News Archive
April 2001

Recital
Sean Ryan of Loughfad is organising a recital with a 60 piece Orchestra, in Glenties Church on Friday next 4th May, at 7:30pm. Proceeds in aid of Donegal Hospice.

Ardara Women's Group
Meeting on Monday, 30th April, at 9:00pm, in the Community Centre. All welcome.

Thanks
The Irish Cancer Society wish to thank all who supported their Daffodil Day collection in Ardara. The amount raised was £920.

ICA
The AGM of the Ardara Guild of the ICA will be held in the Community Centre on Wednesday, 2nd May, at 8:30pm. Current and new members are welcome.

Top of page

So often I have sympathized with those who have lost loved ones. Indeed, all my life, I have done this; so have we all. Now it is my turn, with my husband, Fred Mlynarski, to grieve.

My beloved brother, Hugh, of Ardara/Hillhead/Glenties has died, or passed way as we say in this Valley of Tears. My heart is broken. I loved him , he was my youngest brother, the husband of beautiful Breeda Keeney, the father of Kevin and his wife Melanie and granddaughter, youngest son Gary, beautiful daughter,Clare, and friends and associates.

My brother was the beloved son of Margaret and Patrck John Mc Hugh of Hillhead, Ardara. He was the nephew of Vinnie and Charlie and Joe (father of cousin Kay Owens) McHugh.

May God have mercy on his immortal soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed

Roshe C. Mlynarski-McHugh

Top of page

New Ardara U-16 Kit
sponsored by Ulster Bank

Top of page

Table Quiz
This friday sees the final of the Table Quiz with the winners will win the Pat Slowey Memorial Trophy.  The venue being the Central Bar.  We hope to see a large attendance to round off the year.  Many thanks to James McBrearty for the co-ordination of the quizzes during the winter months.  The Greenhouse winners were Patsy and Breda Boyle and Conal Doherty.  Corner House winners were Luke McHugh, Cathal Watters, Gary Coyle and John McBrearty.  

Top of page

Lucky 13 Home for Dad's 90th
By Susan Boyd

Mick Herron celebrated his ninetieth birthday on Easter Sunday April the 15th in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel, Ardara. All thirteen of his children came 'home' to Ardara for this happy occasion and enjoyed being together again. Eighty family members sat down to dinner, and this included twenty-seven of Mick's forty-one grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Friends and neighbours attended the buffet dance after dinner, socialising and dancing to music by Peter Oliver until three in the morning. Mick proved his surprising stamina by greeting and enjoying all of his guests until midnight.

Attending the birthday were Mick's sons: Eugene, Ardara, Dominic, New Jersey, Laurence, Ardara, Michael, Birmingham, Liam, Birmingham, Dan, Thower, Co. Donegal, Aiden, Birmingham, John, Co. Roscommon and Eamon, Co. Mayo. Mick's four daughters were also in attendance: Geraldine Walsh, Kilkenny, Kathleen McMahon, Co. Clare, Roshine Neary, Birmingham, and Ann McCarrick, Sligo.

Interestingly, Mick was himself one of a family of thirteen children. Mick and his sister, now resident in Baltimore, New Jersey, are the only surviving members of their family. Mick's sister, Sister Michael Joseph, will be ninety-three in June. She adopted Mick's name when she became a nun. Their mother, Mary Rua, lived until the age of ninety-six. It seems that longevity is in the family genes.

Mick has lived and farmed almost all his life in Ardara. He was also a weaver for Magees of Donegal town for about sixteen years. He is a war-horse when it comes to a game of checkers, and very few people have managed to defeat him yet, though many have tried. He lives in Ardara with the family of his son, Laurence Herron. Having led an active life, Mick retains fairly good health and is looking forward very much to his hundredth birthday.

Top of page

Community Care
The Committee for Ardara Senior Citizens wiil meet on Thursday the 26th April at 8:00 p.m.in Homeward Bound. All are welcome.
The chiropodist will be in attendance for senior citizens at the Community Centre April 24th at 2 p.m.

Kenneth Baker School of Music
The course commences on April 24th in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel, Ardara. For further information contact Vincent McCrea at 073-36437.

Aerobic Classes
These classes are continuing in Ardara Community Centre on Tuesdays from 9. p.m. till 10. p.m. This is an enjoyable approach to physical fitness for all levels of experience.

