Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch Issue 13 AUGUST 2011 / Eagrán 13 Lúnasa 2011

News 2 Welcome - Fáilte Donegal Business 7 Education and Learning 10 Social and Cultural 12 Donegal Community Links 15 Message From Mayor Hello everyone,

I have just completed my first month as Mayor of Donegal and I must admit it is indeed a wonderful experience and a learning curve. I am truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to serve as Mayor of our great County. This County and Country may be in recession but in Donegal we are upbeat, the sleeves are rolled up, our heads are up, and we will dig our way out. Many groups and organisations have come together throughout Donegal to plan for the future and are determined to get this county back on its feet again. had the privilege of addressing more like a sense of reflection mixed I myself have focused on tourism and tourist related activities the recent Donegal County with impatience, questioning how it as my number one priority for my year as Mayor and I hope to IDevelopment Board Annual is that “we have all this information, present you all with some ideas shortly. I would also be grateful Strategy Day in , County all these organisations and support for any ideas you might have to assist me (noel.mcbride@ Donegal on the 18th May 2011. services, all these regulations and donegalcoco.ie) ways of doing things but. . . ”. We Two things stick out in my memory need to ask if the mix and balance Donegal at the moment is in the midst of our festival season and many successful festivals and events have already taken place from that day’s conversations and of all these resources are right for throughout the county with more to come. I had the pleasure encounters. First I picked up a clear what we need today. Are we making of meeting all the contestants in the Mary from Dungloe event sense in the room of a determination the right mix – if we aren’t, who is? when they visited Downings (I had to keep my enthusiasm to think more creatively about the Can we do better? Do we use these somewhat subdued when my wife Rosemary discovered where I idea of borders and limits. This is a things in the best ways possible? Is was going) but it was all for a good cause! particularly potent idea for Donegal our focus on being the best in class and the North West, an idea that can at regulation or the best in class at The County is also in the midst of football fever at the moment and boy was I proud to stand behind Michael Murphy as Mayor be a real resource and a potential making sure regulation supports of Donegal when he lifted that cup after winning the Ulster advantage for creativity and business our people’s viable business ideas, championship for the first time in nineteen years and indeed we in this edgy region. including really creative ideas that are all extremely proud of Jim Mc Guinness and all the team on challenge traditional ways of thinking now qualifying for the all semi final. Everyone in Donegal If you want to see a brilliant example and working. If it is, then we should and indeed those with Donegal connections throughout the world wish Jim and all the team every success in their quest to in Donegal of how a creative business be talking about making Donegal and bring Sam back to Donegal. can succeed and impress despite the North West one of the best places all the limitations, just have a look in the world to have a great idea. Finally, I would like to thank you for taking the time to read at the marvellous Féile an Earagail/ That has to be the ambition. Regulate Donegal Community in Touch and for keeping yourselves up to Earagail Arts Festival that takes over for that. date with all that is going on back home. Lets all keep in touch. the hearts and minds of Donegal (and the world!) in July. Dermot McLaughlin Slán agus beannacht,

The second thing that struck me was Chief Executive Cllr. Noel McBride An Meara Chontae Dhún na nGall a different kind of feeling in the air – Temple Bar Cultural Trust

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Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil News / Nuacht 2

Councillor Dinny McGinley T. D. McBride elected as Minister of State for elected Mayor Affairs and the Islands Councillor Noel McBride was elected the new Mayor of Donegal on the 27th June 2011. On 10 March 2011 Mr. McGinley T. D. was appointed by an , Mr. Councillor McBride was first voted on to Donegal County Council in 2004 T. D. , as Minister of State with responsibility for Gaeltacht and and replaces Cllr Cora Harvey. the Islands.

Councillor Barry O’Neill was elected Deputy Mayor and replaces Councillor Minister of State McGinley is from the Donegal Gaeltacht of Gaoth Dobhair Marie Therese Gallagher. Councillor Noel McBride has highlighted that the and still resides in the area. Mr. Dinny McGinley T. D. was first elected to Dáil development of tourism in Donegal will be one of his main priorities of the Éireann in February 1982 and has been re-elected on every occasion since new Mayor of Donegal. then for the Donegal South-West Constituency.

For further information please visit www.donegalcoco.ie He has held numerous front bench positions while in opposition, including Gaeltacht, Youth & Sport, Defence and Immigrant Policy. He was chairman of the language & Culture Committee from 1994-1997 and Malin Head Tourist Information Chairman of the Oireachtas committee on Community, Equality and Leaflet Launched! Gaeltacht Affairs before the election in 2011. Donegal County Council recently launched the Malin Head Tourist Information Leaflet at Banba’s Crown, Malin Head, Co. Donegal. The leaflet The Rossnowlagh Twelfth will provide visitors with information regarding the tourist attractions in and around Ireland’s Most Northerly Point, as well as around the Inishowen Peninsula.

The Malin Head Leaflet is part of a wider strategic plan to develop the Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head as a sustainable tourism destination. Donegal County Council is in the process of securing funding to further develop the Inishowen 100 Driving Route by providing visitor interpretation and upgrading a range of scenic viewing points, as well as re-vamping the Inishowen 100 Branded Signage.

Malin Head is a growth tourism destination, with thousands of cyclists completing the Malin Head to Mizen Head challenge every year. The ruined signal tower at Banba’s Crown dates back to the early 19th Century and was used as a Lloyds Signal Station, as well as a look-out tower during two World Wars.

For further information email: [email protected] The Donegal County Council stand at the Rossnowlagh 12th on Saturday 9th July 2011

Donegal County Council were in attendance at Rossnowlagh on Saturday 9th July for the annual 12th July commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne. With 17 lodges in the county and many from further afield and various bands also in attendance the number of participants and spectators at the event was huge. It has been a busy year for many of the Donegal lodges as many received funding through the PEACE III programme to complete extensive refurbishment works.

