Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch Issue 10 DECEMBER 2010 / Eagrán 10 Mí na NOLLAG 2010

I grew up in the house behind my News grandparents in Upper Dore. My 2 grandfather, Hugh Duggan, was Donegal Business 7 the headmaster of the school just Education and Learning 10 down the road. In those days there were very few houses around us so Social and Cultural 12 my earliest memories are of open Donegal Community Links 16 spaces – the mountains behind and the sea down below across Bunbeg Message From Mayor to the front. It’s little wonder that A Chairde the landscape and atmosphere of Donegal have found their way into I sincerely hope this find you well. It’s hard to believe that we are well and truly in the middle my music. The two are inseparable. of the festive season. This year seems to have gone very quick. We certainly have the winter My father, Leo, was in a dance hall weather here in Donegal and also across the band and I remember going with Island. is a white landscape at present, him to Glasgow for St Patrick’s off course the children love it, however it’s weekend when I was twelve to to sing in the Irish musicals at the causing a lot of disruption for us who have to deal with it. Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair and sing and dance during his concerts. Donegal South- West has had its By-Election on the 25th of The dance halls died out and he started learning the harp when I November, so finally we have our 3rd T.D. and I wish our new bought a pub - now the famous was thirteen. Deputy Pearse Doherty every success in the future. Ireland is Leo’s Tavern - which has been his fairly getting its fair share of International Media, but at home (and our) stage for the past forty I am passionate about my Donegal life goes on. I hope all our readers are in good spirits, remember home and on my travels around to keep in touch with home over Christmas, for those who are years. It was here that, as , travelling, have a very safe journey and finally to those who are we got our first playing experience the world. I meet many Donegal unable to make it home - be safe - be happy and look after each and the journey from there has people who all share that passion. other. taken us onto some of the great Like me, they seem to feel a part stages of the world. of them is missing when they’re Have a very merry Christmas and a peaceful new year to all not here. It’s been great to see so Nollaig Shona agus Bliain Úr faoi shíocháin daoibh uilig many return in recent years and we I am passionate about look forward to making Donegal Cllr Cora Harvey An Meara Chontae Dhún na nGall my Donegal home and the striving, vibrant place it can be with the enterprise, music and on my travels around unique culture that exist here in Welcome Fáilte the world. I meet many such beautiful, rich abundance. This is the tenth edition of Donegal Community in Touch. The Donegal people who all previous editions have been very well received by the extended I’m so looking forward to Christmas Donegal Community at home and abroad. We will continue to share that passion. Like develop and to produce this e-zine as a means of connecting in Donegal. I’ll be playing at the with people who have an interest in, or connection to Donegal, me, they seem to feel a Winter School wherever they may be living. We look forward to receiving your in Dun Lewy but, as a family, we’ll feedback with regard to the e-zine and with regard to issues that part of them is missing you might wish us to highlight in the e-zine. enjoy catching up and the warmth when they’re not here. of home – whatever the weather. Seo an deichiú eagrán de Pobal i dTeagmháil Dhún na nGall. Bhí pobal Dhún na nGall sa bhaile agus i gcéin an-shásta leis na I want to wish you all a very Happy heagráin eile. Leanfaidh muid orainn ag forbairt agus ag foilsiú Music was a huge part of my an e-iris seo mar uirlís chun teagmháil a choinneáil le daoine a upbringing. My mother was also Christmas and hope that the bhfuil suim nó baint acu le Dún na nGall, pé áit a bhfuil cónaí a music teacher and directs the season brings you the very best. orthu. Beidh fáilte roimh aiseolas maidir leis an e-iris agus le hábhar a mhian libh a bheith clúdaithe ann. choir in Derrybeg Chapel. I used

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

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

Teresita Trujillo, Cuban Ambassador to Ireland, who visited Donegal in late October, pictured with Mr Michael Bridges Built O’hEanaigh and Cllr Dessie Larkin, Donegal County Council. The already strong social, political and economic links between the U.S. and Ireland were made stronger still at the fourth annual Irish Echo Golden Bridges gathering in Boston in early Novemeber.

A large and enthusiastic gathering attended the event, held at the Marriott Copley Place Hotel. As has been the case in previous years there was a particular emphasis on ties between Massachusetts and the Northwest counties of Ireland.

The main guest speaker at the awards luncheon was Mayor of , Councilor Cora Harvey.

In addition to Mayor Harvey’s address, a central part of the awards ceremony was the honoring of six individuals and organizations for Pride of Place Awards their outstanding work and dedication to the cause of even closer ties Glenfinn Area Council and Letterkenny CDP have received national between the United States and Ireland. Recipients of these Golden recognition after being named as runners up in their categories Bridges awards were Sr. Lena Deevy of the Irish Immigration Centre, in Cooperation Ireland’s annual Pride of Place Competiton 2010. Mayor Ray Flynn, Henry McGarvey, CEO of Pramerica Ireland, Donegal, mobile solutions company TotalMobile, the Irish Partnerships Center at Glenfinn Area Council was lauded for its efforts in improving the quality UMass Lowell, and the Boston Bruins. of life for the residents on the Glenfinn community, including the building of a Day Care Centre, working with the rural transport initiative For further information contact: www.irishecho.com/boston to enable elderly people in remote areas to travel, a rural social scheme. The Isaac Butt Heritage Centre provides internet and secretarial services, tourist information and training courses.

There was further success for the County with Letterkenny CDP ‘START’ being named as a runner up in the Community response to addiciton themed Single Issue category.