Thanks
Thank you to all those who contributed to the successful variety 'market' on Easter Tuesday, to those who supported it by making purchases, and to the Central Bar who provided the venue.

The late Annie Kathleen Carney (nee Keeney)
The funeral of the deceased took place the Saturday before Easter in Letterkenny. A native of Bruckless parish, she had lived in the townland of Meenagoland. Later in her life she worked with her sister in their Ardara shop. They used also to serve teas on Fair Days. Her fiance worked with the E.S.B. and so after her marriage Annie moved to live in Letterkenny.

Parish Council Meeting
The Ardara Parish Council met in the Community Centre on April the 18th. The chairman paid tribute to the late Cller Bennett and acknowledged his work and achievements in the parish. He also expressed the hope that the Fine Gael nominee co-opted in replacement of Cller Bennett, should be from Ardara parish.

The new proposals for medical coverage of emergencies at week-ends in the county were discussed and some queries were answered by Dr Sweeney, who attended the meeting. She stated that many past problems had been caused by communication difficulties. The new proposals include a doctor on duty at week-ends, and a back-up doctor who would be on call if required. There would also be a 1850 landline with trained personnel on duty who would be able to give professional advice. Manned medical centres would be Carndonagh, Letterkenny, Dungloe, Killybegs, and Donegal or Ballyshannon. The nearest of these medical centres to Ardara is, of course, Killybegs Community Hospital. Long-term future developments could include access by week-end medical staff to computerised files on patients of each practice, and the use of a helicopter to cover the distances in this county in cases of emergency, has been under discussion.

The Milennium Committee reported that a qualified person had volunteered his/her services to make a technical drawing of the planned sculpture for the Diamond, in order to meet County Council requirements.

The chairman reported that as far as he was aware the developments on Herrons' field were progressing as planned.

There has been an applicant to undertake the necessary librarian training, and applications for an approved summer students' scheme at the Community Centre are being received. This scheme is for third level students and is means tested. Families with an annual income exceeding £25,000 are not eligible.

The County Council is currently receiving tenders for changes and improvements to the Ardara water scheme. It is hoped that a start will be made on the Ardara Sewerage Scheme in September or October of this year, failing that it will be at the beginning of next year, the Parish Council chairman reported. The Litter Clean-up has been post-poned until the 'foot and mouth' crisis is over.

Top of page

Pictures from NY

Some pictures have come back from the Donegal Association in New York. The pictures are among the last taken of the late Council chairman Charlie Bennett, who died after becoming ill during a parade on the trip.

Letterkenny Councillor P.J. Blake presented with a special award by the Donegal Association to mark his work against drugs in Donegal. He is receiving the award from Anthony Timoney former Association President, in the presence of the late Council chairman Charlie Bennett.

Jimmy Kennedy of Letterkenny, the late Councillor Charlie Bennett, Mary Doherty of Falcarragh and former Councillor Colm Gallagher of Mountcharles.

Top of page

Ardara Senior Citizens
Committee meeting on Thursday, 26th April at 8pm in Homward Bound. All Welcome.
The Chiropodist will be in attendance for senior citizens at the Community Centre on Tuesday, 24th from 2pm - 5pm. To avail of the service, phone Breda at 41246.

Barn Dance
Inver Barn Dance on Wednesday, 25th April. Bus leaving the Diamond at 9:30pm. Interested? Call Greta at 41744.

Kenneth Baker School of Music
Course commences on Tuesday, 24th April in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel. Contact Vincent McCrea at 073-36437

Top of page

Retirement

Top of page

Fine Gael move on council seat
By Michael McHugh

A keenly contested 'special' Fine Gael convention to fill the political County Council vacancy, following the tragic and untimely death of Clr.Charlie Bennett, Chairman of the Donegal County Council, will be held in Glenties on the May Bank Holiday weekend. The successful candidate will then be co-opted onto Donegal County Council. Much speculation has already centred on who will be the new replacement, although it is still a bit too early to call. Up to 220 delegates are expected to have a vote among the 13 branches of the party in the Glenties electoral area, and where the voting will be confined to. Unlike the FF party, the Fine Gael voting system is based on party membership, rather than branch mandates. The result could therefore be very interesting and sources within the party say it will be the tightest vote in years.

