Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil - community in touch Issue 14 November 2011 / Eagrán 14 Samhain 2011

News 2 Welcome - Fáilte Donegal Business 7 Education and Learning Message From Mayor 10 Social and Cultural 12 Hello everyone, Donegal Community Links 15 I hope this edition of Donegal Community in Touch e-zine finds you well. We at home in Donegal are still flying the flag and wearing the jersey. Our senior footballers did us proud by winning the Championship and were only piped at the second last hurdle by the Dubs. You will probably find many more teams adopting Donegal’s style of play next time around (no matter what the press or says) To Jim McGuinness and all involved we say a big thank you and well done. At county level, we had a battle royal in the club championship between Glenswilly and St. Michaels, and we wish Glenswilly all the best in the Ulster Championship.

Donegal, hopefully, will be represented at the 2012 Olympics in London by Brendan Boyce from Cratlagh just outside Milford. Brendan has achieved the Qualifying A time for the 50 km. walk and we wish him well in his build up.

If any of you have ever been involved in athletics, I am sure you heard of Cranford Athletic Club. Would you believe they are celebrating fifty years in existence this year? Yes the big 50 and one of their founding members Eamon Giles is still at the helm. Some achievement! Cranford Athletic Club celebrates their golden jubilee with a gala dinner in the Milford Inn Hotel on the 28thOctober. We celebrated Volunteer week at the beginning of October and many people give up their time on a voluntary basis for clubs and associations but for someone to give fifty years, it must be a record. If you can think of anyone who has given more years please let me know by email at [email protected] Canadian Ambassador to the Honourable Loyola Heran So far this year we had a good number of visitors to our County and indeed many of you pictured with Mayor Noel McBride would have travelled home for the holiday period. Just this week I was in Churchill and had the pleasure of meeting three tour busses with Scottish visitors touring Donegal for the week. We need more of this. Can you help?

Just a few weeks ago I met with The Canadian Ambassador to Ireland the Honourable Loyola Heran who has a huge interest in Donegal and has been to Donegal three times during his first eight months in office. Ambassador Heran wishes to create greater links with Donegal through tourism and business links. Lets all play our part to make that happen. He also informed me that his wife is a huge fan of one of Donegal’s great ambassador’s Daniel O Donnell. Why not stage a Daniel O concert in Donegal and invite the Ambassador and his wife as our guests?

I was also delighted to host a reception to welcome the American Irish Legislators Society in New York to Donegal on the 16th October 2011. I look forward to strengthening these links in the future.

So don’t forget ‘The Homes of Donegal,’ and the ’kettles always on the boil’!

Slán agus beannacht, Mayor Noel McBride presenting the American Irish Legislators Cllr. Noel Mc Bride Society President Michael Cusick with the Flight of the Earls An Meara Chontae Dhún na nGall publication

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

Liam Shiels lines up for Australia in Chamber Update the International Rule Series 2011 Letterkenny Chamber is the only Chamber in Donegal affiliated to Chambers thanks to his Donegal dad! Ireland that remains Ireland’s largest business network. The last number of months have been busy with Letterkenny Chamber being involved in many Hawthorn midfielder Liam Shiels events. With over 220 members in a wide range of sectors Letterkenny says his father’s Irish heritage Chamber acts as a strong lobby group for businesses in the greater influenced his decision to play Letterkenny area. At a recent lunch with Minister for Small Business, John the International Rules Series Perry TD we highlighted the issues that members have brought to us such as and represent his native Australia the cost of doing business, commercial rates, and access to finance and are against Ireland. Shiels’ father assured that these issues and others will be discussed at the highest levels. Michael was born in Fanad and left Donegal at the age of 21 to work in In July the Chamber also successfully won funding to set up Donegal Australia. The family still visit Ireland Digital Skillnet, to deliver training to small businesses across Donegal on holidays and Michael is a keen in the field of Digital Marketing. Digital marketing is opening up follower of the county team via the new markets and new advertising channels so that now even internet. Shiels will come up against a local business can reach out to customers across the world. three Donegal players during the For further information visit: www.letterkennychamber.com series – , Michael Murphy and Neil McGee. Good luck to all four players! Europe Direct Christmas Tree Decoration Exchange 2011

Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD pictured during his visit to Letterkenny Chamber Brand New, state of the art Gaoth Dobhair Library opened Monday the 3rd of October The new 501sq metre Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoth European Xmas decoration display in Bundoran Library Dobhair, holds over 20,000 items and features Donegal In the run up to Christmas 2011, some lucky students in Donegal will be busy County Library’s first ever- making Christmas decorations and information packs to send to other pupils dedicated teenage area. It across Europe. This is organised through the Europe Direct Information is equipped with the latest Centre in Central Library and is co-ordinated through the Europe Direct technology including; 7 public Centre in Llangollen, Wales. access computers, WIFI, 3 This year pupils from 2 schools, St Bernadette’s, Letterkenny and Scoil listening stations, a self issue Phádraig Dobhair, Bunbeg will participate. We will celebrate their hard work unit and computer booking system. The children’s library is modern, bright in December by hosting Christmas themed events in Central Library and and exciting and the library includes two public meeting rooms and study Leabharlann Gaoth Dobhair. areas. Library users can relax, read a newspaper, listen to music or learn a new The exchange encourages primary schools to work together across the EU language. The Library boasts a large collection of material to in making Christmas tree decorations representative of their country or meet the needs of the Irish speaking community it serves. Other special region, During advent, the children receive Christmas packages from partner services include reading assistant software package, Kurzweil, accessibility schools in many different countries creating a ‘European Christmas Tree’ in equipment for the visually impaired and access to an Ebook reader. For the library. further information visit www.donegallibrary.ie