The event was a great success, with many visitors to the exhibition trailer throughout the day to view the work and to meet representatives who Deputy Joe McHugh T. D. , Cllr Bernard McGuinness, Cllr Mickey Doherty, Cllr Rena were attending the event from Donegal County Council, including County Donaghey, and Cllr Jack Murray pictured at the launch of the Malin Head Tourist Information Leaflet Launch Manager, Seamus Neely.

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Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch News / Nuacht 3

Donegal’s Population Freshwater Pearl Mussel grows to 160,927 Measures Project Census 2011 Preliminary results have just been released and show that: • Estimated population in 2011 is equal to 160,927 persons

• Population grew by 9. 3%, which was faster than the State (@8. 1%) and slower than the Border Region (9. 8%)

• North East and South West Constituencies grew by 12. 1% and 6. 5%

• Population increased by 13,663

• Births exceeded deaths by 5,507

• Estimated net migration was equal to 8,156

• Total housing stock was equal to 84,356 Dwellings The Freshwater Pearl Mussel Project funded by the ERDF, under the INTERREG • Had the 3rd highest increase in its housing stock in the State IVA Programme was launched by the Mayor of Donegal, Cllr Cora Harvey on the 10th May. • Had the 2nd highest vacancy rate in the entire State @28. 5% The overall objective of the project is to secure the conservation of pearl • 72% of the Electoral Divisions with negative growth are located in the mussels that are declining because of pressures on their habitat. Donegal West and South West. has 6 river catchments designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) because they contain pearl mussels – the Leannan, Eske, Clady, Glaskeelan, For further information contact the Research and Policy Unit, Donegal Owencarrow and Owenea catchments. This project will also be working in County Council at [email protected] similar SACs in Northern Ireland – the Owenkillew, Ballinderry and Swanlinbar catchments. The Swanlinbar is a cross-border catchment and emphasizes the need for cooperation and collaboration in our conservation efforts.

Further information is available from the Invitation project coordinator, Dr Tony McNally email: [email protected] Donegal County Council cordially invites you to the launch of Lough Swilly - A Living Landscape. This impressive publication has been written by experts in their field, and edited by Professor Andrew Cooper from the Centre for Coastal and Marine Research Kilcar Woman Wins in the University of Ulster. The beautifully illustrated publication discusses the values, uses and issues surrounding the marine and Sarah Jessica coastal environment of Lough Swilly.

Tom Mac Sweeney, Parker’s €2,000 Marine correspondent, former presenter for RTE and author of Seascapes, will launch Handbag! Lough Swilly - A Living Landscape On Thursday the 8th of September in Brid Mc Shane from Kilcar is the envy of all House at 7pm. the women of the world after winning one Light refreshments will be served on arrival. of the most coveted handbags in fashion Copies of the publication will be history. Brid is the winner of the iconic Paco available for purchase on the night at a discounted price. Rabanne le69 handbag donated by the Hollywood actress to the Killybegs Women’s Please RSVP by 2nd September to Jessica Hodgson Group. Tel: 00353 74 9724475. Published by FOUR COURTS PRESS LTD, Email: [email protected] 7 Malpas Street, 8, Ireland The bag attracted worldwide media attention after the ‘Sex in the City’ star e-mail: [email protected]

This publication was supported by kindly donated it to the group to raffle as the star prize in their ‘bags of style’ the Interreg IVB North West Europe programme as part of the IMCORE night. The actress has a holiday home with her husband Matthew Broderick Project (Innovative Management of Europe’s Changing Coastal Resource) in nearby Kilcar.

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Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil News / Nuacht 4

Malinwaters makes a Deputy Joe McHugh splash in Rathmullan TD recalls Obama’s thoughts of Donegal

Derek Davis and Mayor Noel McBride pictured at the MalinWaters Launch in Rathmullan “I was struck by President Obama’s reference to Donegal during the major MalinWaters was launched on 1st July at the Lough Swilly Seafest in Rathmullan speech that he delivered in Dublin. by Councillor Noel McBride, Mayor of Donegal. This exciting new brand is the consumer brand of the Sail West Project – a €7.4M Marine Tourism initiative, President Obama said: linking the coastlines of Donegal, Sligo, Northern Ireland and West of . ‘But standing there in Moneygall, I couldn’t help but think how MalinWaters is part financed by the European Union’s European Regional heartbreaking it must have been for that great-great-great grandfather Development Fund through INTERREG IVA Cross-Border Programme of mine, and so many others, to part from Ireland. To watch Donegal managed by the Special EU Programmes Body with co-funding provided by coasts and Dingle cliffs recede. To leave behind all they knew in hopes the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland and the Department of Environment, and Local Government in the . that something better lay over the horizon. ’

To celebrate the brand launch, television personality Derek Davis took the “It was very significant that President Obama referenced our county in plunge on board a boat in Rathmullan to test the fantastic MalinWaters area his speech. Clearly Donegal has huge emotional importance for the Irish himself. diaspora in the United States of America. The challenge now is to harness that emotional relevance in ways that will contribute constructively to A new consumer website www.malinwaters.com will follow the launch this economic recovery in Donegal and throughout Ireland. ” summer; the site will provide key information on the MalinWaters product offering, including sailing, surfing, diving, kayaking and angling among other Launch of Urban & marine leisure activities. Village Renewal Project Grant aid of €995,000 has been awarded by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) under the INTERREG IVA Programme, to the Urban & Village Renewal Project. The official launch of the project took place in Lifford on 20th June, 2011.

The aims of the project will assist the emergence of a vibrant, economically active and prosperous area through the provision of car parking, landscaping, footpaths and traffic management system in Lifford. Paving, signage, landscaping, street furniture, public art, lighting features, murals and linear pole advertising will be provided in Strabane.