Closing date for nominations is May 1st and the convention will be held on Sunday, May 6th in Glenties, Highland Hotel.

New Resource Centre for People With Special Needs
By Susan Boyd

"It's a first for Donegal," said manageress, Jackie Brown. The beautiful building she was referring to is going to offer great opportunities to people with special needs in the area between Glencolmcille and Fintown.The Centre is situated in the Wood Rd, Ardara, and has still to be officially opened. However the parents and family of prospective users of the Centre were invited to an informal afternoon in the newly decorated building on Thursday the 12th of April. Guests were shown round the complex and had afternoon tea in the dining area.

Service users at the Centre will be offered a variety of programmes which they may choose from according to their interests and needs. Vocational training, numeracy and literacy skills, computer skills, home management, and personal development will be offered. Supported job training and placement in the local community will also be an option. Recreational and leisure activities like arts and crafts, music, gardening, aromatherapy, sports, computers, and relaxation therapies will be available on request. The Centre will provide support to the general public and information regarding the services available to people with a learning disability.

The Mission Statement for the Centre gives as its aim 'to provide our service users with the highest standards of support, training and personal development, .........to assist and support each service user to obtain the skills, knowledge, attitudes and experiences required to progress in the most effective manner and to promote independence within the community by developing skills for use in their everyday life.'

Trained staff at the Centre will include a nurse, a care attendant, and a job coach. The Resource Centre is at the top of a waiting list for a small bus, to be provided by the North-Western Health Board, and is also equipped with three computers for the service users.

The complex is comprised of a kitchen, a dining area with a corner furnished as a lounge, an open-plan area for art and craft, reading and writing, and computer use, a bathroom and toilet facilities, an office, and a quiet room. There was a great deal of admiration expressed for the warm colours and intelligent planning in the use of space and the elegant furnishing of it. A dedicated member of the local committee of 'Parents and Friends' has planted the borders with perennials and hedging so that the grounds are already beginning to look cared for.


This modern facility did not just arrive on the scene over-night. A committee under the chairmanship of Michael Molloy was set up in 1990 and named 'The Parents and Friends of the Handicapped in South-West Donegal,' Ardara branch. Their aim was to provide a local sheltered workshop, and to provide a better quality of life for people with special needs. This committee sent out letters to all households in the area and communities from Glencolmcille to Fintown, from Bruckless to Gweebarra contributed, as did numerous people with local connections who now live in the U.S.A. and in the U.K. 'The Physically Challenged Irish and American Youth Team' based in New York, chaired by William Broderick, has made a substantial contribution, and has pledged to continue support and help until the project is completed.

The 'Parents and Friends' committee and their network of helpers managed to provide a site, and half the cost of the building. The N.W.H.B. strongly supported the project from the beginning and gave the other half of the construction costs. The total cost of the project to date is around £200,000. They have decorated and furnished the Resource Centre, employed staff, and will continue to meet the running costs.


This wonderful project is not yet complete. The next phase is to build a residential home - a seven bedroomed house. Four people could be accomodated on a permanent basis, one or two bedrooms being reserved for respite care, and a full-time carer would also be in residence.The bedrooms will be en suite and wheelchair access will be of importance throughout.The 'Parents and Friends Committee' are going to need further support to enable them to finish this project which would have seemed out of reach twenty years ago. It is good to see such a progressive facility in the Ardara area.

Top of page

Sumnmer Student Scheme
The number of organisations for the Sumnmer Student Scheme have been approved to employ third level Summer Students this summer. Anyone interested should contact Stephen McCahill. Qulaifying students must apply for a job Certificate to the Department of the Social Welfare information from their relevant colleges

Resource Centre for People with Special Needs
On Thursday April 12 there was an informal gathering of service users and their families at the new building in the Wood Rd, Ardara. It must give great satisfaction to the 'Parents and Friends of the Handicapped in South-West Donegal' to see this facility ready to be used at last. Communities from Glencolmcille to Fintown, and from Bruckless to Lettermacaward made financial contributions to this project, as did some people with local connections living abroad. The Resource Centre will provide learning programmes and services for people in south-west Donegal, who have special needs. The North Western Health Board, which provided half of the construction costs and furnished and decorated the building so beautifully, will staff the Centre and meet the running costs. There will be a nurse, a care attendant, and a job coach employed at the Centre. Supported job training and placement in the local community will be one aspect of the programmes offered. Service users found the Centre open for business for the first time yesterday, Tuesday April 17. It is planned to have an official opening ceremony at a future date.