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Donegal County Council Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Donegal - community in touch News / Nuacht 3 Derry Donegal focus at Milwaukee Irish Fest There is evidence of recovery from the US Market and Failte Ireland worked closely with Tourism Ireland in the states to explore opportunities to promote the North West on a cross border basis. The Milwaukee Irish fest was recommended as the biggest showcase for The European Surfing Championships – Eurosurf 2011 – took place in Ireland in the US. Bundoran between 23rd Sept and 2nd Oct last. 13 teams from all over Europe The Milwaukee Irish Fest, is North America’s largest, four-day and including Morocco got superb waves and good weather for most of the celebration of Irish music and culture and it took place on the 10 days and managed to enjoy some of the night-time entertainment of beautiful shores of Lake Michigan August 18 – 21st. The event has the Eurosurf Bundoran 2011 Party with The Undertones, Kíla and Royseven an attendance of over 150,000 annually and this year Donegal and forming just some of the lineup. Derry successfully secured the showcase promotion. Eurosurf 2011 was won outright by Portugal with the Irish team coming There was over 60 participants from Donegal including Tourism trade, a respectable 6th place. Team Ireland member Ashleigh Smith from Sligo LYIT, Musicians, Artists and performers. Donegal artists included Altan, become the first Irish surfer to go straight through on the primary rounds of Kintra, Liz Doherty, the Henry Girls and singer Moya Brennan, all which the competition and received a Silver Medal in the women’s bodyboarding are rooted in the traditions of Donegal. Plus special performances by individual rankings. Ceili band legend, Kathleen Fitzgerald and her four daughters, the Over 2000 spectators watched the opening Parade of Nations and Ceremony Screaming Orphans’. Festival goers were invited to explore the Derry of the Sands on Sat. 24th and thousands lined the cliffs at Rougey for the final and Donegal region as it exists today through interactive exhibits days of the competition. spread throughout the expansive 75-acre festival grounds. For further information visit www.eurosurfbundoran.com Milwaukee Irish Fest provided Donegal and Derry with a unique opportunity to promote our culture, sell our region and encourage visitors, trade and investment. For further information contact [email protected]

Opening Ceremony

Some of the Donegal participants who attended the Donegal Milwaukee Irish Fest event

Back row standing L-R: Ruth Andrews, Tourism Marketing; John Carr, Donegal Association; Edel MacBride, Edel Mac Bride Knitwear; Tristan Donaghy, Studio Donegal; Pauline Sweeney, Donegal Airport; Donal Sweeney, Rathlin Knitwear; Siubhan Nic Grianna, Udaras na Gaeltachta; Kathleen Gill, Inishowen Tourism, Michael Naughton, Clanree Hotel;

Front row sitting L-R: Joan Crawford, Fáilte Ireland North West; Deirdre McGlone, Harvey’s Point Hotel; Paul McLoone, Fáilte Ireland North West; Hugh Harkin, Donegal Association; Maire Aine Gardiner, Fáilte Ireland North West Surfer in action at Eurosurf 2011. Photo by Connor Conlon

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

Entrepreneur Moya Doherty Golden Bridges delivers rhythmic and Donegal and Derry will showcase as hubs of creativity and culture at the annual Golden Bridges events in Boston, hosted by the Irish Echo inspiring speech at “Is féidir newspaper, in Boston on 10-11 November. Among the high-profile American participants will be Senator linn – Celebrating Female Therese Murray, President of the Massachusetts Senate, House of Representatives Majority Whip Charles Murphy and award-winning Entrepreneurship” Conference entrepreneur Frank Reynolds. Moya Doherty, the award winning Director of Tyrone Productions Among those pitching for Donegal and Derry will be and Producer of Riverdance, delivered a rhythmic, inspiring and Mayor Cllr Noel McBride, Derry hotelier Garvan O’Doherty and Barry motivational speech at this Conference hosted by Donegal County Henderson of Clinical Translational Research and Innovation Centre Enterprise Board on Tuesday 11th October in An Grianan Hotel, (C-TRIC) at Altnagelvin. Burt. Whilst referring initially to the highlights of the recent Global The events will build on the success of the Gateways to Tomorrow Economic Forum and the launch of www.worldirish.com by her conference in Boston in 2009 which spotlighted Northwest Ireland partner John McColgan, Moya went on to share her personal and to a new generation of Irish American leaders in the Boston area. emotional journey to producing Riverdance and beyond. Moya This year’s events will kick off with a Showcase Seminar at the encouraged the audience to enjoy the journey of life and business, prestigious Seaport Hotel on Thursday 10 November which is being not to be afraid of failure and to live in the now. backed by the two leading Irish American business associations Also speaking at the event was the co-founder of Clevamama, in Massachusetts, the Boston Irish Business Association and the Suzanne Browne, who designs Award-winning childcare products. Irish American Partnership. On 11 November, visitors from Ireland Michael Tunney closed the conference by encouraging the will be guests of honour at business breakfast at the University of audience, either individually or collectively, to drive the area of female Massachusetts Lowell before returning to Boston for the annual entrepreneurship forward in Donegal. Golden Bridges awards luncheon. The conference was organised as part of the Donegal County For more details about the events, go to Enterprise Board’s Enhancing Women’s Entrepreneurship (EWE) www.irishecho.com/boston programme which aims to support the development of new and existing female entrepreneurs in Donegal. The programme will also Canadian Ambassador to run management development training, a mentoring programme, business mentoring clinics and workshops for women in business Ireland visits Donegal in Donegal. To find out more please email [email protected] or The Honourable Loyola Hearn, visit www.donegalenterprise.ie Canadian Ambassador to Ireland visited Donegal County Council on Wednesday, 21st September, 2011. During his visit with President McAleese to Áras an Uachtaráin on 12 JANUARY 2011, the Ambassador commented on the good relations between Cllr Noel McBride welcomes The Canada and Ireland and Honourable Loyola Hearn, Canadian asked. “Why shouldn’t they be Ambassador to Ireland to County Donegal good? Four million Canadians can brag about their Irish ancestry. Fifty percent of the residents of my own Province, Newfoundland/ Labrador, have Irish roots and in my own area, almost 100% of the people have Irish ancestry. My own forefathers came from Carrick on Suir and Kilkenny. I was taught in my formative years by Irish Presentation Sisters and rocked asleep to ‘’Shall my Soul Pass Through Geraldine Burke, Letterkenny Community Childcare, Moya Doherty, Tyrone Old Ireland’. So for me, it’s almost like coming home and I pledge to Productions & Riverdance, Ursula Donnelly Asst. CEO , Donegal CEB, Lorraine Carey, LC Clothing, Buncrana, Karen Kerrigan, National Hairdressing Academy, do all I can to build on these already established good relations.” Bundoran and Ms Agnes Mc Ginley, Donegal CEB.

