News Archive
May 2002

Pitch and Putt
Sandfield Pitch and Putt golf will be open to the public again on Friday the 31st of May, after a closure of around two years. This is a pleasant way to spend an hour with family or friends, and many people will be happy about the re-opening of the course. Bed and breakfast providers can once more recommend the course to guests looking for a sociable outdoor activity.


Summer Dance and Savoury Supper
If you're looking for a nights craic, then Monday the third of June is the date for a night of barn-dancing, old-time and modern in the Central Bar, Ardara. The music will be by Country Traditions and you are assured of a fine savoury supper, many raffle- and door-prizes. The dance is in aid of St Connell's Church structural repair fund and tickets are available from any Church of Ireland parishioner, or at the door on the night of the dance. Admission costs € 8. This is a dance and supper not to be missed.


Councillor Lighting Programme
In recent weeks, eighteen lights were erected at various locations in the parish by Cllr. T. Slowey, under Donegal County Council's lighting programme. This yearly programme will be continued in the future.


Drama Workshops
The Donegal Workshop Theatre's Drama Group for National School children is again in operation.Leading the group is qualified drama teacher, Dixi Patterson, who founded the Donegal Workshop Theatre in 1986, netting several national and local awards for the now profit-making group.

Dixie is considering producing her documentary play about depression and healing, entitled "Different Skin, Same Suffering", and would be on the look-out for child extras to add to her adult cast.

Drama workshops take place every Friday from 4:30 - 6 p.m. in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel. All National School children are welcome, regardless of talent or ability, and there are family discounts.


Mass and Healing Service
There will be a Mass and Healing Service in Rossnowlagh on Sunday the 2nd of June. A bus will leave Divers' Newsagents at 1:30 p.m. that day. Please book at Divers'.


Ardara Writers' Group
Last Friday evening in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel, the Ardara Writers' Group hosted a most entertaining session on 'Writing for Film'. Guest speakers were Dieter Bohnhorst (Inver) of Ross Films Ltd, and Gerry Doherty (Rossnowlagh) of Coolmore Films. The group wish to thank Dieter and Gerry, and the staff of the Nesbitt Arms Hotel. Their June meeting will be announced in the Ardara Notes.


Cleaner Wanted
A cleaner is required for three schools in the Ardara area. Telephone 075-41539 for more information.


Car Boot Sale
There may be some bargains at the Killaghtee Church Hall, near Dunkineely, at 10 a.m. on Monday the third of June. It costs 10 euro for a place as a "booter". (That means something different to a "bouncer".)


Summer Exhibition
Some of Stephen Bennett's work is on display in the Heiritage Centre, but there are more of his impressive paintings to be seen at his studio/gallery in Carn, Ardara, throughout the summer. You can make an appointment by calling the artist at 075-41652.


Priceless
This notice was spotted in the window of Divers' Newsagents.

"Six lovely kittens for sale.
Plaecs give them a loving home.
To contacked call 075-41784.
The kittens do not cost any price.
Thank you."


A Lost Vote ?
Jane Maloney, Hillhead, aged over 98 years, is rather annoyed about not being able to get to the voting station on election day. She said, "Nobody came near me on the day of the election, and I have always voted. They changed my name without asking me or my daughter and registered me in Kilclooney. I only stay with my daughter in Kilclooney at week-ends. I've lived here in Hillhead very many years." Election Day transporters please take note!


Ardara Women's Group
At their last meeting, Monday the 27th of May, the Women's Group enjoyed a delightfully informal talk from Breda Boyle. She spoke about her experiences and impressions of her recent world cruise on board the 'Oriana' and showed her listeners photos, postcards, and souvenirs purchased in different locations when the ship was in port. Breda has a talent for spotting how humans have learned to live with their environment, despite the hardships of climate, the economy, and in some places, years of war. If you see her wearing her coolie hat, you'll know she obtained it in Singapore. A very practical piece of headgear, even for Donegal, since it protects from both sunshine and rain!