Daffodil Day
The amount raised was £920, and the Irish Cancer Society would like to thank everybody who contributed so generously.

The Late Paddy O'Donnell
After a long illness which he bore with fortitude, Paddy O'Donnell died peacefully on April the 5th at the Harbour Lights Nursing Home, where he had been a resident for nearly two years.He had been a farmer in Tullycleave since returning from Scotland in the 1960s.From a teenager until his mid-forties, Paddy was a migrant worker in Scotland, returning to base in Dunglo. He was known locally as a willing helper, generous with his effort and his time, and a very good neighbour. Paddy's good nature held a special attraction for children who enjoyed his company.
Paddy is mourned by his three brothers; James, Tullycleave, Owen, Glasgow, Neil, Thurles, and one sister, May, Sandfield, his brother-in-law, Dan Daly, Dunglo, his sister-in-law, Cathie, Glasgow, and his nieces and nephews.

Charlie Bennett's Month-Mind
This mass will be held in the Church of the Holy Family, Ardara, on Thursday the 26th of April at 7:30 p.m.

Ardara Parish Council
Advertised as being on the agenda for discussion at the April 18th meeting is the proposed changes of out-of-hours medical cover for Donegal as a county including the Ardara area.

G.A.A.
The monthly club meeting takes place on Thursday the 19th of April in Doherty's at 9:00 p.m.

Congratulations to last weeks Flotto winner Leo Watters, who won the jackpot of £4,300. The seller was Brenda McHugh. This weeks jackpot begins at £1000.

There was no winner of the weekly Flotto. The numbers drawn were 4,6, 15
and 19. The nearest were Philomena Diver, Upper Monargan and Mary
McCrossan, Hillhead. This weeks selling team is Adrian Concarr.

The U-21s are through to the semi-final of the U-21 Championship. They now await the winners of Kilcar/Four Masters. The U-16s will play Dungloe on Friday night in Dungloe, The Seniors and Reserves play Cloughaneely in the League this weekend in Falcarragh and the U-12s begin their Championship against N. Columba on Monday in Glen at 6.00 p.m.

Top of page

I have attached a picture of Charlie Bennett taken on Fifth Ave. and 59th St. at the St. Patrick's Day Parade. He was waving to Netta and Dennis Boyle who I was with. He was yelling telling them "I will see you tonight at the pub."

I will forward original picture to his wife. We stayed at their house during the first Exile Reunion. They were a lovely couple.

Also forwarding a picture of Netta and Dennis out at Montauk, Long Island, the closest spot to Ireland in New York.

Kathleen McHugh Owens.

Bus to Knock
Bus going to Knock for Divine Mercy Sunday, 22nd April, leaving at 9:00am. To book a seat, please leave your name at Diver's Newsagents.

Aerobics Classes
Aerobics Classes now on Tuesdays from 9:00pm - 10:00pm in the Community Centre.

Ardara Parish Council
The April meeting of the Ardara Parish Council will take place in the Community Centre on Wednesday, 18th April, at 9:00pm.
Included on the Agenda for discussion will be the proposed changes of out-of-hours medical cover for Donegal as a county including the Ardara Area. It is hoped that Dr.Sweeney will attend.

GAA
The monthly GAA Club Meeting takes place on Thursday, 19th April in Doherty's at 9:30pm

Top of page

Is it safe to travel to Donegal yet?
What is your opinion?

Take the quick poll
or submit a comment to the Bulletin Board

Top of page

Ardara native, Frank Molloy was the guest of honour at the recent Donegal Association of New York dinner dance in Antun's of Queen's Village.

One of New York's most prominent Donegal citizens, Big Frank has held the Donegal banner aloft on it's passage down Fifth Avenue each St Patrick's Day for the past twenty years.

Frank is a brother of former Donegal captain, Anthony, and he first headed for the Big Apple in 1981. He was joined there by five of his brothers and sister, Catherine.