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

Donegal set to reap benefits of City of Culture Celebrations As the countdown to Derry’s City of Culture year line of the transatlantic leg of the Clipper Round- of 2013 continues, the benefits that Donegal will the-World Yacht Race will be strewn across the Foyle accrue from having the biggest cultural festival in from Greencastle to Magilligan.” she said. these Islands on its doorstep are becoming evident. “Our Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney, will be Chief Executive of the Culture Company, Shona leading on a keynote literary project, while our McCarthy has no doubts about the positive impact sons and daughters from the music world – from that City of Culture will have on Donegal: Phil Coulter to Nadine Coyle to the Undertones - “Donegal will be a key staging area for major cultural will be gathering for a landmark opening concert. events during 2013 and the run-up. The benefits will Plans are in place to host the Turner Prize in Art, be felt even before we reach our year of celebration. the Stirling Prize in Architecture and the All-Ireland Fleadh, the Womad festival – and a huge festival Throughout 2012 Inishowen and the wider River Dance creator Moya Doherty pictured with based on the life of Colmcille along the river. county will enjoy an influx of visitors. Hundreds of City of Culture staff members Jennifer Neff, Grainne For further information email international musicians, congregate here for the Devine and Shauna McNeilly in October North Atlantic Fiddle Convention while the finishing [email protected]

EUROPEAN PROJECTS EUROPEAN PROJECTS EUROPEAN PROJECTS EUROPEAN PROJECTS Women into Public Life Fresh Water Pearl Mussel Project The Freshwater Pearl Mussel Project funded by the ERDF, under the INTERREG ‘No half measures – strategies to shift the gender balance in IVA being promoted by Donegal County Council as lead partner, continues to politics’ was the theme of a seminar held in Letterkenny on make strides since its launch earlier this year. The initial monitoring required 30th September by the Women into Public Life project. The before catchment plans can be prepared is now complete. The project team project is funded under the EU’s INTERREG IVA Programme and have assessed the fish stocks, plant and invertebrate life in the pearl mussel managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (www.seupb.eu). rivers. Catchment walkovers have helped to identify and map the pressures At the event, speakers from Scotland, and the Republic at work and where measures may be required to assist mussel conservation. of Ireland presented current pictures of women’s political representation Specific sites where the effectiveness of measures can be tested in field trials and highlighted what needs to change. Dr. Fiona MacKay, University will be selected soon. of Edinburgh explained how quotas have worked in different countries and all speakers emphasised the need for a change in how A Project Newsletter is being prepared and will be distributed shortly. Along politics works, as well as a range of necessary supports for women. with a new dedicated website it will help to keep all stakeholders informed ‘Going Public’ training programmes have started in Killybegs and Derry/ of progress. The newsletter and website will also give details of events that Londonderry and will run until the end of will be organized in the chosen catchments to meet with the public and November. provide an opportunity for people to offer their views and suggestions. Further information is available from the project coordinator, Dr Tony McNally email: [email protected]

Urban & Village Renewal Project – Lifford / Strabane Grant aid of €995,000 has been awarded by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) under the Public Sector Collaboration Theme of the European Regional Development Fund INTERREG IVA Programme to the Urban & Village Renewal project. The official launch of the project took place in Lifford on 20th June, 2011. The Design Team are currently preparing detailed designs of the works proposed for Lifford and Strabane. An Artist has been selected to create an Standing L-R: Maria Ferguson (Donegal County Council), Lesley Macaulay (UUP, East Londonderry), Catherine Cooke (FWIN), Dr. Fiona Mackay (University art feature for Strabane Library. Works are proposed to commence on this of Edinburgh), Joe McHugh TD (Donegal North East) and Mary Crossan (SCEPW) project during 2nd quarter 2012. Sitting L-R: Cllr. Patricia Logue (Derry City Council), Mayor Noel McBride For further information contact Ida Fisher on (Donegal County Council) and Senator Susan O’Keeffe (Sligo) [email protected]

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

EUROPEAN PROJECTS EUROPEAN PROJECTS EUROPEAN PROJECTS EUROPEAN PROJECTS Donegal County Council to adopt Best Scottish launch of MalinWaters Practice of monitoring energy usage The Scottish launch of the MalinWaters marine tourism brand recently As part of the CO2FREE project, Donegal County Council’s staff took place in Campbeltown Harbour, Argyll & Bute region. The brand was members visited Derry City Council to learn first hand about their energy launched by Provost William Petrie, aboard the Wylde Swan - the world’s monitoring policy and how it has benefited the City Council. “Since we largest two-mast topsail schooner which provided a spectacular backdrop started monitoring, recording data and acting on that information, we to the brand launch. have made cumulative energy savings in the region of £1million in our Through the overall Sail West programme, Scottish sailing will benefit public buildings,” Leo Strawbridge, Energy Manager, Derry City Council. from more than £2 million of European funding, with the overall aims of

the project being to promote sailing and to improve the marine tourism In conjunction with the Facilities Management & Building Control section, infrastructure for western Scotland, Counties Donegal and Sligo, and north the Information Systems department of Donegal County Council will work coast of Northern Ireland. to adopt the Best Practice from Derry City and implement the goals of the CO2FREE project: Fostering Efficiencies and reductions in CO2. MalinWaters is funded through INTERREG IVA Cross-Border Programme managed by the Special European Unions Programmes Body with co- Find out more about all the funding provided by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment CO2FREE “Good Practices” here.. (DETI) in N. Ireland & the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport (DTTS) in Link to the project’s Newsletter here Ireland as the co-funders to the project. Provost William Petrie stated that “Malinwaters will allow us to sow the seed River Links Project to attract tourists to our marine activities which are centred on some of The River Links project has been awarded €2.1m under Priority 2: Theme 1 the worlds best sailing waters interspersed with islands, sea lochs, coastal (Rural Development) of the INTERREG IVA Cross-border Programme. The villages and resorts boasting the highest concentration of blue flag beaches Project outlines a programme of activity to support rural sustainability, in Europe”. address infrastructural deficits and develop collaborative approaches to For further information email: [email protected] common challenges facing the region. The target areas of the initiative stretch along the Rivers Finn, Foyle and Deele and the Donegal – Tyrone border. The Project partners are Donegal County Council, BASICC Ltd (Ballybofey & Stranorlar Integrated Community Company) and Strabane District Council. Specific outputs of the Project includes the following:

