply it & reach your goals

We hear this a lot, eat really well 80% of the time, be flexible & enjoy the less healthy options the other 20% of the time and you will reach your fat loss goal.

do we track it? Realistically this concept is very difficult to get right.

I mean is the 20% really equal to 20%? If I eat 5 meals per day & one of those meals is a KFC then does that equate to 20%? Well technically yes, but if you follow this as a system you will NOT reach your fat loss goal as your calorie requirements will be drastically exceeded each day. So instead I like to follow the 302/62 rule.

Neil Barrett (MSc. Human Nutrition).

I stand by this & often give my clients the same advice, but how

The average person has 62 predetermined days per year when

trying to be good is very difficult.

Holidays, Christmas, Easter, Bank holidays, christenings, birthdays, weddings – these are all scheduled in each year whether we like it or not. There are 364 days in the year (365 if you count leap years), it is impossible to stick to healthy eating & training/exercise for all of this time. Instead, use the 302 days as an opportunity to be 100% strict making sure you stick to your eating plan, train regularly & get adequate sleep. When one of these 62 days comes along enjoy

it, live in the moment & have a good time because, life, after all is for living. As soon as that day has passed, refocus get back on track until next time.

If you can manage to do this, I gaurentee you will be successful.

There are a couple points to note here: Enjoying yourself and abandoning all sense are two different things, you must still be mindful of your eating and drinking.

The 62 days of the year are preordained, if you add in an extra Saturday night every weekend to the equation then it becomes 114/250 and this is not conducive with success By following this simple system, all guilt associated with “being bad” should cease, you earned every single second of them by being strict the other 302 days. You are still living by the 80/20 rule, in fact

it’s a little better you are simply applying it in a much more sustainable fashion – 62 is approximately 17% of your whole year so go and enjoy those weddings and birthdays, eat some cake & drink some champagne (but not too much) and when it’s all over embrace your 302 days, hangover and all!

It’s a funny old game Well as they used to say on Saint & Greavsie, “It’s a Funny Old Game” so here is some of the most hilarious and strange quotes said by all involved in the professional game.

We’ll still be happy if we lose. The game’s on at the same time as the Beer Festival.”

-- Cork City manager Noel O’Mahoney before a game in Munich

that Jack always has a chance of beating Goliath” -- Terry Butcher

“He dribbles a lot and the opposition don’t like it -you can see it all over their faces.”

-- Ron Atkinson “Julian Dicks is everywhere.

It’s like they’ve got eleven Dicks on the field.”

-- Metro Radio, Football “Batistuta gets most of his goals with the ball.”

-- Ian St John

We didn’t underestimate them.

They were a lot better than we thought.”

-- Bobby Robson

“Hodge scored for Forest after 22 seconds - totally against the run of play.”

-- Peter Lorenzo

“Well, either side could win it, or it could be a draw.”

-- Ron Atkinson

“I don’t like to see players tossed off needlessly” -- Andy Gray

“It’s an incredible rise to stardom.

At 17 you’re more likely to get a call from Michael Jackson than Sven Goran Eriksson.”

-- Gordon Strachan referring to Wayne Rooney

“When you are 4-0 up you should never lose 7-1” -- Lawrie McMenemy, Manager of Southampton Football Club “The beauty of Cup football is

“If you stand still there is only one way to go, and that’s backwards” -- Peter Shilton “And Farmer has now scored 19 goals, exactly double the number he scored last season” Garry Lyon, Australian Football Commentator “Statistics are like miniskirts: They give you good ideas but hide the important things” Ebbe Skovdahl,Danish Football Manager

FOOTBALL FUNNIES Hours after the end of the world, a border dispute emerged between heaven and hell. God invited the devil for conversations to find a way to resolve this dispute quickly.

Satan, the devil, proposed a soccer game between heaven and hell God, always fair, told the devil, “The heat must be affecting your brain, the game would be so one sided, don’t you know all the ‘good’ players go to heaven?”

The devil, smiling, responded “Yeah, but we’ve got all the refs’...”

A football hooligan appeared in court one day charged with disorderly conduct and assault. The arresting officer stated that the accused had thrown something into the river.

Judge: “What exactly did the accused throw?”

Officer: “Stones, sir.”

Judge: “Well, that’s hardly an offence is it?”

Officer: It was in this case, sir.

Stones was the referee.”

SPORTS

the Leader || 10 May 2017

Page 87

The ‘Fifth Major’ Players Championship gets underway this weekend Rory McIlroy

6/1

Dustin Johnson

6/1

The iconic Players Championship gets underway from the picturesque TPC Sawgrass this week, as the world’s best golfers attempt to win the “fifth major” of the season.

Often described as the “fifth major” due to the prestige surrounding the tournament, there is over 10 million dollars in prize money on offer, the highest outside of any official major championship.

TPC Sawgrass has hosted the event each year since 1982 and the island green on the 17th hole is where the majority of the drama takes place. Despite measuring only 132 yards from the tee, the green is situated on an island in the middle of the lake, with swirling wind making it an extremely tricky shot to find the dancefloor.