The objectives of this project are to improve the physical and aesthetic fabric and public realm of Lifford and Strabane and to rejuvenate the area in terms of tourism growth and economic prosperity. Group including elected members and officials from Donegal County Council pictured with Derek Davis at the MalinWaters Launch For further information contact Ida Fisher on [email protected]

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Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch News / Nuacht 5

Donegal win the Ulster Donegal to be well Championship and march represented at the Rose of towards All-Ireland Semi-Final Tralee International Festival On 17th July 2011, in Clones, Donegal played in their first Ulster final in five A young Donegal woman has been chosen to represent Dubai in this years and their sixth Ulster Final since 1992. In front of a crowd of 28,364 year’s Rose of Tralee. Grainne Boyle, from Gartan in Churchill, beat off the Donegal beat Derry 1-11 to 0-08 Points. This was only the third time in the challenge of a number of other girls at the Rose of Dubai heats. Gráinne has history of the Ulster Football Championship that a team which played the been working as a special needs teacher for the British Institute for Learning preliminary round would win the Final. Armagh did it in 2005, and Cavan did Development in Dubai for the past two years. Grainne is the daughter of it 66 years earlier. On July 30th 2011 Donegal travelled to Croke Park in their Grace and James Boyle, well known Donegal County Council Chief Engineer. first All Quarter final in two years to play Kildare. The first half of the game was quite poor but the second half prove to be more tense and exciting as sub Grainne will be joined by Maria McCole who has been crowned the Donegal Christy Toye scored the only goal of the game, However Kildare brought the Rose of Tralee. Maria, from Letterkenny, works as a primary school teacher game level to drag it to extra-time. Two late points from Christy Toye before after graduating with an honours degree in Primary School Teaching with a long range kick from Kevin Cassidy sealed the Ulster champions in front Geography from Liverpool Hope University. deep into injury-time. Just as Kildare thought about forcing a replay the final Both girls will go on to compete in the Rose of Tralee Final in Kerry from the whistle blew to guide Donegal to their first All Ireland Semi-final since 2003. 19th until the 23rd of August. Good luck to them both!

€8. 3 million funded PEACE III Pettigo / Tullyhommon Dubai Rose Grainne Boyle Donegal Rose Maria McCole Termon Project progresses to planning approval stage In 2010, Donegal County Council, in conjunction with Project Partners Gobbins Sliabh Liag Project Fermanagh District Council and the Association for the Development of Pettigo and Tullyhommon (ADOPT), had been awarded €8. 3 million of EU The Sliabh Liag Development plan involves a unique cross-border, multi- support through the PEACE III Programme for the implementation of the agency partnership with funding coming from a variety of sources including Pettigo/Tullyhommon Termon Project. support under Failte Ireland’s Tourism Capital Infrastructure Programme funded under the NDP 2007-13 and the EU’s INTERREG IVA Programme. The Termon Project is a multi-faceted physical regeneration project designed to enhance the twin villages of Pettigo in and Following on from the successful launch of the Sliabh Liag Strategic Tullyhommon in County Fermanagh, which straddle opposing sides of the Development Plan held in Teelin, South West Donegal at the start of the year border by the River Termon. The project consists of the construction of a a Communications Officer commenced employment with Donegal County variety of new community and recreational facilities (including a multi- Council to support the development of the marketing/communications purpose centre, a playschool, a kids playground, an multi-use outdoor plan for the Project and was instrumental in developing an awareness flyer promoting Sliabh Liag and the Gobbins forthcoming attractions for the Irish games area, etc), a riverside park, village renewal street works and a heritage Fest in Milwaukee, North America which has been described as “the largest architectural project. A programme of community activities is also being and best Irish cultural event in North America” by the Smithsonian Institution. delivered at grassroots level by ADoPT aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation in the area. Furthermore, consultation is currently ongoing with the local community regarding their vision for what is an integral part of their area, while Part 8 For further information, email: [email protected] Planning Permission has been applied for in support of elements of the project such a new and improved carpark which includes a ranger’s station.

For further information email: The Special EU Programmes Body is the Managing Authority for the European Union’s PEACE III Programme [email protected]

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Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil News / Nuacht 6

Women into Public Life Shay Given signs five The summer months have been busy. For the first ‘Women’s Hour’ in Donegal, women from Derry/Londonderry travelled to Inver Community year deal with Aston Villa Centre on 27 June. The theme was the impact of the recession on their lives Alex McLeish has made the Republic of with fuel poverty emerging as a common theme. Ireland international his first signing as Aston Villa boss. MEPs Diane Dodds, Bairbre de Brun and Marian Harkin spoke at an EU seminar in Derry on 13th June. Participants learned about their work and “Aston Villa is a huge football club and raised issues regarding reduced funding for the women’s sector and the I’m really excited to be joining,” said the difficulty of accessing information from the EU. Lifford man. It’s also a new challenge and one I’m eager to embrace. My aim is to A gender proofing seminar took place on 28th July which provided practical impress the Aston Villa supporters with my tools to gender proof strategies and plans - taking as an example Donegal’s performances and I can’t wait really to get draft County Development Plan. started. ’

Autumn training is being planned with the next grassroots leadership Villa manager Alex McLeish said: “Shay has come here probably with training taking place in Killybegs and Derry/Londonderry in September. A something of a point to prove and that won’t do any harm at all. He’s a real Strategic Leadership Programme, aimed at women already in leadership competitor and a world-class keeper and I’m delighted he’s the first signing positions, will run over 14 days and take place in Derry/Londonderry and I’ve made at Villa. ” Letterkenny. Official Opening of the Derry ~ The Women into Public Life Project is funded by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme. Londonderry’s £14m Peace Bridge

For further information email: [email protected] US Open Champion Rory McIlroy returns to Ballyliffin

Thousands gather at the opening of the Peace Bridge

The arrival of Rory McIlroy at Ballyliffin Golf Club just four days after his record- breaking US win sparked great excitement in Inishowen on the 23rd June. Rory is a member of the Ballyliffin Golf Club training and playing there during his time in the Faldo Academy.

Ballyliffin is rated by some as one of the top 10 links courses in the world. Ballyliffin’s pair of championship courses are regarded among the top links courses in the world and five years ago McIlroy shot a course record 67 on the Old Links, aged just 17.