The Ardara man is an integral part of the Donegal club in New York, he is the only player to hold junior medals for 1985, 1989 and 1998. Gaelic Park has become a second home for "The Chief". He travelled with the New York party who played in the Connacht championship for the last two years. The Donegal Association of New York is greatly indebted to Frank for his invaluable service and presence down through the years. It was their pleasure to have him as guest of honour at their dance this year and they wish Big Frank all the best for the future.

Top of page

Re-Opening of Ard Bia
Ard Bia, the Heiritage Centre restaurant, is re-opening for the summer on April the 13th with an exhibition of Tibetan Thangka painting from northern India. Call in, check it out and relax with some food and drink. Proceeds from the sale of the art work will be donated in support of Tibetan monks in India.The exhibition runs until April the 27th.

Flotto Winner
Congratulations to this weeks Flotto winner Leo Watters, who won the jackpot of £4,300. The seller was Brenda McHugh. This weeks jackpot begins at £1000.

Poker Classic
There will be a Poker Classic on Good Friday in the Community Centre at 8 p.m.

Table Quiz
The GAA Table Quiz takes place in the Greenhouse on Thursday April 12th at 10 p.m.

Top of page

Variety Concert
The congregation of the Methodist Church wish to thank all those who supported the recent Variety Concert. They hope that everyone enjoyed the entertainment and that they are looking forward to the next one in 2002.
Read report on Variety Concert

Day-Trip to Knock
There will be a bus travelling to Knock on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 22. It will depart Ardara at 9 a.m. To book, call 075-41154, or leave your name with Greta at Diver's Newsagents.

G.A.A. and Parish Council
As a mark of respect to the late Charlie Bennett, the Ardara G.A.A. meeting has been deferred to Thursday April 19 and the Parish Council meeting will now take place on Wednesday April 18 in the Community Centre.

Ceilidh
There will be a ceilidh mor in the Limelight, Glenties, on Easter Monday night, April 16. The music is by Art McNally and dancing will be from 10 p.m. till 1 a.m. Admission which includes supper, is £4. An invitation from the Glenties Ceilidh Club is extended to all enthusiastic ceilidh dancers.

The Late Charles J. McHugh
Mr Charles McHugh, Leaconnell, died peacefully on Tuesday April 3 at Killybegs Community Hospital, in his ninety-first year. He'd lived and farmed most of his life in Leaconnell and was an active person until recently.In conjunction with farming, Charles was also a weaver for Magee's of Donegal town for most of his adult life. He was a self-taught musician, and was known in the community for his musical interest. In his youth, he'd been a member of the Belfast Fire Brigade during the Second World War. An unmarried man, Charles was a well-liked and gentle person. He is survived by his brother Andrew McHugh, Letterkenny, nephews and nieces, sisters-in-law, and other relatives and friends.

Date of Variety Sale
This sale is scheduled for Easter Monday April 16, not April 9 as previously announced. It will be in the Central Bar from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. All welcome.

Grand Final of the Mr and Mrs Competition
This was a great success. Five worthy couples contended, and tops with 6 points out of 6 were Gerard and Lena McTaggart, Summy. A close second were Stephen and Julie Darnell. The winning couple received a week-ends holiday in Lisdoonvarna, but I don't think they'll be looking for partners since they're a perfect match already! A gate-crashing couple, 'Dr Mongola' and his landlady 'Agnes Devenney' provided great fun which was much appreciated.

The entertainment was at its usual good standard. The Town Traders' Committee thank all the children and adults who took part. Thanks is also extended to everybody who enthusiastically supported this successful fund-raising competition. There will be videos on sale. Contact Karen McConnell at 075-41818, or at 075-41255 during the day.

Top of page

Ardara Heritage Centre draws on great natural traditions
Michael McHugh

For people who have visited Ardara or know its people, they are an enterprising, optimistic and forward looking community, despite their perceived peripherality. One only has to look at the work that has taken place around the town to see that, in terms of their own destiny, they are prepared to make the necessary moves to ensure that the town is an attractive location for locals and tourists alike.

Jack maguire is Chairman and Director of AWAKE Tourism, which he joined a year and a half ago after returning from England. AWAKE now runs the Heritage Centre and the committee comprises of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and eight other Directore as well as a representative of Donegal County Council and Bord Failte.

Jack said that the centre initially opened in 1994 and was officially opened the following year by President Mary Robinson, but that in recent times a new approach to running the centre was required.