Mayor Cora Harvey with the County Donegal Delegation and Donegal expats at the Golden Bridges gala luncheon. Included in the photo are: Paddy McDevitt, Fintown, Michael O’hEanaigh, Donegal County Council, John Cunningham, Carrick, Cllr Dessie Larkin, Donegal County Council, Mick Duffym Portsalon and Seamus Neely, Donegal County Council.

Glenfinn Area Council pictured with their award

Mayor Cora Harvey presents a Golden Mayor Cora Harvey presents a Golden Bridges award to Henry McGarvey, CEO Bridges Award to Chair of the House of Pramerica Ireland, Letterkenny, County Ways and Means Committee Rep Donegal at the gala luncheon in Boston. Charles Murphy. Letterkenny CDP pictured with their award

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch News / Nuacht 3 The Boyle Brothers Boston – Donegal Links Go to Harrisburg

Your men in Harrisburg, Brendan, left, and Kevin Boyle. A pair of Irish-American brothers married in his father’s hometown, from Olney are heading to Glencolmcille. Harrisburg—and the record books—as the only brothers ever to Brendan is exploring other ways his Donegal participants who took part in the Experimental Learning Project serve together in the state assembly Irish roots can benefit both Ireland since it was founded in 1682. and his Pennsylvania constituents. A group of eleven from County Donegal visited Boston in September to experience at firsthand how organisations there deliver services Voters in the 170th and 172nd “I’ve formed a relationship with to multi-ethnic populations. The project was funded by the PEACE III district decided they wanted Irish Ambassador Michael Collins Programme managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by Donegal the Boyle’s to represent them in and we’ve identified over 100 Irish County Council. The visit was organised by Sr. Lena Deevy of the Irish Harrisburg. Kevin Boyle, in his first companies who have operations Immigration Centre. election as a candidate, beat Rep. right here in Pennsylvania,” he John Perzel to join older brother, explains. “I’m working to strengthen The aim of the visit was to connect Donegal to international models of Brendan, who handily won his the bilateral relationship with the best practice and help participants develop policy making and service second term as state rep from the two countries. And although I’m a delivery in the County that supports greater community integration and 172nd. state official, I’ll do anything I can cohesion in Donegal’s increasingly multi-ethnic society. on immigration issues to help Irish The Boyles, the sons of Irish immigrants to go back home and Participants were able to see at firsthand how Boston communities have immigrants (father Francis is from come back without any trouble.” responded to the challenges of racism, poverty and exclusion and took Glencolmcille, Donegal, mother part in a series of round table discussions on policy and service delivery Eileen from Sligo) and union He points out that during the last with their Boston counterparts. The Donegal group also visited police workers. Kevin is engaged and legislative session, he was the prime departments and community hospitals and were received at the State will be travelling to Donegal with sponsor of a bill making March Irish House, Boston College and by the Irish Consul General in Boston. They his fiancé, Caitlyn Crotty, and the Heritage Month in Pennsylvania. also met Minister of State Micheal Finneran TD who was visiting Boston entire family in April 2011 to be at the same time.

Cllr Dessie Larkin, Donegal County Council, pictured in Glasgow making a presentation to the Very Rev. Henry Canon Allision who was made Honorary Group meeting Minister of State Michael Finneran TD and Sister Lena, IIC Canon of Motherwell Cathedral

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

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

Fr. McDyer – Sail West News Led by Donegal County Council, the 20 cross-border partners behind the a pioneering Sail West maritime project are making steady progress with regards to the implementation of their approved INTERREG IVA project. Moyle District Council has recently appointed the contractor for the new visitor services champion of building at Ballycastle Harbour. Coleraine Borough Council has appointed an engineering consultant to examine the potential of visitor berthing community facilities in Portrush Harbour. For its part, the Donegal County Council’s is working on the development of the joint marketing plan, and are appointing development consultants for the approved Bunagee Harbour scheme in Culdaff. This year the community of Gleann Cholm Cille and the people of County For further information, please contact Adrienne at Donegal commemorated the birth of James McDyer in Kilraine, Glenties [email protected] in 1910. Fr. James McDyer was one of Ireland’s most prominent social activists of the twentieth century. Women travel to Stormont

Fr. McDyer graduated from Maynooth College in 1937 and he spent the Women from Donegal and Derry/Londonderry recently debated the next ten years ministering in various parishes in SE England, most of it barriers prohibiting women from going into politics at a meeting with during the war years. He came to Oileán Thoraigh in 1947 and stayed MLAs in Stormont. The visit to Parliament Buildings was part of women’s there until November 1951 when he was moved to Gleann Cholm Cille. leadership training programmes, which are taking place in Inishowen He spent the rest of his life there as curate, parish priest and Canon until and Derry/Londonderry. The programmes are organised by Women his death in November 1987. Into Public Life, a project established to address the continuing under- representation of women in public life. The aim of the training is to build Visitors to Gleann Cholm Cille can visit The Folk Village, one of Fr. McDyer’s the capacity of women to take up leadership roles in their communities. best-known community projects and may also view his bronze bust, adjacent to St Columba’s Catholic Church, sculpted by the well-known The project is a partnership between three key women’s organisations Inis Eoghain artist Éamonn O’Doherty. in Donegal (Second Chance Education Project for Women), Derry/ Londonderry (Foyle Women’s Information Network) and Scotland (Engender), with Donegal County Council providing support as the lead Aiden McGeady completes partner. The project is funded under the EU’s INTERREG IVA Programme to Spartak Moscow and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (www.seupb.eu). The training is the first of a series, which will be run over the three-year The winger has signed a four-year- lifespan of the project and involves modules on a range of themes from deal at the Luzhniki Stadium in a gender equality, political systems and structures to leadership skills, move believed to be worth £9.5 campaigning and lobbying. million. For further information on the Women into Public Life project, please Valery Karpin, the Spartak manager, is contact 00353 74 91 72901. a long-term admirer of the McGeady. The recruitment of the exciting— and at times unpredictable— attacking midfielder will prove a major coup for the nine-time Russian champions.