Early this year, he sang the club’s praises. “Ballyliffin has two brilliant golf Michael O’hEanaigh, Donegal County Council, Cllr Dessie Larkin, Chairperson courses and a spectacular piece of land. If anyone has the chance to go up Donegal County Development Board, Mayor Cora Harvey, Donegal County to the North West of Ireland, Ballyliffin definitely should be on everyone’s” Council, Mayor Maurice Devenney, Derry City Council, and Seamus Neely, County Manager, Donegal County Council pictured at the launch of the Peace Bridge

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Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch Donegal Business / Gnó Dhún na nGall 7 Full steam ahead at Moo-Licious Foods Donegal company Moo-Licious Foods, an Enterprise Ireland supported business, has recently moved into their new production facility in Moville and taken delivery of a bespoke packaging machine. Installation of this machine and full integration with the other various pieces of equipment will take place over the next 6 weeks, while work continues on product accreditation and developing the necessary food hygiene systems prior to their imminent product test and trial period. Full product launch will take place before the end of the year.

Moo-Licious produce an innovative range of dairy and non dairy products in an aseptic stick pack format for supply to the food service sector in the UK, Ireland and the Middle East. It is one of 80 new high potential start-up companies supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2010, which were launched at a recent Enterprise Ireland Showcase event. Michael Murphy, Moo-Licious, pictured with Meabh Conaghan, Enterprise Ireland The Moo-Licious product is a relatively new format of portion packaging here, which will bring exports and jobs to Donegal’. which services a need where people use milk products in their coffee and tea. This market is currently mainly serviced by plastic jigger pots. The major Meabh Conaghan, Enterprise Ireland Senior Regional Development Executive strength of Moo-Licious is the flexibility to produce and supply own label in Letterkenny, added: ‘We are delighted to be working with Moo-Licious as product for the mid sector food service provider. Their product features they continue to develop their project. As one of the 80 new high potential improved open-ability and a shelf life of 24 weeks for UHT and 35 days for start-up companies supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2010, they have an extended shelf life milk. important role in stimulating local economies and employment. Together, these 80 innovative young companies will create over 770 new jobs over the Commenting on these developments Michael Murphy, CEO of Moo-Licious next three years, bringing their total employment to almost 1,300. Total sales said: ‘We at Moo-Licous are very excited about the progress we are making. This over the same three year period are expected to reach €528 million, with exports is a highly innovative product adding real benefit to the industry and pre-orders accounting for over 80% of this figure. We wish Moo-Licious every success and indicate that market interest will be high. The support we have received from look forward to continuing to support their ongoing development’. Enterprise Ireland has been critical. The Propel Programme in association with PA Consulting gave us the skills and training to develop our business ideas and For further information contact: Moo-Licious: Michael Murphy at the follow on funding from Enterprise Ireland has enabled us move forward to [email protected] production. Likewise, I want to acknowledge the ongoing support we have Enterprise Ireland: Meabh Conaghan at received from our bank, AIB. We are confident that we have a winning product [email protected]

Mr. Paul Hannigan, and Mr. Niall O’Gorman of the Donegal Fish Merchants Killybegs Job Initiative Association. The stakeholders meet on a regular basis, have agreed a Terms of Reference and are looking at the following five key areas: • Promoting Seafood, Value and Activity • Developing Off-Shore Supports • Enhancing Ancillary Services at the Port • Promoting Tourism and Marine and Leisure and • Promoting Green Economy and Renewable Energy

Specific actions are now being developed under these areas with each New pier in Killybegs Agency developing a plan to identify what they can contribute to each Simon Coveney, TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine set one. These five key areas clearly highlight that under the guidance of up a high level working group tasked with identifying actions necessary such a dynamic working group, Killybegs is a pivotal location with the to create 250 additional new jobs for Killybegs by 2014. There was a capacity to explore and develop these opportunities to their full potential multi-agency approach taken with state agencies and the private sector and maximise the benefits of these emerging industries to achieve the in Killybegs engaging in the group to see how this could be achieved. end result of creating sustainable future employment in Killybegs.

The group is chaired by Mr. Sean O’Donoghue, CEO of the Killybegs For further information email: [email protected] Fishermen’s Organisation and other members include Donegal County Manager, Mr. Seamus Neely; President of Letterkenny Institute of Technology,

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Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal Business / Gnó Dhún na nGall 8 MEP Gallagher - European Commission proposals on Fisheries will require radical change in the European Parliament Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP on a voluntary basis if they for Ireland North and West and are to be introduced at all. ” a member of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee “For the first time the European has rejected some of the Parliament will have a direct role European Commission’s key in the reform of the Common proposals on the reform of Fisheries Policy. As a member the Common Fisheries Policy. of the Fisheries Committee, I shall seek to change the “I cannot support the introduction mandatory provisions on quota of mandatory transferable quota transfer rights, put effective rights for all Member States. This discard measures in place and would be detrimental to the strengthen the provisions Irish fishing industry as it would on regionalisation and small only be a matter of time before scale fisheries contained in the the Irish fishing industry was Commission proposal. in the hands of large European companies. Transferrable quota For further information visit rights must be introduced www.patthecope.com “Education, Enterprise and Employment” On the 5th of July the Western Development Commission (WDC) • Addressing the specific issues of jobseekers in smaller centres published its latest Policy Briefing ‘Education, Enterprise & Employment: and rural areas How can better integration of the 3Es drive growth in the Western Region?’ The Western Region (Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, • Making access to enterprise support easier Mayo, and Clare) is facing significant challenges particularly high unemployment and the need to raise skill levels, diversify the • Encouraging job creation enterprise base and limit the ‘brain drain’. This Policy Briefing is the fourth in a series of briefings from the The three elements of education, enterprise and employment are WDC which highlight and provide discussion and analysis of key closely inter-related. In order to create employment we need to grow regional policy issues. It is available for download at www.wdc.ie/ and expand enterprises. To support this, education and training must publications/reports-and-papers/reports-2011/policy briefing provide the skills needed by these enterprises, as well as work with July 2011 them to improve their innovation levels. This is particularly important Education, Enterprise & no.4 Employment: for sectors where the region has growth potential such as renewable integration of Howthe 3Es can drive better energy, creative industries, medical devices, tourism, international growth in the Western Region? services, elder care, food and the marine. Developing skills which are WDC Policy Briefings: The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a statutory body promoting economic and social development in the Western Region of Ireland (counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Clare). WDC Policy Briefings highlight and provide needed by enterprises will also make it easier for jobseekers to find discussion and analysis of key regional policy issues. Why examine the 3Es together? Education, employment or set up their own business. 1 They also rely enterprise on each other.and employment Education gives(3Es) peopleare each skills fundamental for employment to regional or entrepreneurship; and national economic enterprises growth. create employment and depend on skilled labour; demand from individuals and firms for upskilling influences education provision; and enterprises collaborate with educational institutions to drive innovation (Fig. 1). Fig. 1: Main interactions between the 3Es Contents