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Marching Bands Compete in Ardara
By Susan Boyd

Fanad Accordian Band

Maghery Fife and Drum Band

St Patrick's, Carnan, Coal Island

Ardara Post Office
The post office will be re-located to the premises of Divers' Newsagents, as from early June. Cathie Diver will be taking up the position of postmistress, and she is wished every success in her new work. The shop is presently being enlarged to accomodate the new post office, and the proprietors wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused to their customers.


Charlie Bennett Golf Classic
Because Charlie Bennett worked for many years to help the Ardara Care of the Aged, his wife Marian has approved the use of his name for a Golf Classic being organised by the Ardara St Vincent de Paul Society on June 22nd at the Narin/Portnoo Golf Club. The organisers hope to raise funds for Sheltered Housing in Ardara. Anybody who wishes to, may aid this fund-raising effort by sponsoring a team of four players at € 130. or by sponsoring a tee at € 50. or by making a donation. Sponsors are asked to contact Canon Laverty, Parochial House, or John Michael O'Donnell, Doohill. All help would be greatly appreciated.


'Send a Cow.'
A sponsored walk has been organised, God willing and weather permitting, for Sunday the 2nd of June at 3 p.m., in aid of 'Lifeline Aid Trust' ('Send a Cow'), and also A.R.C. (Muldova, Siberia Missionary Outreach). The starting-off point is as last year, from Ronan Diver's, across the scenic route of Ardvalley, past Jim Gallagher's, coming onto the main Ardara/Donegal road at Campbell's,and finishing at Mulraney's of Cronkeerin. Anybody who would like to participate is welcome. Please contact Maurice and Chris Mulraney at 075-41842, or Susan Watters at 075-41746 for sponsorship cards.


Ardara Women's Group
The A.G.M. will be the final meeting before the summer break and will take place on Monday the 27th of May at 9 p.m. in the Community Centre. The Women's Group is open to all women in the parish. If there is a course or an inteest you would like to follow, come along to the meeting and help to plan next year's programme. Thamks to all those who have participated in the cookery, computer, and German classes, and also in regular meetings.


Senior Citizens
The Senior Citizens would like to thank the proprietor of the Milltown Bar for a very enjoyable day on the 5th of May, when they joined with the Killybegs and Glenties groups for an afternoon of entertainment with Cannon and Ramsey.

On Thursday the 30th of May, all the Senior Citizens of Ardara have been invited to Glenties Day Centre to hear the comedian Aussie Bryson. A mid-day meal will be provided. The names of people interested must be in by the 27th of June to facilitate the organisation of the occasion. For more information or to register, 'phone Breda at 075-41246.


Donegal Marching Bands
The sun shone kindly on Ardara Diamond as a total of fourteen bands marched and sent music into the air for the enjoyment of the spectators. St Mary's National School Band led the procession from the Community Centre and set the right note for the occasion by playing the National Anthem on the Diamond before the Competition began. Fanad Accordian band won in the novice section; St Cronan's, Dungloe, won in the junior section; St Patrick's Band, Carnan, were first in the senior section ; Crickamore Fife and Drum Band were placed first in the flute section. The Ardara Town Traders' award for effort in participation went to Banna Ceoil Óige Ghaoth Dobhair. Congratulations to all the bands on their immaculate uniforms, well-practised marching and cheerful music.


Ardara Tidy Town Committee
The Tidy Town Committee are having a day of action on Wednesday the 29th of May. Volunteers are required for a number of small jobs, which are part of the general clean-up of the town for the Tidy Town Competition. Anyone who can spare a few hours should meet at the Heiritage Center at 10:30 a.m., when various tasks will be allocated. Persons who will be available in the evening can contact Jack Maguire, who will cordinate the tasks outstanding along with other committee members.