McGeady, 24, made his Celtic debut in April 2004 when he scored in the 1-1 draw against Hearts at Tynecastle. He made 252 appearances for the club, scoring 37 goals.

He won three SPL league titles with the club, as well as two Scottish Training participants with Ms Mary Bradley, SDLP. Cups and two League Cups, including the 2008-09 League Cup when he scored in the 2-0 victory over Rangers at Hampden. He has also won 28 caps for the . McGeady’s paternal grandparents hail from the area of Glassagh in , Co. Donegal.

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch News / Nuacht 5 The 1930s Schools’ Collection in County Donegal As part of the implementation of the County Donegal Heritage Plan, the County Donegal Heritage Forum and the County Donegal Heritage Office, Cultural Services, Donegal County Council have commissioned a short, bi-lingual publication on the 1930s Schools’ Collection in County Donegal. Over a period of eighteen months, over 100,000 children in 5,000 primary schools in twenty-six counties were encouraged to collect folklore material in their home districts.

The collection provides a unique insight into folk life and folklore in County Donegal in the late 1930s. Dr. Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair, a native of Ardara and Eagarthóir Cúnta / Assistant Editor of the Foclóir Stairiúil na Nua-Ghaeilge / Historical Dictionary of Modern Irish with the Royal Irish Academy, will be researching and preparing the publication. If you know of, or have information on, anyone who was involved in the collection of material as a National School pupil in the 1930s, please contact the Extract from the 1930s Schools’ Manuscript Collection highlighting an example of County Donegal Heritage Office at [email protected] written Irish from the Glenties area. Boston Donegal GAA New England Senior Champions 2010

Boston Donegal Senior team ‘ - Welcome Home’ Hosted by Grammy award-winner Moya Brennan, Adam and so many others.” this insightful new documentary features exclusive interviews and performances by the Chieftains, A sequel to Music of Ireland - Welcome Home is planned for late 2010 Riverdance’s Michael Flatley, U2, pete seeger, Sinead spotlighting more recent artists including U2, Celtic Woman, The O’Connor, the late Liam clancy, and others! Cranberries, The Corrs, The Irish Tenors, and singer-songwriters like Glen “This has been an amazing journey so far,” commented Moya Brennan. Hansard and Damien Rice, as well as the rise of Irish music festivals and “Never in my 40 years of working in the Irish music community had I the use of Irish music in film and television. totally recognised the impact we have all had on the world generally, and in America specifically. And I must say, it has been a real treat to be For more information please contact Lisa Kearns, lkearns@ on the other side of the camera talking to Glen, Damien, Sinead, Bono, tourismireland.com

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil News / Nuacht 6 T with the Maggies T with the Maggies are Tríona & Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Mairéad Do you live, work or play on Lough Swilly? Ní Mhaonaigh & Moya Brennan Is the coast changing in your area? In May 2007, a remarkable gathering of traditional Irish musicians and Will you or your area be Affected if sea level singers came together at Vicar Street in to celebrate the life rises or Temperatures increase? and music of Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, who, with Skara Brae and The Bothy Donegal County Council and the University of Ulster are working in Band, had been a pioneering force partnership to develop management techniques for adapting to climate in Irish music. change in the coastal and marine environment. This is being facilitated through the IMCORE Project (Innovative Management of Europe’s Among the many artists and groups coming together that evening was Changing Coastal Resource). The pilot study area for this project is Lough an evocative performance by four of Ireland’s finest female singers. Tríona Swilly, County Donegal. and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill (Míchaél’s two sisters, concert organisers and co-members of Skara Brae and ) were joined by The main aim of the project is to increase the ability to respond to the Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan and Moya Brennan of Clannad. And so ecological, social and economic impacts of coastal change. To do this, we was born one of the most inspirational and heartening collaborations in need your input; if you are aware of any climate change related impacts traditional Irish music. regarding Lough Swilly please log on to www.imcore.eu/lough-swilly and submit your comments in the feedback section. Tríona, Maighread, Mairéad and Moya, T with the Maggies, all come from the same corner of County Donegal (with Irish as their first language) Further details on www.imcore.eu and all have illustrious career histories. Each individual brings a unique and varied interpretation of their musical heritage but the result is one of the finest ever amalgamations of Irish female voices. T with the Maggies released their debut album entitled ‘T with the Maggies’, in Ireland on the October 29th, 2010. For further information visit: http://www.twiththemaggies.com/ Pearse Doherty elected as TD for Donegal South West Sinn Féin senator Pearse Doherty has been elected in the Donegal South West constituency. The by-election was held on 25 November 2010 to fill the Dáil seat vacated by MEP Pat The Cope Gallagher. Flood risk – Ramelton, Co. Donegal He was elected after the fourth count without reaching the quota. The total valid poll was 34,424 and the quota is 17,213.

Mr Doherty got the highest number of first preference votes with 13,719 in the first count. Mr Doherty was elected to Seanad Éireann in July 2007 on the Agricultural Panel.