Future job creation and growth largely depends on how well Why examine the 3Es together? Enterprise Is there an integrated approach education, enterprise and employment – what the WDC has to 3Es policy? Create Jobs E The Western Region’s key 3Es challenges termed the 3Es – interact with each other. This Policy Briefing Skilled Labour Force Stimulate Entrepreneurship Where will growth come from?

Providing a skilled includes a number of proposals to improve links between them by: Transfer Research labour force & Knowledge Transferring Employment research and • Identifying and responding to short and long term regional skills needs E knowledge Improving employability

E Education Stimulating entrepreneurship Improve Employability Creating jobs 1 The term education as used in this Briefing incorporates all forms of learning including training. Achieving better • Developing relations between higher education andenterprise integration of the 3Es

WDC-PolicyBrief-004-Jun11-v5.indd 1

29/07/2011 11:22

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Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch Donegal Business / Gnó Dhún na nGall 9

New enterprise centre LookWest. ie ‘My Summer’ opens in Donegal Town photo competition Presidential candidate and TV business guru Sean Gallagher officially opened the new Donegal Town Enterprise Centre in Donegal Town at the beginning of July.

The 8,000 sq. ft. custom built facility consists of eight units split between offices and ground floor multipurpose units with a shared conference/meeting room. It will provide locals who are starting out or expanding a new business with the perfect location. The range of The Western Development Commission (WDC) has launched the LookWest. facilities, services and advice offered is designed to tilt the balance ie ‘My Summer’ photo competition as part of its drive to promote the towards the success of these enterprises in the vital early years. Western Region as a great place to live, work and do business. Donegal Town Community Chamber has also relocated its office to the centre. The ‘My Summer’ photo competition, running during July/August, invites people to capture their favourite West of Ireland summer moments and be “This new Enterprise Centre provides a perfect location for small businesses in with a chance to win the top prize worth €1,500. Entry is free and photos which are starting out,” he said. can be uploaded on www. lookwest. ie or the LookWest. ie Facebook page.

The project is being co-funded by Enterprise Ireland, Donegal County A shortlist of the top 50 photographs will be online via www.lookwest. Council, Donegal County Enterprise Fund, local fundraising and a bank loan. ie and Facebook for members of the public to view and vote for their favourite.

Job Opportunities Business Support Agencies

» www.lookwest.ie For Information on Business Support Agencies in the northwest, please log on to www.irelandnorthwest.eu

» www.publicjobs.ie Údarás na Gaeltachta, Cathal Mac Suibhne, www.udaras.ie » www.jobsdonegal.ie Enterprise Ireland, Meabh Conaghan, » www.localgovernmentjobs.ie www.enterprise-ireland.com

IDA Ireland, Joe McHugh, » www.pramerica.ie www.idaireland.com

» www.udaras.ie Donegal County Enterprise Board, Michael Tunney, www.donegalenterprise.ie » www.nijobs.com Donegal County Council, Garry Martin, » www.nicsrecruitment.gov.uk www.donegalcoco.ie

InterTradeIreland – Acumen, Willie H. Maxwell, » www.sita.aero http://www.intertradeireland.com/index.cfm/area/information/page/ Acumen Programme » www.donegalcoco.ie

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Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Education & Learning / Oideachas agus Foghlaim 10

Letterkenny IT celebrates its 40th Anniversary Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) celebrates 40 years in September. To mark the occasion there will be a week of events on the Letterkenny and Killybegs campuses from 19 – 24 September. With an overall theme of power of education, there’s a definite feeling of positivity about the agenda.

A diverse range of activities are lined up to mark this special anniversary, which draws on the experiences and stories from students and lecturers over 40 years but also looks to the future with a 2-day conference Building Bridges – Higher Education, Foreign Direct Investment and Regional Development on 21/22 September. It will feature leaders in business and education who will be speaking on the importance of collaboration for the future. LYIT is pleased to announce that President McAleese will address the conference.