New Leader+ Programme
There will be a public information evening in the Ardara Community Centre on Tuesday the 28th of May from 8 - 10 p.m. on the subject of the new Leader programme. The aim of the evening is to encourage rural project promoters, both community groups and private promoters, to think about projects and ideas which might be fundable under this very important rural development programme. An outline of the Leader+ Programme Guidelines including eligibility measures and funding rates will be presented.

The Leader+ Programme is jointly funded by the Irish Exchequer under the National Development Plan and the European Union. For further information or any special needs regarding these evenings, please contact Frank Kelly, Leader+ Project Officer at 074-27056.


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Gildea is gone but not forgotten
By Daniel Browne

This election may see a return to what Fianna Fail would like to consider "the norm" in Donegal South West with the withdrawal of Thomas Gildea from public life. But the soft spoken T. D. will leave behind him the permanent doubt that given the right issue it could all happen again!

Speaking at the count centre in Donegal Town on Saturday the outgoing Deputy Gildea told the this newspaper he was happy not to have his name on the ballot paper this time around.

Deputy Gildea was acting as a tally man for his former assistant Gwen Breslin who became a late entry in the race to contest the seat her former employer won in 1997. "I'm not under the same pressure now as if I had been running myself", he said

No doubt though there are many who would say the former Deputy may have been under extreme pressure if he had decided to contest the election.

Mrs. Gwen Breslin, who ably managed Deputy Gildea's office and learned the intricacies of public life and people's concerns over the last five years, however only polled 951 first preference votes and was the first out of the race.

She told the "Democrat" she had canvassed the constituency extensively and was hopeful of a better performance. "Well, the people have decided and If they return two Fianna Fail and one Fine Gael and Donegal is neglected again they will get what they deserve", she said.

For what It's worth while on the canvass with another politician In Glenties before the election the "Democrat" encountered two '97 Gildea voters who said they were not happy with his performance and would not support him again.

However the former Deputy has been adamant that it is because of the true desire to spend time with his family that he left to political scene. In the St. John Bosco Centre on Saturday it was noted with some irony that this departure came on the same day as that of his personal nemesis, Deputy Nora Owen. "I have done my five years I felt I gave it all my time for that period and I decided way back over two years ago that I wouldn't be running again. It's very time consuming, but I didn't mind, I enjoyed the five years, but I wouldn't look forward to another five", he said.

While Deputy Gildea started out the day hopeful for his former assistant's chances his main hope was that at least one independent would be returned in the election. However when the final tally figures came In he had to face the fact that it was unlikely to happen.

"An Independent seat would have been of great benefit to the constituency because for far too long we were taken for granted here in Donegal and that was to the detriment of the entire county.

"The prospects for Donegal are not too good over the next number of years because I would be almost 100% certain that we will not get the same level of funding", he said.


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Election 2002 Results
Donegal South West

Cleaner
A cleaner is required for three schools in the area. Please apply by 24th May.
Phone 41539


Senior Citzens
Ardara Senior Citzens are invited to the Glenties Day Care Care Centre on Thursday, 30th May, to see Aussie Bryson. Bus will pick up those who wish to travel and bring them over in time for dinner. For booking contact Breda Boyle at 41246.


GAA
The monthly meeting of the GAA club will be held on this Monday night in Doherty's at 9.30pm. The History Committee will meet at 8.30pm on that night at the same venue.


Ulster Schools Final
St. Columba's Comprehensive School Senior Gaelic Team will play Bayylbay, Monaghan, in the Ulster Schools Final in Ederny, Co Fermanagh, on Thursday next at 12 noon.


Donegal / Down Match
Tickets for the Donegal / Down game will be distributed at Doherty's on Thursday evening from 9.00pm - 10.00pm. People going to the Match should book their tickets early this week and collect them on or before Thursday. No tickets will be available after Thursday.


Miscarriage
Dr. Vincent Maloney, Psychiatrist, with special interest in Grief Counselling will present a talk in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, on 25th May, from 2.00pm - 6.00pm. All parents who have lost babies through miscarriage are welcome. Admission is free.