Left: Pearse Doherty pictured after being elected on the fourth count Portsalon – Lough Swilly

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch Donegal Business / Gnó Dhún na nGall 7 Air transport IT specialist continues to expand team in Donegal

For more than a decade, the of Software Development in world’s air transport industry Ireland, said: “SITA continues to has been quietly supported hire in Letterkenny and we are from the hills of Donegal. It all now looking for enthusiastic happens at the Letterkenny developers and testers at various office of SITA which is the world’s levels of experience. The work is leading specialist in air transport both challenging and interesting. communications and IT solutions. Letterkenny employees are part of trans-national teams working on SITA is one of world’s most the development and installation joining SITA is a great opportunity Australia, Bahrain, Canada, international companies with of specialist IT systems for the to move home to Donegal while Indonesia, Kuwait, New Zealand, services for more than 3,200 air transport industry across the working in a truly global industry,” United States of America customers in over 200 countries world.” added Maher. and others are managed in and territories; almost every airline Letterkenny and the newly and airport in the world does SITA designs and implements Projects being worked on in expanded team will be working business with SITA. mission-critical enterprise Letterkenny include advanced on the convergence of biometric applications that are used every e-commerce and online systems and biographic security solutions. SITA has been in Letterkenny for day in the global air transport for airlines including Air New many years; the office started out industry from airport operations Zealand, Air Seychelles, Malaysia SITA in Letterkenny is currently as a small venture nurtured by to passenger systems and Airlines, Mexicana Airlines, THAI, hiring software developers, Letterkenny IT back in 1999, as baggage management. United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. software tester, php developers Irish company Eland Technologies. The Irish team is developing the and technical field operators. The In 2003, Eland was acquired by “SITA has been around since 1949, latest version of SITA’s airport range of experience required for SITA and since then the team in the technology has changed management system, which runs these roles is from two to 10 years Letterkenny has grown steadily. dramatically since then but the air 24 of the world’s leading airports and experience in Java, Sruts, JSF, SITA’s operations have moved to transport industry remains one of including Boston, Los Angeles, Spring MVC,is required. larger premises and more than the most complex, exciting and Mumbai and Sheremetyevo. 115 people work there. challenging industries to work in. For more information and to For IT professionals living overseas, Border management solutions apply visit www.sita.aero/careers Maurice Maher, SITA’s Director or indeed in other parts of Ireland, used by the governments of

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal Business / Gnó Dhún na nGall 8

ideally suited to the Irish skill-set, experience, and in the case of Clean Technology, geography and climate. IDA Boston The corporate mandates of New England companies in Ireland have There have always been strong ties between Ireland and Boston. As evolved rapidly to include ever increasingly complex operations such President John F. Kennedy said in his famous speech in Galway on June as high tech manufacturing, headquarter activities, supply chain 29th 1963 “If the day was clear enough, and if you went down to the bay, management, shared services centres and increased investments in and you looked west, and your sight was good enough, you would see Research, Development and Innovation. Boston, Massachusetts. And if you did, you would see down working on the docks there some Dohertys and Flahertys and Ryans and cousins of The task of marketing Donegal and other locations in Ireland from the yours who have gone to Boston and made good”. Boston office is managed by IDA executives Conor McGauran and Paul Veale. The IDA Boston office works closely with Mr Joe McHugh, IDA Indeed IDA Ireland has built on these strong ties and the agency has a Regional Manager, Donegal. Both Conor and Paul are well aware of the long association with Boston and continues to build on the successful benefits that Donegal and the North West have to offer US companies, track record of New England companies that have chosen Ireland as a having worked with existing clients in the NW region before their location for business. In fact, Boston was one of the first offices opened by appointments to the US. Conor has met delegations from Donegal on a IDA Ireland in North America. number of occasions and briefed them on the work of IDA and listened to the representations being made for the need for new investment. In recent times, with an increased marketing effort being made by IDA Ireland to attract new investment, IDA Ireland has increased its presence For further information email: [email protected] in North America. Tánaiste Mary Coughlan officially opened IDA Ireland’s new Boston office in November 2008 and the formal opening was followed by meetings with business leaders from the New England area, where the benefits of setting up in Ireland were outlined and the Tánaiste had an opportunity first hand to market Donegal and the North West. Currently there are more than 40 New England companies with operations in Ireland. These include Covidien, EMC, State Street, Genzyme, Analog Devices, Xerox Corporation and BOSE to name but a few.

IDA Ireland focuses on securing investment from the key industry sectors of Life Sciences, Information and Communications Technology, Engineering, Professional Services, Digital Media, Consumer Brands, Financial and International Services. IDA is also focused on Clean Technology, Convergence and Services Innovation. These sectors are IDA Boston executive Mr Paul Veale. (Missing from photo is Mr Conor McGauran IDA Boston executive) New Innovation Centre for Gaoth Dobhair The Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta recently approved a funding package Innovation Centre will be located on the first floor of the Áislann where for the development of an Innovation Centre in Áislann Ghaoth Dobhair, a range of workspaces consisting of enterprise units, business incubation which is located on the Gaoth Dobhair Business Park in Co. Donegal. The units, reception area, administration office, meeting rooms and other necessary facilities which will be available for a range of clients. The development of ten small businesses and the creation of 45 jobs is expected in the Innovation Centre over a three year period. The concept for Áislann Ghaoth Dobhair evolved from a redevelopment plan for the old industrial estate, now Gaoth Dobhair Business Park, after a substantial drop in employment occurred on the industrial estate between 2000 and 2003. The plan identified the need for a mixed development approach comprising of youth, educational, enterprise, art and sports facilities in the area. At the moment there are 65 children attending the childcare centre and naíonra located on the ground floor and plans are in progress for the provision of a regional library and exhibition space on the ground floor also.

