|
|
| Severe Weather Causes Fatality It began snowing on 26th of December and continued until the 31st bringing arctic conditions to most of Donegal which was covered under several feet of snow. Roads were impassable and the rescue and health services were on continuous call. The severe weather caused the death of 93 year old Sarah Gallagher who died after going outside her home in Annagry to feed her cats. She was found soon after by neighbours who visited her several times a day. The air corps helicopter was called out to bring supplies to a family on holiday in the hills above Crolly who could not be reached by road. FLOSC, a new music series produced by Scannáin Dobharchú, Derrybeg, Co. Donegal has begun on TG4. The series consists of live music recorded in the Factory Performance Space, Sligo as well profiles and music videos. Irish trad Bands featured in the series include: Dervish, Oisín Mac Diarmada, Kíla, North Cregg, Funchaoi, Liz Doherty, Danú, Slide, Michael McGoldrick, Meabh O'Hare & Alan Kelly. The programme can be seen on Thursday nights at 9.00pm on TG4. A Lack of Vision It never ceases to amaze me that TG4, the Irish language television station, which produces some of the finest programmes on Irish television cannot be received in many parts of the Donegal Gaeltacht. Donegal Association Events Th press reception to announce the Donegal Person of the Year 2000 will be held on Tuesday 6th of February at 6.30 pm in the Harcourt, Dublin. All are welcome at this eagerly anticipated event. The Annual Dinner Dance of the Donegal Association of Dublin will be held in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin on Friday 2nd of March, 2001. Tickets can be obtained from the Secretary, Shelia McGinley Tel. 01 4932447 or from any committee member - email [email protected] The Donegal Assoc. of New York is having a Dance on March 3rd, 2001 at Antuns, Queens close to Lirr. All are invited for a great night`s fun - contact Sean McGovern for tickets at 1 718 464 2358. Nigerian Wins Boxing Title A 21 year old Nigerian, Jacob Uduojie, joined St. Mary's Boxing Club, Annagry a few months ago and has already won a Donegal County Novice Title in the 75kg weight. Jacob Udojie is among a group of 12 refugees who came to live in the Gweedore area last Summer. An Bord Pleanala Decision Delayed An Bord Pleanala have informed the Alternatives to Pylons Group and An Taisc that they will not have reached their decision by the 31st of January, the date originally set for their decision on the Erection of 110kv lines from Binbane- Darragh and Darragh-Letterkenny and the proposed Arduns sub-station. During the Oral Hearings held in December Professor Michael O'Carroll, on behalf of the ATP, clearly demonstrated that there is no need for the 110kv Binbane-Darragh-Darragh-Letterkenny overhead power line in West Donegal. He further established that the proposed development is designed to facilitate the transmission of electricity from wind farms, which either currently exist or are planned. There are sixteen wind farms in Ireland and eight of those are in Donegal, this coupled with the County Development Plan, supports Professor O'Carroll's premise. It is clear that the proposed line is not needed for any increase in demand for more power in West Donegal. Increased power supplies are needed in Letterkenny and in Killybegs but not where the line and sub-station are proposed. When the inspectors asked if the ESB had any knowledge of industries that had closed due to problems with electricity supply in West Donegal the ESB declined to answer this question. The requirements of new industries in West Donegal could be met by other means that are not so destructive to the indigenous tourist industry as stringing 100 year old technology across the landscape. The ESB acknowledged that the current 38kv line supplies the needs of all the customers in the region. The line then is to be used to facilitate individuals selling electricity for profit from wind farms and to increase the ESB's assets before the company is broken up and privatised. This line should therefore be considered a cost in their accounts. Following the principle of polluter pays, the people who will make profit from this line should pay the cost of burying it. If they do not, then the small tourist industries, guided tours, hotels, hostels, restaurants, car and bicycle rental, B & Bs, camping and a countless number of small industries associated with tourism, will without doubt pay for it being above ground. The ESB dismissed out of hand any alternatives to their own ideas, with a contempt for all things not suggested from within their own ranks. The ESB provided no indication of costs for the overhead line or for the alternatives and with no indication of costs, how could comparison of alternatives be carried out? Our Minister of Tourism, Dr. James McDaid, appears to have buried his head in the sand and while promising to meet with the ATP he has not yet set any date for such a meeting. If anyone would like posters objecting to the Pylons please contact the ATP by emailing Millennium Team by Paddy Mullan Donegal GAA/Donegal Democrat Millennium team announced The success of the 1992 Donegal All Ireland winning team has had an inevitable impact in determining positions for the Donegal GAA/Donegal Democrat Team of the Millennium. However the equally superb footballing skills of players from other less successful eras have also been recognised in a team that will be sure to prompt debate around the County. Six members of the 1992 team are selected on the team , a team voted on through the Donegal Democrat in a total poll of 820 entries.In a remarkable personal tally Kilcars Martin Mc Hugh recieved a total of 765 votes the highest by any nominee, Mc Hugh received votes in every forward position but polled particularly in his most prominent position of Centre Half Forward out running John Hughie O Donnell (Dungloe) for the Number 11 jersey. The team were presented with their awards at the Annual Donegal GAA Awards Banquet on the 20th of January in the Abbey Hotel Donegal Town. The Team - 1. Seamus Hoare - 2. Hughie Tim Boyle - 3. Pauric Mc Shea - 4. Barry Mc Gowan 5. Brian Mc Eniff - 6. Martin Gavigan - 7. Sean O Donnell - 8. Anthony Molloy -9. Sean Ferriter 10.Martin Carney - 11.Martin Mc Hugh -12.Micheal Mc Loone - 13.Hudie Beag Gallagher 14.Tony Boyle - 15.Manus Boyle Island Gets Electricity The ESB is being given 70% of the costs of bringing electricity to Gola island and for upgrades to the Tory island generator by the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. The projects are expected to be carried out in the next 15 months. Save The Swilly Save The Swilly, an umbrella organization was launched on January 9, |