Ardara - Narin Community Games
Athletics & Field Events on Saturday, 25th May, at 2.00pm. in Peasrs Memorial Park.
Art Competition on Saturday, 1st June at 2.00pm. in the Community Centre.



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PARISH COUNCIL
The annual early summer clean-up took place on April 27th. The County Council had been able to provide only four skips to locate at different points in the area.

The committee of the 'Cup 'o Tae' Music Festival and their chairman. Stephen McCahill, were warmly applauded on the success of the festival.

Clr. Slowey reported on the allocations of repair money for the N56 from the
National Roads Authority. 175,000 Euros had been allocated for the repair of 0.5 km at Glenties, another 850,000 Euros for 2.4 km at Kilraine, and 3l0,000 Euros for 1 km at Doohill. Routine re-surfacing would take place during the summer. Extra money was available for the L.I.S. roads from the Clar programme, bringing the total spending power per councillor for these roads to 140,000 Earns each. Only roads serving at least two houses, or providing access to the shore for the gathering of seaweed, are eligible as L.I.S. roads.

A total of 18 street lights have been erected in the district and outlying areas by the County Council.

The Tidy Town Committee reported that they require help tidying verges and painting buildings to uphold Ardara's image for the first inspection in the competition. T.Porter stated that money left in the Monargan Group Water Scheme account would be donated to the Tidy Town fund. The Ulster Bank has contributed 450 Euros in aid of the Committee's efforts.

A proposal that the Parish Council work with the St Vincent de Paul Society to progress the building of a Primary Health Case Centre in Ardara was supported by the meeting.

Tony Breslin reported on behalf of the S.W. Donegal Communities Partnership Ltd. He thanked those who had completed their survey, and announced that a new bus route from Glencolmcille to Killybegs had been established, and that a second route from the Dolmen Centre to Ardara to Killybegs is under consideration. Existing transport companies would be used on the routes.


ARDARA SENIOR CITIZENS
The Senior Citizens' Group would like to say a big thank you to Peter Oliver for making their day at the Nesbitt Arms so very enjoyable. A large group from Carrick, Kilcar, and Teelin joined the Ardara group for a lovely lunch followed by entertainment A group of children from Brackey School sang, played music, and danced delightfully. Peter was helped by his brother, Matt, and also Josephine and John of 'Claddagh' and Dympna Duff. Thanks also to the hotel and staff for their friendly service. A most memorable day was had by all.


N.W. 10K RACE
Thanks is extended to all who sponsored local involvement in the N.W. 10 K Race, in aid of the Downs Syndrome Association, recently. 3589 Euros were raised in the area


DOLMEN CENTRE DRAW
The draw results for May are as follows:
Luxury Solid Teak Garden Furniture - Patrick Moore, Kilclooney, Portnoo (Dl 644). Newbndge Cutlery - Bridie McCole, Crossroads, Narin (DL 328).
Mirrored Clock - Nellie McCahill, Ardconnell, Ardara (DL 818).
Framed mirrors - Terence Breslin, Burtonport (DL 612), Eamon Coyle, Raphoe (DL 36), Joseph and Siobhan Shovlin, Sandfield, Ardara (DL1), Packie and Frances Gallagher, Kilcar
(DL1081), Dinny McGinley, T.D., Bunbeg (DL 846), Patsy and Breda Boyle, Homeward Bound, Ardara (DL 718).
Framed pictures - Denis Ryan, Portmarnock (DL 458), Paddy Boyle, Liskeraghan, Ardara (DL 763).

In the local draw Margaret and Don Harrington, Sandfield, won 127 Euros;
Nora McHugh, Tullyhoniver, Kilraine -63 Euros 49c John McCool, 76 Ardconnell,
Glenties - 100 Euros Pat and Olivia Bowman, Straboy, Glenties -50 Euros.