For further information contact Siubhán Nic Grianna at [email protected] or tel. 00353 91 503219

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

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

Business Support Agencies Calling For Information on Business Support Agencies in the northwest, please log on to www.irelandnorthwest.eu Enterprising Údarás na Gaeltachta, Cathal Mac Suibhne, www.udaras.ie

Enterprise Ireland, Meabh Conaghan, Donegal www.enterprise-ireland.com IDA Ireland, Joe McHugh, Entrepreneurs www.idaireland.com Donegal County Enterprise Board, Michael Tunney, home www.donegalenterprise.ie Donegal County Council, Garry Martin, If you are planning an export focused business, there has never been a better www.donegalcoco.ie time to start it in Donegal. Times may be tough for businesses focused on the Irish market, but the very factors that make it tough for them, stand to InterTradeIreland – Acumen, Willie H. Maxwell, benefit export businesses. Rents and professional fees have plummeted. http://www.intertradeireland.com/index.cfm/area/information/ Salaries and other costs have declined. Skilled staff are easier to find and page/Acumen Programme Landlords have become far more flexible.

Objective outsiders believe that Ireland has many advantages for start ups. The World Bank’s “Doing Business” report, for example, rates Ireland as the Job Opportunities easiest place in the EU to start a business and views its tax regime as better for business than any other country in Europe or the Americas. Entrepreneurs, who have returned to Donegal after working in management positions » www.lookwest.ie overseas, speak highly of the level of staff loyalty and commitment in Donegal. » www.publicjobs.ie

Enterprise Ireland provides comprehensive supports for companies who » www.jobsdonegal.ie are selling or planning to sell innovative products on international markets. Donegal County Enterprise Board will support smaller projects, i.e. under 10 jobs within 3 years. ‘We’d like to reach out to anyone from Donegal who » www.localgovernmentjobs.ie has been considering starting a business and would like to come home to formally establish operations. If you have a clear export focussed business » www.pramerica.ie plan, we would love to hear from you to see if Ireland and particularly Donegal, would be a good place for your business to lay its foundations » www.udaras.ie and internationalise.’ said Sally Young of Enterprise Overseas Entrepreneurs Department. » www.nijobs.com For further information contact: Sally Young at [email protected] » www.nicsrecruitment.gov.uk

» www.sita.aero

» www.donegalcoco.ie

» www.fujitsu.com/ie/

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

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

COMPANIES AT COLAB Northwest TV - local stories from anywhere in the world Brian McVeigh has over 21 year s producing television programmes for ITN, UTV, BBC, RTE, CH4, CNN, ZDF,S4C,

CoLab - A hub for ideas, innovation, technology and

TG4. As someone who understands how to tell a good story new opportunities visually, he has created Northwest TV – an online channel which features events and news from around the North CoLab is the innovation centre located on the LYIT campus West. Brian spent over a year researching the technology and is home to a number of technology companies who are for the site at CoLab and has no shortage of ideas. “User spearheading new products, opening up new sectors and who generated” content is becoming common place,” he says, could well be driving the next generation of industry in Ireland “ we want Northwest TV to be a combination of input from and beyond. This is innovation with everyday applications our audience as well as high quality productions reflecting, which is translating into jobs and setting new standards . events, culture, sport, business in the region. No matter The aim of CoLab is to provide a nurturing environment where people are they can always experience a little of the for technology-driven enterprises with the support and “live” Northwest. www.nwtv.ie services they need to grow and succeed. The mission is to turn “knowledge into enterprise,” and the centre is a hub for research, support, knowledge transfer and best practice. Citzenmode.com – revolutionising dialogue with CoLab is geared toward the technology, engineering and local government life science areas, and regardless of how new or mature the CitizenMode.com idea, it’s likely that the team there will be able help anyone (www.citizenmode. who is looking to take their concept one step closer to com) is a mobile based commercialisation. Opened last year, CoLab has modern office communication system, space, hot desking facilities, broadband, meeting rooms and designed with advanced outstanding presentation suites. Patsy Donaghey, Manager features, for public service CoLab explains, “ The networking aspect for technology authorities, councils, and companies is very important. There is a natural dynamic where municipalities. It enables information is exchanged and companies help each other. We outgoing, incoming, would encourage people thinking about returning to Donegal and two way mobile with a technology-driven idea to get in touch, contact Patsy communication channels Donaghey 074 9186703 or visit www.lyit.ie”

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch Education & Learning / Oideachas agus Foghlaim 11 to be created between public authorities and the general ground breaking product. This tool instantly collects public, as well as ones between internal departments. and formats content from multiple sources to create CitizenMode.com provides SMS, Smartphone and GPS magazines, newspapers and digests on-the-fly, ensuring reporting features for the general public to report, that each time a reader opens a publication, it is instantly request and receive updates on services. Developed by updated with the latest news without any additional effort. Sendmode, who has already established a successful mobile www.3DIssue.com marketing business www.sendmode.com, Citizenmode offers increased customer satisfaction through immediate connection with authorities and savings benefits for councils through cutting costs on mail/telephone charges.

Simplify Learning - Making study easier Claire Burge finds it hard to study. Whilst she was completing her Masters she came up with a tool which helps students

Courses in the Northwest share knowledge on line and which dramatically increases County Donegal provides many opportunities for people to upskill completion rates. Aptly named Simplify Learning the through a range of educational institutions. Within the North West software is now being tested at Letterkenny IT amongst region, numerous opportunities exist to undertake courses of study MBs Leadership students. The software uses social network at undergraduate, post-graduate, PhD and through a variety of means concepts in academic environments to help students to for example, full-time, part-time, evening courses, access courses and learn differently, through sharing knowledge and personal distance learning. experience. Claire moved to Donegal a year ago and had For further information on some of the educational institutions available already begun to develop her business concept and is now to the north west region, please visit the following websites: taking it to the next level at CoLab. www.simplifylearning.net » www.oideas-gael.com 3D Issue – turning the page to create » www.lyit.ie new technologies for digital publishing Paul McNulty, set up Trinity Innovations in 2007 and » www.ulster.ac.uk since then has created 4 innovative software products » www.sligoit.ie for the digital publishing sector under the 3D Issue brand. Already Trinity has over 2,000 customers in over 100 » www.nuigalway.ie countries, employs 10 people and is currently recruiting for » www.fas.ie another 2 positions. Never sitting still for long, Paul and his » www.qub.ac.uk team at Trinity are just on the verge of releasing another