• Compl etion of phase two of the community Enterprise Centre in Stranorlar

• Clady Doneyloop Walkway and Bridge Improvement

• The Foyle Wetlands Project

• Foyle & Finn Rural Network

For further information please contact: [email protected] Enjoying the MalinWaters launch in Campbeltown SPACEial North West Project - Embedding Learning in the Region The Spatial Planning and the 14th & 15th September, 2011. skills to interpret and analyse and data to influence our Collaborative Exchange of A key element of this project is various Satellite Imagery Scenes collective decision making for the Information and Learning in to embed learning among key taken in the North West Region. enhancement of the entire region. the North West Region Project ( decision makers in the region into This training will allow the team or SPACEial North West), which how we use data and technologies to understand changes in growth For further information received €518,036 under the Public to assist with decisions when in key urban areas in 2003, 2005 contact Marie Kerr on Sector Collaboration Theme of the planning services. The purpose of and 2010. While other elements of [email protected] European Regional Development this course was to equip the project the project set out to understand Fund, INTERREG IVA Programme, team and members of its Steering factors driving these changes and organised a two day training on Committee with the necessary how we can use this information

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Enterprise Ireland in association with CoLab at Letterkenny Institute of Technology provides Support for Entrepreneurs and New Business

Fourteen enthusiastic entrepreneurs attended 3 workshops as part of the EnterpriseSTART Programme provided by Enterprise Ireland and Co Lab to help them explore their ideas further. The focus of the workshops is on helping potential entrepreneurs examine all aspects of what is involved in setting up a business and helping them determine if entrepreneurship is the right course for them. The workshops were run throughout October 2011 and covered a myriad of subjects including “Mind Matters” - how entrepreneurs think, their preference for Strategic, Operational, Logical and Intuitive thinking. The group discussed how to draw on thinking preferences to solve problems and make decisions as leaders in business. Left to right: Collaborating to support entrepreneurship at the Enterprise Ireland EnterpriseSTART Workshop are Patsy Donaghey Co Lab manager, Diane Roberts, Xcel Partners, Marian Roberts and Meabh Conaghan, Enterprise Ireland and Simon Enterprise Ireland’s core focus Johnston, Epicentre LYIT. is to drive export growth and Méabh Conaghan, Enterprise is fundamental to achieving starting high growth export- to secure increased national Ireland Regional Executive regional economic growth. For oriented businesses. and regional prosperity. in the North West region, Enterprise Ireland, growing the Outlining how developing said: “The potential for new number of High Potential Start the entrepreneurial culture businesses continues to Up companies is a priority and For further information call regionally and driving the be strong and starting and we are proactively supporting Tel: 074 91 69800 or email growth of export focused growing successful enterprises entrepreneurs interested in meabh.conaghan@enterprise- innovation based start ups, ireland.com Centralised Alternative Energy Centre for Letterkenny IDA Ireland intends to enable Centralised Parks. It is proposed that this project will http://www.cer.ie/GetAttachment. Alternative Energy Centres (CAEC) include the provision of a district heating aspx?id=eda74811-2364-4ec4-865e- throughout its property portfolio. The network to serve the IDA land holding, 7c3d84023114 objective of the project is to promote existing and future IDA/EI clients and parties development and use of renewable outside the boundary of the Business Park. It is envisaged that the project will energy within IDA Business Parks. commence in Q1 2012 with the It is IDA’s expectation that the CAEC to appointment of a suitable candidate. A CAEC may be defined as a renewable be developed on the site will meet the energy generator capable of supporting requirements of “public interest criteria” For details contact a district heating network serving at a defined in the CER Decision Paper [email protected] minimum small to medium scale Business (CER/09/09)

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Welcoming times at SITA Aerfort Dhún na nGall commenced operations in 1986.The recently completed capital project at a cost of €2.3 million consisted of an asphalt Letterkenny overlay on the entire runway, provision of runway end turning area, replacement of airfield lighting and navigational aids which ensures that SITA, the air transport IT specialist which has a team of more than a high standard of operational and safety procedures are maintained. The 120 at its software development centre in Letterkenny, welcomed Capital project at Donegal Airport generated employment for 70 people a new group of interns from LYIT; offers full-time employment to over the duration of the renovations, a welcome boost for those involved some Master’s students who were placed at the company last with the project and for local businesses in and around the Rosses area. year; and welcomes a new Director of Software Development. Having had Aer Arann operate as the main carrier almost continuously In 2009 LYIT, with input from SITA, designed a course for a Post- since 1998, Loganair have now secured the Public Service Obligation Graduate Diploma in Computing in Enterprise Application (PSO) contract for a three year period. Services will commence on 3rd Development and a Master of Science in Computing in Enterprise November, and will be operated by Loganair’s 34-seat Saab 340B aircraft Application Development. During this course, students spend under its franchise agreement with Flybe, Europe’s largest regional their third semester at SITA and get to experience the complexity airline. Loganair are a Scottish based carrier with an extensive network of of developing mission-critical enterprise applications for use services throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and other UK across the air transport industry. Almost every airline and airport destinations, carrying over half a million passengers each year.The airline’s in the world does business with SITA using its systems in areas franchise agreement with Flybe also provides access to a wide range such as airport operations, passenger systems and baggage of connecting flights from Dublin through Flybe’s interline agreements management, so the experience is truly global. with other airlines.The link to will also provide new connections from Donegal, facilitating links to Flybe, Bristish Airways and Loganair’s 2010 saw the first batch of students arrive at SITA and proved to extensive network of UK and Highlands & Islands services; enabling further be hugely successful. In fact, after completing the course three connectivity to other destinations of those students - Gerard McHale from Letterkenny, Enda Bonner from Donegal town and Kevin Brennan from Ballybofey - returned Flights are on sale at www.flybe.com or through Donegal Airport Reservations 074 9548284 to SITA to take up permanent employment. This September SITA welcomed eight new Master’s students. Other airport operations include air corps, search and rescue services, private charters and general aviation Donegal Airport also provids a hub for SITA also offers an intern programme for graduates from the the offshore oil and gas industry It is strategically located for the support of University of Ulster, and various third level institutions including air services to offshore operations in the West and North West. LYIT, to complete a one-year industrial placement. Again, two students - Ciara Preston from Moate, Co Westmeath and Vinnie For further information visit: www.donegalairport.ie Coyle from Letterkenny - who joined SITA under the intern programme are now permanently employed at the company.