"The centre was very, very badly in debt and both myself and Patsy Boyle were asked to go on the committee. We were two locals who had just come back from England and it was felt we might contribute some new ideas. After some discussion, it was agreed to take a radical new appoach to the centre and we opened it up completely differently last year."

As a result of this the centre now boasts a master tapestry weaver Colm Sweeney, through the help of the Donegal Development company, Ruth Kavanagh from Donegal Town came in as a silversmith after an impressive launch into her profession and Laurence Herron, who uses his woodcraft skills to transform pieces of old bog woods into pieces of great beauty, also came on board. Local painter, Stephen Bennett also exhibits and sells some of his work at the centre and his reputation has rocketed in recent years as a painter, particularly portraiture. Indeed, all of the craftspeople have either appeared on television themselves or had their work exhibited to critical acclaim in both national and international circles.

New tea-rooms, a camera club, ceili dancing and tai chi are just a number of other innovations that have totally transformed the centre into the popular location it has now become. It is also the focal point for tourists, as well as reinvigorating interest among the local population.

Jack says that the committee hope this summer to get some students into the centre where they can be taught the rudiments of embroidery, to spin and to explian to tourists the tradition of crafts such as weaving, to tourists.

"We have many plans in the pipline and the whole committee are delighted with the way things have gone so far. I think that the Heritage Centre is something that all the people of Ardara and Donegal in general, can be proud of.

Top of page

Meetings
As a mark of respect to the late Charlie Bennett, the Ardara GAA meeting to be held this coming Monday has been deferred to Thursday, 19th April and the Parish Council meeting scheduled for 11th April will now take place on Wednesday 18th April in the Community Centre.

Flotto
This weeks Flotto Jackpot stands at £4,300. The selling team is James McHugh's team.

Choir Practice
Choir practice for Easter at 4pm this afternoon.

Mr & Mrs Competition
The Grand Final of the Mr & Mrs Competition will be held in the Central Bar tonight at 8:30pm.

Top of page

A Vox Pop was carried out in Ardara by the Donegal Democrat this week. Locals were asked what they felt about the whole traveller issue in general, the discussion over their right to have a place, how it had been dealt with by the county manager and whether both sides to the debate are being fundamentally fair to each other.

"I think them people have as much right to live as anybody else. If a halting site was needed in this town, then I think that the people of this Parish would back the up.

"I think they are discriminated against. I know that they have responsibilities as well, but if you kept moving them from site to site, where are you going to settle without proper facilities such as water and sanitation, what can you expect.

"Of course you will get objections from people that have houses built near there, but that part of the ground was always noted for caravans," he said in reference to the area just outside Ardara where a tempory halting site is planned by the county manager under emergency powers enacted by him recently.

"My opinion is that travellers should get the benifit of the doubt. If they want to get housed and into the community, Christian-wise they should get the benifit. In terms of numbers located at a halting site in an area, I would prefer to see them limited.

"My experience of them is that all want to be treated as humans. When they behaved they were as good as any of the rest of us. They have a responsibility to behave in a responsible way as well, though."

"I would have to agree with the county manager. They are entitled to a place to live as well as the next one, but they too, have responsibilities.

I would not like to see a halting site near my own property, and I feel this is likely the opinion of many other people. In general terms I feel the objections would be based on, apart from the rubbish and the rowdiness and noise, maybe they wouldn't be too happy about it."

"As far as I'm concerned they (the authorities) don't ask the public. They should have meetings and let the public express their opinion, and maybe they might come to something more agreeable to everybody.

The travellers also have responsibility and the areas they inhabit should be "kept clean" and sanitary services should be provided for them. Then if they don't keep it clean, tell them to move on. They are as much entitled to live as we are.

I would have no difficulty with a halting site, provided that it had the proper infrastructure and was properly maintained by the travellers themselves."

Simone McMullan

"I think if they want to settle, they should be allowed to settle." I would not object to the construction of a halting site in an area, but they have responsibliites too.

"I think they are put into a category and face discrimination. My mum did workshops with the traveller women in Killybegs and they are prepared to learn and, if given a helping hand, can achieve bigger and better things."

Top of page

Gun Club
The Downstrands/Ardara gun club will not be holding any shooting on private owned lands due to the foot and mouth crisis in the foreseeable future.