“We wanted to ensure that the occasion paid tribute to the many who activities can be viewed at www. lyit. ie/40thanniversary. have played a part in the achievements of LYIT over the years. I think people will be interested to see all of the changes and progress which Events will also be taking place has taken place. I extend an open invitation for everyone to join us at at Killybegs campus during the the events organised and but also to drop in to the college campuses week. Graduates from various over the week,” explains LYIT President Paul Hannigan. years will share their experiences of studying at the college and The LYIT 40th Anniversary will begin officially on Monday afternoon where their studies have taken with the launch of a specially commissioned book, “From Past to them. There will be tours of the Present - LYIT at 40”, compiled by ex-staff member Dermot Cavanagh. School of Tourism and guests It chronicles the story of the college from inception to where it is today will enjoy a buffet lunch. and includes photos of staff and students, features key milestones such as the new buildings, introduction of degrees, and has some very To find out more visit www.lyit. interesting and hilarious anecdotes. ie/40thannivesary or visit www.facebook.com/ Other activities planned are; “Building Bridges” Conference, Altan concert lyit/4thanniversary or email with the Donegal Youth Orchestra, and a cookery demonstration to be [email protected] Paul Hannigan, President, Letterkenny broadcast on line. Everyone is invited to come along and a full diary of Institute of Technology LYIT offers springboard for new careers Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) has introduced a new opportunities when completed. All of the courses are in sectors which schedule of courses aimed at people who wish to retrain or upskill in are actively hiring in the region. We’re pleased to be involved in this a choice of areas where there are local employment opportunities. innovative initiative. ” Part of the Government Springboard Initiative, the courses are in the growing sectors of computing, financial services, pharmacy and wind Courses include: energy technology. • Higher Certificate in Science Pharmacy Technician • Higher Diploma in Science in Computing The initiative is part of LYIT’s commitment to Lifelong Learning and • Higher Diploma in Arts in Financial Services Technologies targeted people who are currently out of work and are looking for a • Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting new direction. The courses enable candidates to learn new skills and • Higher Certificate in Wind Energy Technology are suitable for those who don’t necessarily have a background in these areas and who may be considering a change of career. The courses come under the Government’s Springboard funding initiative and are supported by the Higher Education Authority Paul Hannigan, President of LYIT, commented: “These courses provide in association with www.bluebrick.ie, a website devoted to adult a way for people to retrain or upskill with excellent employment education in the IOT sector.

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Donegal girl, Aine Conaghan, in the winning team of the Microsoft Imagine Cup World Final A reception was hosted at the office of the Consulate General of Ireland in New York for the four students, Team HERMES, from IT Sligo who represented Ireland in the Microsoft Imagine Cup World Finals in New York. Team HERMES includes Aíne Conaghan, (Ballybofey, Donegal), James McNamara (Roscommon), Calum Cawley (Sligo), and Matthew Padden (Mayo)

Head of Innovation at IT Sligo, Niall McEvoy, hosted the event: “Team Hermes from IT Sligo represented IT Sligo, the North West region and Ireland at this prestigious global computing competition and they have done us all enormously proud by taking home the much coveted top prize. ”

Their product – a device that plugs into a car and monitors dangerous driving behavior and road conditions, providing instant feedback to both the driver and the car owner – has already attracted significant attention from agencies in the motor and insurance industries. Team member Aine Conaghan (Ballybofey, Co Donegal) pictured with Padraig For further information visit: www.itsligo.ie Harte, IT Sligo lecturer and team mentor, and members of the Donegal Association in New York, Denis Gallagher and Rosina Gallagher Project to help sustain natural resources launched in border counties The first phase of a groundbreaking geological project which will responsible for environmental and earth resource management, provide vitally important data to help sustain and manage Ireland’s planning and mineral exploration. natural resources has been launched by Minister Pat Rabbitte. It’s intended that the data gathered in Donegal and the other five The Tellus Border Project is being carried out in Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, counties will be analysed in the context of existing data from the Tellus Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. Project, which ran from 2004-2007 throughout Northern Ireland, with supporters saying it should ensure the continued delivery of benefits This Tellus Border surveys will include airborne data collection along to the wider region. with on-the-ground soil and water sampling. They will start this summer and will be phased throughout the next two years. Tellus is being coordinated by the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland. The data will be used by a number of sectors including those

Courses in the Northwest » www.oideas-gael.com County Donegal provides many opportunities for people to upskill through » www.lyit.ie a range of educational institutions. Within the North West region, numerous » www.ulster.ac.uk opportunities exist to undertake courses of study at undergraduate, post- graduate, PhD and through a variety of means for example, full-time, part-time, » www.sligoit.ie evening courses, access courses and distance learning. » www.nuigalway.ie » www.fas.ie For further information on some of the educational institutions available to the north west region, please visit the following websites: » www.qub.ac.uk

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Donegal County Museum receives full accreditation Dinny McGinley TD Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht congratulated all the staff of the - Judith McCarthy Curator, Caroline Carr, Assistant Curator, Meryvn White, Museum Technician and Jacqueline Abbas, Clerical Officer in achieving full accreditation in the Museum Standards of Ireland Awards. The Minister of State’s colleague Minister Jimmy Deenihan TD presented the award to representatives of Donegal County Museum at an awards ceremony held in the Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin on Tuesday 29th June, 2011.

Dinny McGinley said “Donegal County Museum has participated in the Programme from the outset through the Pilot Study 10 years ago. Realising its ambition to finally move from interim accreditation to full accreditation has required a great deal of tenacity and determination not to mention the support of Donegal County Council. Today is a hugely important milestone for the Museum. It has put in place among other standards, formal education and exhibition policies as well as a disaster plan for the museum. It also had to demonstrate that all interim standards had been maintained since 2007. ”

There are currently fifty museums participating, at various stages in the programme, home to diverse and important collections, for example the Mr Seamus Neely, County Manager, Donegal County Council; Cllr Gerry collections held by the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin; the GAA Museum at McMonagle, Mayor, ; Jacqueline Abbas, Donegal County Croke Park; the Hunt Museum in Limerick; and the National Gallery of Ireland of Museum; Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht local, regional, national and international significance. Affairs Dinny McGinly T. D. ; Judith McCarthy, Mervyn Whyte, Donegal County Museum Donegal County Museum exhibition shortlisted for Chambers Ireland’s Excellence in Local DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL CULTURAL SERVICES PRESENTS Government Awards The ‘How We Remember’ - 28 Inf Battalion exhibition curated by the Donegal County Museum, Donegal County Council has been shortlisted in the AN DÓIGH A GCUIMHNÍMID Sustaining the Arts category of the Chambers Ireland’s Excellence in Local Celebrating the 28th Inf. Battalion of the Irish Defence Forces and their continuing contribution to peace both at home and abroad Government Awards. The 2011 Excellence in Local Government Awards are Ceiliúradh ar an 28ú Cathlán d’Óglaigh na hÉireann agus ar an obair leanúnach s’acu ar son na síochána in Éirinn agus thar lear run in conjunction with Department of Environment, Community and Local. 3rd MARCH - 30th JUNE 2011 DONEGAL COUNTY MUSEUM, LETTERKENNY The How We Remember’ - 28 Inf Battalion exhibition and its associated REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE, LETTERKENNY education programme ran in the County Museum, Letterkenny from the 4th March 2011 until the 26th June 2011. ADMISSION

The ‘How We Remember’ project built on Donegal County Council offering FREE the 28th Infantry Batallion the honour of Freedom of the County in April 2009 for their unselfish dedication to the security and stability of the County

m 087 9130155 during the Troubles.