The list of winners of this famous tournament is littered with greats of golf. Tiger Woods has topped the leaderboard twice in his career,

Jordan Spieth

8/1

while the Golden Bear himself Jack Nicklaus won the event three times.

All the top players will be in action in Florida this week and thanks to Sean Graham Bookmakers’ fantastic offer, you will have an interest all weekend. If your player misses the cut, Sean Graham will give you a free bet on any other player that has made the cut.

Rory McIlroy has finished in the top 15 in each of his last four spins round Sawgrass and the Ulsterman as ever will be at the top of the market (6/1 guide price). McIlroy tied the knot with Erica Stoll a fortnight ago and he should be refreshed and raring to go.

Dustin Johnson will be chomping at the bit to get back to winning ways (6/1 guide price).

Disaster struck for the big American on the eve of the Masters at Augusta, when he fell down a staircase injuring his back. Despite trying to tee it up on the Thursday, he had to withdraw from the event. He returned at the Wells Fargo Championship last week and

Sergio Garcia

20/1

12/1

the 32-year-old will be hoping to regain the form that saw him win three tournaments on the trot prior to his Augusta accident.

Sergio Garcia is sure to be popular with the punters after finally getting the monkey off his back and winning his first major championship at Augusta last month (16/1 guide price). The Spaniard outduelled Justin Rose down the stretch in Georgia to clinch his first Green Jacket. He’s a previous winner after beating Paul Goydos in a sudden death playoff back in 2008, so it would be no surprise if Garcia can back up his Masters win.

Despite finishing tied for fourth in his first Players Championship in 2014, Jordan Spieth has missed the cut on each of his last two spins round Sawgrass (8/1 guide price).

The Texan won at Pebble Beach earlier this season, but he has so far failed to reach the heights of his last two terms on the Tour.

Jason Day is another of the big names

who has struggled for form this season (12/1 guide price). The Australian has had personal issues to deal with relating to his mother’s health and he missed the cut at the Zurich Classic a fortnight ago.

As ever the two and three-ball betting markets will be interesting with hopefully some intriguing groups put together. Sean Graham also have fantastic bonuses for these markets, so alongside the missed cut offer it’s shaping up to be a fantastic tournament for punters.

As far as making a selection for the tournament, it may be unoriginal but Rory McIlroy surely is in a fantastic frame of mind, fresh from becoming a married man.

Although there may be no logic to it, golf is no stranger to seeing players win tournaments on the back of having a child or getting married and if the Ulsterman can sharpen up his play with the flat stick, he should be bang in there with a chance on Sunday.

Justin Rose

Rickie Fowler

16/1

Jason Day

25/1

Sean Graham Bookmakers’ fantastic offer, you will have an interest all weekend. If your player misses the cut, Sean Graham will give you a free bet on any other player that has made the cut.

Page 88

the Leader || 10 May 2017

theLeader

SPORT

Michael Murphy Sports & Leisure Senior Championship Group C Round 1

GLENSWILLY GLACKIN BUSINESS! Glenswilly .................. 0-15 Ardara .......................... 1-7 Venue: Pairc Naomh Columba Referee: James Connors

Glenswilly opened their defence of the Dr Maguire Cup with a hard fought five point win over Ardara at a sun drenched Pairc Naomh Columba.

By Brian Mc Monagle Group C also contains big guns Kilcar and Gweedore and this was a must win game for both sides. Maybe the interruption of the national anthem before the throw in was a sign of things to come. The game was punctuated with stops and had little flow. The big news for the defending champions was the return of two time all star Neil Gallagher to their engine room.

Understandably not at his sharpest the towering midfielder had a controlling influence between the two 45’s and chipped in with a sweet first half point. Ardara, missing key players like Brendan Boyle and Kenneth Doherty started the brightest, and the impressive CJ Molloy and Gareth Concarr tapped over close range frees in the first four minutes. It took until the 10th minute for the Glen men to muster a reply - Ciaran Bonner slotting over from the edge of the D and then from the kickout Neil Gallagher broke forward down the right and curled over the leveller.

Midway through the half came the games big turning point, when Paddy McGrath was black

Leon Kelly, Glenswilly taking possession of the ball as two Ardara players close in.

carded for a foul on his county skipper Michael Murphy. Both men had went to ground chasing a Glenswilly free, Murphy got to his feet first and with possession secured was about to take off, McGrath needlessly foot tripped the Glenswilly icon and referee James Connors had no option but to flash the black card. To compound the

blow it took Ardara six minutes to get McGraths replacement, Johnny Herron on to the pitch. Gary “Copper” McFadden nailed the resulting free and with their tails up they tagged on four more in quick succession.

Copper with two from play, Murphy opened his account with a 14m free after he was breaking

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towards goal and Ciaran Bonner fisted over after a great run from the excellent Oisin Crawford.

Ardara had now gone 20 mins without a score and the rot was eventually stopped when Concarr converted a free after CJ Molloy was fouled.

Continued inside on page 82

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