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Social & Cultural / Sóisialta agus Cultúra 12

Carnival Ballyshannon 10th birthday celebrations

Bollywood comes to Art workshops and training in Ballyshannon was the theme advance of the Parade was offered of Carnival Ballyshannon to over 270 youth, aged 7yrs - 2010. This 10th Carnival 18yrs, from local and outreach Ballyshannon Birthday parade areas. Asylum Seekers Failte was an illuminated wonder and Project, Donegal Town, were a feast for the eye. This unique invited to Ballyshannon to perform to Donegal intercultural / Indian in carnival costume in the Parade. themed night-time Parade was LUXe artistic Company provided made possible by funding from large illuminate sculpture and Donegal County Council, Arts carnival costumes with large Council of Ireland, The Donegal inflatibles. Inishowen Carnival Bay & Bluestacks Festival, Group with their carnival props, with support funding from costumes and performers are Ballyshannon Town Council & VEC a yearly feature at the event. Community Education Funding.

Cultural Resources Forum The Cultural sector is operating under harsh economic conditions at present. This, however, has not impeded the activities or energy of the sector and the Cultural Resources Forum of the CDB in particular. The forum continues to initiate and spearhead a number of initiatives while fostering co-operation and cohesion within the Cultural sector. A number of initiatives were instigated by the forum in recent months. A sub-group is tackling the problem of funding for Cultural organisations. Another seeks to improve co-ordination within the sector. Links are also being created with the tourism sector to help maximise the potential of Cultural tourism.

All the groups are co-operating for Wainfest, the childrens festival. The forum has developed a monthly email newsletter. The forum also helped Derry in their bid for the UK City of Culture 2013. Now that the maiden city has being awarded the accolade, the forum is working closely with their counterparts in Derry to ensure Donegal will be a part of the festivities in 2013. Culture Night, a nationwide event showcasing culture, was held in both Letterkenny and the Donegal Gaeltacht this year, and this gave the cultural sector in Donegal an opportunity to showcase their talent.

For further information contact Micheal Mac Aoidh at m.macaoidh@ Micheál Mac Aodh, Micheál O Muircheartaigh and Traolach, at the launch of Oíche udaras.ie Chultúir in Dublin Castle in August

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch Social & Cultural / Sóisialta agus Cultúra 13

Donegal- An untapped Outdoor Donegal County Council’s Adventure Destination Social Inclusion Week 2010 Donegal is a yet to be discovered A very successful week of events took place from the 18th – 22nd of climbers Mecca according October. Over 50 events were held countywide in conjunction with the to Iain Miller, an experienced national events to mark 2010 European Year For Combatting Poverty And Climber and mountaineer Social Exclusion. based in West Donegal. Iain was recently shortlisted for the Social Inclusion Week aimed to promote and showcase the substantial Berghaus Adventure Challenge efforts, projects and initiatives in Donegal focusing on tackling poverty, for his project to climb every marginalisation and social exclusion including the work of Donegal unclimbed Sea Stack along the County Council and the socially inclusive work of other agencies in the Donegal Coast. Iain, who has public and community/voluntary sectors. been living in the Annagry area since 2005, is originally from The official launch celebrated the rich cultural diversity of Donegal with Orkney. Orkney is home to the Cllr. Cora Harvey, Mayor and Mr. Seamus Neely, County Manager jointly world renowned iconic sea launching the week. The keynote event of the week was a seminar stack the Old Man of Hoy and entitled ‘Making the Future Happen…. Addressing the Unemployment sea cliffs St. John’s Head which Challenge in Donegal’. Other events held included a Community Gardens attract thousands of climbers, Walk and Talk event, Schools Futsal Blitz, coffee morning, storytelling and mountaineers and adventure rhyme time events, ‘The Imaginary of the Stranger Conference’, movie Sea Stack – Tory tourists every year. night, photography exhibitions etc.

Donegal hosts the annual Climbfest every May bank holiday weekend- a climbing festival organised by the ColmCille Climbers, the North West climbing club which seeks to promote climbing in Donegal and other counties. Iain believes that Donegal is an untapped outdoor adventure destination which could potentially lead to the creation of job opportunities in the outdoor world. “Climbing and mountaineering are significant contributors to the economies of both Wales and Scotland. There is no reason why Donegal could not be developed as a specialist adventure destination given the quality of the mountains and rock in the area.

Iain will continue his quest to climb all of Donegal’s unclimbed Sea Stacks in 2011. To read about his exploits go to www.pete-smith.co.uk. For further information on mountaineering and climbing opportunities in Donegal see www.mountaintraining.ie

Enjoying the coffee morning

V Stack - Tory One of the workshops at the Unemployment Seminar

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Social & Cultural / Sóisialta agus Cultúra 14

Malin Head – An Irish Icon! Plantation of Ulster – Document Study Pack Following the success of its Flight of the Earls Document Study Pack in 2007, Donegal County Council Archives Service will launch its Plantation of Ulster, Document Study Pack in January 2011.