And the final welcome at SITA Letterkenny this month is for the arrival from Atlanta of Chris Carlson who will lead the software development team. Chris replaces Irishman Maurice Maher who has moved to SITA’s office in Malaysia to work with one of SITA’s top customers, Malaysia Airlines.

*SITA is currently hiring for its software development centre in Letterkenny, see: www.sita.aero/careers

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of these can also be used. All the information is stored on the Kelsius website allowing for Kelsius paperless records to be kept. Kelsius, based in , design, manufacture Kelsius is the market leader in this regard in and deliver robust and innovative temperature Ireland and Britain and we are now beginning and task management systems for the food and to establish ourselves in Europe and America. healthcare sectors. Our unique, patented wireless Our reputation is ever increasing in these regions to internet solution ensures we can quickly with over 300 installations worldwide. We provide respond to changing compliancy requirements. this service for companies who produce and sell food, pharmaceuticals and for laboratories. The Kelsius wireless temperature monitoring a complete fully automated, HAACP compliant, If your business must be HACCP compliant, system is a fully automated, paperless, HACCP service; which will alert you if any of your sensors Kelsius could be of great benefit to your business. solution that ensures full compliance with have detected settings you have deemed Similarly if your company provide or produce food safety requirements and recording hazardous. pharmaceuticals for the health care industry, we processes. Kelsius help save time and money, could help improve your service. For instance a standard commercial freezer remove paper and reduce wastage. Kelsius also normally operates at -18°C. On our thermometer provide a service that automates the process of For further information email: ciaran.gallagher@ we install standard thresholds of -10°C (warning) temperature monitoring in controlled storage kelsius.com or visit: www.kelsius.com or Facebook and -5°C (critical) but if a customer needs other and testing environments within the healthcare page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/ specific thresholds we can easily accommodate sector, alarming designated staff members when Kelsius/241219312588039 them. A low end threshold (e.g. -40°c) can temperatures deviate from set parameters. be installed if required by a customer. If the Kelsius have a variety of products available, temperature of the freezer reaches either of these ranging from temperature, humidity and limits, the sensor will send the message to the CO2 sensors to cooking probes and infra-red operator station on site. The operator station thermometers. To view our full range of products then communicates the data via the internet please like our Facebook page. The probe and to kelsius.com. A customised report will then infra-red thermometer be deployed singly or be sent a nominated member(s) of staff will be used in conjunction with our complete range alerted by text message, email, automated voice of product and part of our service. We provide call or on site audio/visual alarms which ever has been requested by the customer. A combination Job Opportunities Business Support Agencies

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

» www.pramerica.ie IDA Ireland, Joe McHugh, www.idaireland.com » www.udaras.ie Donegal County Enterprise Board, Michael Tunney, » www.nijobs.com www.donegalenterprise.ie

Donegal County Council, Garry Martin, » www.nicsrecruitment.gov.uk www.donegalcoco.ie » www.sita.aero InterTradeIreland – Acumen, Willie H. Maxwell, http://www.intertradeireland.com/index.cfm/area/information/page/ » www.donegalcoco.ie Acumen Programme

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A book, a conference, a concert and a Presidential visit mark the 40th Anniversary at LYIT – Part 1

The 40th Anniversary week was the story of the college from the “Building Bridges” conference first time the younger generation a busy one with the launch of the inception to where it is today on regional development were: understands technology book “From RTC to LYIT”, a highly and includes photos of staff and innovation, links between arts and applications much better than the topical conference “Building students. It features key milestones science through education, the older generation. With the increase Bridges”, a visit by the President such as the new buildings, importance of problem solving in technology the need for the McAleese and a thrilling concert by introduction of degrees, and has skills in graduates, and to listen human brain is more important. Donegal’s Altan with Donegal Youth some very interesting and hilarious to the facts about how the Irish We need to find a way to teach right Orchestra and other musicians from anecdotes. The book also contains economy is beginning to recover. brain and left brain thinking.” the Gaeltacht. On top of that the some archive photos which show college moved up the rankings by 8 the development stages of the LYIT Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman Microsoft He said it was important to “focus places in a national survey on third but also serves as a lens into styles Europe, focused on the importance on what you’re good at, keep level education and the college was and fashion of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s! of human capital and spikes in your talent and keep up with featured in a special RTÉ Nationwide Available at the Students Union innovation centres around the technology.” programme about the college. Not bookshop in the college or from world, he spoke about creating See the next edition of the ezine a bad week for Letterkenny IT. Sheila King at 00353 74 9186013. “colleges of innovation” and that “to succeed we need to make the link for Part 2 of the 40th Anniversary The “RTC to LYIT” book chronicles The major themes emerging from between art and science. For the Celebrations at LYIT!

On-line Learning at the School of Tourism, Letterkenny Institute of Technology During the past year the School and interactive features, which will of Tourism, (LYIT) has developed be used as a complete e-learning a series of innovative on-line programme for a Minor Award, and teaching resources. The projects in a blended learning approach for were funded on a competitive a full-time programme. The front basis by National Digital Learning office projects were co-ordinated Resources (NDLR). The NDLR is by Ciarán ó hAnnracháin (Head funded by the Higher Education of Department Hospitality & Authority (HEA) and provides a Tourism) and Rosemary Dewhirst service between Irish Universities (Hospitality/Tourism Lecturer). and the Institutes of Technology to support the collaboration and The second NDLR project focused Debove, who has recently been around the globe undertake the sharing of learning and teaching on the development of learning awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier preparation of a practical subject. resources. resources for culinary arts de France (Master Craftsman of programmes. The Department France) an award given to a small Further information on the School The project has resulted in the of Gastronomy & Culinary Arts number of specialists in a variety of Tourism (LYIT) is available availability of a four module is in an enviable position in that of professions. This honour is on www.lyit.ie/organisation/ programme on the LYIT e-learning it has developed an on-going bestowed once every four years, schoolsfaculties/tourism/ platform. It includes both static working relationship with Mr Luc and French individuals from