[email protected]

This project was supported by the PEACE III Programme managed for the For further information see www.donegalpublicart.Ie or contact ms. Terre Duffy, Public Art Manag Special EU Programmes Body by Donegal County Council. er on 087 250 8373 or Donegal County Museum on 074 91 24613 A project supported by PEACE III Programme managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by Donegal County Council in partnership with Irish Defence Forces

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Other festival highlights include the sell out shows The Mothers Arms with Little John Nee, An Evening of T with the Maggies (Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Maighread Earagail Arts Ní Dhomhnaill, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and ) with Special Guest Mary Jane Lammond, The Glebe Gathering at the Glebe House and Gardens Festival in scenic Churchill, the annual EAF Global Village Fete and Hypnotic Brass The 23rd annual Earagail Arts Festival has just come to a close and what a Ensemble who put on an outstanding closing concert in Rouge in The Grill, fantastic year it has been. With 120 events in 33 venues across 22 towns and Letterkenny, to name but a few. villages with over 800 artists and participants during 16 days and nights the The Earagail Arts Festival team would like to thank everyone who came out and 2011 festival brought International and local artists to our stages across Donegal. supported us for another year. We would also like to take the time to thank our This years festival highlights included the wonderful EAF Feast of the Sense principal funders the Arts Council of Ireland, Failte Ireland and Donegal County which took place in Letterkenny Town Park, audiences dined in a bohemian Council. We would like to thanks all our volunteers and to everyone helped style marquee, enjoyed a delectable meal from Rathmullan House, laughed make the 2011 festival such a success. along with Little John Nee and Ponydance and danced the night away with The festival now looks to next year and beyond as the 25th anniversary in 2013 Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three. looms large. Keep an eye out on developments by signing up to the festival newsletter at www.eaf.ie

Pokey LaFarge performs Carnival Fun at the Earagail Arts Festival Parade Feast of the Senses Film-makers linked to De Niro and Redford pledge support for unique Donegal festival In a major development for the film-making industry, representatives of leading international organisations in the sector are to promote and expand Ireland’s exclusive documentary-only festival, Guth Gafa, in the village of , Donegal.

Representatives of the Sundance Institute in Utah and the Tribeca Film Institute and POV group in New York will form part of an advisory committee and work closely with Guth Gafa co-directors, David Rane and Neasa Ni Chianain, over the next few months to expand the Donegal event internationally.

“Guth Gafa is both provoking and enlightening, creating in-depth discussions on important social issues,” said a delighted Cynthia Lopez, executive vice-president of POV in Manhattan, NY, a project of American Documentary, a national US non-profit group.

Among strategies being prepared for future Guth Gafa festivals is greater outreach to the American-Irish diaspora, stronger funding avenues as well as even more community-based activities. (L to R) Lights, camera, action: Leading international film-funders and film-makers Ryan Harrington, Brian Hill, Patricia Finneran and Cynthia Lopez take a light-hearted break from screening rooms at Donegal’s Guth Gafa festival.

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2011 Month of Diversity Donegal CDB Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Conference is hosting its second “One Donegal Cultural Diversity Month” in November 2011, funded by the PEACE III in Letterkenny celebrates the Programme. This project is managed by Donegal successful work of the PEACE III County Council on behalf of the Partnership and hopes to build on the success of last year’s inaugural month of Programme events “Embracing and Celebrating Diversity”. ‘Peace-building’ was the definitive message at the SHOWPEACE Conference, The event aims to raise awareness of the vast amount of work being hosted by the Donegal CDB Peace and Reconciliation Partnership in undertaken throughout the county and on a cross-border basis to address Letterkenny Institute of Technology. racism and sectarianism and to promote cultural diversity. Groups throughout the county and on a cross-border basis will host events during The conference was attended by a diverse range of the 56 groups that November. Financial assistance is available to the selected groups. received funding through Phase I of the PEACE III Action Plan and organisations interested in finding out how they could access Phase II of the Plan. For further information: email [email protected] SHOWPEACE recognised and celebrated the quantity and quality of the work that has already been completed to address racism and sectarianism, both within County Donegal and on a cross-border basis. Many of the organisations that received funding from Phase I used the day to highlight their ‘best practice’ work and to showcase outputs of their projects over the past 18 months.

The event featured ‘Live Learning’ on the day, which saw feedback gathered and broadcast continuously throughout SHOWPEACE, both online and on screens, @showpeace2011 on Twitter. Children participating in the Finn Harps Inclusion Through Football Programme as part of the 2010 One Donegal Cultural Diversity Month Social Inclusion Week 2011 Social Inclusion Week 2011 will take place from the 19th to the 24th of September. This year’s theme is Plain English and we will launch the recently developed “Plain and Simple Style Writing Guide”, aimed at making the information we provide easier to read and understand, especially for adults with literacy difficulties. A one-day intensive plain English training course will also take place on the 20th of September.