This pack, which is aimed primarily at second level schools, provides an Malin Tower introduction to the period and the major events surrounding the Plantation of Malin Head is one of the most recognisable brands in Ireland and is well- Ulster up to the arrival of Oliver Cromwell known around the world. Ireland’s most northerly point has played an in Ireland in 1649. It includes a background integral role in the history of Ireland, Europe and the world throughout to the official scheme for plantation, the divisions of land, the newcomers the ages. For over 200 years, Malin Head’s location has given it a vital to Ulster and also the subsequent rebellion in Ulster in 1641. role in communications. Even today, many people know it from the daily shipping forecasts. The famous Martello tower at Malin Head Documents in this pack include, letters, proclamations, maps and around 1805, was built by the British to guard against an invasion by the illustrations, provided by leading archives and libraries in Ireland and the Napoleonic forces. UK, including Trinity College Dublin and Lambeth Palace Library, London. Later, the insurance company Lloyd’s of London used the tower to The pack will be distributed to school in Counties Donegal and Derry in contact ships offshore. At first, they used telescopes and semaphores. the New Year but also to libraries and cultural institutions throughout In 1902, Lloyd’s hired the Marconi Wireless Company to set up a station Ireland. in the tower. For more information contact: [email protected] The military again used this lookout tower during both world wars. The concrete bunkers and huts date from WWII. Donegal County Board G.A.A. Archives

Today, Malin Head has become a tourist hotspot, with hundreds of In 2007, the Archive Service, Donegal thousands of visitors coming to get their picture taken at ‘Ireland’s most County Council, received a donation northerly point’, experience the wonderful culture and heritage of the of archival material from the Donegal area, and study the unique geology of this beautiful part of County County Board of the GAA. Donegal. There are endless coastal walks and paths at Malin Head, with walking and hiking enthusiasts flocking to enjoy the great outdoors. This wonderful collection consists of the remaining archival material of the The waters off Malin Head are also home to Whales, Dolphins, Seals and organisation dating from the 1920s. Basking Sharks all year round. A coastal cruise around the Inishowen Peninsula offers picture postcard views of both the land and the marine Included in the assortment of life. documents are minutes, letters, accounts and documents relating to And if all of this wasn’t enough, Malin Head consistently gets more the administration of the organisation in the County, but also an exciting sunlight that any other part of Ireland every year! array of colourful programmes, tickets, posters, flyers and yearbooks.

With help from the Heritage Council, this collection has now been catalogued and selected items will be available for public research in the Archives Service in the New Year.

To celebrate the accession of this significant and interesting collection the Archive Service is producing a booklet containing the catalogue of accessioned material and a short introductory history of the GAA in Donegal. This booklet will be launched early in 2011.

Minke Whale off Malin Head For more information contact: [email protected]

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Social & Cultural / Sóisialta agus Cultúra 15

‘One Donegal’ Cultural Diversity Month was officially launched by Councillor Dessie Larkin, Chairperson of the Donegal CDB Peace and Reconciliation Partnership, on Monday 1st November. Councillor Larkin explained that The F Word Exhibition - A small section of the the Forgiveness Project Exhibition which “The events are being organised through toured the Public Service Centres as part of the One Donegal Cultural Diversity Month. Donegal County Council on behalf of the County Development Board Peace and Reconciliation Partnership. This partnership is funded by PEACE III and its aim is to convey a clear and coherent message from the Partnership promoting equality and embracing diversity in Donegal.

The month aimed to challenge racism and sectarianism and promote cultural diversity, peace-building and cross-border work. Events included launches, showcases, workshops, conferences, performances, talks, training, exhibitions, open days and seminars and used sport, music, dress, dance, film, food, religion, history, drama, photography, arts, crafts, Diwali - Festival of Light Celebrations - At the Regional Cultural Centre as part of One storytelling and radio to name a few methodologies to bring the issues Donegal Cultural Diversity Month was hosted by the Indian Community Centre to light. All events were free and anyone wishing to attend any of the events was made more than welcome by those organising the activities.

For further information, please contact Ms Sarah Lapseley slapsley@ donegalcoco.ie

This project has been supported by the PEACE III Programme, managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by Donegal County Council

Mobile - A play by Travellers Wagon Wheel visited both Letterkenny and Buncrana as part of the One Donegal Cultural Diversity Month. Social Exclusion and Poverty in 19th Century Donegal: An Archives Exhibition

In October, the Archives Service produced 1861 by the infamous John Adair. an exhibition at the Three Rivers Centre in Lifford for Social Inclusion week, focusing Evictions and homelessness frequently led on the themes of 19th century poverty people to desperate measures. On display and social exclusion in County Donegal. is an official notice to quit issued by Richard The exhibition will run till mid January. The and Jane Doherty in the 1860s, giving exhibition looks at various aspects of life for Inishowen tenants notice of eviction from the socially excluded during the 19th century. their homes.

Included in the exhibition are original and Efforts were made to educate poorer facsimile archives from the County Archives children but attendance at school was collection which reflect the experiences of erratic Included in the exhibition are often desperate, starving, cold and hungry photographs of school children and a people only a century and a half ago. A district inspector’s report book. Letterkenny workhouse minute book refers to the admission of people to the workhouse For more information please contact who had been evicted in Derryveagh in [email protected] Notice to quit Moville

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal Donegal Community Links / - community in touch Nascanna Pobail Dhun na nGall 16

Mairéad Ní Mhaoinigh launches this year’s “Donegal Annual” Donegal Person of the year, Mairéad The Donegal Historical Society works Ní Mhaoinigh, launched this year’s in conjunction with local historical “Donegal Annual”, the Journal of the and heritage groups throughout the County Donegal Historical Society, in county, something that can only be of Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey in mutual benefit to us all. The invitation November. is always there to any newly formed group to contact us. Our aims and This edition contains 20 main articles objectives are similar; our Constitution and a wealth of other material, sums it up as follows, “the study including book reviews, books about and preservation of the historical Donegal published in 2010, and a antiquities of County Donegal.” detailed account of the proceedings For future information visit: of the Society. www.donegalhistory.com/