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Suíomh úr faoi North West Regional bhéaloideas Ghaeltacht Science Park proposed for Thír Chonaill the North West Rinne an tAire Stáit Donnchadh Mac Fhionnghaile TD suíomh A major flagship proposal for the North West will be the North Gréasáin nua ar bhéaloideas Ghaeltacht Thír Chonaill a sheoladh West Regional Science Park. In February 2011 a €14 million go hoifigiúil in Ionad an Acadaimh, Gaoth Dobhair ar na mallaibh. funding application led by the Northern Ireland Science Park Le roinnt blianta anuas, bhí taighdeoirí faoi scáth Acadamh (NISP) in partnership with Ilex and Letterkenny Institute of na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge i nGaoth Dobhair i mbun oibre ar Technology (LYIT), was submitted to INTERREG IVA to develop thionscadal béaloidis a raibh baint aige leis na hagallaimh a the North West Regional Science Park at Fort George in cuireadh ar fhaisnéiseoirí éagsúla as beagnach gach ceantar Derry~Londonderry and in Letterkenny. Gaeltachta i dTír Chonaill. The purpose of the project is to create an environment to Tugann na hagallaimh seo an-léiriú ar shaol na ndaoine le corradh nurture and accelerate the commercialisation of science and agus céad bliain anuas. Faightear spléachadh iontu ar beagnach technology businesses in the North West and support learning, gach gné de shaol an duine – ar shaol na feirme agus na farraige, networking and R&D activity. It aims to be a significant ar chúrsaí fostaíochta agus imirce, ar sheanleigheasanna agus economic driver and can create over 280 high quality, high piseoga, ar chúrsaí spóirt agus caitheamh aimsire. Lena chois sin, value jobs. It will also underpin the region’s position as a smart tugtar léirstean maith dúinn ar chaint bheo na ndaoine, faoi mar economy and a digital centre of excellence, align with catalyst a mhaireann sí san am i láthair agus an saibhreas canúna atá le programmes such as the expansion of the University of Ulster’s sonrú fud fad na Gaeltachta. Magee campus, and maximise the potential of the University’s and LYIT’s research base. Mar pháirt den tionscadal, ní hamháin gur bailíodh tuairim is 380 uair an chloig de thaifeadtaí ó 230 faisnéiseoir ach rinneadh digitiú, mionscagadh agus rangú ar an ábhar go léir. Mar thoradh Delegation from University of ar an obair seo uile, bhíothas in ann suíomh Gréasáin a dhearadh ionas go mbeadh deis ag an phobal teacht go héasca ar an ábhar Massachusetts visit Donegal ar fad. Is féidir teacht ar an bhailiúchán iomlán seo ag: www. bealoideas.com Donegal County Council, LYIT and CoLab recently hosted a delegation from the prestigious University of Massachusetts, a public university comprising five-campuses and 68,000 students. Dr. Francis Talty, Director of academic programmes and the Center for Irish Partnership at the University, was welcomed by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Barry O’Neill.

Dr. John Doran and representatives from Sinbad Marine and Bord Iascaigh Mhara discussed job creation, education, the green economy and sustainable tourism as priority areas for development. This was followed by a visit to the site of the upcoming eco tourism project at the Sliabh Liag Cliffs.

The final visit saw the delegation welcomed to the LYIT Letterkenny campus by Cllr. Dessie Larkin, LYIT president Paul Hannigan, John Andy Bonar and Patsy Donaghy. Throughout the visit a number of key areas of shared interest emerged including genealogy, renewable energy, information technology and communications and work undertaken within the fields of economic development and partnering with business.

Líne tosaigh (Clé-Deas): Gráinne Ní Eireamhóin, Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, Anna Ní We look forward to strengthening this important international Pheanróis, Annette Ní Chearbhaill. relationship through further sharing of information and Líne cúil (Clé-Deas): Éamonn Mac Niallais, An tAire Stáit Donnchadh Mac experience and to embracing the Irish Diaspora living and Fhionnghaile TD, An tOllamh Dónall Ó Baoill, An Dr. Lillis Ó Laoire. studying in Massachusetts.

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Culture Night in Port na Fáilte Oíche Chultúir i nGaeltacht On 23 September, Port na Fáilte opened its doors until midnight Dhún na nGall inviting all revellers to call in and Culture Night in the Gaeltacht night kicked off in Port Arthur where 150 enjoy an intercultural programme people celebrated the Currach and the traditional crafts associated with specially organised for Culture the sea. A truly Gaeltacht art exhibition was held in An Gailearaí next Night, a nation-wide event. On door. ‘Talamh Dóite’ an inspiring exhibition by the renowned artist from the night, over 200 people were the Aran islands, Seán Ó Flathartha proved a success with the public. welcomed in Donegal County Cuisle, a co-operative of 14 Gaeltacht artists and craftspeople held an Council’s Intercultural Resource exhibition of their exquisite work in the same space. Later on, across the Centre in Letterkenny. They were road in the Acadamh, Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair put on a number treated to food from Japan, Thailand, of short plays and comedies and a photographic exhibition exploring Greece, Lebanon, Southern India the theatres history. Afterwards, it was on to Dobhair, where John and Spain, while enjoying Japanese Spillane played a rapturous and rousing Gaeltacht gig in the intimate Wadaiko music, cellists and singers, and atmospheric venue of Ionad Naomh Pádraig. The night’s activities Indian Dancers, African Drummers and Asian-Irish musicians. Outside, in Gaoth Dobhair came to a close at the singers club in the famous fire-spinners and drummers performed before a huge crowd. A Tigh Hudaí Bhig. Another cluster of events was held in the Kilcar/ Peace Clown and face-painters entertained children and adults, while Glencolmcille region. A traditional music concert, an art exhibition everybody enjoyed an Origami workshop in a specially set up room. The and raking night (celebrating the rich tradition of the cuairteoireacht night ended with a great finale: The launch of based French/ tradition) was held. Cló, a state of the art Visual Arts facility in Gort a Irish band Mon Ami and the Fantastics, who charmed the audience Choirce, held the opening night of an exhibition by Mary McGinty, with French chansons and kept the dancers going. During their final Kordula Ludwig Schwan and Heidi Nguyen. The club on Tory island put song, a French version of ‘Autumn Leaves’, they were joined by fabulous on a music and singing session showcasing the unique music of the Cameroonian singer Arsene Tsokeng. island. All in all the public were given a sample of the uniqueness and richness of the Gaeltacht Arts. Bringing History to Life on For further information contact [email protected] the Streets of Letterkenny One Donegal Hiring Fairs and the Workhouse were Cultural recently brought to life in Letterkenny Diversity Month as part of a series of walking tours – November 2011 organised by Donegal County Donegal CDB Peace and Reconciliation Museum. The Partnership’s One Donegal Cultural Museum received Diversity Month takes place throughout funding from Failte November 2011. Now in its second year, Ireland under their Culture and Heritage Animation Fund for a 6-week the month is an opportunity to highlight programme of historic walks as part of Letterkenny 400. The walks ran the cultural diversity work that is going on throughout the county. from mid August to the end of September. The wide range of activities in this year’s programme (approximately On the walking tour visitors were invited to learn more about the 139 events including exhibitions, courses, school based activities history of the town. Along the way they glimpsed the story of Niamh and one off events) reflects the variety of work supported by the who was seeking work at the Hiring Fair, were welcomed to the Partnership in an effort to attain their shared vision of “Donegal, a Workhouse (now the Museum) by the Master and Matron and met one county where racism and sectarianism no longer exists and where all of its many residents. feel equally valued and confident that they belong.” Supported events The tours were provided free of charge and proved to be a great are free of charge and everyone is welcome to get involved in the success with over 900 visitors and school children participating. planned activities. To find out more about the month and to view the The tours were organised in association with Failte Ireland, R&M Tours programme of events go to http://www.donegalcdb.ie/peaceiiinews/ and Blue Eagle Productions. peaceiiinews/name,1681,en.html The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr. William Hay, For further information email originally from Milford, will give a keynote address at the launch on 1st [email protected] November in Letterkenny Public Service Centre.