Winners in the April local draw (omitted in last months note) were Sharon Gallagher, Ballycashel, Ardara - 127 Euros, and Terence McHugh, Clooney -63 Euros 49c.

Winners in the ticket-sellers' draw were Tim Cranley, Glenties -50 Euros, and Anne
Boyle, Lough Fad, Portnoo - 50 Euros. Michael Cunningham won a voucher for La
Chateaubrianne and Joseph Ryan won a Narin Inn voucher.

Congratulations to everyone who won prizes over the last six months.

The management committee wish to thank everyone who subscribed to the draw without whom it wouldn't have been so successful. They also wish to thank the many ticket sellers and everyone who helped in any way, and those who gave donations during the fund-raising drive.

Staff are wanted for the summer months in the Dolmen Centre Coffee Shop. Apply to the manager at 075-45010, if you are interested.


LATE PADDY HAUGHEY
The death took place in London on the 8th of April of Paddy Haughey, Drimaha, aged 81 years. As a young man, he fished on the trawlers in Killybegs and Dunmore East, but his great love was fishing salmon in Loughros Mor estuary. He was a very active member of the Ardara G.A.A. Club.

In 1949 Paddy went to England where he worked in a sugar factory, but he returned home after a short period to continue fishing and he became a fish buyer for local companies. He returned to England in the '60's to work on the railways before taking up employment with Murphy Construction. He retired in the late '80's and then was in failing health a number of years before his death. Many people from the Ardara area remember Paddy with affection because of his concern for any Irish young person settling in England. He would help to find accommodation and work for a young person from home, if help was required. His funeral was attended by a large number of people.

Paddy is survived by his sons Patrick and Connell Aiden, his daughter, Patricia, his son-in-law, Adrian, his daughter-in-law, Karen, his grandchildren, Richie, John, Jordan, Leona, and Morgan, his brothers, Conal, Drimaha, and Danny, Doohill, his sisters, Teresa Gildea, Crumlin, and Philomena Craig, Shanahan, and many nieces and nephews and a large circle of friends to whom the sympathy of the community is extended.


ARDARA I.C.A.
The AGM of the ICA took place on Wednesday the 8th of May. The new committee was elected as follows: president -Carmel Maguire, secretary - Margaret Crossey, treasurer - Flora Coachman, produce promoter - Teresa Gallagher, art and craft promoter - Breda Boyle, competition promoter - Anne Hayden, PRO - Beth Herron.

There was a large turn-out of members, and a fun-night was had by all with the unveiling of the clothes made from re-cycled materials. One of the outfits went on to take third prize (50 Euros) in the Daywear category of the Federation Competition. sponsored by the Environmental Department of the Donegal County Council, which took place on May the 9th in the Mt Errigal Hotel.

All present at the AGM were able to view the progress of the Guild Quilt, which is taking shape nicely, and will be raffled at the Ardara Show in August. It was agreed to sponsor a team to play for the Guild in the upcoming St Vincent de Paul Golf Classic.
Denise Freeborn, was the winner of the monthly raffle and the evening concluded with light refreshments and a glass of wine.


DONEGAL MARCHING BANDS COMPETITION
This will be the second year that Ardara has hosted the Donegal Marching Bands Association Competition. It is hoped that a total of fifteen bands will attend in Ardara next Sunday, May the 19th. Most importantly, people will get the opportunity to hear the band of our local St Mary's National School, under the supervision of their teachers, Deirdre Mooney and Colm Cannon. This new band will lead the parade from the Community Centre at 2 p.m. sharp, to the Diamond, where our local band will perform the National Anthem, after which the competition will take place. It is hoped a large number of people will come along to support this event, as was the case last year, when everybody had an enjoyable afternoon.

There will be traffic diversions in operation for the duration of the competition, which is expected to last up to three and a half hours. McGeehans bus will be the only vehicle allowed through the town.