McGinley Clan in print London Donegal Association Dance 2011

One of Donegal’s lesser known clans, the McGinleys, finally stood up on Hugh Harkin, (Chairperson Cumann Thír Chonaill, B.Á.C), Tony Mc the big stage with the release of the first volume of what promises to be Fadden(Chairperson London Donegal Association), Tony Dunlevy (President of an on-going series into the history of this clan. The book entitled ‘The Cumann Thír Chonaill, B.Á.C) McGinley Clan, Volume One: Warriors and Holy Men’ by Donegal author Proinsias Mag Fhionnghaile covers the early period of the McGinleys up Another successful Gala Dinner Dance organised by the London Donegal to the year 1699. Association. Congratulations to the Chairperson, Tony Mc Fadden (Falcarragh) and the secretary, Clodagh van den Hout (Creeslough) who The book is well researched and has a full reference list at the back of surpassed themselves once again! This year the event was held in the sources used. The origins of the clan in the late 1200s and early 1300s are Crown Moran Hotel, Cricklewood, London on the 13th November. MC for explained and this is the first time such information has been put into print. the night was Noel Cunningham.

The book explores the links between the McGinley clan and the The Guest of honour was Michael Daly, editor in chief of the Democrat powerful Sweeneys in great detail. This book represents a great addition Newspaper Group. Tony Mc Fadden thanked everyone for coming to local Donegal family studies as well as of Donegal history in general. especially Cumann Thír Chonaill, Baile Átha Cliath, who were very well represented, led by President Tony Dunlevy and Chairperson, Hugh Harkin. The book is only available from the official McGinley clan websitewww. Brendan Vaughan (Carrigart) launched his special calendar for Donegal mcginleyclan.org Hospice on the night.

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal Donegal Community Links / - community in touch Nascanna Pobail Dhun na nGall 17 A great start for Irish Network Boston Michael Collins, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States and Congressman Bill Delahunt joined a lively crowd of the Boston Irish for the successful launch of Irish Network Boston on the 4th November.

A large and enthusiastic group turned out a Faneuil Hall to celebrate the establishment of the new network. A great cross-section of Irish people and Irish-Americans attended, with all of the Irish organisations in the city and many prominent companies with Irish connections represented.

Dave Greaney, Chairman of the Network outlined the philosophy of the new group – simply put to connect people in Boston with each other and with Ireland. Irish Consul General Michael Lonergan noted that Irish Network Boston is already the largest of the nationwide Irish networks – justifying Boston’s longstanding claim to be the capital of Irish America. With over 320 members now signed up the initial response to this initiative has far exceeded expectations.

For further information visit: www.irishnetworkboston.org 2010 Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame honours Vincent Gallagher and Rev. Msgr. Vincent Gallagher pictured with his award and his wife Vera Joseph McLoone Vincent Gallagher, the founder of the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame, was honoured at the 10th Anniversary of this great organisation. Vincent hails from Ardara, County Donegal. Vincent was honoured for his contribution to the Irish community by way of his never-ending effort to help the Irish culture, tradition and music.

Rev. Msgr. Joseph McLoone has played an active part of the Philadelphia Irish Community for many years, as Chaplain of the Donegal Association, Caregiver to the Irish Immigrant, Friend to all the Societies and Chaplain for 10 years to the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame. His parents hail from Ardara and Glenties. Bridget McLoone, Ardara, pictured Rev. Msgr. Joseph McLoone who was enjoying the celebration honouring her honoured by the Delaware Valley Irish Hall For further information visit: www.irishphiladelphia.com son Rev. Msgr. Joseph McLoone of Fame

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall Donegal Community Links / - pobail i d’teagmháil Nascanna Pobail Dhun na nGall 18 Philadelphia Donegal Association Celebrates Success in 2010 The Donegal Association of attended the Association’s Philadelphia had a few exciting 122nd Annual Ball held on the weeks to wrap up 2010. 27th November at the Irish The Philadelphia Donegal Center in Mt. Airy. Association is an Irish American cultural organization found One of the many highlights of in Philadelphia in 1888 with the night were interviews of roots tracing back to County the nine 2011 Philadelphia Mary Donegal. The association, which from Dungloe hopefuls. Each is comprised of more than one of these young ladies aspired 200 members who are either to represent Philadelphia at next natives of Donegal or have year’s International festival in an affinity to the county, hold Dungloe. The crowd applauded events throughout the year, when 27 year-old Stephanie but November is usually the Lennon was announced as the busiest of all with their Annual 2011 Philadelphia Mary, and Memorial Mass, Communion throughout Vincent Gallagher’s Breakfast, Annual Ball, and Mary serenade of the traditional song, from Dungloe contest. “Mary from Dungloe.” Stephanie will represent Philadelphia in Approximately 500 people Dungloe in July 2011. Barney Boyce enjoys a dance with his daughter Karen representing many age groups

President of the Donegal Association of Philadelphia Mary Crossan and husband Jim

Philadelphia Mary from Dungloe hopefuls

For further information on this e-zine or on the Donegal Diaspora Project, please contact:

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

Roisin McBride Email: [email protected] Crowned Philadelphia Mary from Dungloe 2011, Stephanie Lennon is serenaded by Tel: +353 (0) 74 9172562 Vincent Gallagher

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

Donegal County Council