Wedding
On Saturday, 24th March, Tara Bonner and Damien McDevitt were married in St.Connell's Church, Glenties. Fr.Patrick Prendergast P.P. Glenties assisted by Fr.A.Lafferty P.P. Ardara officiated and celebrated Nuptial Mass. Tara is a daughter of Eddie and Ann Bonner, Ardconnell, Glenties and Damien is a son of Mary and the late Frank McDevitt, Glenconwell, Ardara. Her father gave the bride away and her sisters, Noelle and Linda Bonner were bridesmaids. Damien's brother, john was bestman and another brother, Francis was groomsman. Mary Francis and Martin McCaffery, niece and nephew of the groom were flowergirl and pageboy. Readings were by Gavin Bonner and Antoinette McGinley, brother of the bride and sister of the groom. Colin and Edwina Bonner, Tara's brother and sister, Laura McGinley and John Joseph McCaffery, Damien's niece and nephew, read Prayers of the Faithful. Both mothers brought the Gifts to the Alter.

The reception was held in the Highlands Hotel, Glenties and the honymoon is being spent in Lanzorotti.

Top of page

Aerobics class Update
Aerobics will take place in the Community Centre on Tuesday evenings between 9:30 and 10:30. And not on Monday as announced yesterday. Beginners are welcome. Admission is £3. per person.Get into shape this summer. For further information telephone Michelle at 075-41470.

Top of page

The funeral of the late Cller. Charlie Bennett, Chairman of Donegal County Council, who died suddenly in Brooklyn at St Patrick's week-end took place recently at the Church of the Holy Family, Ardara and was one of the largest funerals ever seen in south-west Donegal.

All sectors of the community in Downstrands and Ardara were involved in the funeral with guards of honour from his home on the Portnoo Rd to the Hillhead provided by Narin and Portnoo Golf Club and groups representing the people of Downstrands as well as pupils from the Wood School and St Mary's National School. All of the various organisations in which he was involved in the parish continued the guard of honour from the Hillhead to the Diamond. The Ardara G.A.A.Club led by members of the 1952 Minor Champions team took the guard of honour from the Diamond to the Church of the Holy Family, and Donegal County Councillors and officials provided a guard of honour from the church to the graveside.

As his remains left his home, an Ardara football jersey was placed on the coffin by two of his former footballing friends, Mr Vincent McConnell and Mr Billie Maxwell. A lone piper, Mr John McDermot, led the cortege from the Diamond to the church ; flags in the town and at Pearse Memorial Park were hung at half-mast, and Gardai, Civil Defense, and locals were in attendance to ensure ease of traffic.

Chief celebrant of the funeral mass was Ardara parish priest, Canon Austin Laverty, who was joined on the altar by Father Pat Prendergast, Glenties, Father Eddie Gallagher, Carrick, Father John Sweeney, Glencolmcille, Fr Adrian Gavigan, Donegal town, Fr Willie McMennamin, Drumoghill, and Fr Jimmy Shiels from Burtonport. Also in attendance was the Bishop of Raphoe, the Most Rev. Dr Philip Boyce, and clergymen from other churches.

The President. Mrs Mary McAleese, was represented by Capt. Declan Carroll attended by Fr Philip Daly as chaplin. The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, was represented by Minister of State,Ms Mary Coughlan ; the leader of Fine Gael, Mr Michael Noonan was in attendance with Deputy Dinny McGinley, as well as other political colleagues straddling the political divide.

Music at the mass was provided by members of the Ardara choir under the direction of Mrs Nessa Molloy, assisted by Mrs Therese Campbell. Soloists were Stephen Bennett (Charlie's nephew), Emily Whelan, and Ruth McGill. The lessons at the mass were read by Charlie's brother, Hugh, and his niece, Sharon Gallagher.The gifts were brought to the altar by his daughter, Sinead, and his god-children - Fidelma Shovlin, Caroline Boyle and Pauline Boyle.

A very moving graveside oration was given by Mr John Michael O'Donnell, N.T.

Charlie was pre-deceased by his parents, John and Mary Anne Bennett, his sister, Mary McCann, and his brother, Con Bennett.Charlie is survived by his wife, Marion, daughter, Sinead, son, Cahill, and his grand-son, Conal : his brothers, Alphonsus and Hugh, his sisters Kathleen Malloy and Philomena McCole, his sisters-in-law, Veronica, Kitty, and Eileen Bennett, his brothers-in-law, Joe Malloy, Thomas McCole, and Charlie McCann, as well as nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of other relatives and friends.