MICHELLE PLAYS ANNIE
Great credit is due to young Michelle McHugh for her outstanding performance in the musical show "Annie" held in Donegal town recently. Though she was an orphan in the play, in real life Michelle is the eldest daughter of Pauline and Padraig McHugh, Portnoo Rd. Ardara, and she is a pupil of Meentinadea National School. Well-done, Michelle.


DRAMA WORKSHOPS
-Calling all schoolchildren!-
The Donegal Workshop Theatre (DWT) has recommenced its popular Drama workshops, which include acting, improvisation, stagecraft, music, dance, mime and lots of fun! The workshop leader is Dixi Patterson, a qualified Drama teacher who established the DWT in 1986 and the Ardara Writer's Group in 1994.

All National School children are welcome, regardless of experience or ability. Weekly workshops will be held in the Nesbitt Hotel, Ardara, from 4.30p.m. till 6p.m on Fridays. (Please note slight change of time.)


ARDARA WRITER'S GROUP
The Ardara Writers' Group, which recently hosted a wonderful evening of readings by local and visiting writers, in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel, is pleased to announce the resumption of monthly workshops.

This month's meeting will be held in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel on Friday, 24th May, from 8pm till 10pm. The subject will be 'waiting for Film and T.V. 'and will be led by Dieter Bohnhorst (Inver) of Ross Films Ltd, and Geny Doherty (Rossnowlagh) of Coolmore Films.
The evening promises to be most entertaining and all are welcome.

The Writers' Group would like to thank the staff and management of the Nesbitt Arms Hotel for their continued hospitality, and for the provision of their comfortable and ambient premises for the promotion of the Arts in Ardara.

Guest speakers and readers pictured with some of the local people who attended the re-launch of the Ardara Writers' Group recently
Back row, from left, Agnus Harvey, Liam Collins, Cynthia Alexander, Hillary James, Eddie O'Donnell, Don Byrne, Dixie Patterson (one of the founder members of the group), Charlie Molloy, Marie Hannigan, and John 'Hardwall' Gallagher.

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Carrying the torch for an independent voice
By Gerard Cunningham

Gwen canvassing Granny . . . Gwen Breslin on the canvassing trail, calls in on her grandmother, Molly Gallagher, looking for a No. 1 vote. Pictured front row are Molly and Gwen. Back row: Gerard Cunningham, Eileen Keeney, Nancy McCarthy, (Gwen's mother), Elish and Thomas Gildea.T.D.

"Cup o'Tae" exceeds all expectations

"The Master and one of his star pupils" - John "the tae" Gallagher, and Eithne Gallagher, entertaining the crowd in the Greenhouse on Friday night last.

"Have a wee drop of this John, and never mind them and their cups of tae" - Ninety-three-year-old Barney McNelis offering his old pal John "The Tae", some of the refreshments during the session in the Greenhouse Bar, on Friday night with well known broadcaster, Ciaran MacMathuna, in the corner.

Open Air Mass
There will be an Open Air Mass at the Mass Rock at Garrachoill on Tuesday 21st May at 8.00pm


Downs Syndrome Association
Thanks is extended to all who sponsored local involvement in the North West 10K Road Race, in aid of the Downs Syndrome Association, recently. €3589 was raised in the area.


Chiropodist
For the attention of Ardara Senior Citizens. The Chiropodist will be in attendance in the Community Centre on Tuesday 14th May from 2.00pm - 5.00pm Phone Breda at 41246 for an appointment.



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I.C.A.
AGM of the I.C.A. will be held in the Community Centre on Wednesday 8th May at 8.30pm. All welcome. Unveiling of entries for the Recycle Competition.


Balmoral Show
Bus to Balmoral Show on Wednesday 15th May. Phone Patsy at 087-2452979.


Parish Council
Ardara Parish Council meeting in the Community Centre on Wednesday next, 8th May at 9.00pm sharp. All welcome.