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Social Inclusion Week 2011 ‘Internet Whispers’ 2 Donegal County Council’s Social Inclusion Unit hosted a very successful goes into production Social Inclusion Week from the 19th-24th of September. The 3rd annual week of events saw over 60 events taking place throughout the with University of Ulster county celebrating the socially inclusive work of many organisations and agencies. The theme this year was Plain English and included the announced as new partner! launch of our “Plain and Simple Style Writing Guide”, aimed at making the information which Donegal County Council provides easier to read Following the success of the innovative animation project ‘Internet and understand. Plain English training also took place for staff members Whispers’, facilitated by Cinemagic and supported by Donegal as well as staff from partner organisations. County Council Public Art Office and Film Office, excitement is stirring once again as the second phase of the initiative begins later Other events included “Working Together to Make the Future Happen” this month and continues to March 2012. information event aimed at unemployed people, a coffee morning for older people, a Social Inclusion Football Blitz, Alcohol Harms Seminar, Young animation students of the University of Ulster, York Street, many events in the county’s libraries, a Sports Ability Day and many, which is a new partner and Letterkenny Institute of Technology are many more! signed up to participate in this unique opportunity in co-producing an international short film alongside like minded students of We would like to thank all those who participated in making Social Ex’Pression College, San Francisco whom also took part in the first Inclusion Week 2011 a success! If you would like to get involved in phase of the project earlier this year. Social Inclusion Week 2012, please email [email protected] Facilitated by Cinemagic, workshop teams from the University of Ulster, Letterkenny Institute of Technology and Ex’Pression College, San Francisco will be linked interactively through a high speed internet connection to create their moving image over the course of six months. The first part of the project will be undertaken by the Letterkenny students between October and December with a live video link hand-over taking place so the Belfast students can continue with their part of the production before handing it across the water to the Ex’Pression College students in February. The completed film will be delivered back to Ireland in March for a special premiere screening. For further information contact Claire Shaw at [email protected]

Mr Seamus Neely, County Manager and members of the Senior Management Team welcome guests to the Coffee Morning for Older People

Mr Seamus Neely, County Manager, Joanne Sweeney-Burke, Media-Box, Anne Marie Conlon & Donna McGroarty, Social Inclusion Unit & Cllr Noel McBride, Mayor at the launch of Social Inclusion Week

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Donegal County Council Donegal - community in touch Dún na nGall - pobail i d’teagmháil Social & Cultural / Sóisialta agus Cultúra 14 Donegal Islands Film and Radio Digital Archive Donegal County Council, in partnership with Earagail Arts Festival Co, For further information contact [email protected] The Islands Leader Company and the community organisations that represent the offshore islands in Donegal have established a digital archive of television, video and radio material relating to the offshore islands of Donegal from the 1950s to the present day. This project is one that Donegal County Council is rightfully proud, this digital archive, which will be available for free public viewing in Arranmore and Tory Islands and here in Leabharlann Ghaoth Dobhair tells the social, cultural and economic history of the islands of Donegal for the first time, through the material contained in this collection it’s possible to listen to the folklore collections of Seamus Ennis and Sean O hEochaidh that were recorded on the islands in the 1950s. The archive is available for viewing in four locations in County Donegal, on Arranmore and Tory islands, In the Gaeltacht Regional library in Gaoth Group pictured at the launch of the Donegal Islands Film and Radio Digital Dobhair and in the County Museum in Letterkenny. Archive Project. Photo by Eoin McGarvey Donegal: FACES made in Donegal FACES, an exciting Port na Fáilte project, A Creative County: is currently under way. True to our aim of bringing people from different cultures together and help building Making Connections ~ positive relationships, we facilitated the setting up of intercultural, artist- led groups in different parts of the Creating Opportunities’ county. Participants, children and adults, are asked to look themselves Major Conference on Culture in Donegal and each other in the face and discover differences and similarities. They then express the perception of each other’s “Strange how things in the offing, once they’re sensed, convert to face through a specific art-form. We things foreknown”. Seamus Heaney’s poignant words, quoted by have clay sculpture, mosaic and glass- Philip King in his speech, eloquently capture the prevailing mood painting groups in Letterkenny, a drawing group in Donegal Town at the one day conference on culture organised by the CDB Cultural and a group making textiles in . The public will be able to Resources Forum in the Villa Rose, Ballybofey on October 4th last. view these FACES in the RCC, where the exhibition will be launched on 145 people attended the conference to listen to a strong line-up 11 November 2011. As part of the launch, visitors will be treated to a of expert speakers that included Dermot McLaughlin of Temple theatre performance ‘Face to Face’ by our new Port na Fáilte intercultural Bar Cultural Trust, Ian Brannigan of the Western Development theatre group and Israeli director Idan Meir. All welcome, all free! Commission, Michael Starrett of the Heritage Council, cultural entrepreneur Philip King, Kevin Kidney of Failte Ireland and Shona For further information email: [email protected] McCarthy of Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013. The attendees included a broad cross-section of people from the business, cultural, voluntary, public and media sectors, as well as members of the public. The conference, entitled, Donegal: A Creative County: Making Connections ~ Creating Opportunities’ explored the possibilities that exist for the Cultural and Creative industries and for Cultural Tourism in the county. A number of workshops were held and it is hoped to produce a number of recommendations over the coming months.