Social Inclusion Week gives us the opportunity to highlight the positive work that is being undertaken countywide to reduce poverty and social exclusion and to raise awareness of social inclusion. A wide range of activities and events will take place including: • “Working Together to Make the Future Happen” aimed at unemployed Members of the CDB Peace and Reconciliation Partnership with staff and people speakers at the Show PEACE event • A coffee morning for older people • An Equality Exhibition presented by the EU Commission in Ireland • A Social Inclusion Football Blitz Donegal County Council • Many fun events at our libraries around the county including rhyme time, quizzes and book clubs etc. on Facebook and Twitter • Committee Skills Training Just a note to our readership, you can now keep up to date with events in • Alcohol Harms - Developing Understanding, Building Inclusion hosted Donegal through our Facebook www.facebook.com/donegalcountycouncil by the Northwest Alcohol Forum and Twitter www.twitter.com/donegalcouncil accounts. • Sports Ability Day

For more information visit: www.donegalcdb.ie/cdb/socialinclusion/ or email [email protected]

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New book on Donegal churches From Glen to Maine A set of books on Liam McCormick’s ‘Seven Donegal Churches’ was unveiled at Gleann Cholm Cille in Southwest Donegal has become known worldwide as a the MacGill Summer School, Glenties, on the 25th July 2011. The book launch destination for those interested in Ireland’s Language & Culture. was performed in St Conal’s Church, Glenties, by former TD and architect, Liz McManus. Ms McManus worked for the late Greencastle architect while some The Glen has had long associations with artists and writers attracted by of his iconic churches were being built. They are located in Desertegney, its splendid scenery and its remoteness in the past. One such painter was Buncrana, Burt, Milford, Murlog, Creeslough, Glenties and Donoughmore. The Rockwell Kent; local women who were in their teenage years in the mid launch was accompanied by an exhibition of photos of McCormick’s churches 1920s, remembered a tall athletic man dressed in his white suit and hat with by Flemming Rasmussen. his walking stick walking the quiet lanes on Mín a’Croise, Loch Dhoire Thoirc and Coillte Fánaid, townlands north of the Gleann Cholm Cille valley. Kent, was at the time, a young American painter who travelled to the most remote communities in the United States and Canada. An anthology of his works contain paintings from Alaska, native american reservations and atlantic islands. Kent came to Gleann Cholm Cille in 1926 and spent some time in Gleann Loch, now a deserted valley north of The Glen.

Christy Gillespie, teacher and native of Cill Chartha has done extensive research on Rockwell Kent, Dylan Thomas and others who visited remote Gleann Loch and we look forward to a forthcoming publication from Christy.

For further information visit www.oideas-gael.com Burt Church 2011 Honourees inducted honoured into the Irish American Hall of Fame The Irish American Hall of Fame inaugural class of inductees was honoured at a Black Tie Gala Dinner on the 14th May at the Irish American Heritage Centre in Chicago.

The Irish American Hall of Fame 2011 Honourees are Eugene O’Neill, Chief Francis O’Neill, Ms Maureen O’Hara, Mayor Richard J. Daley, Henry Ford, President JF Kennedy, Senator George Mitchell, Jack Dempsey, Sr. Rosemary Connelly, RSM, Fr. Patrick Francis Healy, SJ, and Robert Fulton.

Robert McNamara, President of the Irish American Heritage Center, remarked on the evening, “it was successful beyond our wildest dreams and it will truly be a legacy for future generations. ” Donegal by Rockwell Kent

The nomination deadline for the 2012 class of the Irish American Hall of Fame is 30th September 2011. For further information visit: http://iahof.org/

Example of the memorabilia on display in the Irish American Heritage Centre in Chicago Dan Ward’s Stack by Rockwell Kent

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Irish Gathering Genealogy Letterkenny 400 Conference planned for April 2012 Letterkenny Town Council commemorated its 400 Year history, Irish Gathering is a free and unique website initiative created by Joe Whelan organising a series of events that focused on family friendly an Irish business man interested in promoting closer contact between Irish entertainment and the history of the area. The events were organised people globally. in association with local community groups as well as the Donegal County Council, Donegal County Museum, an Grianan theatre and The site is free to both Irish at home and abroad, and it will promote events the Donegal County Library. that hope to attract the Irish Diaspora back to Ireland in 2012 and beyond. The first such event proposed is the Irish Gathering Genealogy Conference in April A series of historic talks and exhibitions were organised in the run 2012. up to the weekend. Saturday events included guided historic walks, live traditional music in the market square, storytelling, a number of The Conference will provide a unique platform for the Irish Diaspora performances of the excellent “Echoes of Time” in an Grianan theatre to commence their search through engaging with Genealogy experts and an organ recital at the Trinity church. throughout the 3 day Conference. The Conference will also contain a full social programme highlighting Irish Culture, Music, Dance, Poetry and Readings Sundays events included a Family Day in the Vestry organised with from the works of famous writers. A Conference that will forge friendship, the help of local community groups. The highlight of the day was a camaraderie and a strong sense of belonging. display of sword fighting from Charlie Gallagher and his men along with local live entertainment. The commemorations closed with a Irish Gathering has secured the interest from both Failte Ireland and Tourism night of Baroque music with the Donegal Chamber Music Society in Ireland for this new initiative and will be working with both bodies to Conwal Church. encourage Irish Gathering members to return to Ireland in the not too distant future. Letterkenny Town Council wish to thank all those who helped with the commemorations. For further information visit: www.irishgathering.ie For further information visit www.letterkenny.ie Port na Fáilte Port na Fáilte, Donegal County Council’s Intercultural Drop-in Centre opened its doors on the 1st February 2010. It is a Peace III funded project and provides a welcoming place for people from all cultures and backgrounds, facilitates events supporting integration, inclusion and antiracism/sectarianism.

Port na Fáilte runs a huge range of county-wide projects: Festivals such as India Independence celebrations, ongoing classes, workshops and groups such as Intercultural Mosaic Classes, Laughter Yoga, Share A Film, the Intercultural Platform or the Multi-Ethnic Women’s Group in South Donegal, whose Alphabet Quilt is currently exhibited in Derry’s Verbal Arts Centre. Port na Fáilte hosts its own radio show on www. westernwavesfm. org/portnafailte. Port na Fáilte is currently editing a collection of stories from our ‘Leave A Story Room’ and our Intercultural Writers Group for publication. For further information on this e-zine or on the Donegal Diaspora For further information email: [email protected] Project, please contact:

Maria Ferguson Email: [email protected] / maria. [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)74 97 24466

Roisin McBride Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0) 74 9172562 Laughter Yoga at Port na Fáilte

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