Tribute Page

Top of page

Ardara Parish Council.
The date of the next parish council meeting has been changed to April 18, instead of April 11 as announced at the last meeting. The meeting will start at 9 p.m. in the Community Centre as usual.

Aerobics class.
Aerobics take place in the Community Centre on Monday evenings between 8:30 and 9:30. Beginners are welcome. Admission is £3. per person.Get into shape this summer. For further information telephone Michelle at 075-41470.

The late Cassie Maloney.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the Maloney family, Glengesh, on the death of their mother, Cassie Maloney, who died in Letterkenny General Hospital on Thursday February 13. Her remains were brought to the family home and the burial took place at the Church of the Holy Family after Requiem Mass read by Rev, Canon A. Laverty. Cassie's friends of the Day Care Centre formed a guard of honour at the church door for their lively and musical companion, whose cheerful ways and ready smile were well-known in the community.

Pilgrimmage.
A pilgrimmage is being organised to Medjugorje, Portugal, from August 19-26. The spiritual director will be Fr Michael Sweeney. The fare is £445. and a deposit of £60. will secure a place. For more information and booking, contact Noreen at 075-41689.

Coffee Morning.
The Girls' Friendly Society are holding a coffee morning in the Ardara Rectory from 10:30-12:30 p.m. on Easter Monday morning. Everyone is very welcome.

Mr and Mrs Competition.
Thank-you to those who provided the usual very good entertainment for the evening on March 30.
There were two winning couples on that occasion..Gwen and Michael Breslin tied with Stephen and Julie Darnell. On the basis of a lottery-type selection, Stephen and Julie will go forward to the Grand Final on Friday April 6 in the Central Bar. Other contending couples on that occasion will be : Gerard and Lena McTaggart, Summy, Ann Marie Travers, Hillhead, Harold and Bernadette Given, Loughros Pt, Hugh Gerard and Eileen Gavigan, Doohill.The Final will start at 8 p.m. sharp so arrive early to avoid disappointment in seating.
Also taking part in the Final will be pupils from schools in the parish, and some adult entertainers.This will be a night not to be missed, with talent galore.It is rumoured that a foreign couple could gate-crash the evening. Heaven forbid that there should be any disruption of the programme!

Variety Sale.
This St Conall's fund-raising event has been re-scheduled for Monday April 9 from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. in the Central Bar. All support is appreciated. Come along and see what's available ; there could be a bargain!

G.A.A. March 26 report.
There was no winner of the weekly Flotto. The numbers drawn were 2,5,11,and 13. The nearest were Derek Boyle, Kentucky, and John Hegarty, Tullycleave. This weeks jackpot stands at £4200.and this weeks selling team is Colomba Diver.

Report on Variety Concert.
The Methodist variety concert played to full houses on the three nights of its season. Children and adults alike enjoyed the varied entertainment and in particular the very community flavour imparted by seeing friends and neighbours 'acting themselves' on stage. The three-act play was most enjoyable and represented some months of rehearsals, a major committment of the actor's and actresses time. A special comment must be made on the excellent sketch presented by Anna Adair and Margaret Porter. Two old women at the fire-side they truly were. The audience was delighted by the references to local people and places in the script. Congratulations to the script-writer, and to all whose work contributed to the success of the evening.

Top of page

Pilgrimage to Madujorge
Augut 19th -26th. Spiritual Director, Fr Michael Sweeney. To book: contact Noreen at 41689.

ICA
The Ardara Guild of the ICA, together with Glenties and Killybegs Guilds, are holding a Quiz Night in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel on Wednesday, 4th April at 8:00pm. Raffle and prizes and light refreshments. Admission £3.00. All welcome.

Pioneers
Monthly meeting of the Pioneer Council in the Oratory on Friday evening after the evening Mass.

SNEAS
The local Theatre Group, SNEAS, are holding classes on Mondays from 5:30pm, in the Community Centre. There will be places for potential performers in September. First performance this June.

Community Centre
The AGM of the Community Centre will be held in the Centre on Wednesday, 4th April, at 9:00pm. Everyone welcome.