For further information email [email protected]

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Living the dream in Donegal American Irish Legislators Jack and Joyce Doherty were both born and raised in Massachusetts - Jack Society in New York State visit in Winchester and Joyce in Braintree. Jack’s parents were born in Donegal. His father Philip was born in Carndonagh and his mother Sarah, also a Donegal County Council Doherty, was born on the Isle of Doagh. County Mayor Noel Mc Bride hosted a morning reception for the American Jack and Joyce started visiting the county on a regular basis in the 1960s, Irish Legislators Society in New York State on the 16th October during their first accompanying Philip on trips back to ‘the auld sod’ and then on their week long trip to Ireland. Their visit includes trips to Galway, Derry, Belfast own. Jack always dreamt of moving here and Joyce, who is of French and and Dublin which mixes meetings with politicians and sightseeing. The Scottish descent, said they might consider it when the family had grown up society was founded in 1973 and raises money for educational and cultural and Jack retired. The dream became a reality in 1996, when they bought a Irish programs. house at Linsfort, just outside Buncrana, on the shores of Lough Swilly. The 23 member delegation group was led by Society President Michael Instead of just using it as a holiday home, the couple decided to go for Cusick, Democratic assemblymen from Staten Island. “It is important to broke and sell their home in San Jose, CA, where they had lived for most of have a dialogue with the councils here” Assemblyman Cusick said. He said the previous 20 years. he looks forward to future partnerships between New York and Donegal to promote tourism and business. They moved lock, stock and barrel, leaving behind three daughters, a son and four grandchildren. It was a wrench, but they were in the lucky position Mayor Noel Mc Bride highlighted that important links were forged and he that the children and grandchildren could visit Donegal, or they could go said he is extremely interested in “developing communication links and back to the States and see each other every year. Life’s been good to them developing links with our diaspora”. Mayor McBride urged the delegation here in Donegal and Jack credits the healthier lifestyle with making them to encourage their communities to travel to Donegal when they return to feel “a good ten years younger” than when they moved here. New York.

Plus, one daughter, Sue, who had been living in Dublin since 1980, soon joined them in Donegal, bringing along her young son Robert.

Now, it’s all gone full circle. Rob, a designer, has just emigrated to New York City and started a new job there. Which explains why the Doherty’s were all so keen come along and meet the distinguished visitors from New York!

Members of the American Irish Legislators Society in New York State pictured with Mayor Noel McBride, Cllr Dessie Larkin and Mr Michael O’hEanaigh, Director of Service, Donegal County Council. American Irish Legislators Society members include Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun, Assemblyman John J. McEnneny, Assemblywoman Janet L. Duprey and Assemblywoman Theresa Riley Sayward. Photo Thomas Gallagher /

Jack and Joyce Doherty pictured with Mayor Noel McBride during the reception held for the New York State American Irish Legislators Society who visited Mayor Noel McBride presenting American Irish Legislators Society President Donegal on the 16th October 2011 Assemblyman Michael Cusick (left) and past society president Assemblyman McEneny with the Donegal Crest.

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NEW DONEGAL Ballyshannon. ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE At their AGM in the Regency Hotel, Dublin, a new Genealogy and History committee of the Donegal committee was elected. Anthony Begley, local historian, recently launched a new book entitled: “Ballyshannon. Genealogy and History” Tributes were paid to the outgoing Chairperson Hugh Harkin for which reveals the history and genealogy of the town and his hard work and dedication. New Chairperson of the committee surrounding areas. The genealogy material provides useful is native Sorcha Ni Dhomhnaill and her election to guidelines for anyone tracing their roots anywhere in County the post was greeted with great applause and enthusiasm. Donegal. The book contains 500 pages and is richly illustrated A very busy schedule has been organised by the committee and your with aerial photography, illustrations and rare images of the support will be appreciated. First date to remember is their Annual Mass area. For further details, contact Anthony Begley, Curator of for all deceased members of the Association and their friends. This will take County Donegal Historical Society Museum, by telephone place in All Hallows Church, Dublin on Sunday 13TH November at 6.30 pm. +353 0872351044 or email: [email protected]

The Annual Christmas Party of the Donegal Association takes place in Foley’s Lounge, Merrion Rowon Thursday 8th December at 8.30pm. The announcement of the Donegal Person of the Year will take place in The Harcourt Hotel on Tuesday 17th January 2012 and the Donegal Person of the Year Award Dinner will be held on Saturday 3rd March 2012. Nominations for the Donegal Person of the Year are now being sought and must be received by 30th November 2011. All information on the website : www.donegalassociation.ie

In the meantime a large number of the committee will be travelling to London on Saturday 5th November to attend Tony Mc Fadden’s Annual Ballyshannon Dinner Dance of the Donegal Association’s London branch. This will be held GenealoGy & History in the Crown Moran Hotel in Cricklewood.

So, to be a member of The Donegal Association in Dublin is a very exciting place to be. Please attend any of our functions and ask for details or check our website. Anthony Begley

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

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

The New Donegal Association Committee (Front Row, l. to r. ) Liam Mc Dermott, Hugh Mc Groddy (Secretary), Kathleen Sheerin, Tony Dunleavy (President), Sorcha Ni Dhomhnaill ( Cathaoirleach), Charlie Mc Ginley (Treasurer), Marian Caffrey (Asst. Secretary), Emmet Mc Cauley (PRO). Roisin McBride Email: [email protected] Back Row (L. to R.) Elaine Doherty (Publications Officer), Martin Mc Gettigan (Vice-President ,) Peggy Stringer, Hugh Harkin, Finian Ward (Assistant Treasurer) Tel: +353 (0) 74 9172562 , Peter Coyle, Joe Bonner (Vice Chairperson), Marie Ryan, Kevin Mc Laughlin. Absent from the picture is Niamh Walsh.

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