Tidy Town Committee
A meeting of the Ardara Tidy Town Committee will be held in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel on Tuesday 7th May at 9.00pm. The Committee would like to thank all who contributed to the church gate collection on Sunday 14th April. The total collection was €548.95 plus a late donation of €40.


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"The classes of 68" Reunion

The committee of "The classes of 68", in the Comrehensive School Glenties, intend to organise another reunion weekend, to be held on the 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th of August 2003. As you may remember we had a very succesful 25th reunion in '93. If you were at our last reunion or were a student in the Comp in '68 let us know if you would attend in 2003. You can send us an e-mail and / or name and address.
owenea@eircom.net


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The Late John McGill.
After a brief illness, the death of John McGill, Leaconnell, occurred in Letterkenny Hospital, and the funeral took place at the Church of the Holy Family, Ardara, on Tuesday April the 9th. Over eighty years of age at his death, John was raised in the townland of Leaconnell but emigrated to the U.S. in his mid-twenties. He lived in New York, and earned his living by turning his hand to many of the skills involved in the building trade. He married there and had two children. On his retirement, he returned to his family home in Leaconnell, and lived with his brother, Peter. John was a very tidy man and he enjoyed an active retirement doing D.I.Y. work around the house and garden. He was a kind friendly man who enjoyed a spot of craíc with friends and neighbours. He is survived by his wife, Margaret McGill, U.S., his two children, John and Margaret, U.S., and his brother, Peter McGill, Leaconnell, to whom the sympathy of the community is extended.


The "Cup o' Tae" Music Festival.
Féile Ceoil Traidisiúnta begins officially on Friday the third of May, and is named in honour of local fiddler, John 'The Tae' Gallagher. It features a fiddle school and a flute school, with classes for beginners, improvers, and advanced players in each case. Tutors of the fiddle classes are James Byrne, Derek McGinley, and Seamus Gibson. The flute tutors are Sean Lee and Marcus O'Murchú. All are very reputable instructors. This is an opportunity not to be missed. There will be a number of opportunities to hear these musicians and guest artists Vincent, Jimmy, and Peter Campbell, Michael and Paddy O'Rourke, Ciaran MacMahuna, and an array of talent from the community. Registration for the music school will take place in the Heiritage Centre from 7-9 p.m.on Friday the third, and again from 9 - 10 a.m. Saturday. The flute workshops will be held in the Heritage Centre ; the fiddle workshops will be held in St. Mary's National School There is a fee of € 50. for adults, and € 25. for children.

Some events of interest to the general public would be the opening of the festival in the Greenhouse at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, and the unveiling there of a special corner in memory of well-known Ardara fiddler, Joise 'The Post' McHugh. At 7 p.m. on Saturday in the Heiritage Centre, there will be a documentary on the music of John 'The Tae' Gallagher, which will be followed by Irish music, story-telling and recitations by the famous Irish broadcaster, Ciaran MacMahuna, Packie Manus Byrne, and others. A barn-dance will begin at 10:30 p.m. in the Central Bar on Saturday and there will be Irish music in all pubs. On Sunday at 6 p.m. more story-telling and recitations may be heard in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel, to be followed by the closing Festival Concert at 8 p.m. There should be something to suit every taste in this festival, which is a "first" for Ardara.


Atlantic Re-Opening.
Laura and Cyril are back in town for their fourth summer season, just in time to cater for their regular and new customers during the "Cup o' Tae" Music Festival. Situated below 'Tríona Design', the restaurant specialises in traditional French food and seafood. Three course menus are available from €17 - € 22., and a selection of good wines. It is recommended to book in advance by telephoning 075-41707.


Medugorje Pilgrimage.
The spiritual director for this pilgrimage from the 23rd - 30th of August will be Fr P. Bonner, and the fare will be € 569. For bookings and more information about the pilgrimage , please contact Noreen Feeney at 075-41689.


Show Meeting.
There will be a Show meeting in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel on Monday the 6th of May at 9 p.m. All members please attend.


Ardara/Glenties Swimming Club.
Our annual gala takes place on 13th May, 2002, for any child who has ever gone swimming in Letterkenny with the West Coast Cormorants. If you wish to go, fill in the form, available in the schools and return it to "The Present Day” shop before 6 o'clock on Tuesday 7th May. Everyone is welcome. The bus leaves the Community Centre, Ardara, on 13th May 2002 at 4.20p.m. and there will be a fee of €4.00. It is important that any child who puts their name down to go to the gala and then cannot make it, should contact either 41518 or 41236 immediately.


Rossnowlagh Healing Service.
A bus will be leaving Divers Newsagents at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday May the 5th for a Mass and Healing Service in Rossnowlagh. Please book at Divers.


25 Card Game.
The 25 card game, held in Teague's Bar in aid of Temple St Hospital, raised € 520. Thanks to all those who contributed.


Fatima Pilgrimage.
A special Fatima Pilgrimage departs Dublin on the 15th of August. Contact Fr Pat McHugh, or Driftaway Travel, Letterkenny for details.


April Christmas Card.
Pat and Breda Boyle, after returning from their travels, were somewhat bemused to receive a Christmas card on the 18th of April. It had been posted in Dortmund on the 7th of December last, and their Ardara address had been clearly type-written. Why then had it been sent to Indonesia? Pat wondered, and then to how many other places, before finally arriving in Ardara? Ah well, Pat, better late than never! A traditional music festival with a cup o' tae would be the very thing to put us on the map!


Golf Classic.
The Golf Classic at Narin/Portnoo Golf Club on Saturday the 27th of April was a success in every way, and will enable the completion of payment for the repair of stained glass windows in St Connell's Church, Ardara. Mavis Goodall and the organising committee are to be congratulated on their organisation. The committee wish to thank everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the day.


Videos Available.
Video tapes of the recent Ardara Fashion Show and the St Patrick's Day Parade may be purchased at the Greenhouse by those who would like souvenirs of these occasions. They would be great family heirlooms for the descendants!


Tidy Town Committee.
A meeting of the Tidy Town Committee will be held in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel on Wednesday 8th May at 8-30 p.m. All members are requested to attend, as the entry has now been submitted and there is a lot to do.


Dance for Local Candidate.
To support local candidate, Gwen Breslin, turn out to the dance in the Central Bar on Sunday May the 5th from 10 p.m. until late. The music will be by Claddagh. There will be no cover charge, but a donation would be appreciated. Spot prizes.


I.C.A.
The A.G.M. of the Ardara I.C.A. will take place at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday the 8th of May and it is hoped that as many members will attend as possible.If unable to be there, please forward your nominations for the new committee.New members are always very welcome.
Last months evening as guests of the Glenties I.C.A., in the Highlands Hotel, was a great success. Congratulations to the winners of the quiz. The patchwork for the Guild Quilt is now at the assembly stage and progress can be viewed at the May meeting, as well as the entries for the clothing made from recycled materials competition, which will take place in the Mt Errigal Hotel on May the 9th. This event will be open to the public, and it is hoped that a good many members will be there to support the local group's entries.
I.C.A. membership fees of € 22. are now due. Prompt payment will ensure that the group is fully covered by insurance on all summer outings and activities.
Beth Herron would like to thank all members of the Ardara Guild for their unfailing support and for making her time as president so much fun. She would like to thank especially her fellow committee members, the ever-efficient secretary, Margaret Crossey, and invaluable treasurer, Mary Doherty. Beth wishes the incoming committee lots of fun and every success as they take up their new positions.


Fund-raising Dance.
Sinn Fein are holding a fundraising dance in the Highlands Hotel in Glenties this Saturday the 4th of May. Doors are open at 11 p.m., and admission is 5 euros. Music is by Cainte.

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